gotta have colposcopy-whats it like?!

TheCatCameBack

Sorry to drag this thread back up...

I've had a letter through saying I need a Colposcopy due to them having found moderate dyskaryosis. If I need treatment/biopsy and I have an injection for local anesthetic in my leg - can I drive afterward? I live quite far from the hospital and don't fancy the walk!

Having read through everyone's posts I feel a bit better about it, but still not looking forward to it!

thegirlintheattic

Don't know about the procedure. But even if it is the big C they can get rid of it these days. A friends mum has just been given the all clear.

Mad-Frog

Thecatcomeback
I won't tell you not to worry as I was a nervous wreck. As others on the thread before you have posted you have legs in stirrups they have a 'fiddle' and then it is done. It didn't hurt for me just a sensation like having a toe nail clipped, beware of the smell afterwards as others previously posted a vinegar like smell. I didn't have an injection but not sure from your post whether you will have treatment at the same time, phone the consultant and ask them, the one I went to where very nice, as were the nurses who chat about your holidays, the weather etc while the consultant is busy elsewhere

I think my follow up was three months later and they then did a normal smear, I would go to that consultant any day for a smear I didn't feel a thing, although there was a student in the room but hey they have to learn somehow I suppose

anniemf2508

TheCatCameBack wrote: »

Sorry to drag this thread back up...

I've had a letter through saying I need a Colposcopy due to them having found moderate dyskaryosis. If I need treatment/biopsy and I have an injection for local anesthetic in my leg - can I drive afterward? I live quite far from the hospital and don't fancy the walk!

Having read through everyone's posts I feel a bit better about it, but still not looking forward to it!

i drove home after my treatment, might be a good idea to take someone with you just in case tho ?

Lexxx

I had one, over 20 years ago, i found it uncomfortable & slightly embarrassing.
On my back with my legs up in stirrups showing the world what i had for breakfast for hours!:D probably was only about 20/30 mins

It didn't hurt, like other posters have said, you feel a tugging, I do remember hearing snipping sounds like a scissors, not sure if i heard correctly.
but the worse part for me was after it was all over and i was dressed and sitting at doctors desk, i saw the bits of me floating around in a jar on desk, i nearly passed out:eek:

Nothing was found, i had regular smears every 4/6 months for about 2 years and then went back to normal smears, all normal

TheCatCameBack

Lexxx wrote: »

i saw the bits of me floating around in a jar on desk, i nearly passed out:eek:

Hah, don't like the sound of that much!

I'm sure I can convince my mum to take the day off and come with me - OH doesn't drive, unfortunately.

Absinthe_2

I think its done with any abnormal results, just to be on the safe side. Just a little embarrassment, and uncomfortableness, as is usual with smear tests. Better than risking cervical cancer.

Pollycat

I had a colposcopy a couple of years ago and it was far, far more painful than a smear (for me).

I felt sick & dizzy afterwards and almost passed out on the examination table.

I had to sit in the hospital cafe for at least half an hour before I felt OK enough to walk any distance and even cried in the toilets.

BUT - I haven't had any children and apparently it's more painful for us as the cervix has never been fully dilated.

I appreciate that you may not like reading this (especially if you're childless like me) but I just wanted to say it might be worth taking someone with you.

fluffnutter

I had a colposcopy about ten years ago. They crank the bed thing right up in the air so that the gynaecologist is staring right up your mooer. When they'd finished they said 'don't get down yet, stay there' and I panicked saying 'Oh my God, I'm haemorrhaging aren't I!' and the nurse had to say 'don't be silly, you're just five feet up in the air'. Plus I was so nervous I completely tensed up and she couldn't get the speculum out

They're not the nicest way to spend half an hour but they're necessary and you're highly unlikely to have any problems afterwards. If anyone is worrying about a colposcopy, try to remember that many, many women go through the same thing and come out the other side, and in a few short moments it will all be over.

The subsequent yearly smears are a pain, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

starsandmoon

I have had this treatment twice and each time I have been using hormone based contraception. First time was whilst on the pill and the second was after having the Mirena coil in for a year. Hospital say its a coincidence, hmmm. The first time treatment was ok, didnt hurt and I was fine, the second time however was more serious and I had most of my cervix removed.

This didnt hurt either, I had anesthetic injected into my cervix (feels cold rather than painful). Nurses were lovely. Horrible bit was there was a burning flesh smell and I had sooty type discharge afterwards, not nice.

Take someone with you as although I was ok I nearly fainted afterwards, luckily I was in the hospital cafe but it took a while before I felt ok to go home.

I can not have any more children now as my cervix can not hold a pregnancy. I had a copper coil put in and had to go to a clinic to have it done due to the state of my cervix and that was more painful than the treatment I had!