Women of the Org....a warning and request for shared experiences

[gruntygiggles]

Right, I am feeling very brave at the moment and after keeping this under my hat for a while...literally not telling anyone but Stretchie, I would like to share something with the Org ladies. Oh...and for those gents that read this, you do not get off either, you have bits that need checking!!! ;-)

I am currently absolutely cacking myself as I have to go for a colposcopy in the morning, so am writing this thread in order that I can hopefully make sure none of you lovely ladies have to go through the same thing.

I had my cervical screening test not long back and it was a year overdue (because I am useless at organising anything for myself), so I got a bit of a telling off from the nurse.

Results came back a few days later to say that I had abnormal cells and needed to call the hospital to book an urgent appointment for a colposcopy.

Basically, found out I have CIN3, which is not cancer, but the stage before cancer develops and in worst cases, it can mean the need for a hysterectomy, although this is very rare for women like me who are yet to have children.

So...tomorrow morning, Dan will be taking me to have the colposcopy and probably treatment as well which can come in the form of a cone biopsy, leep procedure, whatever that is or something else I don't quite understand.

So...to anyone who may have felt ignored or let down by me the last few weeks, please accept my sincere apologies, I have been a bit preoccupied and not very good at doing anything.

To anyone whom I am very close to on here...and there are a good few of you, apologies for not saying anything directly, but I am confident that as of tomorrow, this will all be sorted out and over and done with. To be honest, I am finding it easier to share on here than I have when I have thought about calling anyone or even texting. So, easier I guess to just bite the bullet and tell the world!

The real message of this thread ladies is...if you have missed a smear test or never had one; if you are nervous about them and are putting it off, or if you are like me and forgetful....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just go and get it done.

I had the shock of my life getting that letter and being CIN3 means I have had a close call from what I have been able to find out...yet, as with these things, there are no symptoms, so I was completely clueless to something potentially extremely dangerous until I HAD MY SMEAR DONE.

So please ladies, spare yourselves the same stress and if you haven't had one done in the last three years, call and make the appointment.

If anyone has had similar experiences and can offer me some words of wisdom...no need to post openly, but I would be really grateful for a PM if it might make me feel a bit better about tomorrow as the nerves are starting to kick in now.

Oh, and please...no sympathy needed, I am not the needy type like that. I am a, "get on with it and get it over with type" and not very good with personal stuff...but that is kind of why I am posting this. I have not been able to say anything one to one to anyone and I know I have been a bit vague and crap lately, so wanted to explain and apologise and hopefully spur anyone that hasn't had a smear in the last three years to go and bl00dy get it done!!!

Over and out and love to you all xxx

Oh...small question, please don't post on FB about this if we are friends on there...all I need is my mum finding out about this before tomorrow. Trust me, worry is not even the start of it...she would be out of her mind and that is something I would rather spare her until I know more tomorrow...ta x

[gruntygiggles]

Oh...and apologies for the rambling post x

[minimorecambe]

Glad it was found GG. Well not glad there was something to be found but glad they found something that was there.

Hope all goes well tomorrow xxxx :smt058

[femaleacid]

I know you said no sympathy but Im sorry to hear it - no woman wants to hear about abnormal cells.
My friends mother had abnormal cells and led to cervical cancer, luckily it got sorted straight away and got it lazer treated.

One question though... I had 3 cervical cancer jabs 2 years ago is it still recommended to go for a frequent smeer?

Good luck :) all the best x

[minimorecambe]

Yes you should start going for smear tests when you are 25 years old.
You will get a letter reminding you of it.

[Littlepeahead]

I had the same thing at 26 Cheryl. And I wasn't late for the smear test either. I had one at 20 and then 23.

It's not as bad as it sounds and I had the cone biopsy. But you won't be able to do any heavy lifting or energetic housework for about 4 - 6 weeks so it's not all bad!

You get the area numbed and I think they will even sedate you if you are really nervous. The only thing to prepare yourself for is the smell of BBQing meat - now I could have put this in a PM but now the boys can wince - and that is where they use a hot wire thing but it really isn't painful. Cortisone injections in my back were far worse.

I'm 41 now and been all clear ever since.

