I saw my GP yesterday and have been urgently referred for the two week referal as my cervix is inflamed and was bleeding throughout. Id been suffering post coital bleeding for a few months, urgency peeing and discharge and the doctors had initially dismissed my worries. I had a clear smear 18months ago and my bloods were ok but the urgent referral has me terrified and thinking the worst.
the doctor said she thought she saw areas of white on my cervix and said that although she can't see it's definitely abnormal. I'm really scared that if she can see things wrong whatever I have must be far advanced and aggressive as my smear was clear recently.
i have been trying to research online but it's just scaring me more. I know it's a case of wait and see but was wondering if anyone else could share their experiences and also help me regarding what to expect at hospital.
Sorry if this appears rambling I'm just so scared and upset and not sure where to turn for advice and information without scaring myself.
First, stop Googling!! We've all done it, but google is not your friend ;-) The doctor has not said she can see a growth on your cervix, just areas that look a bit different. You'll get sent for a colposcopy, which is basically a consultant who specialises in these things having a peer at your cervix through a glorified set of binolculars. It doesnt hurt, and don't worry, the binoculars stay outside. Mine was able to hazard a guess at the level of abnormality just by looking, and she took a few biopsies to confirm.
When the results come back from the biopsies, you'll find out what level it is and they will recommend treatment. I had clear smears from age 25 to 44, then an abnormal one, so it seems that this can arise at any time.
It would probably be worth calling the hospital where you have your appointment. Mine welcomes questions before you go in and are quite happy to talk to you beforehand. Also they should have your referral letter from the GP, so might be able to explain to you why it was 'urgent'. If you're lucky, you might be able to have a chat with the consultant who will see you. My appointment was only a couple of weeks after my abnormal smear result too, by the way, so the short timescale for an appointment may just be down to the doctor being able to see already that there are some abnormalities, and not needing to wait for smear results to confirm.
Hope you can get some more info from them, and at least you don't have long to wait for your appointment. You can ask the doctor who sees you as many questions as you like to put your mind at rest
thanks so much for taking the time to reply and telling me about your experience. I guess I'm just very worried that if she can see things wrong it must be quite bad. I'm glad they are finally taking me seriously as my first doctor basically told me not to be stupid.
I don't know, if you look at photos on Google (yeah I know, like I said we've all done it) of CIN changes to a cervix it does look different to a healthy one. Hopefully that is all that your doctor meant, that she could see there were definitely changes. As you say, it's good that they are finally doing something for you though, it must be so worrying to be sure there's something wrong with you and to have it dismissed.
bless you! We have all been there, i had an urgent referral for colposcopy too and later found out that I was referred by the nurse who took out the smear, I was petrified and googled! Which half prepared me for the worst and half scared the shit out of me! I imagined that I had all sorts! When I phoned my doctor for smear results she said I had the worst case scenario, GCIN and cin cells and would probably need surgery and further treatment, so you can imagine alongside google how I was feeling!! But my results from my colposcopy and lletz treatment, was nothing serious found, all abnormal cells removed! Please don't worry, you won't know exactly until your appointment and we are all here to support you, big hugs xx
thasks for the support I think it's just the unknown. I keep replaying the appointment over and over in mind and reading things into everything she said now. I guess I just assume if she can see something with the naked eye it must be bad. Also every time I try and learn more about the condition I find so much I'm overwhelmed.
i know it's a waiting game but it's just hard.
Ive found the forum helpful though and really appreciate people sharing with me. has antone else bled to the point the doctor couldn't see properly and instantlay referred you.
Go referred me to gynae, gynae couldn't really see or do much for all the bleeding so had EUA under general anaesthetic where they took a biopsy. I found out last week that it is CC, which if I'm honest I expected. I hope you're luckier x
Hi Kim, you're not rambling at all. I came here to do the same thing- express my concern and youve saved me the typing. So thanks and thanks to those who replied. So much help.
I'm a similar age to you and have just found this website and forum for the first time today. I'Ve just had the same experience as you! The doctor (who is limited English but nice enough) said she saw some white on my cervix and sure enough a few days later I was asked to come back. Cancerous cells found in Pap smear and urgent referral. I'm extremely worried as I have children and had put the Pap smear on the back burner for a while now due to being "too busy" with work etc . I can feel a heavy bloated feeling in my lower abdome, cervix area but no bleeding or pain so to speak that I've noticed/remember anyhow. I feel really stupid (understatement) for ignoring it and worried about results. I hope youve heard more now and have some answers or atleast dates to move to the next step.
Aw I can totally relate to what you are going through. I think it's the waiting that's the hardest. I've pieced together all the symptoms and what the GP has said and it's looking quite bleak. One thing I will say is keep on at them for your gyno appointment. I was referred on Monday for two week app and when I called on Thursday they said it was for 31 July! I broke down and tried to explain it was supposed to be urgent and luckily the lovely nurse got me one for next Friday.
im sorry I can't give advice on coping as I really am not coping given how bleak my circumstances are but what I can say is that practically be pro active and push them if need be and you are not getting a date.
I hope it works out for you and thanks for getting in touch!
Your circumstances aren't necessarily as bleak as you are imagining. These initial stages when you are waiting for answers is most certainly the worst. The waiting is generally rubbish if I'm honest. My tumour is large and I have spread to lymph nodes. My oncologist is optimistic that things will turn out ok.
I completely understand your fear of worst case scenario but cc is very treatable with good outcomes.
Good luck ladies, things do get easier once you know what demons you are facing.
Please don't Google. All it achieves is convincing you that there's no hope. Try to stay strong and fight, fight, fight.
thanks for your reply. I had saw some of your posts which have me hope. I hate myself for not staying strong and being positive it's just so difficult as the GP has painted a bleak picture. I feel like a zombie I can't think about anything else and am terrified. I was wondering if you have any tips for coping as I'm really struggling. My poor boyfriend ended up in tears last night as I was being very negative but I just can't help it.
any advice would be helpful. I just wish my gp had given me some hope but now I'm just waiting a week for the worst.
