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Original poster

Colposcopy & Severe Diskaryosis

16 replies

TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 22:50

I've got a colposcopy on Tuesday as I have severe diskaryosis (mutated cervical cells apparently). I only go the letter on Thursday so am a little shell shocked and not sure what the heck will be going to happen.

I have had a colposcopy pre-DCs but that was about 7 years ago and by the time I had it done all the odd cells had disappeared so nothing happened apart from a look-see.

Has anyone else had this? Any words of wisdom?

OP posts:
notsoqueenofclean · 08/05/2011 22:53

I'm going in on Wedneday with the mild version for the loop diathermy thing.

Apparently it doesn't hurt but it smells rank. I'm not looking forward to it but wanted to offer up some support.

Original poster
TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 22:56

I'm definitely not looking forward to it. I don't know yet if they will treat me that day or if I will have to go back another time.

Is the loop diathermy your first or a follow up appointment - if I may be so nosy?

OP posts:
Meglet · 08/05/2011 22:56

I've had this done, although my first was 6yrs ago so I can't quite remember the original procedure. Had lots of colposcopies since.

I think they did the colposcopy and used a fluid to show up the dodgy cells. A big patch came up (was called 'carcinoma in situ' IIRC) and the gynea nurse said I would need to come back to get them removed, which I did under a GA (twice, as they didn't quite get them all first time). 5 years later and after I'd had my DC's it came back again so I had a hysterectomy to get rid of it for good.

IME now you are in the system they will keep an eye on you Smile.

PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 22:57

Have had it done three times, followed by LLETZ in two cases and it has always been a very easy experience. The colposcopy bit itself is just like an extra long smear - you lie there in the same positi

PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 22:57

Oops! Hang on...

PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 22:58

... Lie there in the same position with a speculum in, chatting to the nurse.

Original poster
TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 23:00

PatientGriselda - That's the bit I hate - lying legs akimbo with your skirt up at your waist and a man ferreting around in your fanjo. Erk. Not nice. I'd have sedation if I could to be honest but I don't think they do that (esp. not when you have the ability to get metabolise massive amounts of tranqs.....)

OP posts:
Original poster
TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 23:03

Meglet - glad you are in the clear now (well I'm assuming they took the cervix too).

I'm just cacking myself and being a big baby about this so thanks to all for all the reassurance/experience.

OP posts:
Meglet · 08/05/2011 23:03

Ours has 2 nurses, one to do the procedure and one to chat to you / hold your hand Smile.

PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 23:05

Having the stuff painted on feels exactly like a smear. If anything shows up, they can zap it off right then, which I would recommend, rather than going away and having to worry about it before coming back for another appointment.

For the actual removal, it depends on what method they use, but you just stay lying where you are, then in my case an earthing sort of pad thingsaws stuck on my thigh, and they zapped the cells with a laser thing. I didn't really feel anything painful internally. It just felt like a smear. But the pad on my leg crackled with what felt like electricity. It didn't hurt though.

They gave me a pad in case I bled afterwards, but tbh I only had a couple of spots on loo paper.

No after effects at all.

PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 23:07

Aw, don't be anxious, truthsweet. Definitely much better to be getting it sorted than not. But I know you know that :)

Original poster
TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 23:08

I think I should see if my old doula is free on Tuesday. I mean she saw me through 2 births, she should be able to talk me through a colposcopy, right? Wink

OP posts:
PatientGriselda · 08/05/2011 23:12

If you've had two babies then I can't believe you have any embarrassment left over letting doctors root around in you :o

Honestly, it will all be fine, as procedures go, but good idea to take a friend. I found the more relaxed I was, the easier it was, so if a friend would help you be more relaxed from te start then definitely do it.

Original poster
TruthSweet · 08/05/2011 23:17

I've had three babies and with my first I asked the Registrar if she felt like James Herriot as she had her arm up to the elbow inside me trying to stop me haemorrhaging. Still not good with Drs/hospitals though.

DH is coming with me though he is banned from looking at the TV screen, he was fascinated last time (a bit of me he'd never seen Shock). I really didn't like that.

I think I might take some music and a book and try and zone out.

OP posts:
Original poster
TruthSweet · 10/05/2011 15:55

Well I had it but will most probably need treatment (under GA too Shock) but won't find out until 4-6 weeks time. So fingers crossed.

OP posts:
Meglet · 10/05/2011 20:54

My GA for LLETZ was really quick. Was only out for about 30 mins. Felt like I'd had a bloody good sleep! Nerve-wracking at the time but all the theatre staff were very calm and supportive. I do remember it dried out my insides quite a bit so I needed a stool softener the next day.

I wasn't in much (or any) pain from the actual LLETZ TBH. I was off work for 3 days and took it easy.

Hope they get you the date soon so you can get it over and done with. x

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