gotta have colposcopy-whats it like?!

Bloomin_Freezing2

Metranil_Vavin wrote: »

I've had a few colposcopy's and had to have some cells removed via LLETZ.

The colposcopy's themselves are fine. They're just like smear tests, but a bit more thorough

I had one done week before last and they had it up on the screen so I could watch the action first hand :eek: I have to say I wasn't that keen, even though the doctor kept pointing out 'interesting facts' about my cervix :rotfl:

I had a tv screen to watch too, plus several student doctors!!:eek:

try not to worry OP, it's not that bad really, I had to have some cells burned away, wasn't too uncomfortable, more the audience I had lol. I had some very very light bleeding for a couple of days and minor cramps. All well worth going through. That was almost 10 years ago now and I am on yearly smears, nothng bad since then.

Bridesmaid83

it's no big deal at all and nothing to worry about. I had one two years ago and it pinched when the doctor took the tissue sample and there was a bit of discomfort but honestly a smear is more uncomfortable than a colposcopy. good luck.

Amanda65

I've had a colposcopy (17 years ago ) and this was followed up with LETZZ cone treatment. My consultant explained that the cells were abnormal and MIGHT turn nasty so best to remove them just in case. I then went on to have DS a year later.

The colposcopy itself was a little uncomfortable but no more than that - I think the worse thing though was the smell of vinegar emanating from me afterwards :eek: I did feel quite emotional afterwards - sat in the car and had a bit of a weep with OH as I think the 'what if's' hit me. But here I am, 17 years later, no further problems and in fact received a letter for my 5 year call up last week so will make the appointment next week now you've jogged my mind. Good luck xx

caledonian_princess

I had a colposcopy 7 years ago and was subsequently treated with LLETZ as a day patient. I was knocked out for the LLETZ so just had to deal with the after effects of the anaesthetic and what felt like a bad period for a few days. The colposcopy was pretty straightforward, as has already been said I had the chance to see my insides in glorious technicolour as did the nurse, doctor and two students who were in attendance - I was asked if I minded the students being there but they have to learn somewhere - imagine if every woman said no. The nurse was lovely, holding my hand and generally behaving as you'd expect a nurse to. The doctor painted everything with an acid wash then, following the indications from the wash, he took a biopsy which was no more than a little tug - it felt strange but not painful. I was treated kindly and with respect; the doctor took the time to explain what he was doing and why, tbh, I think I might have preferred not to have the points of interest on my cervix pointed out to me but on the whole it was an ok experience.

Take some external sanitary protection, whatever you normally take for period pain and don't wear your favourite underwear.

Good luck, it's not that bad.

Mips

Nothing to worry about - I waited 8 years with an abnormal result before I got the courage to go back to the doctors. When I went back, it was severe dyskaryosis ! Which wasn't bad considering it had been left for 8 years!

I had the colposcopy done, and they offered to treat me right then and there. They did a LLETZ on me, which was painless.. and you can see (if you wish) on the screen. They took the biopsy, which was a large piece of the cervix... I felt like they'd stolen something from me

.. anyways.. none of it hurt, went for an other one 6 months later and got a clean bill of health!

Don't get wound up, I read all the sites and was convinced I'd be dead within 6 months... but I am fine and so relieved, and I am the biggest baby ever!

74jax

zoesmummy_2006 wrote: »

I had a smear last year that showed minor changed so had to have another 6 months later, that was week n bit ago. had results this morn and still showing minor changes, so theyve referred me to hospital for a colposcopy and if that shows more abnormalaties i have to have a local and the cells removed.

Im a single mum so dont have a partner to share my worries with, but my family n 2 best friends know, one has said shes gonna take me to hosp etc. The leaflet woth the letter said it isnt cancer and doesnt mean it will lead to etc, but that it needs investigating/treating.

No one i know has had this, so was just wondering if anyone had and could offer any advice/comfort lol.

Sorry if i sound pathetic, i just feel like its one thing after another in my life at the min-surely im due summat good by now lol x

When I had mine done, I had to have three injections and wait a while for them to take effect. The two people doing the procedure talked to me about general chit chat whilst waiting - this was worse than if they'd just ignored me (legs up in stirrups, 'so what's the weather like today') They then told me they were going to start the procedure, however one of the injections hadn't taken and the burning sensation was horrid, I jumped and caused them to catch somewhere else - so needed to have a forth injection before they could start.

No-one had mentioned the burning smell that you have when it's happening. I asked if I could see what they were doing (as I'm nosey like that) and they were more than accommodating, saying many people choose to see.

I wouldn't plan on going back to work afterwards, I spent the afternoon sleeping.

Former_MSE_Andrea

Hi guys

Just a reminder, asking for support is fine, but please don't make suggestions about taking medication in relation to things like this. Always check with your doctor what can and can't be taken before you go.

Andrea

bargainbetty

If, like me, you are allergic to shellfish, be sure to tell the doctor. I wasn't asked about any allergies other than medical ones and it cost me dear! The iodine that is painted on your cervix shouldn't hurt, but does contain a shellfish extract that I reacted to and the vinegar wash over that wasn't pleasant either! I ended up having the double-biopsy (which was the least awkward bit, two sharp pinches and it's over) because the reaction was so severe they thought I was borderline for cancer. Turned out I had only mild dyskarosis but a violent allergic reaction!

I spotted/bled for seven weeks and the internal itching drove me mental for a month! It is a 1-10,000 reaction, but do make sure you mention any allergies just in case!

I echo the sentiments about pads, old pants and no work in the afternoon. Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine!

pearl123

Definately, don't plan to do anything after it. Go home and completely relax. Bed is a good option, maybe with a good book.

jackieblack

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

Hi guys

Just a reminder, asking for support is fine, but please don't make suggestions about taking medication in relation to things like this. Always check with your doctor what can and can't be taken before you go.

Andrea

Sorry.

Will re-phrase..... I'm not a doctor and would not suggest what medication you should take, but the standard leaflet given out to everyone having a colposcopy by the hospital advised taking paracetamol and/or ibuprofen before attending.