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

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


Bri, did you mention spacehopper?

[gruntygiggles]

Very good to know Maria

Spacehoppers eh?

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by gruntygiggles

Spacehoppers eh?

Must resist a joke

[Bri w]

Originally Posted by missyburd

Bri, did you mention spacehopper?

I bear no resemblance!?!

Originally Posted by missyburd

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


Bri, did you mention spacehopper?

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!

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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