Smear Test showing abnormal cells?

[playthedayaway]

My last test came back with borderline changes two years ago and I was supposed to repeat six months later but fell pregnant so never did it. Now I have been referred to the Colposcopy clinic at the hospital and I'm terrified. What could be wrong with me? Has anyone else experienced this? Would be so grateful of some support and more information!

Sarahx

What could be wrong? Most likely nothing :) Of course it's bloody scary when you get the letter or the call, because you automatically think the worst. Abnormal cells aren't necessarily a sign that anything bad is happening and more often than not, things return to normal on their own. Best to be sure though, eh?

I'm guessing the letter referring you to the clinic will have information about the basic procedure involved? If not, then it basically involves having your cervix looked at under a rather large looking microscope (after they've painted it to show up any abnormal cells), if necessary they will take a biopsy (not nice - not massively painful but unpleasant nonetheless) and then arrange treatment if that's necessary. Take someone with you if you can or want to. If you don't then there'll usually be a nurse who will come and sit with you to talk you through and hold your hand if you'd like.

I had a colposcopy, biopsy and cryotherapy to remove abnormal cells about 10 years ago. It's not the most pleasant thing I've done, but certainly not the worst. Please don't be terrified - in the unlikely event that anything is amiss then you'll be in the right place to get treatment, and that treatment is usually quick and can be done there and then.

You'll probably be offered 6 monthly or annual smears for the next couple of years even if the colposcopy doesn't show any problems, just to be on the safe side.

Exactly what Flisspaps said. :)

You probably have been referred to colposcopy clinic as your last test was borderline and due to being pregnant in the time that you should have had another test they just want to have a good look just to be sure all is ok.

If its any comfort, I had three borderline changes (6 months apart) before being referred to colposcopy. The staff at the clinic were very very good, explained everything they were going to do beforehand and had a nice comfy purpose designed chair/bed (a bit like a dentist chair) for the examination rather than a flat bed with a bit of blue roll on it.

They also have much better equipment so they can get a much better look at everything than just going to the doctor surgery for a swab from a nurse.

cravingcake I forgot about the funky chair!

The room I had mine done in had posters of lovely beaches all around the walls and I'm certain there was one on the ceiling too :)

I have had "abnormal" smears for last 2 years, varying from Mild to borderline. The Colposcopy real is ok, just like a smear, but your legs are in stirrups and I got to watch on the screen what they were doing. It was no more uncomfortable than a smear test at the doctors.
They apply a solution to the cervix, any abnormal cells show up white. I have had 2 colposcopy's now, they took biopsies the last time, which was a quick 'nip' but thats it. That was just to be sure... a few weeks later I got the results that the cells were fine.
Overall I feel lucky that they are keeping such a close eye on me... abnormal cells generally take a long time to develop into anything more.
Don't panic about it, the nurses at the clinic are great and do loads everyday so keep you busy with chat!

The chair is brilliant - I think the nurses almost use it as selling point.

I didnt have posters on the wall but was given a nice big blanket to cover myself with so was made to feel as comfortable as possible.

I'm secretly pleased that I now have my smear tests with them rather than the doctor surgery.

Aw thank you all so much, you've really put my mind at rest!

So grateful, thank you all againx

Useful links:
recent thread
more recent thread
Colposcopists' website

Generally referral after low grade or 'borderline' results is a precaution to get a check over and have a colposcopist have a good look at your cervix.