To be panicking and crying about having a lletz procedure

[Soworrried]

I had an abnormal smear hpv and cin2/3 and a colposcopy and am booked in for a Lletz procedure tomorrow. I am panicking so badly. I am worried I have cancer or the procedure will damage my cervix. I'm only 29 and desperately want kids. Please does anyone have any words of encouraging or experiences. I've never been so scared in all my life.

Hi, I had the exact same earlier this year. I could have written the same post.
Yes it was scary CIN 2 AND 3. BUT, the staff were brilliant, I asked a LOT of questions. Yes, I was emotional for an hour afterwards but then I was back to work as usual the next day. There you go , a very honest account of my experience.

They said this to me too - it’s supposed to be reassuring I think!

And a lovely nurse held my hand so you can ask for that too.

I had a smear end of 2019 and had abnormal cells and HPV. Had a biopsy and was given the option of have the LLETZ. Had the treatment as I have children, the youngest was six months and I just wanted the cells removed and it was fine. The staff were amazing and talked me through everything, one even held my hand! Look after yourself, you will be ok. No abnormal smears since. I found it's not something women really talk about and it was unknown to me. When I mentioned it a work I found out I wasn't alone and other women even close friends had gone through the same.

@Tiredallthetimeneedsleep I was back at work the next day too, looking back I should have milked it due to have a boss terrified by Women’s Issues.

It’s understandable that you’re worried.

When I went in they looked at me and said I looked terrified. I replied that I was but I felt instant relief once it was over. Let us know how you get on.

Don’t worry, it’s really common. I’ve had it done. All was fine and I had a baby on time with no health issues. Just relax while they inject the local anaesthetic.

I had a LLETZ years ago, I felt the same as you, it's really scary. I didn't have cancer, smears are normal now and I've since had two kids. I hope it all goes well tomorrow.

I had exactly the same procedure at exactly the same age. It stressed me out no end as well, but I am now 44 with normal smears ever since.

Also, it didn't hurt at all and was very quick and easy. Plan a restful day afterwards but otherwise you'll be grand OP

Mine was CIN 3.

Don’t worry! I also had it in my 20s and have since had 2 kids! Never got cancer in the 20 years since either.

Would advise getting a taxi home (rather than riding a bike like I stupidly did! ) It wasn’t hugely painful but there was bleeding like a heavy period.
And just rest up, take it easy.

I just remembered, that some weeks later I had a small bout of depression , and I read that depression can come after internal procedures like this… it was short and I quickly recovered, but thought you should be aware. You got this.

I promise you, you don't have to worry. This is a process that is deterring cancer rather than 'looking' for cancer, your cells have/are changing so they're just getting rid of them to prevent them eventually turning to cancer (they will double check them to be extra extra safe but the chances of them being cancer is really small)

Cervical cancer can take years and years to develop but is one of the most preventable so as long as you're up to date with smears it's will be fine. I made myself ill with worry but when I learned what the process actually was it helped me alot when it came to my lletz treatment.

I too was worried op. But 8 years later and 2 healthy babies. I just want to reassure you you’ll be fine. Sending hugs

I, too, had this procedure- 2003 I think it was. I was terrified too, but honestly, it was fine. Any medical procedure will make you worry but this really will save your life - also, I had a surprise baby 2 years later, at the age of 41 so my fertility was absolutely not affected!!

I had it done over 10 years ago, all good and I was better in a day. No worse that a bad period. I've been clear ever since and for my last smear hpv didn't even show up although I believe it can reappear so it's important to continue getting smears. You'll be ok OP. Best wishes

I've had CIN3 treated with LLETZ twice now, it really is fine. You'll bleed a bit weird for a couple of weeks but other than that it's nothing to let occupy your mind.

I had this done years ago. To be honest I’d forgotten all about it. The procedure was ok, bit like having a smear and I’ve had a baby since then. Good luck, you will be fine. Lots of women have it done every day.

You'll be fine, I was you a couple of years ago! It's over very quickly :)

I had lletz for CIN 2/3 in my mid 20s too. I've since had 2 children with no problems. It's very unlikely to be cancer, that's the whole point, that they have detected abnormal cells before they have turned cancerous.
My only advice would be that if they advise you not to do any strenuous exercise for 4 weeks, do not run for the bus after two weeks! That was the only time I had any real pain, it was agony on and off for the next couple of days.

My Dsis had one a few yrs ago. Also scared but was fine and reassured by amazing staff . No issues since x
I know it's easy to say but try not to worry . X

I also had this treatment a few years ago. It was absolutely fine. I didn't really worry about it and nobody knew I went through it.
As a pp before, I thought the actual biopsy was more painful! The lletz, not so much at all.
I don't think you have to worry about cancer. This is treatment for abnormal cells, so pre-cancer treatment. They remove the cells before they have chance to get to cancer.
You'll be fine op!

I had it in my 20s.
Had twin pregnancy in late 30s.
All good.
Had cervical and ovarian cancer after that. And fibroids and bulky uterus.
Had all removed.
Got cancer again.
Mine is not a happy story, but most people are fine.

OP, I cried buckets.......in relief that it was so straightforward! CIN 3, potential to cause me serious harm, sorted in 45mins and not painful. Please don't fret, you'll be OK. Not nice, I know, but certainly not awful.

Oh, and I've had 3 normal births since.

It’s ok to feel anxious and nervous. I had to have a different gynae procedure recently to take a biopsy and I was so nervous but the staff were so kind and reassuring. The waiting for results is awful. The good news is though successful pregnancy after a LLETZ procedure is common and you may be offered additional checks - you would just need to let your midwife know when you have your first appointment. Wishing you well for the appointment