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High-risk HPV & cell changes, I think I also have CC symptom

Shell82
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Hi

I have received a letter with results from my smear saying I have high-risk HPV and they've seen changes in my cells.  I'm awaiting my colposcopy appointment.

The more I've been reading about it the more I realise I have some symptoms of CC: constant dull pelvic pain, lower back pain, painful legs, pain after sex and sometimes bleeding, the last 2 years my periods have been getting worse, so much so that I can't leave the house for 3 days of my cycle as I bleed through one of the biggest pads within an hour, I need to get up through the night to change pads too. I have lots of clots and towards the end of my period they go almost black. I'm very tired most of the time.  I never thought anything of all these symptoms as thought it was just my age (38), but I'm now wondering if it all points to CC.

My smear from 3 years ago was clear, can CC develop in this short period of time? 

I'd be grateful to hear from anyone that's experienced the same. I've been reading other posts and everyone is so supportive. Speaking to family and they all say it will be fine but would be great to have an honest opinion. 

As much as I try not to, I can't help worrying about the worst outcome. 

Thanks 

  • Hi Shell82,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. Firstly I hope it's not too long to wait for your next appointment and before you find out more as I know the uncertainty is difficult.

    Try not to group lots of symptoms/feelings into one worry if you can - I know this is easier said than done but there could likely be other explanations. It's only through the results that you will know though, so hopefully you hear more soon and in the meantime try to keep yourself busy to help keep your mind off the worries.

    My reply will boost your post so a few more people should see it, and hopefully you'll receive further replies soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Shell

    It’s easy to try and diagnose yourself when you receive an abnormal smear result and have cell changes, but it’s really not possible to make any assumptions at this stage. The colposcopy appointment will allow a close look at your cervix and any areas of abnormal cells can be either monitored or dealt with. 

    Your symptoms can have lots of other causes, not just cervical cancer, so it’s best to wait until your appointment to see what’s going on. It is positive that you had a clear smear 3 years ago, so try not to let you thoughts run away with themselves. Oh, and don’t google! That will only increase your anxiety, and won’t actually be at all helpful. 

    I hope you don’t have long to wait for your appointment. x

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