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Original poster

Going for a colposcopy on Monday .... any advice?

26 replies

bodiddly · 09/05/2008 10:56

I heard someone say that it was a good idea to take pain killers before hand and that it is best to take someone with you ... is that the case? My dp will be working so I am on my own ... do you just need someone for moral support or will I feel dodgy?

OP posts:
SorenLorensen · 09/05/2008 11:05

I felt a bit wobbly after mine - it's really no worse than a smear, but it goes on longer. I didn't take painkillers and I got the bus home on my own (I was a student at the time ). When I got home I took painkillers and went to bed with a hot water bottle - I felt a bit period-pain-y. If you can get someone to go with you (and better yet, give you a lift) then I would. Otherwise (assuming you're not a penniless student like I was) get a taxi home.

Hope it all goes OK for you.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:08

I was going to drive ... did you have a biopsy done? I'm new to all this and have heard that sometimes they do biopsies .. other times they do them and then treat on the spot .. I think I am just fretting a bit as I don't really know what to expect. They said the basic appointment takes 20 mins but it depends what then happens I guess.

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BoysAreLikeDogs · 09/05/2008 11:11

Bo, I had colposcopy and loop diathermy on my cervix a few years ago.

Same as Soren, try to get a lift home after becasue you might feel a bit urgh.

Oh, and take a sanitary towel, you may have some slight bleeding depending on what they do.

No more painful than having a period, have paracetamol ready

HTH

laidbackinengland · 09/05/2008 11:12

I didn't take pain killers but probably would if I went again. I had a lovely homely nurse in with me and she let me squeeze her hand when it hurt !! All ok afterwards, drove home myself - a little bit achey for a day afterwards.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:15

thanks everyone ... think I will take a couple of paracetamol beforehand as my last smear was a bit painful to be honest. Laidback did you go to work the next day?

OP posts:
laidbackinengland · 09/05/2008 11:28

It was when I was a student so I think I jsut stayed in bed !! However I think I could have gone to work if I'd had to.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:30

another question if I may? do they only give you the injections in the cervix if you have the loop diathermy? is the colposcopy just the dye/camera test and a biopsy?

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Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:31

you can tell this is on my mind, cant you? the hospital just rang to bring the appointment forward as they have a cancellation .. hence the sudden onset of questions!

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laidbackinengland · 09/05/2008 11:33

I think I had the loop diathermy . Not sure about your quiestions ? How about giving them a call back - saying you are a bit anxious and could they explain the procedure to you ? I am sure they wouldn't mind.

Aimsmum · 09/05/2008 11:38

Message withdrawn

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:46

that is good to know Aimsmum ... I did try to ask the lady that rang me but she just said we will do the colposcopy and take it from there so she wasn't exactly forthcoming with information! I will try and forget about it I guess and enjoy a nice sunny weekend!

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patheticpenelope · 09/05/2008 11:48

I has a loop diathermy and a biopsy 5 years ago and they did it under general anaesthetic. When I went for my colposcopy it didnt hurt but was a bit uncomfortable. Sometimes they do the treatment there and then but the reason mine was under a GA was because of the area the abnormal cells were (not the severity). I freaked out when they said about a GA so I'm telling you just in case because I had assumed they'd treat it there and then. My consultant said he preferred to do some loop diathermy's under GA because it can be painful and uncomfortable if the area that needs treatment is in a awkward place.

triffictits · 09/05/2008 11:50

You will be fine - I am going the week after for my 8th colposcopy! Any questions, fire away!!

They wont give you injections in your cervix if you are only having the colposcopy.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 11:53

wow ... 8 triffictits - that is impressive

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Porpoise · 09/05/2008 11:53

Hi Bodiddly

I had a colposcopy a year or so ago. It was OK - not especially painful.

But I was surprised by how (emotionally) wobbly I felt afterwards. I really could have done with a friendly face waiting for me outside.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 12:01

that was my thought porpoise but dp works for himself and we need the money so I daren't even suggest he take time off. Besides, he will need to pick ds up from nursery at some point as my appointment is at 3.30pm.

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Porpoise · 09/05/2008 12:24

Ah, that could be tricky, then.

Just make sure he's at home when you get in then, with a big cuddle and a large bottle of wine.

By the way, I'm a bit of a wuss. You'll be fine!

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 12:26

good to know there are fellow wusses out there! Did it take long for your biopsy results to come through? Just wondered whether you know pretty much then and there how bad things are or whether they keep you waiting an age

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Porpoise · 09/05/2008 12:32

Er, don't think I had a biopsy (am dense as well as wussy!)

Whatever the doctor did/took, I got told about it straightaway. He showed me some image on his computer screen and said everything looked fine.

jelliebelly · 09/05/2008 12:36

I had a coloscopy done years ago and went straight back to work afterwards - it didn't hurt at all but did feel a bit emotional about it and with hindsight wish dp had been there waiting for me when I came out - just needed a hug really!

I had an abnormal smear and the coloscopy just lets them identify why - didn't have anything else done at the same time.

SorenLorensen · 09/05/2008 12:38

bodiddly, sorry - I went away and did other things (ds2 is ill - allegedly - and home from school today). I had the colposcopy and then had loop diathermy (under a local anaesthetic) about a week later, iirc. I did get a taxi that time. My memories of the colposcopy are that it did take quite a long time - I remember watching the clock on the wall - oh and my claim to fame is that I broke the plastic speculum (I had a pelvic floor in those days) and they had to use a metal one instead. I also remember an overpowering smell of vinegar as they squirted some on the cells as it makes them show up better for the photos (yes, they stuck a camera up my fanjo). I don't think it was Sarson's.

All this is umpty million years ago though (I was 19 and I'm 39 this year) so it may have changed a bit.

Have you seen this on NHS Direct?

mummyplonk · 09/05/2008 12:45

I had one a few years ago, they gave me an injection, was just a bit more uncomfortable than a smear as people have said. They did have a tv screen by me though showing what they were doing, I made the mistake of looking and fainted when I stood up afterwards, so was glad I had someone to drive me home. So my advice would be lie back close your eyes and think of a lovely beach somewhere. It'll be over before you know it.

LooptheLoop · 09/05/2008 12:56

Hi, had one several years ago - felt no worse than a smear, just went on longer.

Didn't have any pain and just got on with the day as normal.

Suggest you plan some mental shopping list to do in your head while you're waiting for them to finish. Acually - just read Mummyplonk's beach idea - that's sounds nice.

Original poster
bodiddly · 09/05/2008 13:41

thanks everyone ... will dream up a beach and fingers crossed for good results.

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nappyaddict · 09/05/2008 16:11

sorry ot hijack but AIMSMUM did you get my email? i wanted you to send me the SW recipes cos i lost them. my address is tobys_mummy at btinternet dot com