#abnormalpapsmear

Abnormal Pap Smear.

Discovery of CIN III HSIL high grade cell changes/severe dysplasia following on from a routine pap smear.

Have you ever been so shocked you didn't know what to do.

Thank god JV was with me on that day.

I was due for a pap smear in May 2018 but in Australia the rules for pap smears changed. Previously a pap smear was recommended every 2 years, but rules and test were changed to a cervical smear every 5 years from the age of 25.

I was 25 in July so it was decided with my GP to put my pap off to avoid having to pay for it myself. I scheduled my pap smear for early Aug 2018.

A pap smear is a quick procedure where a sample of cells is collected to detect cervical cancer early.

I had a phone call late Saturday morning after having my pap smear done the Tuesday prior. Unfortunately I missed this call and had to phone them first thing Monday morning. 

The Doctors office didn’t really give me much indication as to why I needed to come back -  I actually thought I must have had thrush or something pretty basic they wanted to chat about.

JV was driving in the driveway as I was leaving for the appointment and jumped in the car to come with me. I think he must have sensed something wasn’t quite right.

I was explained my pap results and given a copy of the report which indicated high grade cells.

Without a colposcopy (a procedure to examine and biopsy the cervix) they werent able to fully confirm, but indications were I had CIN III HSIL high grade cell changes/severe dysplasia.

CIN III is severly abnormal cells that are found on the surface of the cervix. It is usually caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is not cancer, but very concerning as it may become cancer if not treated.

I was shocked. So shocked I dont think I even cried until we left. It took a hot minute to sink in.

My GP referred me off to see a gynaecological oncologist to have further investigations done.

An appointment was made for about 6 weeks later for a consultation at which point a colposcopy would be performed to investigate these cells further.

I was scared. 

I didn't know what to expect.

I had recently switched jobs from a position I was in for 8 years.

JV was working in a Queensland mine about 18 hours drive away.

We had recently become engaged.

My Dad was due to have open heart surgery.

This wasnt how it was supposed to be. I was young, fit and healthy.

The moral of this story...

Get a pap smear.

If you are due, make an appointment.

If you havent ever had one, make an appointment.

If you’re scared, dont be... cancer is scary. Make an appointment.

Please, make an appointment.

LLETZ talk about it...

I've never fully spoken to most people about my experience after my LLETZ procedure.

She was a wild ride afterwards I tell you. I will go into that story in a separate blog.

LLETZ stands for - large loop excision of the transformation zone.

I had to have this procedure done after high grade cell changes were discovered on my cervix (see one of my previous blogs for more on this).

I chose to have my LLETZ done through a private hospital not through the public system in Australia for a few reasons. There was concerns that with the wait list through the public system that more changes may occur and change the surgery plan. 

The cells were located spread around my entire cervix not on one particular spot which was concerning.

I had a day procedure under general anaesthetic for my LLETZ. 

The surgery involves a small wire loop with an electrical current running through that cuts away the lower part of the cervix and also seals the tissue at the same time. 

Unfortunately my cervix required 3 passes of the ‘loop’ to adequately remove the affected tissue.

I woke up after my procedure feeling quite okay, a little sleepy but good.

I had some bleeding and discharge that started immediately - but this was expected.

My recovery after my LLETZ was... fucked.

It started off fine.

I was only able to use pads after surgery to decrease any irritation to the surgery site/for adequate healing and It was also advised not to have sex, swim or do any exercise for 4 weeks.

This being my first general anaesthetic and first surgery I followed all instructions to the letter.

All was well for around 5 days but quickly went down hill.

The compliactions were discussed prior to having surgery and I happened to be the 1 person per year that had major complications.

I still didn’t realise what to expect. After using tampons for 10 years it was hard to know what volume of blood was normal and what wasnt.

I wouldn’t change having the surgery, it was a given if not treated I would have ended up with cervical cancer in the next 10 years.

I dont want this to scare anyone from having surgery but please look after yourself following surgery, take additional time to recover and listen very closely to your body.