I found this chat helpful and I also spoke to my practice nurse who was very good. The nurses on here are also good x

Hi all, I am 41 and have also a few days ago received the news of positive hpv with borderline changes.

At the age of 21 I had the same, they took the cells away and I've been fine for 20 years. Now the hpv has returned.

I became nervous and rang a Macmillan nurse who was really helpful. She said around 80% of women get hpv at some point in their lives but some take longer to fight it if that can cause changes in your cells.

she explained that I don't have cancer but the cells with no treatment could change to cancer in the future.

She really did put my mind at rest because we all dread have cancer. 
So be reassured we don't have cancer and we are getting the treatment so it doesn't change to cancer in years to come.

I am struggling with anxiety because I always think of the what's if's. The nurse told me to stop worrying and go and enjoy the day with my children.

It's hard not to worry, bee kind to yourselves xx

Hi, I’m 42 and back when I was in my early twenties I had borderline but no treatment was needed . I think for me it was the shock when I opened the letter as I had just been thinking it was going to be normal.

I have to say if I had to go again to colposcopy I wouldn’t be as nervous I think it’s the not knowing. I’m also a person who thinks of the what ifs and makes myself even worse. Xx

Hi Olli10!

What I found at recently was that your smear tests should only come back within 2 weeks if it tests negative for HPV, whereas, if you test positive they then do more tests which is why mine took 9 weeks for them to get back to me. I think they need to make this more clear during the screenign process at the GP, because I was anxious and did not sleep well for weeks and weeks.

I tested positive for HPV and borderline abnormal cells. I finally had m colposcopy today, and I wanted to say that it was all fine but it wa the most distressig thing I have experienced. My first issue was that no one tells you how many people are going to be present during your colposcopy. In the NHS colposcopy leaflet they explain the procedure well (which is great), but I was under the impression it would be me and the consultant. Even when I got there they did not tell me this. I actually ended up having two consultants (ok fair enough one was training) and two other nurses also in a tiny room. I have never felt so anxious and claustrophobic in my life. 

They tell you they insert the speculum in (to get a view of the cervix) and then put liquids in. All fine until (between the two consultants) they took 5 attempts and 4 different speclums to start with (only warning me the first one the would put it. This was not painful the first time, but was painful when they wouldn't talk me through what they were doing and just catch me off guard. This probably took them atleast 10-15 mins (which should be the whole length of the appointment). I understand that everyone is different and cervix can be challenging, but I I did not appreciate them not warning me about the sudden different parts of the colposcopy without talking me through it. For me, that made me every more anxious and distressed.

The they add the liquids, which stings but is not painful, so I cannot complain about that.

Once finally in position they saw my bordelrine abnormal cells ahd got worse and they wanted to show me the screen adn I refused because ithad already been 20 mins since starting and I felt so exposed and a bit in pain - I wanted to get it over with. They then said that I have to have a biopsy and they could see I was in pain already, but again they did not warn me about when they were attempting the biopsy. It took the consultants 3 attempts each before they could get a biopsy sample. The first one was painful but quick so I can't complain too much about that one, but it turned out they didn't get the right amount of sample or something. They then did it 5 more times without warning me. Its like they just wanted to get the job done. They also would whisper about what they were seeing when I could hear exactly what they were saying. I do not appreciate them talking amoungst themselves about me as if I was not there. I

It was actually the nurse (who had been trying to distract me during the multiple failed attempts) who told me the procedure wa complete. The consultants left the room without saying a word to me. I have never felt so objectified and disrespected in my whole life. 

