Abnormal cells AGAIN. So worried about potential wait!

[YourHairLooksAmazing]

Hi,
I'm in a bit of an anxious mess at the moment, so any words of advice I would be so grateful for.

I had grade 2 dyskaryosis cells removed via a colposcopy and LLETZ procedure in April 2020. I had a follow up smear in October 2020 and a few weeks ago received a letter to say I had abnormal cells and HPV again.

I'm so confused. The nurse that did my latest smear was so reassuring and said as I'd had the LLETZ the HPV would be gone and was certain the smear would be clear. How have I got abnormal cells again? And still HPV? I don't know what to think. Were all the cells not removed last time? Or has something else accelerated this quickly?

I had the letter 3 weeks ago but still no letter for a colposcopy appt. I'm thinking of going privately (I did last time for the LLETZ as I have huge gynae anxieties and long standing PTSD from a mismanaged birth and resulting injuries)

I can't bear the wait. I'm terrified 😔

Didn’t want to read and run.

I’m sorry you’ve had another abnormal result and I understand why you’re concerned. I’m not a medical professional but I’ve had two abnormal smear results and a LLETZ procedure in October 2019.

I may not be correct but I think I’ve read somewhere that HPV can be dormant within the body and be reactivated at a later stage. Or, of course, you could’ve contracted it again if you’re sexually active. When I had my LLETZ it was explained that although the cells had been removed, it could be necessary to repeat the procedure at a later date. I don’t think it’s generally recommended to have too many if you are of childbearing age as it can weaken the cervix but I could be wrong.

I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry. If you’re able to go privately for a colposcopy it might be worth it to relieve your fears. But hopefully you will get an appointment through the NHS soon. Given the date of your LLETZ I think it’s unlikely that any changes will be significant but hopefully you’ll get some reassurance from other more knowledgable posters

I thought once you had HPV, you had it for life. That’s why you have more frequent smears as the abnormal cells can come back.

Hi OP, my understanding is that we have HPV for life, and that it can come in flares and those flares can lead to cancer.

I had an abnormal smear in October 2020, with a biopsy then taken in November. I was told I'd get the results before Christmas, and that it was likely some of my cervix would be removed via the procedure you describe. I've literally just had my results today, which basically says it's HPV again, and that they're going to leave it be.

Whilst it's concerning to me that something inside of me is laying dormant, and could cause problems later in life, it's not something to immediately worry about.

My understanding is that HPV can lie dormant, and can also be fought off by your immune system.
I really would recommend jo's trust for more info.
I've been in a similar situation waiting for hospital involvement, the main thing I can offer is that any HPV cancer is very very slow growing. I thi k it's something like 10 years for HPV to turn into cancer or something like that, and then it's very very slow. My fingers are crossed for you.

Hi OP. Been there and it's a terrifying time, you have my sympathy. Hope I can reassure you a bit though. So I had a lletz for grade 2 cell changes in January 2012. At my six month check up, they found traces of HPV. But in the letter I received, this wasn't clear and it said abnormal cells too. I was so scared but when I went for my colposcopy, they confirmed sometimes HPV can linger but there were no cell changes. At my next six month check, it was all clear and I've been fine ever since.

Can you call the GP to find out more? I went on holiday between getting the letter and having my appointment and whilst I did have a nice time, the worry was always there. Wish I'd just called first. Although guess they wouldn't want to say anything before the colposcopy.

I hope this helps. Please try not to worry, HPV can take some time to clear and they have a duty to carry out check ups if they do see it in a smear.