Good luck with it all.

xxx

[gruntygiggles]

Thanks guys and yes Femaleacid...just call your surgery and book it in with the nurse if you are 25 or over. If not...you could always just ask next time you see your GP :-)

Thanks Clare, that is good to know :-)

[Jayneflakes]

Take it steady after the checks GG, any work down there leaves you sore for a while, especially if you over do it, trust me!

Serious point well made I thought and all power to you, sorry to hear that you have had to face this worry, but if it acts as a reminder to every one else, it has been useful.

Chaps, you need to be checking down there too, you guys are even less likely to get stuff looked at than us.

[gruntygiggles]

Take it steady after the checks GG, any work down there leaves you sore for a while, especially if you over do it, trust me!

Serious point well made I thought and all power to you, sorry to hear that you have had to face this worry, but if it acts as a reminder to every one else, it has been useful.

Chaps, you need to be checking down there too, you guys are even less likely to get stuff looked at than us.


Fank yooo!

much appreciated sentiment hunni :-) x

[Kenzie]

I can agree with the embarassing feeling in regards to getting checked. I found a lump down below and decided to ignore it for a year. After a while I finally plucked up the courage to go to the docs and got refered to the hospital for an ultrasound. Turned out to be a 2mm cyst on the tube part allthough I swear it was bigger! So all in all nothing to worry about but always better safe than sorry. Docs have seen a lot worse so don't worry!

[maviczap]

Always best to have regular checks (male or female), I wish my wife would, given her family history.

Her dad was diagnosed too late to save him, thankfully it wasn't a prolonged illness, but was scary how quickly from the diagnosis to him passing away was. Doc's originally thought it was an imbalance in his blood levels, but the C was found after a scan and couldn't be operated on.

So get checked out

[bathwiggle]

GG, sorry to hear they found abnormal cells, they might do a LLETZ (remove a cone of cervix, which should remove all the abnormal cells, and then they'll ask you to have several follow up smears more regularly), but at least you did go and they were found.

I hope tomorrow goes well

One question though... I had 3 cervical cancer jabs 2 years ago is it still recommended to go for a frequent smeer?

Good luck :smile: all the best x
Until the NHSCSP says otherwise, horrible as a smear is, go and get it done if you get called up. If you're under 25 don't worry too much, they don't like carrying them out on those under 25 as you are more likely to get abnormal results due to hormones and normal growing changes, and treating it can actually do more damage than good in those cases.

[shonadoll]

I know you said no sympathy but Im sorry to hear it - no woman wants to hear about abnormal cells.
My friends mother had abnormal cells and led to cervical cancer, luckily it got sorted straight away and got it lazer treated.

One question though... I had 3 cervical cancer jabs 2 years ago is it still recommended to go for a frequent smeer?

Good luck :) all the best xYes, because the cervical jab prevents the HPv type, not the rarer adenocarcinoma type.

[dizzyblonde]

Ok bird, yer the second to tell me I'm stupid for ignoring them damn smear requests. I'm over due one, and I'll get one done

As I said in another thread, my cousin found out she had breast cancer yesterday, had it not been that she had gone for a routine smear, she wouldn't have thought to get advice on a lump in her b00b.
My grandmother when she was 40 was found to have cancer cells, and back then they took her for a hysterectomy. I didn't find this out til she told me when I'd gone to find out about how my golf balls were doing around my womb.
My cousin didn't find out about my grandmothers sister having her b00b removed a couple of years back coz she had cancer.
Something a bit weird going on in th cancer direction in my family from all directions, I don't fancy finding I've copped for it too because I don't like being subjected to cold metal objects :(

Yes, now I'm rambling too.

Thanks for sharing your stress GG. Hugs and all the rest in a none sympathy way ;)

[fenjer]

Ideally you should request regular smear tests with your GP or practise nurse when you become sexually active. It's HPV which can trigger changes in the cervix. While I agree with the PP who said the hormones and changes can give inaccurate results it's better to get things checked and caught early - cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of women under 25 each year.

IMHO waiting up to ten years for the NHS to call you for a smear test is nothing short of irresponsible.


