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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be absolutely terrified?!

29 replies

Worried2016 · 26/01/2016 12:24

Hi All,
I have just had my first smear test and my results show high grade dyskariosis.

I have a colposcopy appointment on 25/02/16 and I am terrified!
I found the smear really uncomfortable and I am really worried about the colposcopy and possible further treatment!

I know this is common but I can't help but worry, I wonder if anyone can offer their experiences of colposcopy/treatment? Was it successful? or any advice?

I guess knowing what to expect will help me relax a little. (Good or bad!)
I hope this all makes sense, I am feeling a bit of a mess at the moment!
Thanks in advance! X

OP posts:
SummerHouse · 26/01/2016 14:37

I had one. The terror was all in my head and the actual procedure was fine. The staff were brilliant. I got the all clear. Horrible time though. I am really sorry you are going through this although I don't know what the condition is that you have. If it's a road of treatment you are on then that must be a good thing. You can do this. Flowers

SummerHouse · 26/01/2016 14:38

Oh and tell them if you found a smear uncomfortable. They can perhaps give you something like gas and air.

TheLuckDragon · 26/01/2016 14:46

Hi there, I had a colposcopy last year and honestly it was fine Smile much more comfortable than a smear! I would have no problems going for another one. Best of luck to you!

SummerHouse · 26/01/2016 14:49

I had a live broadcast on a TV screen. It was surreal. But not many people can say they have seen their own cervix.... Not that its the best conversation opener...Smile

LemonBreeland · 26/01/2016 14:50

I agree with the others. I hate smear tests and find them absolutely awful, but the colcoscopy was not as bad at all.

Original poster
Worried2016 · 26/01/2016 14:59

Thank you all for your reassurance!! I'm glad to hear the colposcopy isn't as bad! Did you have to have lletz treatment? I'm hoping it doesn't come to that but it is better to be prepared!
Thank you summerhouse, I will tell them I found the smear uncomfortable, I'm sure it is all in my head, I am One of the terrible people who go straight to google when something happens and it's the worst thing I could have done!
I have worked myself into such a mess!
So thank you for taking the time to reply xx

OP posts:
liinyo · 26/01/2016 15:07

I have had two colposcopys and agree with other posters. It was fine, no discomfort at all

On the second occasion they wanted to test further and did a hysterescopy (not sure that is spelled right) where they insert the camera inside the uterus. I was offered the option of having it done immediately with a local anaesthetic or booking in for a more thoroughly anaesthitised procedure later. I wanted to know the worst ASAP so opted for the immediate choice. That was a mistake, it hurt a lot and I found it very invasive - although on the plus side I went home confident I didn't have cancer.

So to summarise - coloscopy - pain free and interesting. The other one was too much for me - if they offer you it, think carefully about your pain tolerance before making a choice.

And what ever happens I wish you all the best and hope you get a good result. It comforted me to hold on to the thought that the odds were ever in my favour.

mrsm12 · 26/01/2016 15:08

I've had a good few and a couple of lletzs too. Colposcopy was fine, lletz was a bit sore getting the local anaesthetic and then didn't feel anything, bit crampy like the start of a period but nothing two Paracetamol couldn't fix!
Easier said than done but the more you can relax the easier it will be, best of luck

SummerHouse · 26/01/2016 15:08

I think the waiting and not knowing is very hard. Dr Google is no longer my friend. I really wish you well. Stay brave and positive. Once you come through this you will be very proud of yourself.

emwithme · 26/01/2016 15:15

I had a colposcopy, and LLETZ about 13 years ago. I also saw my cervix, which was cool - until they said "we are going to coat your cervix with this liquid. Any cells that need removing will turn white"...and then the whole bloody screen went white. I had LOTS of dodgy cells, but they removed them all and I've had no issues since (she says, touching wood, because I had my routine smear last week). It actually hurt less than any previous smears because the people doing it knew what positions to put me in to minimise pain/discomfort (and I've since used that for smears - basically you need to get your heels as close to your bum as possible and let your legs flop open like a frog).

Do tell them you found the smear uncomfortable, and ask them to stop if it hurts too much (there are anaesthetics they can use), it may just be that you need to change position or take a few deep breaths.

