CIN3

[oonrug]

Hi, I was looking for some advice and experiences on this if possible.

After an abnormal smear test, followed by a colposcopy and biopsy I have found out that I have CIN3. I will be going for treatment within the next 2 weeks to get LLETZ to laser off the cells.

Just wondering if anyone has had this before? I am so worried and am constantly asking myself

1. Could this be cervical cancer? I know CIN3 isn't cancer but could they find something further after the LLETZ?
2. Will this affect my fertility, im only 25 and really want children so this is terrifying me.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Hi, I had LLETZ for CIN3 back in 2018. They may find something more concerning during the procedure as they use a camera and can see better, however this is unlikely. My consultant told me during the procedure that it looked benign to him, and it was. The worst part (except from the indignity!) was coughing onto the needle several times to numb the area, it is hard to force yourself to do it!

I don’t think a single LLETZ has any impact on child bearing. Best of luck.

@AGreatUsername thank you so much for your comment, I'm so glad everything was ok for you. It's very reassuring to hear a story with a positive outcome.

I thought that if it was cancer or anything, this would come up on the biopsy? Or am I wrong?

I've been doing the worst thing and googling everything!!

Ah I’m not sure on that, I assume it would yes. I didn’t have a biopsy, I went for a colonoscopy and they treated me on the spot which totally threw me as I’d expected to be brought back!

@AGreatUsername I've read about some being treated there and then, that must have been scary! But atleast you got it all done there and then and didn't have to think about having to go back I suppose

I think the reason I have had to go back is because they originally told me my abnormal cells were low grade, but after colposcopy and biopsy they confirmed CIN3 so going to have it removed.

I'm sorry you going through this - it can be really scary and your mind can go into overdrive at times.

First of all, I would write down any questions you need answers to and take the list with you. That way you won't forget any of them.

I was in your shoes at practically the same age - same diagnosis and treatment. That was 30 years ago and I have been clear ever since. I also went on to have three healthy children. 🙂

Sending you positive vibes. X

@chickenfeathers thank you so much for your reply. I'm so glad to hear that it was all fine for you and you had 3 healthy children afterwards

I have been feeling so lonely since I found out and as if I'm the only person going through it, so always like to hear others experiences, I think I've built it up to be worse in my head.

Yes will definitely take some questions with me on the day to hopefully put my mind at rest a bit more x

I've been through this and it is such a frightening experience. Don't worry! There is a possibility they could find something else but this is only a small chance. I had a LLETZ September 2020 and was clear of all CIN on my smears since. I was pregnant in May 2021 (so it doesn't effect fertility). I had to have an extra few cervical scans during my pregnancy to ensure the cervix was a good length. Mine was fine and I had my boy just a day early x

I had LLETZ a few years ago to remove CIN3. My initial colposcopy invitation said they’d identified low grade changes so I was shocked and a bit panicked to discover it was CIN3.

The procedure itself was absolutely fine, and I don’t remember having to cough as a PP mentioned. It was all over fairly quickly and there was no pain at all. The worst part for me was no tampons or baths for several weeks afterwards. Don’t be worried by the weird discharge either (sorry if TMI!)

Get some ibuprofen, a hot water bottle, fluffy blanket and some nice treats to eat ready for when you get home. I had some mild cramps afterwards but nothing worse than normal period pains and felt a bit sorry for myself (but that was more psychological then physical.)

pretty sure you will already have been told but it’s best to arrange lifts and not plan to drive back- apparently some people can feel a bit faint after their cervix is poked and prodded. I would have been fine driving after mine but had arranged to get a taxi to be on the safe side.

when they’ve removed the cells, they send it off to the lab to make sure it’s definitely CIN and also to make sure they’ve got a margin of clear cells around the outside (to make sure they’ve definitely removed everything)- you’ll get a results letter but I can’t remember the timescales.

I wasn’t planning more children after mine but I know of a few friends who’ve had the procedure and have been absolutely fine in pregnancy. It’s just something to flag with your midwife early on.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!

Had this at 41 years old - and didn't feel a thing during. Been a year and everything clear since - was so worried but the nurses were brilliant. Had no pain after and went right back to work! No naughty business for a bit though!!

