Hi all you lovely ladies,
As some of you may be aware if you have read my recent blogs, I have recently been affected by cervical abnormalities (precancerous cells). I know that smear tests are annoying and sometimes it's really hard to find the time to make that appointment with the busy lives we lead. I urge you all to MAKE the time. This may save your life!
I have always gone for regular smear tests. Every one I had was clear. I then got a letter saying minor changes about two years ago. I just had to go back in 6 months for another smear. The next came back as changes and I was referred for a colposcopy. I had low grade precancerous cells. I was told that my body may be able to fight this and it would probably resolve itself. They took a biopsy to ensure that this was the case. Unfortunately I got an infection from the biopsy and was rather sick. I was then called back in 6 months to have another smear to see how this was progressing. It showed the same. No better, no worse. I had another six months later, in July of this year. I got a letter saying that the nurse would need to see me for a review in a month and see letter attached for appointment. This was a week after the letter was dated. Unfortunately I was away on holiday in Texas when this letter came in. When I got home to this I was rather scared. Anyone that is familiar with the NHS this is really fast! That in itself was cause for concern! I called them as soon as the clinic opened. I told them I had been away and they gave me an appointment of 8th sept. Again this was fast! I only arrived back on 28th August! So , I went along to my appointment trying to be positive but deep down knowing that something wasn't quite right. I saw a different doctor who was lovely! She gave me the news that I now had high grade precancerous cells. She explains how these changes occur and how if untreated can turn into cancerous cells. She said that she could do a biopsy and confirm this or we could go ahead and she could perform loop diathermy and remove the affected area. I wanted it gone! I have to say I was in shock. I'd tried to mentally prepare for this but it didn't work apparently. The nurse and doctor were great. I cracked jokes through the procedure (my coping mechanism). It was over very quickly and as I was anaesthetised didn't hurt. I was given antibiotics to take if I got an infection which unfortunately I have. I get the results back from the tissue the took in the next week or so so fingers crossed in clear. After that I will have a smear and HPV test to check how things are.. Again fingers crossed! If I'm clear, that's it!
I know that this is a very long and deeply personal blog. I just wanted to reach out to you all. I know that this may seem scary but you are all beautiful, amazing women and I want each and every one of you to stay that way. Please make the time to do this. I know it's annoying and some find it embarrassing but this really could save your life. Cervical abnormalities are treatable. The HPV vaccine prevents some forms of the virus but not all so it's vital that even if you have been vaccinated you go for regular screening.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope that it helps even one of you. Don't put it off.
Babs 💖💖💖
