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Original poster

severe dyskaryosis after first smear in over 10 years.

72 replies

usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 21:06

I am a fool for leaving it till now to go for a smear test, I know this.
I am booked in for a colposcopy on Tuesday and am really scared.
I know that most people with this will be fine, but I also know that most of those that are not are the idiots like me who left a decade between smears.
I was just wondering if anyone felt like sharing their experiences with me. Also if anyone knows how long it takes to get the results of the colposcopy?

OP posts:
MrsRichardHammond · 05/02/2011 22:08

Colposcopy itself is fine but the biopsy smarts a little and can leave you with period pain style cramps (the first two i had did this, the third was fine though)and a small amount of discharge/bleeding.

I think it was about 10 days for the results to come back.

Best of luck and do ask them any questions you need to (no matter how daft you feel they are!) i found the nurses extremely kind and helpful when i had mine done.

I had moderate changes and now have the all clear after several years of 6 monthly then annual smears and am now onto 3 yearly smears :)

Stay positive x

youtalkingtome · 05/02/2011 22:14

It was a while ago for me but I thought my colposcopy appointment included the laser treatment to treat the abnormal cells.

So I only had one appointment, no biopsy that I know of, no waiting for results. There was no discomfort at all for me (lucky me - not crowing just hopefully will be the same for you).

I was nervous about infection afterwards but it was fine. Tbh remember a little bleeding but not cramps particularly.

Sorry info a bit dated, but wanted to reassure!

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 22:28

Mrs Thank you and I?m glad that you are now back to 3 yearly smears, it must be a relief.
youtalking Thanks, as far as I understand they do a biopsy at the same time, and sometimes do the treatment depending on what they see.

To be honest I?m not too worried about the actual procedure, more what they may find. I suppose the only thing to do really is wait and see, its just that I?m not good at waiting at the best of times.

OP posts:
MrsRichardHammond · 05/02/2011 22:31

They can see there and then if they need to do anything beyond a biopsy but the results of the biopsy confirm the severity of the problem iyswim.

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 22:34

Really? Thats quite reassuring actually. I was just dreading the idea of having to go home and wait weeks for a letter to arrive.

OP posts:
MrsRichardHammond · 05/02/2011 22:39

I think so. If memory serves me right they put some stuff on the cervix and this shows up the problem areas - hence knowing where to take the biopsy. Think that bit stung a little but can't honestly remember.

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 22:43

OK, thanks. It?s always good to know that others have had similar experiences and been fine, not that I wish it on anyone of course.

OP posts:
MrsRichardHammond · 05/02/2011 22:51

It's an extremely common procedure so do try not to worry

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 22:52

Thank you :)

OP posts:
soodonim · 05/02/2011 22:54

I had a colposcopy about 10 years ago. I think they paint vinegar (or similiar?) on the cervix which highlights the cell changes. I was able to see the video screen and they pointed out the area affected. I was then booked in a couple of weeks later for a LETZ treatment look at this page
I had a general anaesthetic, and went home same day. Bled for about 4 weeks. I had a couple of 6 monthly check ups after that I think and then yearly smear tests for approx 5 years. Have had 2 Dc since and now all ok, back to 3 yearly smear tests. I had a time when my smear tests did not show clear results and had to have a second colposcopy, but no treatment needed. Although not pleasant, it was actually a relief to be shown there and then that all was ok.

BelaLugosiinStripes · 05/02/2011 23:09

Info re colposcopy and treatment on the colposcopists' website

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 23:13

Soodonim Thanks for that link.

I should think myself lucky really as I have 3 DC and am finished having babies.

I realise I am probably over thinking it a bit, but my sister is currently being treated for Breast cancer and I think its making worry more than I would otherwise iyswim.

OP posts:
Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 23:15

Thanks Bela I will go and read it.

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 05/02/2011 23:25

I had severe dyskaryosis despite having 3 yrly smears as regular as clockwork. Theory was either very aggressively changing cells or a bum result in the previous scan.

Abnormal cells had gone too far for laser and I had a cone biopsy under a general and had a significant strip of my cervix removed.

Despite this healed just fine (with a minorish problme shortly after surgery) and have annual smears (probably for life now). All have been negative.

You know that even CIN 3 dyskaryosis is not cancerous - yes?

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 23:47

Yes, I know. But its a possibility, though still not likely I know.

I think I am just giving my self a big kick for being slack.

OP posts:
Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 05/02/2011 23:51

I guess it?s a positive the yearly smears Kew as you can be pretty sure any dubious would be picked up.

I definitely won?t be missing any more I can tell you.

OP posts:
agnethafaltskog · 06/02/2011 00:04

And stop beating yourself up about leaving it for some time before you booked your smear. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting it done now when there's time to sort out any problems in a straight forward way.

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 06/02/2011 00:23

Thanks agnethafltskog

OP posts:
Kewcumber · 06/02/2011 11:08

no its not a possibility (AFAIK) it a possibility thqat they may become cancerous at some point not a possibility that they may be cancerous now. I'm not dismissing your concerns as I have been there - you will relax once its all done.

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 06/02/2011 19:33

Thanks kew That?s probably the best way to look at it.

OP posts:
textualhealing · 06/02/2011 22:29

Please please people, get your smears regularly. It's just not worth all this worry for something that can be picked up and dealt with very easily. I hope all goes well for you, OP and do let us know how it goes. This is probably just very routine. My daughter is now being managed every six months for similar. She progressed so well, she was advised to get back to annual smears but after a really minor change, she is back on six monthlies which I am more comfortable with as they do keep a very close eye on her.

Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 07/02/2011 00:29

You are so right. I will be nagging all my sisters and friends to keep up to date.

I'm glad Your daughter was ok and every 6 months is very comforting for you both i'm sure.

I am going to try and forget about it till tuesday now, as the worry is not really helping. text I will update after that.

OP posts:
Original poster
usedtobeyoung · 11/02/2011 15:26

Hi,
Just wanted to update and say thanks, you were all right of course, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. My nerves have subsided too even though I have to wait 6-8 weeks for the results and will have lletz.
So thanks.

OP posts:
agnethafaltskog · 11/02/2011 16:02

Glad it went OK and you will be getting the treatment you need.

Sorelip · 12/02/2011 10:26

Usedtobeyoung, I got a call from my doctor last night to tell me I have moderate changes, and am being booked in for colposcopy.

As I was typing the above, I got the letter through the door with my appointment details! Crazy. I was pretty scared last night, crying and that (day before was my wedding, so still emotional) but after reading these posts, I feel a hell of a lot calmer. So thank you everyone.

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