To go or not to go? LLETZ

Would really like to hear your stories of the above. I’m 33yo and after an abnormal smear back in Nov, was referred to Colposcopy. One of the most horrendous experiences I’ve had. I was in agony. Felt misinformed and had two panic attacks, severe anxiety - you name it. Somehow, I got through it. They took two biopsies when ‘in’ there- I didn’t feel that was my choice. I was screaming out for pain relief. There was none.

Afterward, I was in a lot of pain. Felt my body was violated, was confused about my consent given the state I was in. Have been traumatised since.

Fast forward 3 weeks, I have biopsy results. CIN2 and recommended LLETZ. I’m terrified. I feel the research on the side effects is wholly inadequate and I’m worried about my future fertility, loss of libido and ability to enjoy sex. Many women have posted this after effect in reputable forums.

Please help inform me on where to go next. I have been advised to have general because of anxiety, but I would feel more violated not being awake; and then there is going into hospital during Coronavirus- I would rather local. I’ve the option to get diazepam from my doctor, as required. 

Hope this isn’t triggering for anyone. I’m just trying to inform myself and decide: to go, or not to go?

  • Hi,

    I've just been for my LLETZ today. I had my smear test done at the end of February and didn't hear anything until yesterday, when I received a phone call from the colopspy dept asking me to go for an appointment the following morning. I wasn't sure what I was even going for this morning, just knew that I had some abnormalities. Obviously with the COVID19 situation, I didn't go with anyone else and had to wear a mask etc. The procedure itself was a little uncomfortable but I wouldn't have said it was too bad. I had 3 nurses with me, 1 was mainly there to make conversation with me which worked. 
    Afterwards, I felt shaky which is normal apparently. I will get my results in writing in 8 weeks now! I've had the typical period pains this afternoon and a bit of bleeding too. Advised not to do any heavy lifting/sexual intercourse for 4 weeks. 
     I'm pleased it's been done now and the abnormal cells have been removed! So hopefully my results come back good news! my advice would be to not hold off getting the treatment done, either way. 
    hope this helps x

  • Hello Thestateofplay, reading your post, is the most relatable thing I have found on the internet to my current situation and how I am feeling. Biopsies, very traumatic. Diagnosis of CIN 2 & 3 Proposed treatment LLETZ under GA due to anxiety. I had a clear smear 3 years ago, so feel shocked this has got this bad this quickly.

    A lot of admin errors mean I have been told the wrong information/ correspondence has been lost in the system. Resulting in really not trusting my local hospital. After the CIN3 diagnosis I have an appointment booked in 5weeks time to 'discuss the results and surgery', but no date as yet for the LLETZ. The waiting is really the worse (such a different experience to kbyrne's account of same day procedure).

    I hope you don't mind me commenting on your post 2 years on. How are you? What did you choose and how was the outcome? Hope you are ok. Thanks so much for sharing you experience. Kbyrne, I'd also love to know how you are? Have you had any long term side effects after having your LLETZ procedure? Is sex ever the same again?