Very similar to a PP, had my tx for CIN3 30 years ago ( under a GA purely because I’m a wimp and back then they obliged) ….. afterwards mild period cramps and very mild bleeding…feet up for a few days with paracetamol and next period told to use pads not tampons….for the first 2 years I had smears 3 monthly,for the next couple of years every 6 months , after that was put in “ normal recall”…. Thank fully all was absolutely fine and has remained so…..good luck, it’s a worrying time but I’m sure all will work out well…. To this day I’m evangelical about smear tests and am so thankful to our NHS …. Xx

Oh and I was told no sex for 6 weeks, I managed 4 weeks and all has been well ever since thankfully…..but make sure you stick to the guidelines…

I had this years ago and don't recall giving a single thought to it possibly being cancer. The point is that it's pre-cancerous cells which need to be removed.

The local was stingy but quick, I don't remember any coughing like a previous poster. I had really bad cramps for the rest of the day, but was fine by morning. Discharge for quite a few weeks though, which was lovely...

@Catquestion thanks so much for your reply. Exactly the same as me!! Initially told it was low grade but after my colposcopy I received a letter saying CIN3 so was extremely shocked and worried.

My appointment is next week, I just can't wait for it to be over and hope everything goes ok x

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies and experiences, it has put my mind at ease to read others stories on CIN3.

My biggest worry is the not being able to have children, but from some of the replies there are many people who have had the procedure and had children afterwards.

My appointment is next week, dreading it but also just want it all to be over so I can move on with my life! Thanks again all x

Waiting is the worst bit! Hopefully the time doesn’t pass too slowly and I hope everything goes ok- come on here and let us know how you get on.

You could ask the person doing the procedure how much they had to remove- the won’t necessarily be able to tell you anything about pregnancy implications but it will either reassure you, or at the very least give you some further information you can use to have a conversation with your GP/ practice nurse about any likely pregnancy impacts (they can always have a quick look at your cervix too to see for themselves)

Good luck x

I had this about 30years ago
Straight forward procedure, with 6 monthly smears for a few years, then annuals. I think all in, that was for 10 years, and then back to 3 yearly. You will be fine x

Oh and to follow my post, I went on to have 3 children

@Catquestion thank you, I've read a lot of stuff saying that it doesn't impact future pregnancies, but it's still a worry at the back of my mind. I don't have long to wait now, I'm hoping that I'll feel relief once the appointment is over. I will definitely come on and update afterwards x

@CaroleFuckingBaskin aww that's really reassuring to read, thank you for commenting. I feel like right now it feels like a massive life changing thing, where as in a few years I'll prob look back and think why was I worrying so much x

I had one a few years ago. Also cin3. Have since had a baby. He's actually nearly 5 years now! Didn't affect fertility for me. There was talk of a cervical stitch during pregnancy but it wasn't needed in the end.

Hi all, thought I would update.

Had the procedure, wasn't as bad as I thought but don't feel the best now. Should hear from them in around 3 weeks so it's just the waiting now.

Thanks again for all of your replies and support, it's been really helpful for me xx

Hope you have a swift recovery OP.

I also had the LLETZ procedure at 25 after my first smear returned abnormal cells. I had DS age 30 and had a completely normal pregnancy, if that helps to reassure you. All my subsequent smears have also been completely normal.

@GiltEdges aww thank you for sharing this, so glad everything was fine for you. It's nice to hear actual experiences because most of the stuff on Google is quite negative (I know I shouldn't Google but I couldn't help it haha)

Thanks again for your comment x

sorry to hear you’re not feeling great now….you need an afternoon/ evening on the sofa with a fluffy blanket (or duvet), some feel good TV and nice treats. A hot water bottle and ibuprofen will help.

hope you’re feeling better very soon.

Hi all, just an update if anyone is still even gonna see this lol!

But had my letter back today from my LLETZ, they found CIN2. It said that one treatment is usually enough, but I will have to go back in 4 months for a check up.

So I think that's a good sign?? Thank you all for the advice and support it's been really helpful xx