Original poster
Worried2016 · 26/01/2016 15:23

Thank you all for such great advice!
It's all so new to me, I am only 24 and had my 'invitation' just before Christmas and made my appointment straight away! I'm glad I did but I have a long time to wait until my appointment, I'm sure it all feels so raw at the moment and once I get over the shock and what I have read on google I will be ok!
You ladies have reassured me no end, so thank you!
I'm hoping that if I do need lletz, which seems possible because of my letter stating high grade, that I will be able to stand having local anaesthetic rather than a general!
Thank you all, you've made my day so much better, I don't have many girly friends to talk to, but I'm so glad I asked on here xx

OP posts:
LittleLegs25 · 26/01/2016 15:24

I had high grade about 2 years ago just before Christmas. I was devastated and didn't know much about it. I went to my colposcopy and had the cells burnt away. It wasn't pleasant but in no way painful. I was scared about the results more than the pain. Try not to worry, they know exactly what they are doing. Don't google!

spiderlight · 26/01/2016 15:24

I've been there....had in total I think eight colposcopies and two LLETZ treatments, and honestly the colposcopies aren't as unfomfortable as a smear because they're just looking, not doing anything. They are very, very gentle, sensitive and considerate and there was a nurse specialist there for all of mine whose only role seemed to be to hold my hand and talk to me. Have been on annual smears since but am now on my sixth clear year - as they took great pains to stress to me as soon as I walked into the colposcopy suite the first time, once you're 'in the system' they can sort out whatever's going on.

Flowers Best of luck xx

Pheobe1 · 26/01/2016 15:28

Agree with everyone else. I had CC so have had loads of colposcopy and they are fine. Please try not to worry too much, when they discovered my CC I was booked in for the colposcopy within 3 days of my smear. They can tell if you need urgent treatment. The fact that your colposcopy isn't for several weeks suggests they haven't found anything too scary.

SummerHouse · 26/01/2016 15:32

^ I thought that too. Its a good sign that the odds are with you.

Katedotness1963 · 26/01/2016 15:32

I had one done about twenty years ago after a dodgy smear. They snipped a bit off for testing, it wasn't bad (am I'm a complete coward). Anyway, everything was okay and I've not had another problem or questionable smear.

Good luck!

GummyBunting · 26/01/2016 15:39

I had the Colposcopy, which is uncomfortable but fine really. The more relaxed you are the better.

I had the LLETZ too which was, again, uncomfortable, but fine. They numb your cervix so you don't feel anything. My legs got the shakes from the adrenaline, so they had to wait a few moments for me to be still but they were really nice about it.

Plus it is really cool to see your cervix, even if it's not our best side.

JacquelineChan · 26/01/2016 15:39

Hello OP
I've had a couple, the last one about 6 years ago. I really can't remember any pain ( and if it was horrendous it would be burnt onto my memory, right ? )
It was probably a little uncomfortable, but that's all. Like PP said the medical staff in this department are lovely and gentle - you'll be just fine x

Bubblesinthesummer · 26/01/2016 15:41

I had one. The terror was all in my head and the actual procedure was fine.

I agree with this.

I have them every couple of years. It is fine.

TBH I find smears worse.

Luckygirlcharlie · 26/01/2016 15:49

Had a colposcopy after my first ever smear (though I didn't have that til 25 - silly girl) and it was nothing. A few period pain like twinges afterwards but then nothing. The cell changes also cleared up on their own. Hope all goes well and def don't worry about the colposcopy.

Terribleknitter · 26/01/2016 15:52

Had one years ago at about the same age as you, like other posters the fear was all in my head.
I had some student doctors in with me so I had a guided tour of my own cervix which counts as one of the weirder experiences of my life but it was fascinating and actually took my mind off the discomfort!
I had a nurse sat up by my head who seemed to be there purely to be with me iyswim, she was very comforting and calm.

diddl · 26/01/2016 15:54

I had it & had laser treatment at the time.

Didn't feel the anaesthetic at all.

Started to feel uncomfortable just at they were finishing.

Sort of a dragging, period pain feeling.

Worst thing, aching back because feet/legs up in stirrups & end of table dropped away.

Next worst thing(Blush), burning smell!

Original poster
Worried2016 · 26/01/2016 15:58

Thank you so much, my first appointment was for this Thursday 28/01/16 but I couldn't make it as I have to work with no cover, so I called to reschedule, the lady I spoke to didn't seem too worried that I was delaying it and the next time they could fit me in was 25/02/16. I just hope I haven't caused myself more problems by having to change my appointment!

You have all put my mind at ease, I really am picturing the worst! I think I may have to have some rescue remedy in the morning or I will be a wreck when I get there!
Thanks again everyone xx

OP posts:
diddl · 26/01/2016 16:08

Don't be afraid to tell them that you are anxious/nervous/scared.

When the consultant said that they would do the anaesthetic ready for treatment I asked the nurse if I could hold her hand.

Can't stand needles.

I've had two kids, but needles, I'm asking for a hand hold!

Ambroxide · 26/01/2016 16:15

I had this done about 20 years ago - colposcopy and LLETZ. It was honestly honestly absolutely fine. Everyone was immensely kind to me. All my subsequent smears have been fine.

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