Problems with smear.......starting to worry.

[breeze]

Been experiencing bleeding in between periods, and the need to pass urine more often, I went to the clinic who rules out any infections, and was advised to go to the doctor and have a smear, even though I was not due one for another 2 years.
I hate the whole process of the smear and the nurse made no effort to distract me or make me feel at home (Although she was not horrid). Before she had done the smear she told me the results would be back in 4 weeks time. After the smear she said you will hear from us in about a weeks time, I asked her why not the 4 weeks as mentioned earlier, she said that she found some red-ness up there and it looks sore and obviously something is not right, at this point I just went into a blind panic and thought of the dreaded (c) word, she told me to try not to worry, and as she was running very late and had a room full of people I left.
Just wanted to know if anyone has experienced anything similar. Telling me not to worry is like telling me not to breathe.

Hi Pluto, Sorry I missed this one, sorry about your problems hope it went ok? breeze

Sorry, have not read all this thread as it is so long. Just want to add my experience as an older person (42) in case it is any help.

I had to have colcoscopy when I was 31. The cells in question had reached the final precancerous stage and that was over the course of a year, since I have a smear test every year.

I had 6mm scraped from my cervix. It was a little uncomfortable, but a quick procedure, and I went home prepared to rest for 24 hours but actually felt fine. I have had no further symptoms. I was told that the incidence of cancer in women who have had colcoscopy is no higher than in those who haven't.

I still have a smear test once a year, though, as I satisfy most of the criteria for being in a high-risk group. I have found that once you explain your reasons to your doctor they are happy to give you annual smear tests.

Hello again. Some developments over the last month... had the colposcopy examination but doctor couldn't see much to be concerned about so rather than going ahead with treatment he sent a biopsy away . This came back with CIN3 so I returned to the clinic for loop diathermy treatment. Didn't hurt but not very dignified! The results of that are now back with CIN2 and CIN 3 cells present but apparently the treatment I've had so far in most cases is enough to sort the problem out. Nagging away at the back my mind is the fact I've been called back to the colposcopy clinic in April for my next smear(and possible treatment). The doctor told me at my previous visit this was done in cases where there is a more significant concern, women they feel more confident about go to their GP. Of course all the cells are pre cancer so I'm sure it'll be OK in the end - I don't want to make a drama out of a crisis. DH is aware now but I have avoided telling control freak mother and doting father! The moral of the story is..MAKE SURE YOU GO FOR YOUR SMEAR TEST. I've always attended my 3 yearly call up but the implications would have been potentially much more significant than they are now if I hadn't.

Here, here. I had colposcopy and laser treatment under a general 4 years ago. Up until then I hadn't had a smear test for 10 years. I was stupidly embarrassed. It was a friend who made me attend the one where the abnormality was found. Thank goodness I did. It was treated successfully but had to go back to the hospital for smears until I had 3 clear ones. Now have yearly smears at GP. Next one due now. Not pleasant but would never miss again

Hi, hope you are ok now, Breeze. sorry to ressurect this thread but have just had results of yearly smear after CIN3 and colposcopy 4 years ago and i've got abnormal cells again. I was told that after treatment they are unlikely to return so am really upset. Has anyone had a return of abnormal cells after treatment? I need colposcopy again and am really worried.

Magnum - So sorry about that. I have no experience of this at all.
Just thought I'd update y'all on Breeze..... she has had a follow up smear but has to wait 8 weeks for the result! They are no closer to working out what is causing the ongoing bleeding.
But I'm sure she will post here once she has the results.

Wondering if anyone who is on tonight has had any experience of going through this twice. Please post if anyone does as I am really worried. Thanks in advance. magnum x

anyone??

Sorry I have no experience of this .It must be very worrying for you- I hope it turns out to be unecessary worry.Also hope someone else can help you more. THinking of you

Thanks for replying GRMUM, maybe i'm on my own with this one!

