I know that we are smack bang in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic. But if and when it's safe to do so, I encourage you to get tested. Smear tests take less than 5 minutes and it could potentially save your life.
I mentioned on my Instagram story a few weeks ago that I had to go into hospital for treatment and this is the reason why.
I went for my routine smear test early in March. My result arrived in the post few weeks later and it showed that I had high to severe abnormalities cells on my cervix. After my result arrived in the post the hospital saw me 3 days later for a Colposcopy (click here for more information about the procedure and what happens)
I went for my routine smear test early in March. My result arrived in the post few weeks later and it showed that I had high to severe abnormalities cells on my cervix. After my result arrived in the post the hospital saw me 3 days later for a Colposcopy (click here for more information about the procedure and what happens)
I'm glad that they saw me quickly because my anxiety was through the roof when I received my results. I had no idea what it all meant. But when I went into hospital for my appointment the doctor answered all my questions and reassured me. The doctor took a closer look at my cervix under the colposcopy and decided that I needed large loop excision of the transformation zone treatment (otherwise known as LLETZ). It's a surgical procedure which is done under local anaesthetic to remove to all of the abnormal cells before they could turn into something potentially dangerous in the future. The procedure was straight forward and with no complications. I didn't feel anything during treatment but when the local anaesthetic wore off it felt like a bad period cramp for about a week or 2. I'm now in week 4 of recovery and i'm doing really well. I'm looking forward to having a bath as I haven't been allowed to have one while I heal from the treatment. I'm a huge water baby and I love baths.
I have to return for another smear test in 6 months to see if the treatment has been successful. But I feel glad that I was able to take control of the situation and do something about it now.
The NHS and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust were amazing and looked after me. Since my treatment I've joined a wonderful forum on Facebook and chatted to some amazing people who have all been through the same procedure as me. It's quite surprising with how many people go through this and how common it is. It's important to know that when you are going through something like this that you are not alone.
♥ Don't fear the smear ♥
Bunny Hugs,
Hayley
xxx