Smear test recall - nervous

[tvod2244]

I guess I'm just looking for a hand-hold and some reassurance.
I was invited for my first smear test last year which came back as HPV positive. They were unable to tell from the sample whether or not I had/have abnormal cells.
Later this week I have my yearly recall (so my 2nd smear test) to re-check whether the HPV is still present and whether I have any abnormal cells.
The more I think about it and research, the more nervous I am getting. Not for the smear itself, but for the potential results 😔
Has anyone been through this before and have any words of advice? Thank you so much xx

I had an abnormal smear a few years back where they had detected abnormal cells, and was referred to the hospital for a colposcopy so they could have a better look at the cells.

I felt the same as you, but the colposcopy was absolutely fine - I find smears painful, but strangely at the hospital it was only mildly uncomfortable with the special chair and better speculums. They discovered a small amount of abnormal cells which didn't require treatment, and on subsequent smears I've been all clear.
If they had found abnormal cells above a certain threshold, they would have performed a procedure there and then where they use a targeted laser to remove them. Abnormal cells are not cancer, and don't mean you are definitely going to go on to develop cancer. It means that if abnormal cells above a certain threshold are left with no treatment, there is a chance they can develop into cancer over time.

Please don't panic - the whole point of smears is that the threshold for further investigation is extremely low, so they can treat the tiny tiny minority of people at higher risk as early as possible.

Thank you SO much, your reply has really helped put my mind at ease. I'm glad to hear you're OK 💕 xx