Abnormal cells from smear ...

[katekoala]

I have since had a biopsy / colposcopy which has confirmed abnormal cells. I now need a LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) the letter I have received has minimal details and I am extremely worried ... Has anyone been through this? What questions should I be asking? Should I be worried?

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

I think you should print this question and take it to your GP tomorrow.
You'll get two results here. Frightening misdiagnosis and opinion.
See logic. See a doctor. :)

[katekoala]

thanks mojo

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

You're most welcome. I hope it's all good. :)

[boxtops]

If abnormal cells have been diagnosed on your smear, they need to investigate further, or to remove the cells altogether, which sounds like what is proposed in your case.

This might help http://www.screenings...eaflets/treatment.asp

[Sqad]

No I have not had it done personally.

It will be done as a day case in OP's and is exactly the same procedure as your Colposcopy. It takes about 15 mins and the cervix is frozen and hence painless.
you may feel a little discomfort and on occasions depending upon your response, a general anaesthetic may be given.
Post operative bleeding may be present but almost invariably not excessive.

The only question that you will need to ask is the result of this added biopsy which should take about 10 days.

[divegirl]

Hi, I had this done before Christmas and though the thought of what you are having done is scary the actual procedure itself is not too bad. Depending on how much cervix they decide to take will decide on the pain relief they give you. I had a lot [almost all of mine removed] so had a local anaesthetic directly in to the cervix ..... not a nice feeling but not as painful as you imagine.
Try not to panic, these are just abnormal cells and this will usually be enough to sort out the issue. The hospital that treated me were amazing and told me everything I needed to know before the procedure. I was in little to no pain afterwards but did need to wear a sanitary towel for a few weeks. After that it's just a matter of waiting for your results. Fingers crossed this will just mean regular check ups for a while.
Good luck

Lisa x

[rowanwitch]

most times this is a fully curative procedure....don't ask if you should be worried human nature being what it is you will worry anyway... but one of my best friends had it done years ago and apart from having 6 monthly (now yearly) smears it hasn't been a problem since

[pips1]

Me too, I had abnormal cells and I was only in my twenties so was scary, but as the others have said it is not so bad and I have been fine ever since, good luck x