Pap Smear and A Mom’s Health

Mommies are so protective of their families especially their children that the slightest change in their health or mood ring the worry bell. Don’t we panic at the sound of cough or the slightest bump on their heads regardless of their age? When they complain of feeling an ache here and a discomfort there, don’t we want to bring them to the doctors right away? Like any other basic needs of our children, providing the best remedy, medical or otherwise, is what we want for our children.

Now here is the question, do we also provide the best remedy for our own ailments? How many times have you visited the doctor when you feel under the weather? Have you had your Pap Smear test yet?

I’ve been a mom for almost seven years now but my children their share of regular check-up more than I ever did. I only had two Pap Smear tests and the first one I didn’t even know what the results were. As long as I am enduring the discomfort, I was contented to let it stay that way.

My most recent Pap Smear test was a different story. Yes, I did notice some abnormal discharges and pain after giving birth to my son a year ago. I assumed it was only because of having tubal ligation. I thought that my system has been naturally disrupted. Until I noticed that my vaginal discharge was getting thicker and more frequent. There was discoloration too and only because I am a cardholder of a health insurance company did I finally decide to have my annual check-up. Good thing, Pap smear was included in the services.

(Photo is from www.mydr.com.au)

The OB Gyne foundf out that I have cervicitis but we had to wait for the Pap Smear results to know what bacteria has infected my cervix. She didn’t elaborate on my health problem. She only repeated the need to see the results of the test. Problem was it will take one week. So what I did was turn to Google and search cervicitis. Instead of finding peace of mind, I was scared even more. Did I contract STD? Will my cervicits lead to cancer? We’re not rich, how can I raise funds for my operation if ever I have cancer? What will happen to my children if I die? It was mental torture…

When I came home, the children all rushed to hug me. So excited to see me after a whole day of being out of their sights. I almost cried. I didn’t hug them as tightly as I usually did because I was afraid that what I may have might infect them. Yes, I knew it was impossible but I guess I just felt really bad about my health that day. I became more obsessive-compulsive, trying to scrub myself and everything I hold clean. I even distanced myself away from them when it was time to sleep unlike before when I hug any of them whose turn it was to sleep beside me until they fall asleep.

I knew I should snap out of it but I felt really depressed. I realized how difficult it really is for a mother and a wife to get sick. Worse, I woke up the following night with my upper molar aching. It ached to much I felt my entire face throbbing. Maybe because of the psychological effect of yet to be known Pap Smear results but I had to take 500 mg of mefenamic acid to control the ache. Then I prayed “ Dear Lord, please help me out of this. Let my mind focus on my kids and work and forget for a while the apprehensions that I now have. Amen” I slept afterwards.

A week later, I went back to the Ob Gyne. The findings: it was normal bacterial infection. Not STD bacteria. My illness was not life-threatening. I will just have to use suppository medication for a week and come back for follow-up check up. I also later found out that my urinalysis showed that I had Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). She said that it could be the cause of my cervicitis or the other way around. No matter what, she prescribed antibiotics for one week and a repeat urinalysis afterwards.

All’s well that ends well. I have always been proud to say I am the healthiest member of my family because I am always last to get sick. After my STD-Cancer scare, I realized the need for me to become more health conscious. Definitely, an annual check up won’t hurt.