GG thoughts will be with you - and hoping that all comes back ok for you.

[timwilky]

The younger daughter had a colposcopy a few weeks ago and then did her shift on a medical ward 3 hours later so I guess it is not too uncomfortable.

TV doctors definitely saved my wife's life. She had no lumps, but decided the top of one of her breasts was pulling in. Watching TV she discovered they referred to it as puckering. A visit to the GP resulted in a visit to the breast surgeon 2 days later who performed a core biopsy. Ladies her breast was black and blue till the point the breast went 2 week later. 2½ weeks from seeing the GP to under the knife. Frightening.

I went back with her to see her GP who confirmed she knew it was cancer the moment she saw, but could not give an opinion as that had to come from the consultants. She had two tumours deep within the breast, that is why she could not feel any lumps. So ladies anything feels/looks different off to the GP.

I am told a smear is uncomfortable but not painful. I guess once you have gone through pregnancy you have lost your dignity anyway so what the heck what is one more routing down there. Daughter no one told me years ago of an elderly colleague (60+) who had been called for a smear and off she went. Nobody thought to ask her if she was still a virgin.

[timwilky]

On the subject of blokes, I had a colleague lose a ball. I asked him if it was aright for me to advise the department of his predicament and he was more than happy. Once people are aware that it happens to people you know you are more likely to have a grope of your own.

[gruntygiggles]

Thank you everyone. I am sure it will be fine and I actually don't mind the smear tests...oh and they no longer use metal Dizz and they even run it under a warm tap for you first...so NO EXCUSES!!! :-)

Anyway, thanks again x

[minimorecambe]

I really should book mine.
I have been putting it off but I will book in asap

[Messie]

All the very best for tomorrow GG. It will be ok xx

[dizzyblonde]

Thank you everyone. I am sure it will be fine and I actually don't mind the smear tests...oh and they no longer use metal Dizz and they even run it under a warm tap for you first...so NO EXCUSES!!! :-)

Anyway, thanks again x

Oh I know, but once instilled in your head, gives a fear etc. Its like the b00b biopsies, jeeezuuss, they sting, hope I never have to have that again. Can give birth easy, but foreign objects giving pain :mad:

You'll be fine gal, wuss ere will do as I'm told xx

[gruntygiggles]

Thanks Dizz...and everyone else.

Just the fact that you and MM have said you will book it in makes me feel better :-)

[dizzyblonde]

Thanks Dizz...and everyone else.

Just the fact that you and MM have said you will book it in makes me feel better :-)

Yesterdays and todays news has put in perspective that I'm playing double dare with my own body.


I won't say owt else, as its your thread, if you're still on the same number, you might get a little tinkle in a day or three, just to see how you are, and maybe let you in on the gory details ;)

[Amadeus]

GG - I don't know you at all and have never conversed, but I hope it all goes well for you. Sounds like you've got plenty of support and I'm sure most of these instances turn out to be nothing. A girl I lived with many years ago had the same issue and it was dealt with ok (she's now got a couple of kids), as did my sister in law a couple of years ago (again, couple of kids).

And I'm surprised none of the single boys have offered their services to check any of the ladies who may be worried... :-)

[Wideboy]

hope tomorrow goes ok.

we'll pop and say hello soon, been to long!

[SoulKiss]

Well if you dont want any sympathy, none coming :p

However, my thoughts and best wishes are with you, and with the Stretchmeister.

Been where he is at the moment (well somewhere very similar anyway), not a good place for either of you, you know where I am if either of you want to have a chat.

[missyburd]

Just the fact that you and MM have said you will book it in makes me feel better :-)
Make that three of us, I'm two months overdue for mine and just haven't "got round to it". I'll book it tomorrow morning and that's a promise Cheryl.

And for any lass who's worried about it, it's just uncomfortable not painful. The nurses and doctors are lovely and know what they're doing, and they will be female.

Hoping all goes well for you tomorrow Cheryl hun, you've got plenty of support that's for sure and that stretchy man with 4 dogs of yours will look after you xx

[BanannaMan]

Big hugs for you and Dan.
Hoping for the best for you hun.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[gruntygiggles]

Thank you Bill....prayers from my second homeland...that has to count for something :-)

Well, not much sleep here, compounded by a dog going senile and lying in the middle of the living room floor barking as if she has her head at the window looking at a dog party going on outside...feel like a yo yo the amount of times I have been up and down stairs.

