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Hpv16 and ectropion

Chole1
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Hey 

 

My last smear test was in 2018 which was clear but not sure of hpv was tested. My next smear test is due next year . However i have now recently got myself tested for hpv which I tested positive for hpv16. I have been to the doctors to raise my concerns and she did a plevic check and said I have an ectropion but she didn't sound so certain. 
 

I have spotted on one occasion which I made the doctor aware . As result of the spotting she said she would have  me see a gynaecologist. I've just received the letter which states urgent referral and I have an appointment for the following week. 
 

I haven't been able to stop crying and I'm soo stressed.  I'm aware that ectropion can look like early stage of cervical cancer . 
 

I have also previously been diagnosed with Ibs but now I'm thinking maybe it not Ibs and  all my symptoms seem to relate to cervical  cancer . I have lower back pain , my stomach is swollen , I get pain in my leg. My periods are heavy with blood clots. I also get thrush very easily . I have issues with my urine , whereby it stings or I feel like can no longer hold my urine in.  
 

I know the smear test is designed so that it can pick things such as cell changes early before it develops and I have read it unlikely cancer can develop soo quick , it normally takes 10 years etc . But I'm also aware of people that have had cancer within the space of three years. I can't stop thinking I'm one of those people that have cancer. 
 

I'm loosing my mind over , I'm soo scared to go the appointment , I actually feel like I will pass out or have a panic attack. I feel like the doctor is concerned that it cancer as she didn't give me much reassurance in the appointment apart from her saying well I can see no tumors. 
 

sorry to ramble but I guess I'm just hoping that someone might have gone through a similar experience and can provide me some guidance or some sort of comfort . 


Xx 

 

  • Offline

    Hello Chole1, 

    I am sorry to hear that you have been so stressed - it is normal to be worried but it's good that you were referred to a gynaecologist and that you will have an appointment and find out more soon. I know it's really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be - it won't be long now until you find out more. It is important that you go to your appointment and I am sure you will feel better after you have spoken to a specialist - try not to read anything into what the doctor told you. I know it is really hard but try and resist the urge to look anything up on Google as this will make you feel even more worried and will not give you any reliable explanation. 

    Hopefully you will hear from someone else here who has been through a similar experience. In the meantime, I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for your appointment and I hope that you get some clarity on all this very soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi 

    well I have just read you post and you sound like me and I could of written it!

    ive got an urgent gynaecologist app on Thursday, as I went to my gp with abnormal bleeding and pain during sex, she said my cervix looks abnormal and referred me straight away. I have been an absolute mess with worry! I also have IBS and thinking the same thoughts as you, but stress and worry makes stomach probs worse so hard to tell.

    but the doctor did mention to me cervical cancer is usually very slow growing cancer so keep that in your mind.

    dont google anything as will make you worse and try and distract yourself best you can. I hope you get an app soon. I'll let you know how I get on on Thursday x

  • Offline in reply to Casey123

    Hey Casey 

     

    I hope you are okay and thank you for replying. I had my ultra sound yesterday and I had my appointment with the gynaecologist today. If I'm being honest the whole thing was a waste of time. My ultra sound came back normal and today the gynaecologist had a quick look , and when I mean quick. He literally just had a look with his eyes,  no swabs or looking under the mircoscope. And basically said it looks fine. I've left the appointment feeling no better . Because I've done the hpv test via Superdrug's there basically dismissing my result of the hpv 16. And I've been told to wait until next year when my smear is due. I was hoping I would leave the appointment with the gynaecologist doing checks such as making sure I have no abnormal cells. I'm not sure what I'm meant to do about the symptoms that I've been having , it almost like there telling me it normal to be having low back pain, spotting , the exccesive blood clots whilst I'm on my period . 
     

    i reckon I will go private for peace of mind, I'm 28 and I'm not married and I have no children , I rather just be safe  than to be in a position done the line whereby I get told I have cervical cancer or serve abnormal cell changes and it could affect my fertility. 
     

    I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow and please keep me updated as I will be thinking of you  . Like you said , cervical is very slow growing cancer and they do say the smear test is done every three years which is designed to pick up anything before it turns to cancer so please stay positive . 

     

    xxx 

  • Offline in reply to Chole1

    Hi, 

    I'm so sorry to hear your appointment was a bit of a disappointment:(. But it's really good to hear your ultrasound scan was all normal! So that is bit fo a relief for you.

    seems bit frustrating that he didn't appear to look at your cervix properly, but try and have some faith that these people do know what they are looking for to some extent but I agree he could of been more thorough based on your hpv result. 
    Might be a silly question but is hpv 16 the one that changes cells, as I know there is diff strains and not all cause cell changes. You could always ring up and say you're not happy and see if you could get a second opinion, or perhaps pay private for an early smear for some peace of mind. I was hoping you've be feeling releaved after your app :(

    thank you, I'm so scared for tomorrow my stomach is churning and don't think I'll sleep tonight. Hope you get some sleep xx

  • Offline in reply to Casey123

    Hey 

     

    I was just thinking of you , I hope today went well .  Xx

  • Offline in reply to Chole1

    Hi Chloe,

     

    Well it was a completely different experimence today! When I went to my gp she was really concerned about my cervix so really worried me. Today the consultant said it was just a polyp so he removed it and sent off to check nothing sinister, but said he's pretty sure form looking at it it's all fine and nothing to worry about. I ended up nearly fainting I was so worried, but they were al so lovely! How are you feeling? Xx

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