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Worried

Carol1764
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Hi all, I hope someone can help. 
I have had normal smears in the past, although GP refused to do one as I'm still in the three year window. Apparantly they can only be done every three years and I must wait another year, however I've had bleeding after sex (very very light spotting just immediately after) and lower back pain for a year (muscular injury-now putting two and two together and worried sick) I did ask the GP to check a year ago but she seems to think I'm over imagine it, feel like no one is taking me seriously. I did have colposcopy about 13 years ago for abnormal cells? Normal smears since.

Had to check myself to see the cause of bleeding and felt what feels like a small cluster of bumps very close to cervix opening. Now I am worried so much more. I have read they may be cysts. I saw the nurse who said she could feel nothing but i have checked and they are definately there. Cervix feels lumpy. Although she said felt fine. I have six children so may be reason, I'm not sure? I've had pain in cervix, almost feels heavy or shooting?

So worried now but can't get a GP appointment due to Covid. If been on line and it's scary stuff. 
 

any advice or anyone had anything similar?

Thabk you so much 

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    Health worries are completely normal. I have the same health anxiety. It seems to me that everything is fine, especially as your smear results are normal and you say that your back pain is due to an injury. I think it's always good to get things checked out even if it's nothing; I always find that it's better to get that piece of mind. Maybe book an appointment with another doctor, though it will be hard to get an appointment during this time.

    Please try not to worry too much. I have health anxiety as well so I know how scary it can be. Maybe look into having some therapy to help with the anxiety. Try to take your mind off things and not overthink things especially as everything seems fine.

  • Offline in reply to catlady91

    Thanks the reply. It's very kind. I guess I do over worry. It's a stressful time. 
    I've read so much about cervical changes (lumps and bumps) being related to CC that I'm am so worried about it all now. And yes I should try to relax more and take me mind off it....I wish I could have the reassurance of the GP but feel bad about asking them to see me as thei are trying to avoid face to face contact...
    I wondered if anyone else had been told about cysts or anything similar in past? And I also wonder why they are they limiting smears to every three years? Given the irregular bleeding I'd hoped they'd do one sooner but nope.
     

    I hope you are well and once again, thanks for replying wishing you all the best x

     

  • Offline in reply to Carol1764

    No worries, these things are extremely stressful. I think the COVID19 exacerbates our worries more. The worst thing to do is read up about things online. I first started reading about lung cancer (which my mum has) and I was a wreck from everything that I read, but the doctors have been so positive. Our oncologist said that they're looking to cure my mum's cancer and that many people with stage 3 lung cancer (what my mum has) have been cured and that lung cancer isn't one of the hardest cancers to treat (according to what it says online).

    The internet again exacerbates worries even more. It says that any symptom could be cancer. It's much better to listen to doctors than articles online, most which probably haven't been updated for years. One cancer site used statistics from 2002-2006 and the 5 year survival rate for stage 3 lung cancer was very low! Going through this awful process has also made me realise how many advancements have been made in treating cancer, but you don't hear about it! Even one of our consultants said that 10-15 years ago stage 3 lung cancer would have been bad news. 

    Please don't read online as you'll only feel worse. Even some of the most reputable sites aren't up to date. It's always best to talk to a doctor and if that doctor isn't any good, get a second opinion. I think that they do smear tests every three years because the changes probably happen very slowly. Irregular bleeding and cysts can be caused by many different things.

    Don't allow these worries to become all consuming. It's always good to see a doctor as it's good to look after your health. My theory is that I'd rather go to the doctor, even if it's nothing, it's better to be safe than sorry. Try to do other things to take your mind off of things and please no more reading up online.

    I wish you all the best as well :) x

  • Offline in reply to catlady91

    I am so sorry to hear of your mums cancer  I couldn't agree more that there are many advances being made all the time.  Wishing you all the best at what must be a very challenging and difficult time for you. Thank you for taking the time to write me such a genuine response, to my worries, it seems quite trival now knowing that you are having such a difficult time. I imagine Covid-19 is adding to your worries right now. It sure does put everything into perspective doesn't it.

    Sending all our thoughts and best wishes so that you receive the positive news you are hoping for.

     

    take care

     

    xxx 

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