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Original poster

Colposcopy advice please?

37 replies

lottiesmummy · 31/05/2008 14:01

Following last weeks smear test, my results came this morning and I've got high grade abnormal cells, they want me in hospital this wednesday for colposcopy tests

they are doing something called a heated wire loop, with a local anasthetic ... sounds horrid, anyone had this?

OP posts:
MKG · 31/05/2008 14:09

bump

midnightexpress · 31/05/2008 14:54

Yes, I have. Not exactly pleasant, but not too hideous either. It was about 8 years ago now, so can't remember the details, but I don't remember any agonising pain either during the procedure or afterwards. But the one thing I do remember is that there was quite a lot of blood afterwards. One of my (male) friends came to pick me up from the hospital and by the time he got me home it was all down my trousers despite a pad. I'd suggest maybe using maternity pads instead.

No recurrence though.

Good luck.

poppy34 · 31/05/2008 15:00

would echo midnightexpress- its uncomfortable and sore . Had some blood but not so much as midnight express.

good luck - I had 2 but been clear for last ten years.

DragonsEye · 31/05/2008 15:07

same here. I had mine about 10 years ago. I found it quite painful and uncomfortable. Took about 15 - 20 mins iirc.

Definately take some pads with you, they used some iodine to highlight the abnormal cells and this was quite messy afterwards.

shreddies · 31/05/2008 15:09

I've had one done too, I don't remember it being unduly painful, more uncomfortable. I've had no problems since either and mine was over ten years ago now.

loustillwantsaBFPtoo · 31/05/2008 15:32

I have had it about 6 years ago -
I have a low pain barrier so found it very uncomfortable. Def take pads with you, mine was like a heavyish period afterwards.
The nurses were nice - one told the doctor to not be so insensitive when he asked why i was crying! Er, hello - you have a hot wire up my bits! I'd like to see them cope with something like that!

Seriously - it could have been a lot worse, and Im still going for my smears every 12 months. Last one next Jan HOORAY! (All come back clear since the colposcopy)

Good luck!
x

LEMONADEGIRL · 31/05/2008 15:56

Had one three years ago. Was Uncomfortable not painful. The only thing that gave me a fright was the t.v. monitor highlighting my bits, made me a bit squeemish to see what was happening.

Have been fine ever since with clear smear results.

chunkychips · 31/05/2008 16:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

meep · 31/05/2008 16:09

I had one about 10 years ago - definitely uncomfortable but not painful.
My lasting memory was the nurse telling me that doctor was just going to stick an "earthing pad" to my leg so that he didn't electrocute himself. WTF was my first thought!!! I think loop diarthermy is a loop of wire with an electic current running through it that they use to take off the bad cervix cells!
I didn't have that much blood after but you will need a pad.
TBH the internals I got when I was in labour were much much worse!

meep · 31/05/2008 16:10

meant to add - I also had yearly smears and they were all fine - hooray!

VictorianSqualor · 31/05/2008 16:11

I had this a year ago, the worst bit for me was the discharge afterwards. It's black, sorry if TMI but I was petrified I wish someone had warned me!
It was slightly uncomfortable, the worst bit was the local being put into my cervix, didn't take long though and was fine after, I went on to conceive the very next month and had a repeat smear whilst pg, all clear.
Good Luck

geekgirl · 31/05/2008 16:11

I had one about 12 years ago, had it done under GA. It was ok afterwards, a bit like period pains I guess. I did end up getting an infection 3 weeks later and needed antibiotics, and the no-sex period was extended by another few weeks

VictorianSqualor · 31/05/2008 16:13

Oh, I cried too, the nurses said it's normal and not to worry, they were lovely.

MrsCarrot · 31/05/2008 16:20

It isn't pleasant but it is quick and it's fine to cry! I'm sure crying helps sometimes, the nurse will understand even if the doctor doesn't.

The local is uncomfortable but you shouldn't feel anything after that.

The main thing I would advise is to take plenty of painkillers straightaway. The first one I had I waited to see if I needed them and it was hard for the tablets to take effect. The second one I took ibuprofen and paracetomol immediately after and it never got worse than period pains.

Original poster
lottiesmummy · 31/05/2008 19:50

I had to have cervical biopsy 15 or so years ago, It wasnt too bad and I wasnt worried, but I am now, hubby coming with me, thanks for the replys, you've made me feel a little better ((hug)) to you all xxx

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeDogs · 31/05/2008 19:55

Loop diathermy

Had this done 3 years ago

Ask the Nurse or chaperone to hold your hand - I did.

Is a bit wincy when the local is injected, like a scratch really

It wasn't too bad, and I am a Baby about pain. I did cry, how embarrassing

meglet · 31/05/2008 20:01

I had it does twice, both under a general. They took great big chunks of my cervix out but only got periody pains afterwards, nothing too bad.

Sushipaws · 31/05/2008 20:05

Hi,

I had this done about 5 years ago and I thought it was uncomfortable but not very painful. I didn't bleed much afterwards and I have had clear smears since.

The things I didn't like was the smell, very strange, burnt cervix, yum yum. And afterwards I got really emotional and had to have a cry even though I'd been fine about the proceedure before.

Good Luck, I'm sure you'll be fine and it'll all be worth it.

supercherry · 31/05/2008 20:20

Well, I a bg wimp so I insisted it was done under a general anaesthetic so no pain whatsoever. I don't remember it being uncomfortable afterwards either. Good Luck! x

meglet · 31/05/2008 20:41

supercherry I am glad I'm not the only wimp .

Original poster
lottiesmummy · 31/05/2008 20:47

thanks for all your messages

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 31/05/2008 20:58

I'm so glad I'm not the only person who cryed! I'm not sure why, it didn't hurt at all. I had 2 nurses with me, one held my hand, the other wiped my tears. (I think I was a bit nervous as DS was only 3 months old)

I got to see a close up of my cervix on a TV screen above my head. They also put a fan on to eliminate the smell of burning.

I had no pain afterwards, and can't remember bleeding, but I was told to abstain from sex for 4 weeks.

Good luck

callmeovercautious · 31/05/2008 21:06

Same as the others really. I had a lovely picture of George Clooney to look at on the ceiling and the "earth" you as the loop is an elecric current. DP had a great laugh watching my cervix on the screen

I had a quick glance out of curiosity and then stared at George Took about 20mins and the Nurses are GREAT. I do not remember any pain, DP was in pain after 4weeks though

MrsCarrot · 31/05/2008 21:13

I asked them to turn the screen AWAY

Looked at some faded old Vettriano poster on the ceiling instead thinking, there is a man with a hot thing up my chuff and I am not happy about it.

Actually I thought fanny, only heard the word chuff on here the other day and I've been waiting to use it.

VictorianSqualor · 31/05/2008 22:55

Lynette, I think it's an emotional thing having someone burn part of you fanjo away!
thank fuck it doesn't feel as bad physically!
OP be prepared to cry, and dont worry, can your dp/h go in with you? Mien could have but i went in without him and felt too much of a wimp if I called him in