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Ectropian CIN 1 Really scared

Saz33
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After some advice as feeling scared. 

So, over the last 6 years I've been having a mixture of problems related to my cervix. It began with spotting after sex, experiencing longer periods than  normal normal and lots of watery discharge. After going to the doctor and having an examination, they spotted that I had an ectropian and put all these symptoms down to this. I'd also attended all my smears to date and had had one with borderline cell changes but no HPV so had been put back into the three year rolling programme. However, after these symptoms and the discovery of the ectropian I returned to the doctor and had a repeat smear which was clear. I developed quite acute health anxiety surrounding it all was persistently worried by the spotting after sex etc so got referred to the gynaecologist. I had pelvic examinations and ultrasounds and a repeat smear again but nothing was found but they decided to send me to colposcopy to have the ectropian cauterised to try and stop the symptoms. At my colposcopy appointment they couldn't see any abnormalities but took a 'blind biopsy' to be safe and treated the ectropian which he said was quite far up by cervical canal. The results of the biospy showed CIN 1 and he was happy to leave it be and do a repeat smear in a year. Following this result I got pregnant and had my little boy. I had my repeat smear when it was due and it can back normal. I then hadn't really given it any consideration as the spotting after sex and all the other symptoms went away. Until now. I stopped breast feeding in April and my periods started going a bit do lally again (lasting longer, starting and then stopping again etc). They had come back three months after I'd had my baby. 

I returned to the doctor yesterday to investigate this and she decided to examine me and saw that the ectropian was there again. (assuming it went away as it was never mentioned during my pregnancy and birth ) She has now decided to refer me back to colposcopy 'just to be sure' due to my 'history'. 

I'm bloody terrified. Feel totally overwhelmed by the fear that the CIN 1 found during my colposcopy has developed into cancer. Any advice or thoughts whilst I have to wait for my appointment would be really appreciated. 

My job is really stressful and I have a little toddler running about and feel like this is going to push me into depression and huge anxiety again.

  • Hi Saz33, 

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with these health problem again especially at a time when you should be able to enjoy your little boy. 

    If I''m reading your post correctly, the CIN1 was spotted and treated prior to your pregnancy. Nothing was noted at all during the pregnancy or bith and since your little one arriv ed you've had a clear result from a smear. 

    It's important to remember that cervical ectropion is common and harmless. It is not linked to cervical cancer or any other condition that causes cancer.  You can read more on the Jo's Trust website here. 

    If, and this is only an if at the moment as you've not been told that you have CIN1 again, that this is low grade. It is unlikely these cell changes will develop into cervical cancer and they will probably go back to normal by themselves. Jo's Trust also have information about this on their website here.

    It's not uncommon to feel anxious when dealing with a health problem, add into this a stressful job and a toddler and I'm not surprised that you're feeling as you do. I wonder if it would be worth revisiting your GP about how you're feeling to see if there's some support that they may be able to suggest. The NHS website Moodzone has some helpful information. 

    I hope that this helps and that you don't have to wait too long for your appointment. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

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