As you may have seen on Instagram recently I have been through a bit of a rollercoaster and learnt so much on this journey. I know it’s not the “nicest” topic to talk about but I would like to help others understand what happens, what symptoms to look out for and most importantly: NEVER MISS A SMEAR TEST!
How it started
It all started with symptoms, which have been happening over the past year, symptoms which could be caused by a urine infection for example. I put down some of the symptoms to the fact I had a coil and I hadn’t had a period for the past three years and this is part of the reason why I left symptoms without seeking advice from the GP. It got towards the end of the year and I felt so tired, symptoms were still lingering around and I was questioning whether I had anaemia or something like that. So I finally went to the GP at the end of December 2016. They referred me for swobs, smear test (as it was due) and blood tests to get a bigger picture. The nurse said my cervix looked red whilst doing the smear and she checked with the doctor, who said they would not do anything until swobs came back.
Symptoms: not feeling complete when I had a pee, discharge, discomfort and period type pains (but no period).
Second visit to GP: I received my blood tests results which are all fine. Completely normal. One of my swobs came back invalid. My smear test results still hadn’t come back. Due to my blood being ok and the invalid swob the GP (this time a gaenacologist specialist) wanted to give me antibiotics to see if that cleared things up. She had now had a good look and said my cervix looked angry, it was red and inflamed. Which worried her.
So now I have symptoms and an angry looking cervix!
After a week of antibiotics I went back to see the same doctor, the specialist, who confirmed that along with my symptoms, my cervix hadn’t cleared up. So the antibiotics had not done anything. She said at this point we need to rule out cancer, she wasn’t waiting for my smear test and therefore booked me in for a Colposcopy.
The Colposcopy was a fortnight away! Sounded very much like a smear test, which I hate anyway, but I tried not to worry too much about it. Well, that was all until my smear test results came in.
Smear test results
On Tuesday of last week, I got home to a letter from the NHS, my smear test results. They said “abnormal cells, high grade (severe) dyskaryosis” and they need to be removed. I had the colposcopy booked anyway, for the coming Friday. So I didn’t have long to wait. I was scared. Not only did I have symptoms, an angry cervix I now had the third piece of the puzzle: abnormal cells.
I spoke at great length to my friends mum who explained what the letter meant: cells in our bodies multiply. Sometimes the cells mutate when they multiply and it’s those mutant cells that can then turn cancerous. A smear test doesn’t show cancer or not, it shows if the multiplying cells have mutated and need to be checked. Usually, these cells come back as abnormal as they’ve changed and a woman’s system makes them go back to normal. But in my case it had progressed and they needed to be cut out. I was told if they were left they would turn to cancer. Ok, so at this point I am thinking how glad I am for having a smear test exactly three years ago and also beating myself up that I didn’t see a doctor about my symptoms earlier.
The next day, the specialist doctor called me to discuss the smear test results. She basically said she was worried. She thought it was cancer when she first saw it and that the smear results have convinced her it is. Such an open ended comment. What does that mean? I had 48 hours to wait for my Colposcopy and it was the scariest 48 hours of my life. Has it spread? Will it be contained enough to be cut out? What is going to happen to me? These cells take around three years to develop into cancerous cells, that is why your smear tests are every three years!
So at this point, the morning of my Colposcopy, I had: the symptoms, the angry looking cervix, the high grade cells smear result and the fact my doctor thinks it’s cancer. Enough to give someone a headache!
The Colposcopy
This was relatively easy going. Similar to a smear test. You just have the added anxiety of what on earth is going on. The clinician discussed the procedure before hand, explaining that if he sees what the smear results suggest he will want to cut them out straight away. Not what I was expecting. They usually send a biopsy off to the lab and then assess what to do. I had to read a leaflet about the LLETZ (Loop) procedure and digest the side effects. Mainly that if I have another baby it might be premature as my cervix will be incomplete. Fine. Let’s get on with this.
The clinician sprays the cervix with a vinegar solution that shows the cells as a white ulcer type of thing on the screen. And sure enough this rounded area turned white.
