Nervous about colposcopy

[mummyaimz]

I have recently been referred for a colposcopy and am awaiting my appointment but basically I have been having trouble "downstairs" that six doctors weren't able to spot due to having horrendous side effects to the nexplanon, finally a doctor was able to give me am examination now the nexplanon is out and she found (as she put it which scared me) a massive growth and as I said has referred me. My family history of the big c is horrendous and I have already had a breast lump removed which was luckily just a fibroadenoma. So I am terrified. Any advice to alleviate my fears would be greatful

No advice but holding your hand until someone comes.

I've had problems too. So understand your anxiety.

I'm sure ill be fine but as I've said, I've had trouble for the past four months and the doctor that finally figured it out thinks I have had this growth for longer than my problems have been going on for.

Thinking of you and let us know how it goes.

Hello mummyaimz. The worry of not knowing is often the hardest bit and the bit that drives you mad. I had a colposcopy procedure around ten years ago. I had a little treatment following it - nothing too bad - and have smears every year just to keep an eye on things. The process itself was nothing to worry about and I was led to believe that it is extremely common. Doctors need to investigate everything these days and, in my own experience, don't seem to want to offer soothing words in case they give the wrong impression. If only they could offer a gentle, 'it's nothing to worry yourself about' at that initial consultation, it would make the waiting for hospital appointments and procedure results so much easier.
Try to think back to when you found your breast lump, if you can, and the worry that you had then. The worry come from the fear of the unknown. The stress of the situation leads you to think the worse because you have nothing else to go on. I had a fibroadenoma a few years ago, too, and that not knowing is just awful. That and the waiting. It's the fear of the unknown, and for you, the knowledge that there has been the c word in your family. It's perfectly normal to worry. But everything turned out alright when you found your lump was benign, so who is to say that this lump will be any different.

Keep talking to people about your worries and concerns if you can and stay away from Doctor Google!

Sending lots of love your way. I hope you get your appointment through soon and will be able to move on xx

My doctor actually mentioned the c word when she found the lump/growth and started to use big words. If they do find something will they be able to sort it out there and then or would it be weeks to get a biopsy tested. I will be having it done at my local hospital so I don't know if times will be different from when I had the fibroadenoma sorted as I had that done at the royal marsden (fantastic hospital btw) I was in, biopsied and had the results back within hours of the biopsy being done and within a month I had had the operation done and the lump removed. Will that be the same kind of thing with a colposcopy?

When I had mine done it was all over quite quickly and the results we back very quickly too - but there was a little wait. There were lots of small growths that were removed. I remember the doctor showing them to me and I'm sure she was doing some sort of cauterisation as well, but I can't remember exactly. I had my procedure at the surgery in their colposcopy unit and they sent the biopsy away but I would have thought being in your local hospital it might be a little quicker. If your doctor has mentioned the c word then I would think that, as a precaution, they would be quick in getting your results back. Are you able to talk with your doctor about your concerns about the procedure and your worries? I seem to remember that the results from my colposcopy were back much quicker than the fibroadenoma results. x

I think it also depends on whether you are having biopsy or cone biopsy. I hope someone else will be able to offer you some more advice x

Ok I have no idea what a come biopsy is lol. All I remember about the last biopsy I had was it hurt like hell. More than I expected it to with anaesthetic

Had my final swab results before the referral back today, they all came back normal. Kinda wish they came back abnormal

What does that mean for you mummyaimz? I'm not sure I understand x

Basically my doctor referred me for the colposcopy but she also did some swabs again. I'd already been tested for everything and it came back fine, she just wanted to double check as it was another doctor that had done the first lot. I wish she had found something as I am pretty scared with my history and family history. I have also had blood tests done for thyroid problems and anaemia as I am tired all the time but they came back fine. Plus it has been over a week, I'm surprised I have heard from my local hospital since it is only a ten minute walk away from me. It has been over a week since my doctor referred me.