Colposcopy needed - smear result

[Anyfeckinusername]

Hi, I have been told I need a Colcoscopy as I have tested positive for HPV and gave irregular cell changes on my smear.

I've always kept my smears up to date, I'm late 40s and in a monogamous relationship.

I have to wait til the end of January as it's "low risk". I am wondering do I pull the plug and go private? I hate waiting. I've already spoken to the hospital department and there is no chance I'll be seen this side of Christmas.

I'm not panicking anymore although I was initially. But I don't u detained why I'm not either???? Inertia?

Anyone else been in my shoes?

Thank you

I've had 3 colposcopies over the years, all was well. End of January is not far away and I think you're throwing money away for something relatively low risk. I don't recall there being a sense of urgency at the time of mine. I wouldn't worry unduly

If they're happy to let you wait til the end of Jan then it isn't mega urgent so please don't waste your money. I've had one and it was all fine. These things have a habit of coming along at Christmas so it's on your mind, but please try not to worry.

Hey love ❤️

I've had 2 colposcopys now due to being positive for HPV and abnormal cells and with both times I was called early due to cancellations. Why don't you give the department a ring and just say you are a little worried and if possible could they keep you in mind if they have any cancellations in the future ☺️

We're almost halfway through December so January isn't too long to wait. Hope all goes well and try not to worry yourself. (I know easier said than done - but I got myself so worked up about it) xxx

I've been CIN 2-3 for the last few years and this seems like a perfectly normal wait time for a low risk patient.
Go private if you want but I get the feeling you'll be throwing money away.

I was told that if you test positive for HPV it can be years before it develops into something sinister

I’d just like to add that if you do opt to go private, you still may not be seen much sooner. Or if you are, you may not get the results any sooner.

Thank you all for replying. I am definitely taking comfort in the fact it's not being considered urgent.

@TheGoddessFreyja that's a good shout, thanks. Once my appt date comes through I'll call and offer to be available short notice - I'd love to be seen sooner! - and I am fairly local to the hospital. Not going to tell anyone asides from partner. They don't need to worry over Xmas too.

I also don't like the thought of two different systems managing it long term. I'd say the national cervical screening programme is the one to remain "in" with in case there are issues.

I had my smear results four weeks ago. Positive HPV and high grade abnormal changes. I had colposcopy two weeks later. And then a cervical punch biopsy. And the wait was terrible. The wait is still terrible awaiting the results. Its up to you if you think you can wait for the NHS appointment.

I had never missed a smear and they had always been clear - I had some symptoms (I didn't know they were symptoms) but I got out for a colposcopy and unfortunately I had bad news :(

If you can afford it I wouldn't wait - time is so important in these situations x

You poor thing, you must be out of your mind waiting on results - when are you expecting the biopsy results? X

They are downplaying so much of it, ie, it's classed as low grade so there is no risk - but if there was no risk I wouldn't need further examination. I am wondering though if even privately I have a rats chance of being seen before Xmas. I might make a few calls this afternoon and see. Thank you.

Sorry, what I should have said was, I hear you loud and clear and I'll act on what you say - and I'm really sorry you are going though a diagnosis and dealing with it.

They said 2-4 weeks, I'm on week 2 now x

@ForevermoreAnxious I know that feeling from precious biopsies. Horrendous wait. Hopefully news comes soon xxxxx definitely thinking of you. Will you let us know? Really hoping for good news for you and soon.

I’m going to ring around this afternoon when it’s quiet in work and see if I can get an appt quickly for private consultation.

Small update: got a callback from the private hospital. They can see me on the next colposcopy clinic on 16 January. That was the next one with this particular consultant (a friend recommended him).

I'm taking that appointment, and if the other one comes through more or less the same time I'll cancel it. I haven't received the date for the public clinic one yet.

@ForevermoreAnxious how are you doing? Any news?

I have been fast tracked to the 2nd Jan for the colposcopy.

Hiya. I goty results and I've got CIN-3 so I've been booked in for end of January to have a loop procedure done.

Hi love. My friend had the same loop procedure. I can imagine you just want all this behind you. I'm glad they're treating you quickly. X

Hello just updating in case anyone is trawling for info on these. I had my colposcopy and it looks like my abnormal cells have cleared themselves! I got a biopsy and will get results in six weeks but from what they said it is all a very good scenario.

Ah thats fab news love ☺️ hoping when you get the results it will be the same as what you've been told! such a stress isn't it but glad you've got that over with and your mind can rest a bit now xx

That’s great news OP 🌷

@Anyfeckinusername

sorry to jump on just wondered how you got on with your biopsy results?

Your story was very positive & reassuring to read. I had a colposcopy last august as my smear was low grade changes, at the colposcopy she said she couldn’t see anything abnormal and to come back in 6months to check. Just been back in feb for a smear & colposcopy at the same time, she said again she couldn’t see any abnormalities but i’ve just had my smear results which have come back low grade changes again, now feeling extremely anxious and worried if she missed something during colposcopy, so just trawling recent threads to see how people got on with their experiences:)

Don’t worry they won’t have missed anything! The “changes” are the cells that are infected by the virus. Your cervix has been looked at both by eye and under a microscope and they are only seeing very minimal changes, so please be reassured by that.

@MsMoody

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, i honestly find it so reassuring just hearing someone else’s perspective on situations. I’m a terrible worrier and always have that niggling ‘what if’ feeling in situations like this. Very grateful to be in the system and have these things picked up on and monitored/checked out. Will feel more at ease after speaking with the doctor to see i’ll have more checks to see if they can find the source of where the cell changes are.

Hi @m4rylou

Sorry, I don't see your post last week. My biopsy results came back back as normal! Nothing to see here! I'll be recalled annually for a smear from now on. All good!

I also in the same window of time found a lump in my breast. I ended up getting a mammogram and a biopsy in the same week as the colposcopy. Thst also came back as normal. I feel like I've had a female MOT!

Good luck to you too! I hope it's all going ok for you :)