So, I had a choice: do the loop procedure there and then with local anaesthetic. Come back and have it done on another day. Or come back and have it under general anaesthetic. My fight instincts kicked in and there was no choice: let’s get this over with. So he carried on.
The LLETZ (Loop) procedure
In the same position as the colposcopy, the clinician injects FOUR needles of anaesthetic into my cervix. Ouch! It was horrible. I hate injections. I was upset by this point and I started to feel ill. Sick, hot, faint, woozy- like I was drunk. It was horrible. They gave me an oxygen mask which helped to calm me down. Phew. Right let’s get this over with.
The clinician explained that the procedure will cut the threads on my coil, which will make it very difficult for the GP to take it out. So I immediately told him to take it out now, whilst it’s numb. He did. I didn’t feel it. I made the most of the anaesthetic.
He said it will feel really warm in a moment, no pains though. And within seconds I could feel the warm. It was actually bloody hot. I couldn’t feel pain so that was good. I could feel the blood trickling, which was horrible. It was all over in around 10 minutes. I didn’t feel the cauterisation or anything.
He said he couldn’t see any cells that looked like cancer, so if there are any cancerous cells they would be microscopic and if that’s the case he’s cut them out. Yippee.
After the treatment
When I got home and the anaesthetic wore off I can only describe the pain as severe period pains, the ones where you have to pant to get through them and thats with paracetamol. They lasted for a good few hours, then whittled down to every now and again. For the first five hours after treatment there was quite a bit of red blood. It has now changed to a bloody, tan discharge. Which is normal. There is also a little bit of charcoal like ashes in it, which again is normal (that’s from the cauterisation).
I cannot bath, swim or “you know what” for a good few weeks until the bloody discharge stops. The doctor wants to hear from me if it starts to sting when I need a wee, apparently we are prone to urine infections after this treatment. So fingers crossed that doesn’t happen too..
What’s next?
My cells are sent to the lab where they are analysed. They can tell from what was cut out whether there are any bad cells left. So I may have to go back and have more cut out. Or, that’s it. Until another 6 months when I have to get another smear test. They will keep a close eye on me now until it’s normal again.
I will let you know what the results say and what it means when they come back… the whole ordeal has left me feeing weak, tired and nauseous. I am really hopeful it shifts soon as I feel pretty useless. But at least I can offload on here! Isn’t it amazing what they can do in a 90 minute appointment?
I am very happy to answer any questions if you are worried or interested to know more! Otherwise, get your smear tests booked in ladies.
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Oh Sonia I am so sorry to read this! It must have been an awful time for you. Smear tests are so important to get done. I hope that everything comes back clear and you make a speedy recovery. Sending lots of love and hugs xxx
MummyConstant
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Thank you so much Kirsty. It’s been quite up and down. Not sure whether to worry or not etc. Fingers crossed it’s all good and no more looking at my angry cervix until my 6 month check haha xxx
Kara
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Oh sonia, i hadnt realised what yOu had been going through and feel awful that i moaned of being ill when all i had was flu. Glad to hear its been caught early and youve been treated – hopw yOu are feeling better soon xx
MummyConstant
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Don’t be a Wally. You can complain about flu. That’s a bastard! βΊI hope you’re feeling better my lovely. It’s not been a fabulous start to the year. Hopefully it’ll be good from now on xx
jenny paulin
Tuesday, February 7, 2017oh my goodness Sonia ! I remember reading a while back that you were not feeing right . i am sorry you have had to go through this but at least you went to the GP, and now you are on the road to recovery. (hugs) and thank you for sharing (which due to my fat fingers almost said sharting! that would have been a typo and a half!) your story lovely xx
MummyConstant
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Thank you Jenny. It’s been quite scary but glad we are where we are. It could have been any number of different scenarios which is the scariest thing.
