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Original poster

Ok Fanny monitors and those in the know, I've just had my smear and I am shi**ing myself..Talk me through it...

35 replies

Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 11:43

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waterfalls · 08/02/2006 11:47

It could be any number of things, I know it is hard, but try to stay calm.
3 weeks wait for smear test results, is that the norm where you are?? where I am we have to wait around 12 weeks.

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 11:48

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Hattie05 · 08/02/2006 11:51

I have had this a lot, had two colposcopy's, but last smear was fine.

Sounds like you have abnormal cells which many women get, it does not mean cancer. It means cells that they need to keep an eye on and possibly remove.

Don't worry its very very common and i'm sure you'll be fine!

Fimbo · 08/02/2006 12:07

Aimsmum-have emailed you. Hope you get it (I did it on your name email rather than the initials)

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 12:07

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Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 12:08

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Bugsy2 · 08/02/2006 12:14

Aimsmum, as far as I know it would be impossible for a nurse to see cell changes with the naked eye, so whatever it is, it is unlikely to be cancer that she is seeing.
It could be lots of things, possibly a cervical ulcer, which is basically just a small wound that is not healing on your cervix.
Please don't get into a state about it, as it won't do you any good.
A colposcopy is not so bad, I have had several and they are not much more uncomfortable than a smear.

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 12:29

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Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 12:58

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BudaBabe · 08/02/2006 13:02

I had an abnormal smear years ago, had a colposcopy and then laser treatment. All fine. I'm still here!!

This may be too much TMI but may give you a giggle - they say not to cancel if you have your period so of course I started day before. Went along for laser treatment - having specially requested a female doc. She was stuck in traffic. Mr tall dark and handsome French doc does procedure instead. Most embarassing moment ever? When he was finished, he calmly said "I have just popped a tampon in for you"!!!!!!

I still cringe.

Twiglett · 08/02/2006 13:06

you can't see cell changes without the colposcopy (microscope) and the fluids that they paint on your cervix

A colposcopy doesn't touch you .. they just look through the microscope ... its no problem at all

You most probably have some kind of infection which will be solved with antibiotic

if it helps I was once told by a GP that I had something going on .. swabs were taken .. it was nothing .. I have since realised it was Normal Egg-white cervical fluid .. so it might be nothing

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 13:22

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Auntymandy · 08/02/2006 13:29

budababe

aimsmum, try not to worry till you have something to worry about.
I had my first abnormal over 3 years ago and I'm still ok. Not quite had a clear test, but everything 'looks' ok!!! Had bi opsy etc.
good luck

littlerach · 08/02/2006 13:39

My sister has had abnormal cells twice, and so has had colposcopy and also biopsy.

She also had some laser treatment after the kast one.

she is fine, yes, it's uncomfortable but manageable.

One thing she has always found was that if the results weren't good, then the results came back much more quickly.

Marina · 08/02/2006 13:43

BudaBabe, what an obliging guy
Aimsmum, as others have said, it could be so many non-serious things. I know how I'd feel though so sending you sympathetic vibes and keep us posted. Good luck. I had an erosion treated once some years ago and the only disconcerting thing about it was the slight smell of singed cervix . And I promise I am a major wuss so you can guarantee it was painless

anniebear · 08/02/2006 13:46

BudaBabe

had a laugh at that!!! lol I would have past out with embarrasment!!!!!

I would have turned round and said "Oh I don't use them"!!!! lol

NotQuiteCockney · 08/02/2006 13:49

Two other things the nurse may have seen:

  • an evasion/erosion. Don't think they'd send you for a colposcopy for this. This is endometrial cells on your cervix. No real danger, as far as I know.

  • HPV - warts. This is really really really really common. Something like 40% of sexually active adults have HPV. If they are testing you for warts at a colposcopy, they paint white vinegar on your cervix and look at it. This does not hurt at all, although it does smell a bit sharp. I have been exposed to HPV (10+ years ago), but haven't had any warts. There are various treatment options.

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 13:52

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Marina · 08/02/2006 13:55

LOL anniebear, swiftly followed by, "but while you're down there can you pop in my mooncup".
Aimsmum, hope we are all managing to cheer you a little. I was at the GPs on another matter and with the Fanny Monitor thread uppermost in my mind wondered if I was due a smear. Doctor looks at me strangely and said, but you had one in 2004...clearly wondering if I was some kind of glutton for punishment. I could hardly say that there are Fanny Monitors prowling cyberspace...

HappyMumof2 · 08/02/2006 14:33

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Kidstrack2 · 08/02/2006 14:37

My sis had a similar experience a few years back and it was found to be abnormal cells, she has never had an std and worried herself sick but they decided to do laser and remove them, she now has regular smears. Hope everything goes well the results!

Twiglett · 08/02/2006 14:56

I didn't have a biopsy at the same time as my colposcopy .. but I did have a loop excision (small op under general but I think it can be done local as well) a week later, had a colposcopy about 2 weeks ago and he said everything looked normal

whatever it is .. I'm glad you are now aware so that it can be treated .. please try not to worry though I do appreciate how unsettling it is

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 15:22

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Hattie05 · 08/02/2006 20:06

In answer to your question - yes they did find abnormal cells in my colposcopy but only moderate level so didn't need any treatment just close monitoring. Which i had and another colposcopy but the cells never cleared, and tbh i didn't fully understand what it was at the time.
So i paid to see a private gynae, and she did some sort of treatment there and then and all has been fine ever since. I couldn't tell you what she did but it was worth the money!

Original poster
Aimsmum · 08/02/2006 20:26

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