Abnormal cells 😢

[Worried234]

I am freaking out.

Got in from work, opened the post, and a letter says smear has shown high risk HPV and low grade dyskaryosis.
I've been booked for a colposcopy in 4 weeks. I am so petrified.
I'm a single Mum to three young kids.
I just don't know what to think.
Has anyone any experience/advice?
Should I push for a closer date??

So so frightened.

I had this last year. Low grade is good. I had the colposcopy and whilst it wasn’t the most comfortable / dignified experience ever it was over very quickly and the biopsy results came in 2 weeks but the dr who did told me at the time that they weren’t concerned.

A colposcopy is basically a smear using a high definition camera. They will look more closely at the cells. When this happened to me, I was monitored for about a year, with regular colposcopies. They aren't painful as such, same as a smear would be. The docs will monitor you initially because the cells can correct themselves over time so you may not need any other treatment.

Thank you @Pinkandpurplehairedlady

I'm upset about the high risk HPV. I have no idea how I've contracted or how long I've had it.

I don't know if that makes things much much worse. I lost two people close to me from Cancer last year.

I'm just quietly freaking out while making pizza for the children 😪

It’s great they have found it. Very low risk of developing more and you will get more smears and a very close eye kept on you.

Thank you @FluffyPJs

It's horrible having to wait.

Thanks @Haggisfish3 I'm really trying to spin it positively like that. It's a good way to look at it, you're right.

Had this on my 1st ever smear- went for colposcopy (not as scary as it seems, the women doing the colposcopy were soo lovely) and a biopsy (didn’t feel a thing).
Had to get a repeat smear at 12 months which showed I was HPV negative and put back into general smear review and no issues since.
Remember, smears are a screening test to pick up things before they become a problem. Most people have HPV at some point in their lives and most people clear it. Best thing you can do is to not smoke (better chance you will clear it).
All will be fine x

The good thing is you had the smear and they caught it. I agree the waiting is horrid, I had my most recent smear a few days ago. I'm pessimistically expecting a call back even though the treatment I had nearly 30 years ago meant I've had clear results ever since. It's natural to worry

Try to keep calm (and stay away from google!)

I had this for a few years. Abnormal cells and referred for colposcopies. The first couple of times it was confirmed as low CIN1, so was put on a check for a follow up a year later

Then it was found I had CIN2/3 so I was referred for colposcopy and treatment. Follow up 6 months later was clear and I’m back on 3 years smears now, with no HPV

The HPV can lie dormant for years and whilst there’s no cure, I really upped looking after myself (plenty of fruit and veg, water, sleep etc) and personally I think it helped

The colposcopies are a little uncomfortable but didn’t hurt. I did make sure I had an easy ish day planned for the rest of the day and day after though. I also got told I couldn’t exercise for a certain period of time afterwards but not sure if that’s the guidance across the board

Try not to worry, a lot of women experience this at some point

Thank you everyone.

I've really been beating myself up this evening.

Fingers crossed everyone.

Thanks again.

Do not panic .
They've got you in the system and will be watching your cervix closely for quite some time.

I had CIN3 twice around 15 and 10 years ago and it was sorted. I know how bloody horrible health scares are as a lone parent. Sit tight and they'll get you checked out and cells removed if needed.

Hi OP. It's totally normal to worry and think the worst. I had HPV and mild cell changes a few years ago and was convinced it was sinister. Had a colposcopy which was not as bad as expected, and a biopsy. My HPV must have been dormant for years and seemed to activate when I was tired with a young baby. Anyway, at follow up smears all the cells were normal and no trace of the HPV. And have been fine on every smear since. Very often these minor changes resolve themselves, and the HPV clears after a few months. Try not to worry, although I know that's really hard to do! Good luck

I know it's easier said than done when told 'try not to panic'.

I had an abnormal smear at age 22. I was a single mum to 1 DC then. Had the colposcopy, then had to have the laser treatment later on. It's not pleasant emotionally and physically, but the worrying is worse, it consumes you. I'm 47 now with 2 more DC. It's been caught and you're in the system so that's a good thing. Try to focus on that.

I had CIN 3 then had colposcopy and 2 rounds of laser treatment to get rid of it. It was ok, you'll get through it

Thank you all. I'm trying to sleep, but it's hard.
You've all been super reassuring. Lots of love.
I might keep this thread open.

@Worried234 how are you? I know you still have a few more weeks to wait. Hope you are ok