Lletz and recovery

I just wanted to put this here as I was struggling when I had my lletz to find anyone who had detailed there full experience so hopefully it might help someone 

I've had HPV smear results for 7 years, this time they came back with cell changes

It took about 2 weeks post smear to get my results but they another 8 weeks before they took my case to their MDT meeting and confirmed high grade changes and booked me a lletz

I'm on the combi pill so I did take this through twice to ensure no period as I was due to have one 2 days before the procedure and I took through during healing as I didn't want a period 

On the day I went it, had to do a sample to ensure I wasn't pregnant, the got me in the bed with legs up similar to your smear. There was also a large screen to the side so I could see what the doctor was seeing and doing. 

The first and second local anesthetic needle I felt but only as a pressure not a pain or sharp feeling.

After that I felt nothing. The actual removal of the cell was the fastest part. I bled quite a lot and you can feel the heat from the machine they use to cauterise the wound but it didn't hurt. I didn't watch the provide but I did happen to look at the screen during this as I thought the doctor had finished.

I wore period knickers on the day in case of bleeding but they did provide pads if you need them

I got a lift to the hospital so I didn't drive home myself but feel I could have. I personally didn't get any pain that day and the next was more like a bit of stomach ache but not enough I needed any pain relief. (I don't usually suffer from any kind of period pains etc) 

On the day of the procedure I noticed brown specks when I wiped 

I then had really thin watery discharge for around 5 days, this was followed by a brown discharge for 2 days getting heavier on day 8 so I moved from panty liner to pads

Day 9 pink fresh looking blood, day 10-14 heavier bleeding but not as much as a period 

Day 13-22 was yellow discharge nothing unusual to it

From day 22 onwards very minimal discharge no pads needed

I will add i didn't have sex, a bath or exercise for the full 6 week just to be sure of proper healing

My first period was a day late and was very heavy and had clots for the first 2 days and during this I do have some more intense period pain but after that settled to its usual flow with no pains

I got my results back and it was cin3 with no signs on cancer. I have to go for a follow up smear in 6 months of job is still found I'll carry on with yearly smears as I have done for the last 7 years of it's not found it will be onto the 3-5 years

Hopefully the helps someone who is just looking for an idea of recovery that went well and what to expect 

  • Hi Rachellll.

    I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and to thank you for sharing such a detailed and insightful account of your LLETZ experience.

    This will help so many people and no doubt address any worries or concerns they may have about having this done.

    I'm really glad your results showed no sign of cancer and I'll have my fingers crossed the good news will continue in 6 months time.

    Do let us know how things go and remember that we're always here if you need.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator