Why have I gone into instant panic mode at this letter?

[totallyoutnumbered]

That's it really 😞

Because it's the letter you don't want to get after your smear! We have the smear so we can get the other letter!

On the other hand, at least they'll be checking there's nothing nasty happening. Better than not checking.

And in fact, this is why we have the smear, despite my second sentence!

Everybody panics when they get that letter, that's why. I won't say 'Don't worry' because that's pointless, but rest assured that what it says is true - in all likelihood there is nothing wrong and you'll carry on being as healthy as you have been.

Thanks for replying. I know. I do know this but it just hit me like a truck 😬

This is the system working OP. This is how screening saves lives. By doing further checks where needed - this is all that's in the letter - so that the tiny fraction of women who need treatment get it, and go on to live full lives.
Take a deep breath, read the leaflet, wait for the appointment, and repeat to yourself, "This is how screening keeps me safe."
💐

I'm waiting for something similar. I keep telling myself it's boring, that the vast majority of people who get an extra screen don't need it, and those who do need it get treated. I'm just going through the motions and being compliant.

Thank you. I appreciate that x

This is a good thing. I had a similar letter in 2018, but mine was high grade (CIN3). The consultant was lovely, talked me through everything and showed me the removed bit at the end. The worst part of the colposcopy was the anaesthetic, you need to cough onto a needle so they can numb you, but the rest was absolutely fine so try and stay calm. They removed a 50p piece size of mine and confirmed that he’d got all the dodgy cells and didn’t think they were cancerous. Results confirming that came out a few weeks later.

Deep breaths, having this done now will prevent any change to cancerous in future for these cells.

I had this but many years ago. The letter of doom! The dyskariosis I had was more serious than yours (CIN 3) so I had a cone biopsy which is explorative and curative. Basically the precancerous cells in my cervix were removed in hospital & I stayed in for a few days. The cells are looked at & they ensure that the surgeon got all the rogue cells. Been fine for many many years since & had another baby. Lucky for you, yours has been caught really early but I don't know what method, if any is used to sort out the cells at an early stage. Don't worry, you will be fine! Thank heavens for smears.

Ah I see @AGreatUsername has also had it done! What method was used to remove your dodgy cells? Does the colposcopy remove them or is that just what is used to view the cervix?

Actually now you come to mention it @CherryRipe1 it may have been a cone biopsy! I do remember being surprised at having treatment done there and then so maybe I’m getting muddled up!

Ouch to coughing on a needle. I'm really glad to hear that you're fit and well. Thanks for taking the time to reply x

Indeed. Thank heavens. I'm really glad that you're also well and healthy. I just went straight to " I have cancer and my kids will have no one mode" Not like me at all usually but I've had the jangliest of weeks already xxx

I had this last year! It was 8 months between getting the letter and my actual appointment. I was really nervous for the appointment but it was no different from a smear, just took a little longer and they told me there and then that everything looked fine and I was discharged! I know it’s easy to say, but try not to worry :)

I've had the jangliest of weeks that should've said

I had the "abnormal cells" letter in my twenties. I had to go back two more times for examinations and a "cell scraping" which was not pleasant. It was very stressful and I was going through a divorce at the time, so it was the last thing I needed.

The scrape showed that the cells were definitely not normal and then I had to go to the hospital for some kind of laser thing which was fucking terrifying. By this point I had already written my own eulogy, so convinced was I that I had full blown cancer.

The procedure worked. I had annual smears for 3 years after that and now I have a smear every 3 years. No further anomalies.

The system works. Be glad of the letter. Trust. ✌️

(I apologise in advance if this appears as a wall of text. My MN app has updated and it no longer respects my formatting)

I had this. Went to colposcopy, I had abnormal cells. They removed them by surgery and I was good to go. Had yearly smears for about 10 years. Always came back clear. 17 years on and still clear
Try not to panic too much

Just joining in. Had this letter in 2009, I think they found CIN3. Had the laser thing to remove the abnormal cells. Then had 2 healthy pregnancies and so far all is fine.

@totallyoutnumbered Thank you. Luckily I had a nurse neighbour who'd been through similar calm me down but it is scary getting that letter.
@AGreatUsername I had a look on the NHS site and if done under local anesthetic & colposcopy, a heated wire loop gets rid of nasty bits but a cone biopsy is done under general. I remember the ob/gn saying these procedures had very high success rates. 🙂

Had this letter last year. At the colposcopy the consultant offered to do a loop thingy - a local anaesthetic and burnt the cells off. It was a bit weird but fine and very quick. He did it there and then so I didn't have to come back, but I could have made another appointment had I wished. At my next smear there were no abnormal cells and I'm also clear for HPV now. So all good! This is the smear test screening working, deep breath and no need to panic x

Thank you for all taking the time
to reply. I've spoken to a couple of friends who've said the same. Love Mumsnet for the extra "friends" support. I'm not panicking now but just want it dealt with xx

Quick update for anyone who gets a similar letter. Had my colposcopy and got the all clear. I can breathe out now. Thank you to everyone who replied x

I'm really pleased for you! And breathe....!

Thank you. I know you're going through similar so sending good wishes. The colposcopy was super quick and I watched it on the screen. Like an out of body experience 😳

Great news @totallyoutnumbered . Huge relief for you.

Good news OP! I had this exact letter 3 weeks ago, but the cells were severe, not low grade. I did have a bit of panic, but during the colposcopy they cleared all the cells - it was over in 10 mins. Phew!