Abnormal smear result

[mopsy]

Hi I don't really know which area to post this in I'm sorry! I've recently been for my first smear and the results have just come back as abnormal and that I have to go for a colposcopy. I'm really frightened it may be something serious and keep thinking all sorts! Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any help or advice really welcomed.

[gilly]

i am sure you are very frightened, but thank goodness you went for the test. many people don't or put if off for a nother time some times i think you are called back if the sample wasn't enough for them to check. i hope this is the case for you. good luck

[highlanderlass]

Hi, I had this a number of years ago, mine came back with abnormal cells but everything turned out fine. I had to have repeated smears every six months until I got a clear result but it was worth it for peace of mind.

I hope things turn out fine for you.

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using proboards

[busymare]

Hi

I really feel for you it happened to me too so I know how scary it is. I had the colposcopy and everything was fine. It was strange seeing your insides on the tv! I had a bacterial overgrowth that was treated with antibiotics (before the scoping I think- but they thought the infection had caused the abnormal smear result).

Try not to worry too much if it is anything nasty they will be catching it early so the treatment options would be good but hopefully it is nothing at all. I hope everything goes well. How long do you have to wait for the scoping? They talked me through everything on the spot so there was no waiting for results which was good.

Feel free to pm me if I can help at all. x

[Louise Dixon]

Yes, I too have had this, I have had 2 colposcopies. Did the letter say exactly what was found? I would imagine it will be some abnormal cells, which have the potential to turn nasty if left alone, but the colposcopy will remove them to prevent this happening. Whilst the colposcopy itself is not exactly pleasant, it is not that bad either, more a bit icky than painful. Try to be positive about it, it will all be sorted soon!

[nia2311]

My friend had abnormal cells on her first smear, went for colposcopy and had repeated smears for a year. There was nothing sinister at all, and she has recently become pregnant with her first baby, and all is well. Many of the abnormalities that can be seen on smears are caused by non-serious things, like bacteria or viral infection, so please do not worry. The colposcopy is a little un-dignifying, but well worth it to ensure everything is okay.

[mopsy]

Thank you so much for all the kind responses it means a lot and I hope that all goes well. They have told me my appointment isn't needed for 6-8 weeks which I don't know whether I will be able to stand the unknown for that long! Did anyone else have to wait this long?

[lils]

Don't Panic. Feel positive, that you went for your smear. I regularly had abnormal cells, and had to have 6 monthly smears after Colposcopy, I found the whole thing quite fascinating!

[busymare]

I don't remember how long I had to wait but I know the waiting time is correlated to how concerned they are about you. So although it is frustrating a longer wait means they have not classed you as high risk which is good news!

[waspblue]

I cannot stress just how important the smear test is and it is totally worth a little discomfort and embarrassment in comparison to how much it can protect your health.

I sadly had a very serious gynaeocological cancer that very nearly took my life (despite the fact that I did have smears and it was missed for over 2 1/2 years before I was diagnosed) and I would not wish what I went through, as well as how much it affected not just my life but that of my loved ones too, on anyone.

Please believe when I say it is so worth it and to echo what was said by busymare, the waiting time defo relates to how high a risk they feel you are at, as once I was diagnosed it was immediate and full on from that minute forward. I am now fully recovered and cancer free and always regard myself as extremely lucky indeed. This was due to prompt action and excellent care from my doctors and nurses, who I will never be able to thank enough.

To anyone else out there who is also worrying about the smear test - it is over very quickly and could well save your life as it did mine eventually and my experience of my cancer being missed was extremely unusual. Please do go, it's well wroth it.

Good luck with your diagnosis and well done you for going.