My smears have shown HPV for several years now but not abnormal cells. Same thing happened in the last one but as it was 3 smears in a row I routinely got referred for a Colposcopy - same as 4 years ago. It did not go well as my cervix has changed with the menopause and it couldn't be completed (largely because I was becoming too tense - the consultant was not empathic at all) but now the hospital is trying to insist I go and get it done under GA. GA scares me and, given no abnormal cells were found, this seems over the top. I have asked about light sedation but they didn't even comment on that, just keep insisting on GA "because it's easier".
Am I wrong to fight this and do I have other options?
Hi Lolly and welcome to our group.
I’m sorry to read that you’ve been having issues with clearing the hpv virus-sometimes it can be more difficult for us older ladies, especially post menopause, and it would be normal to be referred for a colposcopy after three screenings in a row identifying the virus being present/active.
The first thing is that if you do not want to have a general anaesthetic or indeed any other type of procedure, then you can refuse it. You have to sign consent for treatment and/or a general anaesthetic, so if you choose not to sign then nothing can go ahead.
What I would bear in mind in your positionis that you’ve said your colposcopy could not be completed, so there’s no guarantee that there are no abnormal cells there. If the doctor has recommended a GA, then it is because in their professional opinion it would be best for you as a patient since your cervix has changed post menopause and you found the colposcopy difficult because of how tense you were.
Can I ask what particular makes you fearful about having a GA? If you haven’t had one before it can feel scary to have one, but on the many occasions now where I’ve had a general anaesthetic,I have found the staff really kind and empathetic. They know we are scared and do their best to reassure us. I have been under anaesthetic for varying lengths of time from about half an hour to most of the day and varying lengths of time in between!
You are given something to relax you prior to the anaesthetic being delivered, and the next thing you know, you’re waking up and it’s all done. There would be benefits for both yourself and the doctor carrying out the procedure doing it this way. I know you think it is over the top, but it’s really a very common way to find out what they need to know-if no abnormal cells are found, then it’s done and over with, but if they are, then they can be dealt with.
If you do decide not to go ahead, that is your choice, but if you don’t, then it depends how you might feel not knowing if anything untoward might develop. I went straight to a cancer diagnosis at my very first referral, so it might be a risk to assume everything is fine without proof. I never for one second I would get a cancer diagnosis, but I did.
I cannot see what other options might be available to you- your cells should be tested and if the colposcopy is unsuccessful for whatever reason, then it’s really not unusual to have a GA and make certain that things are ok, or can be dealt with it if they aren’t. But everything as the patient remains completely your choice at every stage.
Sarah xx
I had those exact same thoughts before every single GA-it’s the single most important fear when we have one, and I would defy anyone to say any different! The length of time being under makes a difference and your procedure if you choose to do it, should be pretty short in the grand scheme of things. It’s completely your decision at every step of the way-you are in control, but I hope you’ll feel it is worthwhile to get a definitive answer one way or another.
Sarah xx