Sharted would have been funny! xx
Donna Sutton
Tuesday, February 7, 2017So pleased its over for you now hun, you have been through aloT. Thinking of you and hoping you get positive results back this week. Sending you big hugs xx
Michelle
Tuesday, February 7, 2017Gosh Sonia. Really sending you a massive hug and thank you for sharing This. Honest accounts like this I believe do help many either seek help, recognise SYMPTOMS and at the very least book that next appointment. Keep well and hope the results come back quickly and clear For you. Xx
Lin Sutton
Wednesday, February 8, 2017Omg!! Sonia so sorry to hear this, you have really been through the rInger!!!
i do hope they can sorT this out for you…..thank goodness you got to the doctors when you did, and how brave of you to talk about it so openly as i am sure this will help other Women who are going through the same thing, and to also make women more aware………
Sending big hugS, love Lin xxx
Lin Sutton
Wednesday, February 8, 2017Omg!! Sonia so sorry to hear this, you have really been through the rInger!!!
i do hope they can sorT this out for you…..thank guoodness you got to the doctors when you did, and how brave of you to talk about it so openly as i am sure this will help other Women who are going through the same thing, and to also make women more aware………
Sending big hugS, love Lin xxx
Angela
Wednesday, February 8, 2017Wishing you a speedy recovery. Waiting for results is horrible, I so hope that the results come back soon and are clear.
Well done for talking about it and sharing xx
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
Wednesday, February 8, 2017Gosh Sonia, that must have been so worrying. I’m so glad you went to the doctor – it can be so easy to put ourselves at the bottom of the list of people to look after can’t it? Very glad to hear that everything has been removed and I hope you heal quickly and feel better soon. Sending you a big hug x
Lucy Heath
Wednesday, February 8, 2017Crumbs I am just catching up, so sorry to read all this and I am completely inspired that in such a horrible scary time you are helping others. So much love to you lady xxx
Katie Roberts-Mason
Thursday, February 9, 2017So sorry to hear this Sonia. I had the same thing a while back and it’s very scary and upsetting. Take care of yourself sweetie
Honest Mum
Thursday, February 9, 2017Sorry to read this darling, I have friends who have experienced the same and were fine. Know you will be OK x
Fiona Cambouropoulos
Thursday, February 9, 2017I’m so sorry you have been through this, every woman’s dread. I have a smear coming up in a couple of weeks time. I’d never miss one however unpleasant they are. Fingers crossed all is normal for you again soon. xxx
Dayna
Thursday, February 16, 2017I am so sorry you’ve been through this, I went through exactly the same 5 years ago, got my letter saying it was cin3 severe dyskaryosis, like you I chose to have mine removed at my coloscopy appointment, that burn you feel is so uncomfortable, if it helps any when my final results CAME in it showed that although the cells were very advanced it hadn’t progressed to cancer, iv been clear since x
MummyConstant
Thursday, February 16, 2017Thank you so much for the comment Dayna, I am really grateful. It is scary and I feel silly for worrying over something that “wasnt” but you cannot help it at the time can you? π So glad you are all clear and have been since, thats amazing news xx
Debbie Gunn
Friday, January 26, 2018I have just had my smear test and left rather worried as the nurse said my cervix seemed red and bled easily at the touch. I hopE my REsults come soonEr Rather than later and wish you every bit of luck now and for the future x
MummyConstant
Friday, January 26, 2018I was told this once and apparently some cervix can be redder than others. Donβt panic. Wait until those results come back in first… appreciate thatβs easier said than done. Did they give you a time frame for results? Thank you for your comment. My 6 myth check was fine. They cut them out, all out. Xx
Debbie Gunn
Friday, January 26, 2018That is fantastic neWs i am so pleased Im seeing the dr next week anyway and asked if i should mention it and she said She had written notes on the system and to reItterate this at the appointmeNt. She said that i should get them back in about 3 weeks x
Samantha
Sunday, October 28, 2018Hi Debbie,
The exact same thing happened to me and they have booked me in for a double appointment with a nurse and doctor but itβs not for another 3 weeks. Can you confirm the outcome of your appointment please. Iβm
going out of my mind with worry and thinking the worst. Thanks, Samantha a