"Colposcopy following abnormal smear"

I had to attend a colposcopy following an abnormal smear test result, this was a very anxiety-inducing thing to happen as I had always had normal smear tests in the past (and have never missed an invite).

The letters were somewhat confusing as I was told in one letter that I should arrive early and I could bring someone with me and yet a few pages on that was retracted and I was told I would have to attend alone and should not arrive too early as there is no where to wait. I was also told the site is well served by public transport - I looked into the options using the website suggested and my options were 2 bus journeys totalling nearly 2 hours of travel time and would arrive nearly an hour before my appointment or 15 minutes afterwards. The train was quicker however involved 3 changes and would have been expensive (approximately £17). I chose to drive as the car journey was only 25 minutes however on arrival I could not find a parking space (despite arriving 30 minutes early, planning to spend the extra time listening to the car radio to clam myself). I drove around the local area and found somewhere to park which was about a 10 minute walk away - that ate up all the extra time I had allowed myself to relax before the procedure.

I arrived feeling like an anxious wreck however the staff were very welcoming and I was checked in smoothly. I was taken for my appointment not long after arriving and had a warm introduction to the Doctor who would be carrying out the procedure and her assistant. Everything was explained in plain English and I was given time to sort myself out. 

The procedure was uncomfortable and unpleasant however the edge was taken off this by the caring nature of the assistant who helped maintain a relaxed atmosphere throughout. At each stage I was told what to expect and had reassurance from the assistant. Overall I managed to stay relatively calm - surprising even myself. 

Afterwards I was given ample time to composes myself and had aftercare clearly explained - twice in fact as I didn't take it all in the first time and I had to ask them to repeat it which they did without judgement or comment. 

I am in some discomfort however I was told to expect this and I know the signs to look out for should an infection occur, I also feel reassured that should I need to call for help the Doctor will answer my queries. 

Waiting time

Cleanliness

Seeing the whole me

Introductions