HPV smear test now sell changes

[lovingmememe]

I just got a call from the NSH to say that there is sell changes in my last smear test.
Last one a year ago came back positive for HPV and now its come back positive again with cell changes.
I have an appointment booked at the hospital for next month to do more checks.
But cant help think this is it my time is coming to an end.

oh love, i know how scary the whole HPV thing is.

I've been dealing with this for about 5 years now. I went in for a smear, got advised I had HPV and abnormal cells, booked in for a colposcopy and told I'll have another in a year.

The HPV is still here now and still have the high grade cells 🙃 I've had biopsys taken and my gynae seems to think it's fine but I know its stressful.

Just remember just because there are abnormal cells that this does not automatically mean cervical cancer. it's just the cells we have, have the ability to turn into them.

Make sure you keep going for your yearly smears and colposcopies and your gynae will keep an eye on it. they do also have the ability to freeze them off if they are concerned.

It will be okay! it's just horrible 😞 HPV can disappear but if you have a low immune system (like me) it can stick around which is a bloody pain.

Sending you lots of love, its not the end. you just really need to go for every single check given xx

Really try not to worry, it’s very common and not a big deal. I was HPV positive and had abnormal cell changes over 20 years ago. Had a colposcopy and a biopsy and they switched me to 6 monthly smears for a while. Smears went back to normal. I’ve had only normal smears for probably at least 15 years now or more and am HPV negative. Sounds like they just want to keep a close eye on things.

this is really reassuring for me too. thanks so much. glad to hear it eventually went away. HPV is so strange how it can disappear after such a while x

@lovingmememe cell changes don't mean cancer. I guess you're going for a colposcopy to check out what's going on. They will use a camera to look at your cervix and may be able to remove all the suspect cells or take a biopsy if its more extensive. Try not to worry and be glad it's picked up early enough to treat.

Yes its colposcopy bit scared of whats going to happen.

I'm taking my 25 year old niece for a colposcopy on Thursday after cell changes were found on her very 1st smear test. She is a bit stressed and worried about it too.

I hope it goes well for her💐

Hi, just to reassure you that cell changes don't always lead to anything more serious. I've had to have colposcopies for the last 4 years after yearly smears were positive for HPV and CIN 1 cell changes. they put a solution on the cervix and can take a biopsy if needed, uncomfortable but not too painful.
Mine have all been low grade and my last smear a few weeks ago has come back negative for HPV so no further checks for 3 years.

I had this- the letter said high grade changes so I went in for a colposcopy. They found stage 1 cervical cancer so I had a hysterectomy and I’ve been fine ever since - it’s been 4 years since my operation and I get checked every 6 months.

Try not to worry @lovingmememe - once you have HPV, cell changes can happen. Most sort themselves out but as yours were caught on a smear, a colposcopy is sensible to double check.

The procedure itself can actually be more comfortable than a smear as the beds tend to be more adjustable plus you’ll be seen by a gynae team who do this all day every day.

The solution they use to highlight any areas of concern doesn’t sting. If they have to take a biopsy, it’s a pinch but not unbearable.

In some cases they take cells out straight away - I’ve not had that done but know many people who have and they’ve all said it was over and done with quickly and they’ve had no issues since.

I’ve had about 5 colposcopys due to cell changes over the last 20 years and it’s never turned out to be sinister.

None of it is what you’d choose to do if it could be avoided but I do think the cervical screening in this country is a point of pride for the NHS as they take it so seriously and treat women so throughly.

I had dodgy cells for years, started when I was about 27. Took over 10 years to clear up but there was never a bigger problem. Had colposcopies, which is them just looking, biopsies and 3 LLETZ treatments, which is where they remove cells with a wire using electric current. Biopsies and LLETZ aren't pleasant but not terrible either. They gave me local anaesthetic. Most likely is that they'll have a look and tell you to come back in a year. Bring someone with you.