Gavin, it would be fab as always to see you and Helen...and we have something we think may make you happy too in the back garden...the smoker! Will have to sort something out!

SK, thank you hun...thank you everyone. I started this thread in the hope that, having heard from the nurse and GP how many people miss and avoid their smears, that I could perhaps warn a few into getting it done....and the reminder seems to have worked so that makes me very happy.

The unexpected thing is, I no longer feel like it is just me and Dan going in today, I kind of feel like I have a small army of support from you guys and some friends on another forum and the words of wisdom from those who have been good enough to share it with me have helped a great deal.

So again,

Thanks and will update you when I get home. xxxxxxxxxx

[dizzyblonde]

M they will be female.
xx

I have to request not to be done by the male gyny doctor at my surgery, and see the nurse instead.

Hopefully he won't be on when I book in. Don't like him, can never understand him, hes the one that put me on those stupid tablets for relieving the golf ball pain. When you tell a doctor after a scan, you wish to have more kids but are worried about worse problems than last time, coz yer old


Do they issue you with meds that's say......do not take if you are planning children........hate him, he's an ass :(



Thinking of you Cheryl. Xxx

[Wideboy]

Yes I have herd rumours of this "smoker" :)

Good luck for today

[YaelD]

Well put, thanks for sharing and it reminds me that after lawd-knows-how-many reminder letters, I really must make an appointment first thing tomo ...



... Sod it! I truly stopped procrastinating, and I went ahead and booked it. Thank you.


Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Paul the 6th]

hope you're ok cheryl and sorry I've only just seen this thread! xx

[minimorecambe]

Mines booked now :)
I suppose it's one of those things where you think "it won't happen to me"

Hope all went well.

Now you have mentioned food to Gav I'm sure he will make it his mission to visit!
You are always welcome to visit us if you can get someone to dog sit :)

[gruntygiggles]

Sounds good to me Helen :-)

As for you, YaelD and the girls booking your tests in because of this, I am very happy.

As an update, I am fine. A bit sore an crampy and will be for a while, but I am ok.

The abnormal cells were from the glandular area of the cervix, so they wanted to remove as much as possible, hence a slightly bigger than normal LLETZ procedure. If you really want to know what that is...google it as I don't want to put anyone off their tea :-)

I won't say it wasn't uncomfortable, but not too bad and for the sake of 15 minutes out of your life to potentially save your life...not a bad deal.

Next is, I wait 4-5 weeks for the results, but as they took so much tissue away, even if it is bad news, I am probably already rid of it, so no worries there.

Thanks again for the words of advice and encouragement and thank you also to the lovely ladies who have now gone and booked your tests. I was a little concerned about whether I should have posted this or not, but now I am glad that I did :-)

[dizzyblonde]

Glad it 'didn't seem too bad'.

Booked mine, thank god its with the nurse!

[Bri w]

Jeez GG, just seen this. Glad it went ok.

Seeing as you don't want sympathy, do you want to buy a Spacehopper...:smt026

Sure you'd manage one at present... you'll be fine.

[monkey]

Nice one Grunty. I've been on at someone to get a smear done. Apparently the place she tried booking it at four or five times kept sayin they didn't have the capacity!

I mentioned this thread and she's going to try again. Failing that I'll ring up myself and punch them down the phone line Tom and Jerry style.

[andrewsmith]

Glad to here your ok GG

Same as monkey I've eventually ground down a friend to get the smear done and mentioned this to someone this afternoon who's been complaining about a lump

[BanannaMan]

Scarey stuff there.
Glad to hear it went OK for you Cheryl! :D


Thanks for posting your experience here.
Turning something negative in your life into something positive for others,
Yes that's well done! :thumbsup:




All the best to you and Dan!

