abnormal smear

[pinktwink]

anyone tell me why a smear would have some abnormal cellsand need to be repeated in 6 months. What does it mean

[kippyboo]

Changes on the cervix associated with a mildly abnormal smear often regress, and the smear becomes normal again. Rather than refer you to the hospital straight away, it is common to repeat the smear in a few months time. If the mildly abnormal cells persist, further investigation is warranted to ensure that something more sinister is not being missed.
I had repeated abnormal smears and had a small op called a cone biopsy it only required a day in hospital. That was over twenty years ago and my smear tests have been normal ever since. Dont worry x

[sara3]

it's a bit vague, but some iffy cells can right themselves. try not to panic.

[pinktwink]

thanks sorry about vagueness sarah thats all i know cells showed some abnormality and need to repeat in 6 months

[sara3]

I wouldn't go reading stuff, it'll sound scary when in reality it's not. if your result was bad you'd have been sent straight to the hospital.

I didn't mean that you were vague, just the results.. as they generally are :o)

[tamborine]

Best you ask the doc when you get your shoulder checked. Is it better now?

[pinktwink]

yes tamb ta got cortisone injection. My doc on leave so seeen other dr in surgery when he gave me results unexpectedly , Will ask my dr when she is back.
he says i have tendonitis

[Ice.Maiden]

Ouch pink! Well glad that you've found out what's caused the painful arm.

As for the abnormal smear - I think any woman'd worry about having one of those, but kippyboo's right.
The repeat smear'll more than likely come back as OK, but if not, two of my friends've had cone biopsies as well, and they're fine now. x

[tamborine]

Cant help with smears as after the first one, eons ago, I refused any further. Same with mammos for me.

Give it 2y and newspapers come out with 'incorrect diagnosis, etc' at hospital in 'your town'!

no confidence - me!

[Ice.Maiden]

Well having a routine mammo saved my best friend's life tamb. It's been a tough time for her, but she seems fine now. Having said that, I was called in for one when they had a mass drive, and didn't go - because i rang the hospital up and asked about radiation exposure and other things. I suggested to the person I spoke to, that there was some reason for trying to get women in on the scale they do, and her answer ws quite horrendous - "Yes, well I suppose most are used as guinea pigs. We need the results so that students can examine them. It's a fairly safe procedure, but of course, there ARE risks....."
I didn't go, as I say........

[pinktwink]

what women have to tolerate. First smear not sufficient cells second one done a month later and abnormal and now i need a third heck!!!

[tamborine]

you must have worked me out by now Ice; my luck to have smear & mammo and be hit by a bus - using my new bus pass ;)

[Ice.Maiden]

Oh LOL - I'm sure that won't happen. x

Pink - they always do repeat smears if they can't get a good enough swab, as they can't get a good indication of how the cells are behaving from a small sample.
You want to be glad you're not in my position - a smear's excruciatingly painful, as my cervix is tilted. It causes no probs, apart from when it's time for a smear test - and then io tell you, I'd rather give birth - and I mean that!
I'm sure you'll be fine though hun. When your doctor comes back, have a word with him or the practice nurse, to put your mind at rest.

[tamborine]

Is that why it hurts Ice.....I was told it was cause I was 'too tight'! Dont know if doc meant me purse but after 3 kids - daft!

And why is it always male docs who get the job?

[Ice.Maiden]

LOL!!!! Well you're still going to be "tight" up there, no matter HOW many children you've had!
I've not had a smar test done by a guy - only females.

[pinktwink]

Yes well TG dr is female. It's probably harder if you haven't had kids!!!! Three smears in eight months. What did I ever do wrong

[tamborine]

Oooops may have been the vet? he he

[tamborine]

pinky.....any unwashed men in your life?

[ummmm]

So far in my life all my smears have come back abnormal. When repeated they have been fine. Try not to worry too much.

[pinktwink]

No tamb LOL but think I'll be inspecting his washing techniques

[Ice.Maiden]

Oh lol - but no pink, it makes no difference whether you've had children or not when it comes to taking a smear. Some can just be more difficult to do, as in my case, or if the doctor/nurse hasn't managed to get a decent sample, but more than likely you're going to be alright. If not, the sooner you get seen to, the sooner you can get treated. I think all women fear cervical or womb cancer, but the odds are pretty good if caught in time. There are usually other symptoms if you have that, anyway. x
Laughed my head off at your remark about any unwashed men!!!! I'm pos that pink's OK there - but you DO have a point!!!