After days of trawling through the internet after receiving a letter less than a week after my original smear (already having forgotten that I'd be getting my results via the post - thinking I was opening another bill) it stated that the cells found were HPV positive and that the cells found were High Grade (Severe) dyskaryosis and that if I'd like to discus this with my GP I should take the letter with me.
I also received a leaflet detailing the Coloscopy procedure and what would happen during my appointment.
I googled a lot - firstly how I'd caught HPV having already had the 3 lots of vaccination over 10 years ago... later than what they do them now as it had just become the thing...
secondly I googled High Grade (severe) dyskaryosis... as High Grade and Severe in the same sentence on an official letter made me rather concerned... I fell out with google as it was apparent that I wasn't going to find any clarity until I'd either spoken to the GP or attended the Coloscopy - which was the following week - less than 7 days after I'd received the letter. I called the GP for a telephone appointment as I couldn't justify a reason to attend the GP for a conversation. The GP rang me back and stated he didn't have much knowledge on the subject but basically told me what I'd already read... he told me what would happen at the Coloscopy and that I'd receive treatment if I agreed when at the appointment if it was needed... so I was no more knowledgeable than prior to our conversation. So I thanked him and waited it out... not nice but it soon came around. I talked and talked and talked about it - I became nauseous and nervous but talking really helped. I had a right to be concerned but no reason to worry.
I attended the Coloscopy where she found a completely healthy cervix - no cells to be seen on the outside... NONE... having seen the images on google of a cervix with cells and looking at the screen with my Cervix I was reassured that no cells were present on the outside.
I was given the LLETS treatment as a precaution from inside my cervix as she had explained that due to me having never given birth to a baby my cervix wouldn't allow her to get in much to see what was inside (where the cells may be coming from).
I was rather reluctant at first to have the treatment as all I could see was a healthy cervix and she had confirmed it looked that way from the outside too. To the point she even checked all my details again to ensure she had the correct results in front of her. no sex no swimming and no tampax for 4 weeks she told me... (half the reason I didn't want it done )
I'm not going to lie - three injections into your cervix is painful (or it was for me!) the treatment was over and done with before I knew it and I had the oppertunity to inspect what she had removed to be sent off when she'd placed it into a pot!) I have quite a lot of cramping - as if I'm about to experience the worst period ever - and I presume it's not all over yet. But the experience of it is and I'm grateful that it's done with.
A maximum of 4 weeks to wait to see my results but I'm confident in myself that I'm fine and it's all precautionary. Positivity and happyness is the best cure - and of anything was to come you'd need positive energy to survive. It might not work for everyone but it works for me.
I just thought I'd share as I had read some right terrorising stories and thought mine was a positive one - to give you some hope that everything is okay in the end
EDIT required... as I know it's a nightmare not knowing... everything was fine and they've said I can continue with smears as usual. I had to have one after 6 months - which came back normal and now I'm back to every three years. They have advised that if I experience any symptoms to see my GP as they would usually reccomend anyway.
hope this helps someone in that situation who is worried - it's not always a bad outcome.
stay safe
x
