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Original poster

Copolscopy - whats it like?

25 replies

liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 15:59

Have had two abnormal smears and now have to go for a copolscopy. Have read up on it but whats it really like? Does it hurt? The literature says it doesn't but frankly I find normal smear tests painful! I don't think I'm a total wimp as I have three children and had huge long labours with them all (36 hrs, 16hrs, 28hrs) - but I am scared of this procedure! Anyone out there had it?

OP posts:
Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 16:00

Opps spelt the damn thing wrong - should be colposcopy.

OP posts:
blueteddy · 01/11/2005 16:10

Message withdrawn

HappyMumof2 · 01/11/2005 16:21

Message withdrawn

expatinscotland · 01/11/2005 16:22

I had one done in 2001 and it didn't hurt that much. I did take some paracetamol about an hour before, however.

auntymandy · 01/11/2005 16:24

cant spell it cant say it but had a couple and a bi opsy! off again next week!
Just relax..no pain

blueteddy · 01/11/2005 16:32

Message withdrawn

noddyholder · 01/11/2005 16:34

I have them twice yearly and it is fine A bit undignified like a smear and over really quick Take a couple of strong painkillers half an hour before although you prob won't need them Good luck

auntymandy · 01/11/2005 16:35

think if you are uptight it hurts a little

Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 16:38

Thanks for your comments - mixed bag! I'll go with the idea of a painkiller before hand.

OP posts:
blueteddy · 01/11/2005 16:39

Message withdrawn

Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 16:44

I'm always uptight! i have two teenagers and a baby...

OP posts:
auntymandy · 01/11/2005 16:47

you need to learn to chill!!
I have a 14 year old a 13 year old an 11 year old 3 at christmas and just 1
Have to let it go over your head sometimes!!

Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 16:55

Just joking Aunty M.

OP posts:
Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 01/11/2005 17:04

Just another question - did your dh/dp accompany you?

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dobbin · 01/11/2005 20:36

I've now had five of these, my own fault for smear-avoidance. The colposcopy itself doesn't hurt. The word, I think, just refers to the examination process or the particular instrument used to see the cervix close-up. It only hurts, or can do, if you need treatment. From what I remember, most treatments are done under local anaesthetic but that doesn't stop the cramping, so painkillers in advance may be very sensible. However, a good friend of mine swears by the 'taking the day off work and having a few stonking G&Ts beforehand' approach. She never felt a thing.
I never went with my partner and would have hated him being there (just a personal thing, he would have been very uncomfortable and I didn't want to worry about reassuring him). In retrospect I think it's probably a job for a female friend, probably someone who's been through it themselves, and you'd be suprised how many have.

auntymandy · 02/11/2005 12:39

my Dh comes every time! Coming next friday with me!
Hope yours goes ok.

footprint · 02/11/2005 12:53

The colposcopy itself doesn't hurt at all, except the discomfort of the speculum (?) and the general unpleasantness of someone investigating your bits. It's less uncomfortable than a smear in my experience because they don't scrape, just look.

Good luck with it. If you have to have treatment, get it over with and feel good that they have detected abnormalities in time. I had a loop excision in 2003, and it wasn't pleasant but everything is all clear now, which is such a relief.

auntymandy · 02/11/2005 12:59

dreading going on Friday..just got a bad feeling..dont know why!
When do pre pre cancer cells become pre cancer then cancer?

ks · 02/11/2005 13:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

footprint · 02/11/2005 13:06

AM, try not to worry. Changes in cervical cells happen very, very slowly. So even if pre-cancerous cells are found, it is no problem to simply remove them. They do not become a problem until they have "invaded" surrounding tissue. But this takes a long time.

I remember that I was terrified too. It really wasn't that bad. It is good that your dh is going with you. When I had mine, I could also watch it on a screen!! Very strange to see your own cervix!

footprint · 02/11/2005 13:18

AM, this link might help you:

www.bsccp.org.uk/public.asp

auntymandy · 02/11/2005 16:13

sorry seem to have hi kacked!
First abnormal was about 5 years ago. Had a bi opsy 2 years ago, so was still ok then.

auntymandy · 02/11/2005 16:13

hi jacked even!

Original poster
liquoriceallsorts · 02/11/2005 18:30

No problems AM - I am amazed how common this is. In some strange way it makes you feel better knowing that there are other people out there going through it. Good luck

OP posts:
breeze · 03/11/2005 09:47

I had cin III 2 years ago, got into a major panic, but everything turned out ok. The only discomfort I felt with the colposcopy was when they did the treatment, the colposcopy itself did not hurt, just undignified. Due to other problems I have had 4 now and DH came with me for the first 3 times, last time he had a meeting and I have to say that I actually preferred him not being there, kindof like I had to be braver sort of thing.

Good luck and sure you will be ok.

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