[missyburd]

All booked in, ta for the shove along Cheryl. Great to hear things went ok for you xx


Bri, did you mention spacehopper? :D

[gruntygiggles]

Very good to know Maria :-)

Spacehoppers eh? ;-)

[andrewsmith]

Spacehoppers eh? ;-)

Must resist a joke

[Bri w]

Bri, did you mention spacehopper? :Dhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/74/Space-hoppers.co.uk.gif/200px-Space-hoppers.co.uk.gif
I bear no resemblance!?!

[shonadoll]

All booked in, ta for the shove along Cheryl. Great to hear things went ok for you xx


Bri, did you mention spacehopper? :D

Good Maria. So pleased. X

[gruntygiggles]

Right ladies...

I have just posted a rather angry message on another forum and thought I would share some additional info on here as well just in case it is needed.

When I started this thread, I also posted on a horse forum I use. A lady on there had posted to say that,

" I went for HPV tests (self administered and far less invasive than a smear) as I've always been 'safe', which helps, and thought I may not have been exposed (something like more than half adults have iirc which is why they vaccinate young). Anyway... 40 types tested for all came back clear for self and (now) husband so I got the jab.

I'm not convinced by the screening argument as it can result in a lot of stress... according to wikipedia (googled as suggested) what OP may have is mostly cleared up by own immune system so no smear = no stress + no cancer whereas test = stress + other invasive procedures (because presumably you'd go through with those if you had the test!)."

Now, I find this kind of post grossly irresponsible.

I can tell you as I have been through it that YES, you CAN develop cervical cancer without the presence of the HPV Virus.

I am HPV clear, yet I was CIN3. CIN3 is not guaranteed to be cleared up by the body's immune system and treatment is crucial. I also know this because I have been told by the consultant at my colposcopy. CIN3 has the very real potential to develop into Cervical Cancer if left untreated...CIN1 & 2 can usually be cleared up by the body itself.

So...by all means go and get HPV tests done, but do not, as the lady in question has...write off cervical screening as unnecessary! It is extremely necessary and it saved me a whole lot of potential future heartache.

This woman has had both barrels off me on the other forum because, put simply, I feel that it is incredulous to post opinions in public that have the potential to encourage that proper medical screening/care is not taken.

If just one woman gets a smear because of my posts, I have done good. If just one woman writes off a smear because they read her post and also have clear HPV...then they, like me, could be one of the few who has abnormalities or worse DESPITE being HPV clear.

The difference is, I had a smear and got treatment, so I am now fine. If they follow her logic, they might not be so lucky.

Ladies...there is no substitute for cervical screening. Yes, it might be stressful, but short term stress will not have long term effects on your physical health.

Remember when it comes to medical advice...if you're posting in public...be responsible. I know you lot are, but this lady is a perfect example of when the internet can cause harm!

[minimorecambe]

I went for my smear yesterday and yes I was nervous and stressing about it.

Why though, I don't know.

It was a little uncomfortable but nothing major. Its very discreet and over quickly.
I am worried about the result coming through but I think that they do it a better way now, the result is sent directly to you whether clear or not. That way you aren't sat waiting around worrying if the results have been lost / are taking longer because its something bad because they haven't got in touch because everything is clear.

It takes 5 minutes to have a smear. That compared to a lifetime of wondering if you may have anything is preferable in my mind.

[gruntygiggles]

I went for my smear yesterday and yes I was nervous and stressing about it.

Why though, I don't know.

It was a little uncomfortable but nothing major. Its very discreet and over quickly.
I am worried about the result coming through but I think that they do it a better way now, the result is sent directly to you whether clear or not. That way you aren't sat waiting around worrying if the results have been lost / are taking longer because its something bad because they haven't got in touch because everything is clear.

It takes 5 minutes to have a smear. That compared to a lifetime of wondering if you may have anything is preferable in my mind.

Very good to hear and yes...it is nothing at all really is it. A few moments of discomfort for long term peace of mind :-)

And as you know through this thread...even abnormal results do not mean doom and gloom. I am all fine now and none of it was that bad :-)

[Littlepeahead]

Given the choice I'd go for a smear test over a filling at the dentist or a leg wax any day. The second two are painful, time consuming and uncomfortable. The first is over in 5 minutes and free.