So for me, my colpsocopy was extremely traumatic. They explained that I had a small cervix and was very tall, but my procedure took over 30 mins and it was getting more and more painful each time. Now I just have to wait 4 weeks for biopsy results and I am really prayin I do not need any treatment because I am honestly so traumatised I feel sick thinking about having to go back to that colposcopy unit,

Hopefully for anyone out there due for colposcopy it will be pain free (as it should be), and you will not have the same awful experience as me. It turns out I was probably a difficult case because I'm tall (even though I am only 5"8) and have a small cervix. I am very glad I have got it done and out of the way, but hope that for any future colposcopies (if any) it willl be much better

Happy to discuss with anyone who is worried. I just wanted to be honest about my experience 

xx

Yes I agree. I think they need to explain it better before the smear test. I was a mess when I opened my screening reults after 9 weeks. I rang the GP 3 times a week until I got my results I was that anxious.

I am glad to hear your colposcopy went well. I hope that if I ever get called back for another one it will not be as traumatic as this one, and I will definitely address my concerns with the consultant before any procedures. I am just glad I have had it done and it is out of the way

xx

Hi Delilah,

I called the doctors a few times as I was so anxious also. I had an appointment sent through that was within two weeks so once again I panicked with how soon then wanted to see me. 

If you need to chat I’m always about on here . Xx

Hi,

I was hoping to reach out to you and see how you are getting on. I had minor changes back in October 2019 and was told to go back in October 2020 of course with the pandemic that didn't happen. I have just been seen now and I watched on the screen and seen a lot of white! I am totally freaking out. 
 

The gynaecologist who did the treatment said if need to return in 3 weeks because she's unsure if my changes are due to pregnancy (I'm 14 weeks) or if she needs to take a biopsy! I am so worried that it's bad because of what I seen. 
 

How are you now? 
 

thanks x 

Hi,

I hope you don't mind me replying to your message.

I have a similar situation having had a routine smear last year which was found to be hpv positive and told to come back in a year.

I went back last week to be set a letter today stating there had been borderline changes to the squamous cells and hpv still positive.

My appointment with the gynecologist isn't until 1st sept but I am petrified and the fact I've received the letter on a Saturday and can't get hold of anyone is making me worry even more

I hope your pregnancy is going well and your next appointment puts your mind at ease xxx

Hi, 

hope your doing ok. Honestly the worrying is so horrible! I totally understand. Everyone says "don't worry until you know" it's virtually impossible.

I had my colposcopy on Thursday with a senior gynaecologist she was lovely! She told me that I have some cells slightly to the left part of my cervix and it's inflamed (this is probably due to still having HPV). She's not overly concerned, as it's still only minor changes amd happy to leave me another 9 weeks. I'll go back to see if there has been any changes that have developed. She did say this is unlikely but because I'm pregnant they will keep a close eye on them. If they do change she did say that chances are they would delay treatment until after I give birth. 
 

I'm taking it as good news, because the changes aren't progressing quickly. I've had adnormal paps since April 2019 also had four colposcopies now. It's frustrating because I feel like if I didn't have HPV then my body could clear the cells, so I'm focusing on trying to build my immune system (which is hard when your pregnant) in the hope it will clear.

it could be that the HPV has made some cells change but, honestly it probably will only be mild changes, as it doesn't seem to progress, as quickly as your head likes you to believe it will. 
 

the fact your getting seen to & the cells have just shown up after 1 year means they can get in and have a good look and go from there. 
 

I've never had to get any treatment because they have always been mild changes so my body can reverse it. However, I've decided that if it's still the same in 9 weeks then I definitely want treatment after baby is born. It's extremely draining having your smear results always coming back with abnormalities. I would rather get them lazered off to help my body control or hopefully get rid of the HPV.
 

Just know that it's okay to feel unsure of all this and to get upset and fell loads of different emotions! However, chances are they just want to see what's going on to give you the best possible protection. Your SMEARS are here to prevent cancer before it becomes anything to worry about. Your doing the right thing & getting seen to.

Also because of the Pandemic they've been taking patients (like me) in on Saturdays so I wouldn't worry about getting the letter today. I also got my next appointment through today too.

Sorry for the long message. Let me know if I can help in anyway xx