I was wondering if I should push for my 'test of cure' sooner, seeing as my discharge is still an issue even after having a LLetz procedure 5 months ago.
Anxiety is a big issue for me, especially as I have had some negative experiences during my medical procedures and investigations and I don't believe this is BV now; especially as it's been tested for 3 times since October and all came back clear.
Many thanks in advance,
Kim.
Dear Kim,
Thank you for getting in touch, and welcome back to our online community. My name is Lisa, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I can see that you also belong to our cervical cancer forum. I hope that you are finding this forum supportive and a way to share experiences.
I’m so sorry that anxiety is a big issue for you, and it’s understandable that if you have had some negative experiences with medical procedures and investigations in the past, it can affect how you feel now. It’s important to remember that this isn’t always the case.
Anxiety around medical procedures is a very common experience, which can be due to fear. There are strategies that can help when feeling this way, such as relaxation techniques or distraction. Talking to your healthcare team about how you are feeling can help to alleviate some of the anxiety and even provide some reassurance, especially if this is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.
It would also be good to make your GP or gynaecology team aware that you are still experiencing a discharge since your LLETZ procedure 5 months ago. This is particularly important when someone is having any new, worsening, or changing symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, which can then lead to various symptoms, such as an unusual vaginal discharge.
Unfortunately, Kim, as we aren’t part of the NHS, we wouldn’t have access to your NHS medical records. However, you mentioned that you don’t believe this is BV now, as you’ve been tested for this a number of times since October, and all the tests have come back clear.
As you know, a large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) is a common way to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. By removing these cells, it may prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Due to your worries about the BV, you are wondering whether you should push for a ‘test of cure’, which is a follow-up test that is performed after treatment to confirm that it has been effective – for example, in treating an infection or removing a lesion. It would be okay to speak to your doctor about this, too. If appropriate, they would arrange for you to have further tests, if needed.
I hope this has been helpful. However, we often find that we can help more by exploring these questions over the phone. You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) or send us an email.
Take care and best wishes,
Lisa R
Cancer Information Nurse
KA/LiR
