Doctor prescribed anti anxiety meds for upcoming pap smear

[Anonymous]

I went in for my annual exam and I freaked out when it came time for the dreaded pap. The dr tried 3 times and even had a nurse, but it was painful and I couldn't relax. so she told me to come back and gave me a prescription for Valium. I've had the test before but I suppose I was just too nervous. Has anyone else had to go through the exam with meds, is this normal?

[Anonymous]

I had this happen once at my first exam after giving birth. The pre-meds really helped. If you aren't having pain or sexual problems, and it's just anxiety about the exams, I think pre-meds are the way to go. I got through my last exam fine without pre-meds. I was nervous, but I was just very forthright with the doc about my previous problems (including passing out on the exam table). He took the problem seriously, used a small speculum and we got through it fine.

[Anonymous]

What wonderfully understanding gyns!

[Anonymous]

No, that is not normal. It is kind of your doctor, though.

[Anonymous]

That was nice of them. I think they should have given you Ativan, as it's faster-acting and wears off more quickly, but whatever. It'll help you not to freak out.

[Anonymous]

Sort of related, my husband cannot handle a rectal exam, absolutely freaks. So, when he is under for the occasional colonoscopy, the doc checks his prostate then.

[Anonymous]

MIL has to take Xanax prior to blood draws of any kind.

We all have our thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That was nice of them. I think they should have given you Ativan, as it's faster-acting and wears off more quickly, but whatever. It'll help you not to freak out.

OP here, I've taken Ativan before prescribed by an ER doctor because of my anxiety and stress levels at work. it's awesome. I agree valium is rather strong, but I've only had it prior to surgeries so I sleep rather quickly.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a history of sexual abuse, OP?

[Anonymous]

Wow! I should make more of a fuss, then. I've suffered like crazy before and during previous exams, all the while not making a sound.

[Anonymous]

I would take the Valium if I had someone who could drive me home afterward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a history of sexual abuse, OP?

Yes unfortunately

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a history of sexual abuse, OP?

Yes unfortunately

Well this takes the exam to another level.

Can therapy help instead? (not going cold turkey, of course)

[Anonymous]

I went to therapy before about the abuse, it has helped some but that was years ago

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MIL has to take Xanax prior to blood draws of any kind.

We all have our thing.

I take Valium for blood draws, and we do all have our thing. Sometimes therapy only does so much, but you might want to try going back again if you have anxiety in multiple areas of your life (medical and work).