I visited HMS Ocean the other night on a private tour, it's the Navy's biggest warship and has 77 women on board. We were told they they offer smear testing as routine for the women which was good to hear as they are away on long trips and probably the last thing they want to do when on leave it spend time at the docs. (They also there were posters up in the pharmacy/medical area about breast checks and testicle checks).

[dizzyblonde]

Funnily enough my results have just landed on the doormat. All done and dusted til next time ;)

[gruntygiggles]

Given the choice I'd go for a smear test over a filling at the dentist or a leg wax any day. The second two are painful, time consuming and uncomfortable. The first is over in 5 minutes and free.

I visited HMS Ocean the other night on a private tour, it's the Navy's biggest warship and has 77 women on board. We were told they they offer smear testing as routine for the women which was good to hear as they are away on long trips and probably the last thing they want to do when on leave it spend time at the docs. (They also there were posters up in the pharmacy/medical area about breast checks and testicle checks).

Very good to hear :-)

Funnily enough my results have just landed on the doormat. All done and dusted til next time ;)

Even better to hear :-)

[missyburd]

I went for mine a a fortnight ago, I was amazed to walk in be greeted with "So what made you want to come in for a smear?" I was rather bloody shocked, felt like saying "Oh well you know, didn't want to get the shopping done just yet, fancied letting you touch me up with your probing instruments, properly floats me boat that" :rolleyes: Unbelievable. Very different to the "Good for you" from the secretary when I booked the appointment.

Anyway, results came through within the week, all's well thankfully. Won't be seeing THAT nurse again, that's for sure, cheeky twit.

[Milky Bar Kid]

Yep, that's not the most intelligent thing to post in the world.

I need to book mine but I just keep avoiding it. Like I did with the dentist.....

[Shellywoozle]

Hope all goes well GG x glad you found out stage before.

I haven't had one for 4 yrs, last one I had abnormal cells and was called back. I buried my head in the sand and its still firmly there. I am stupid but your right, forgetful and laziness play a part too.

Hugs my sweet you take care x x x x

[gruntygiggles]

Hope all goes well GG x glad you found out stage before.

I haven't had one for 4 yrs, last one I had abnormal cells and was called back. I buried my head in the sand and its still firmly there. I am stupid but your right, forgetful and laziness play a part too.

Hugs my sweet you take care x x x x

Well if you don't book yourself in and get yourself screened after your last result, I may just have to come and go all Chuck Norris on your a$$ to get it sorted.

Thanks though hun. Xxx

[Shellywoozle]

Well if you don't book yourself in and get yourself screened after your last result, I may just have to come and go all Chuck Norris on your a$$ to get it sorted.

Thanks though hun. Xxx

Lol you just made me smile and i admit your post has made ne think, so thank you too x x

[gruntygiggles]

Well, we have all been through tragedies and watched the aftermath of loved ones being taken from us...so why take chances on putting our loved ones through that for us?

One thing I have learned is that none of it is really that bad.

Hugs xxx

[dizzyblonde]

Naughty Woozle :smt064 ........consider Chuck Norris's niece coming to kick that ass too!!

[Shellywoozle]

Lol ok I will book in at docs on my rest days, my ass doesn't want to be kicked any more ! X x x

Thank you ladies ;/

I admit one reason I didn't go is coz I have erosion of the womb from being on the pill for years. This makes me bleed so they usually can't get a result due to blood in the scrape.... it takes 4/5 attempts on different days and months of waiting .... I will book in promise x x x x z

[dizzyblonde]

Oh dear :(

Women, we're all just a funny bunch really! x

[gruntygiggles]

Lol ok I will book in at docs on my rest days, my ass doesn't want to be kicked any more ! X x x

Thank you ladies ;/

I admit one reason I didn't go is coz I have erosion of the womb from being on the pill for years. This makes me bleed so they usually can't get a result due to blood in the scrape.... it takes 4/5 attempts on different days and months of waiting .... I will book in promise x x x x z


Oh no...doesn't sound good hun. :-( xxx

[Dabteacake]

Hope all goes well. Dont know how you feel as I dont have a cervix. On the other hand had my pipework done (snip snip). So get your feet up afterwards and rest properly