Magnum sorry to hear your news I have only had this once and had lazer treatment too.I haven't read all the posts but It seems to me that this is so common more than I thought.1 I haven't had a smear test(due to fear of finding something)for 2 years now and I will now book an appoiontment in the week.2.I will be thinking of you and I do know what you must be going through.I hope you find the support you are looking for.One thing though it must be likley to come back in some case's again because otherwise they wouldn't have us all in for annual checks so you can't be the only one.Hpoe it all turns out O.K for you

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This thread is soooo timely. in the next couple of weeks and I'm cr*pping myself about it, frankly.

Four years ago I had a colposcopy. I never followed it up - I know I was supposed to have further treatment but I just got too scared and 'forgot' about it (although of course I didn't forget for a second!) I then had another smear 2 years ago in the US and although the results of that were dodgy too (obviously!) I never did anything about that either. Last week I got a letter from my new GP requesting I come in for a smear 'now that my treatment is over'...

I am SO stupid. I'm terrified of what they might find and can't believe I have just tried to sweep this under the carpet for so long. I'm such an idiot. This thread has made me feel marginally better but I can't believe I'm so dumb. Does it really take 10 years to develop? Sorry, am panicking a bit

ooops. First sentence should read 'I'm due for another smear in the next couple of weeks...'

Moominmama and magnum, have only just seen this.

Magnum first - try not to worry (easy to say, I know that feeling of panic very well). I had CIN3, colposcopy, and loop diathermy 12 years ago. I then had clear smear tests for several years and then, after the birth of ds1, I had a dodgy one, which sent me into a blind spin of total panic (visions of dh holding my poor wee motherless babe by my graveside, you know the kind of thing). When I saw my GP however, she said the changes were marginal (I didn't need a colposcopy, but that could be something that varies from region to region - personally I think I would rather have had one to be 100% sure), they re-tested, and the subsequent test was FINE. I'm now back to 3-yearly tests and they have all (touch wood) been clear. I really hope this is the case with you, even if the changes are more significant, you know the figures - even CIN3 means something that may OR MAY NOT becomes cancerous in around ten years time. Everything is on your side, so please try not to worry too much. Keep us posted.

Moominmama, make an appointment FIRST THING Monday morning (nag, nag, nag). As I said above, yes it is ten years (and it still isn't carved in stone that you will develop cancer even with CIN3 level abnormalities) BUT don't leave it any longer. You may need treatment, but it's do-able - undignified and uncomfortable but nothing compared to childbirth I am going to come on here and nag you Monday so you had better make that appointment if you don't want to incur the wrath of Marthamoo (you wouldn't like me when I'm angry...)

Take care, both of you XX

Just caught up with this thread. Thankyou so much for your replies. Marthamoo, you have made me feel sooooooooooooo much better. I too have only given birth recently (7 mths ago) and they have said the changes this time are mild, but you don't hear that, all I heard was 'abnormal'. I keep thinking about my little girl growing up without a mum. I know its not rational but i can't help panicking. Even though the changes are mild I need to go for colposcopy again as my nurse thought it best to 'nip it in the bud' as I have had severe changes in the past. I keep thinking they will find something more serious on closer examination. I will let you know how I get on (appointment should be with me soon. )Also, Moominmama, I like you am really nervous of all this sort of thing but you need to get checked. Its true what everyone else has said about the length of time it takes to turn into something serious. I know it doesn't stop you worrying but getting checked and treated certainly will!! Its not pleasant but the feeling afterwards when you know you've got the all clear is worth it!!! Please let us know how you get on. Thinking of you xx

Thanks marthmoo and magnum. I'm going to call the doc's right now...

moominmama and magnum - how are you getting on?

Hi marthamoo I've got my appointment through for colposcopy and its 7th April!!! Such a long way off. I'm pleased in a way because it makes me think that they can't be too concerned this time as they're not exactly rushing me in (with CIN3 last time I was in within 2 weeks). On the other hand I'm worried in case it changed from mild to severe in the next couple of months I'm trying to forget all about it as i'm off on hols in just over 2 weeks and want to have a good time. thanks for checking on us marthamoo. Moominmama what's happened with you? Please let us know.

Magnum, I think you're right - if they were particularly concerned your appointment would be sooner (I don't think changes happen quite that fast so I think you can breathe easy for now )

Have a great holiday and forget all about it for now