Come tell me LLETZ for precancerous cells isn’t a big deal

[TheSheepofWallSt]

Had abnormal cells for over 2 years- have posted before about unacceptable wait for biopsy after another abnormal smear this year (6 months).

Punch biopsy results are back and my local NHS trust has written with usual shit attention to detail to tell me I need LLETZ in one month- but not what grade of precancerous change they’ve found.

I’m a LP with a 2 year old. I’m somewhere between terrified and stupidly vindicated- I had a feeling something was “off” in my body. I keep going to the darkest outcome in my minds eye- and could do with some real life experiences to reassure me that this isn’t It.

Anyone?

It really isn't! Smells a little like BBQ but they numb you up well.

If you are a freak like me you'll enjoy watching them dye you cervix on the monitor and if you aren't just look away!

I was in an out in 30mjnutes, no pain.

Got a bit of infection from doing too much after but that cleared with a dose of AB's.

It really isn't a big deal.

I had LLETZ two years ago (aged 25!) And it never even occurred to me that it was anything to worry about and I was CIN3.

It just means they MIGHT have become cancer if left for a long time.

The procedure itself was not painful per se but certainly not enjoyable. I cried because I felt so vulnerable and also a bit like a cow.

Had 3 completely normal smears since!

Yes, I've had several clear smears since. I found the punch biopsy worse to be honest.

Yes - although the punch biopsy didn't hurt, when they told me they were going to do one I got myself all worked up bevause I thought it would be worse than it was.

My smears have been clear since I had my LLETZ, so don’t panic.

However, I found the procedure quite tough and felt ill for a few days after so do plan for that

Nothing like seeing your fanny magnified to giant size on a screen as they went in. They could've warned me. They aren't pretty normal sized ffs.

I found it uncomfortable rather than painful. I had a bit of period type cramping a couple of hours later and the local anaesthetic made me a shaky so maybe take someone with you to drive if that's possible and a sugary snack. A lot of people have no cramps or bothers at all. It's quick.

Otherwise please don't worry. It's very very common.

You’ll be absolutely fine. I’m sure it varies from person to person, by mine was simple, painless and quick. Also CIN 3 ‘pre-cancerous’, and though I found the words scarey my doctor explained that it was no big deal and he wouldn’t even be concerned to see stage one cancer cells in an otherwise young and healthy patient as it would be easy to remove (disclaimer - I was 30 and in good health, only describing what my doctor told me for the sake of reassuring the op. Of course everyone is different and we should all be responsible about checks, treatment, etc.). I’ve had normal smears since for the last eight years.

I did feel a bit fragile afterwards (mainly the emotional stress) so if you can find someone to drive you, make you a cuppa etc. would definitely advise that. I remember slight pain - as though I’d been scratched - and mild spotting for a few days, so wore a pad.

We’re all different but I found the treatment so much easier than expected and hope that’s helpful to hear

I enjoyed watching it all happen on the tv. Slightly uncomfortable and I had some bleeding afterwards and felt like id spent all night having sex for a couple of hours.

I had CIN3 but the LLETZ was 13 years ago now and I've had 2 children and clear smears ever since so try not to worry too much.

I had CIN3 carcinoma in situ. I was put under for my Lletz - I wasn't given a choice.
I had very large scary clots a few days afterwards. I was fine but just freaked out as no-one had told me it might happen. I have had clear smears ever since. No impact on fertility either.

I had it 8 years ago and it wasn't a really big thing.

One thing that I wasn't told was that my mood would get really low for a few days after so watch out for that.

I had it around 15 years ago, I too enjoyed watching on the screen!

No after effects, and smears clear ever since.