colposcopy and time off work

[BusyBB]

I have to go for a colposcopy, with possible treatment to remove cells. The appointment is booked for my day off, but I'm wondering if I will need to take the following day or days off.

I work with teenagers with behaviour and disabilities, so my job involves physical stuff such as moving and washing clients, restraining clients and running short distances.

I have read a lot about the procedure but wanted to hear from real people that have experienced it. Thanks!

I went back to work the day after mine (had cells removed) i was bleeding a bit and it was like
Ike a strong period pain...
I sit at a desk all day mind you.

I have had lletz and they recommend no sport or physical activity for I think it was two weeks after it is done....I explained the job I was in to the consultant doing it (emergency services) and I was given a Letter to say I needed to be on light duties for two weeks, ie not front line duties.

There is a risk of infection and bleeding with strain, in your job, the restraining aspect especially you shouldn’t do. I would therefore do the same as what I did if you have the treatment done.

You are fit to work, just an desk role for a few weeks.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/colposcopy/treatment/

I had a colposcopy and biopsy and was back in work the same day with light cramping, I'm a primary teacher.

I had a few days off after each colonoscopy, I had LLETZ each time. What I found was that, beside the cramping, which was like period pain, I also had a heavy bleed a couple of days after each. Which included black ashy discharge, which was a bit grim.

I'd definitely take the next day off, if only to rest and recover.

Obviously my post should say colposcopy, my auto correct thinks I've had colonoscopy!

Hi, in booked in for a colposcopy next week and in really anxious about it all. Is it a painful procedure?

I had a biopsy and 2 days off work. I was crampy and tender.

Then I had a general anaesthetic for my 2 LLETZ treatments. Again I was off work for a few days each time while it settled down.

Don't go to work for a couple of days .

@DanceDanceDance80 I wouldn't say the colposcopy it's self is painful, just like a smear test.
If you have LLETZ it is quite uncomfortable but they will use anaesthetic.

I know it's easier said than done but the more relaxed you are, the easier it is.

I took no time off and ended up having a very messy and upsetting biopsy as it was too bad for treatment on the day. A friend had the procedure but the equipment had a fault and sparked, causing burns on her skin and obviously quite shocking emotionally too.

If I had to go again, I would:

• book a whole day off (but be prepared to take more)
• have someone drive me there and back
• arrange for someone to be with me at home for a while afterwards

Even if you don't get bad news, or have an unusually difficult experience, it's not particularly pleasant so having company is better.

@DanceDanceDance80 it’s not painful as others have said it’s just uncomfortable.
Your legs are in stirrups, I think they use a nubbing cream then it’s local anaesthetic.
The local anaesthetic initially makes your legs shake and heart race for a few seconds but that stops quickly. Then it’s just like having a smear. They offer you to watch the procedure on a tv screen... I declined 🙈🙈🙈🙈 It’s over pretty quickly.

You need someone to drive you home after though as you can’t drive.

@DanceDanceDance80 I was describing Lletz rather than the colp.. that for me was just like a smear.. they then took a punch biopsy which just felt like an injection.

I had quite a lot of bleeding and wish I'd taken the day off work as I bled through my pad and trousers and on the seat. Work chums were obviously great but I did find it stressful. Perhaps book to take the day off and let your boss know you'll see how you feel if you can go in.

Thanks everyone for your replies! I will have my husband to drive me there and back, then he'll be around for the rest of the day. I'll have to see how I am and let work know about the following day.
Hope yours goes okay @DanceDanceDance80

I'm off for this tomorrow. Kacking myself if I'm honest 🥺

@eternallybaffled Hope it is okay!

Same to you @BusyBB
Tbh I'd never heard of LLETZ before I had my first colposcopy and this is the only place I've heard (seen) anyone else discuss it. Quite glad I seen your post, I don't feel so odd now

@eternallybaffled Its the sort of semi embarrassing thing that I'd only discuss irl with very close friends/family, none of which have needed one! I'm glad to have this anonymous pool of info!

I had colposcomys and biopsys every three months for three years, never needed a day off, walked home from hospital
It is uncomfortable but no worse than a smear in fact I think it's less uncomfortable than a smear. Did bleed afterwards and like a pp said got the dark discharge but it's fine and you will be fine, good luck ☺

Had LLETZ yesterday. Less discomfort than the biopsy, was in and out in around 40mins. Just crampy (like period pains) yesterday and this morning. Was advised to rest the remainder of yesterday and avoid any heavy lifting/strenuous exercise for around 3 weeks. Such a shame, was just considering returning to the gym....ah well 🤷🏻‍♀️

@eternallybaffled glad it went okay! and that's such a shame about the gym... I was hoping to get back to my running but there's really no point if I'll have to stop again next week!? never mind, maybe in the new year!