Hi Laura! 

Thank you for sharing your journey! Was hoping for a little advice. 

 I've had an urgent referral to gyno after seeing my doctor Monday (appointment for Wednesday) what should I expect from this first appointment? Is it just to talk / will they do an exam? No ones really told me much and last time I went for a coloscopy they gave details in the letter??

Bit of back ground: I'm 27, I had a smear 3 years ago which was HPV positive (high risk) and had borderline changes. I went for a coloscopy and they said all was OK and to have another smear in 3 years time (actually due now and had my letter ). I have PCOS so always had irregular smears, but since starting methotrexate (around 2.5 years ago) I didn't have any periods for a long time (probably around a year then kne period then no bleeding again) this year I've had almost constant bleeding. I'll stop for 3 - 5 days and start again, I have discharge with blood and huge clots (bigger than a 50p). following an exam with my GP Monday she said my cervix is very red and friable/ fragile. I'm not sexually active not have been for a few years so not an STD and I have regular bloods (full blood count ) which has been normal so not worried about infection. 

Guess I'm just looking for some advice on what to expect wedneaday and going forward. I'm obviously very concerned about finding out what Is wrong as I have a few High risk factors. Thank you in advance! 

Hi,

I can't be sure, but I would expect them to examine you and probably either do a colposcopy or schedule one. That seems to be the way of things with doctors, they follow a certain protocol to figure out what is going on with each patient. I think it is great that you are following up on your health and staying on top of things. That way you can address any issues and move on with your life. :) Let me know what they say at your appointment. 

Laura xx

Hi Laura, 

Sorry for the delay had a hard time getting to grips with the shambles that was my appointment. 

Dr asked me about my symptoms so I told him, he then said it was probably nothing and just my PCOS as that can cause issues. I explained that despite my PCOS for the past 17 years I've never had these issues. He examined me but the speculum was too large and therefore didn't go in all the way and then he simply stated "I'll just send you for a scan but your fine". 

It left me a bit frustrated as I feel I'm not being taken seriously, but I've managed to book a smear in for Friday so fingers crossed regarding that appointment as I've started having bleeding again only a week after It stopped  

Xx

Hi,

Hope your smear goes well. Maybe you can also get the scan and see what's what. If you get the all clear but still have symptoms that bother you, take it up with your doctor from there. 

Laura xx

Morning Laura 

Here’s my story. 

Aged 50 - 2019 Had cancer smear all clear told to return 2024 

January 2021

Thought I was going through menopause as started having irregular spotting and hot flushes whilst living in Cyprus. Military doctors said I needed scan prior to HRT. Scan showed cyst on ovary. Not a problem as it’s small. 

So didn’t rush to doctors to finish discussion as I was busy working etc. 

July 2022

Moved back to U.K.

Registered here with doctor. 

They wanted to redo scan etc. 

Had scan and now 4 cysts. Still nothing to worry about as small. 

Scan showed irregularities so biopsies were taken.  I thought  it would be fine it’s just the menopause.

 December 15 th 2023 

I took a phone call ( I requested call thinking it will be fine )from gynaecologist consultant. 

It was the news every dreads. 

All 8 biopsies were cancerous. 

My reply was “ What now” 

Scan and mri 

Anyway the value in this post is to warn woman not everything is straight forward. PLEASE get checked if you’re experiencing any abnormalities as I’m fit and healthy and only know I have cancer because they looked for it. 

GET CHECKED REGULARLY

my letter stated 2024. Luckily I went to doctors. 

I have been told it’s been there a while.

full radical hysterectomy on March 10 th. 2023. I have been through hell waiting. Slightly better now treatment plan is in place. 

Hi,

I am sorry you are going through this and thank you for sharing your story. We both know how important it is to listen to your body, get checked out and keep those appointments. Some of us are scared, but I will say it again, knowing is so much better than worrying. It did help me to find out my treatment plan and just focus on getting through it. One day, one treatment, one result at a time.  You got this! Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Lauraxx

Hi,

I didn't have hot flashes (that I remember). It might just be normal, menopausal hot flashes (?). I do remember having cold, sweaty hands at night. I think it was just anxiety , honestly. Remember our bodies can do some pretty odd things when we are stressed. Get a notebook and write questions like this down and make sure to bring everything you are concerned about up at your next appointment. I found writing things down and talking to the doctor about it very helpful.

Laura xx

Hello,

sorry to jump on this thread but was hoping anyone could offer some advice.

I had a baby 13 weeks ago (via c-section). During the pregnancy I noticed slight brownish stains on my underwear. Only on peachy/pink ones and it looked 'normal' coloured on my grey and black ones. Midwife didn't seem concerned. I bled for 6 weeks after and have had a period since (all ok albeit a little heavier than before). Last week I noticed the slight brown stain again and so called the doctors to book smear (not had one in so long due to various reasons). I have been so worried, and been googling (I know that's bad, but we all do it right?) Well on Sunday I had slight darker brown discharge when I wiped and Monday morning it was light pink. I called and got in to see GP on Monday who did an internal exam. She said my cervix looked red and a fair bit of discharge. She also got the nurse to do my smear there and then (as was booked for 13th March). 
Should I be worried about what she found and the fact she rushed my smear? 
I feel totally panicked and sick and scared I won't see my baby grow up. Any advice would be much appreciated x

Hi Mama,

First, congratulations! Second, I don't think I'd be worried because they booked your smear so quickly. It'll be good for you to get it taken care of and move forward. My motto is "knowing is so much better than worrying". If it is something, you can get started on taking care of it, if it isn't, you can mark it off your list. The most important thing is to take control of your health and you're doing that! 
 

Please let me know how things go. ️

Laura xx