Hello
Im 37 and a mum of 6.
It all started a year ago after giving birth to my baby ,being postpartum I blamed my consistent bleeding and spotting on my hormones and settling on the contraception I was on. Doctors kept saying its hormonal let it settle down. I asked for a smear as the pelvic pain ,tops of my legs ,lower back pain and cramps were every day all day. The gp surgery wouldn't do it with the heavy bleeding. On the 29th August I decided to buy a hpv test online as I thought if I get a window where im not bleeding for a morning ll do the test. I know it dont test for abnormal cells but its something. It came back two days later high risk hpv detected not 16 or 18 type.
I took the results to my doctor and with the result and all my symptoms she referred me for the two week cervical cancer pathway. I had my colposcopy yesterday. The gynaecologist wasn't happy I paid for the hpv test and told me total waste of money but I felt if I didnt do that test I wouldn't know what I know now.
The cervix went from acetowhite very quickly and was pretty covered on the surface and she took two punch hole biopsys. She said there was aggressive hpv and she also done a full smear. Im cramping ,and not feeling great today. I feel embarrassed, emotional ,uptight ,upset emotions are every where. Im at this point fed up of saying im ok when im not. Im so scared of what could be happening. The constant bleeding and pain I feel every day is a constant reminder of what im going through. The gynaecologist said well it has been 5 and half years and alot can happen to your body in that time for worst case scenarios. Which has scared me.
I also had an internal scan on the 3rd September which showed a 6 cm simple cyst on the ovary. However she wants to look at this again and she wrote in the clinic letter to take immediate action if sudden pain on that side due to ovary torsion or rupture. So I have to wait upto 4 weeks for my results and waiting for my next US for ovary check on the 14th december. I guess they have gave it a gap because of giving time to get results for this with my cervix.
I just feel like im in limbo waiting now so if anyone has advice or can shine some light onto the above id really appreciate it. Also would like to say how inspirational, strong,determined and lovely so many of you women are here. Iv read some threads and my heart really goes out to you all.
Thankyou for reading .
Hi Virgo89 and welcome to our group.
It’s really difficult for us when we’re having symptoms and tests but don’t yet have any answers about what it might be. I know that can feel very scary.
We are in the group to share our own experiences and help with support if we can, so I hope you’ll find it helpful to share your worries here.
The limbo of waiting is one of the worst times when you just want answers now, and I’m sure we’ll all recognise that feeling. Hopefully you won’t need to wait as long as 4 weeks for your results, but in the meantime, it’s best to try and keep busy and try not to let your thoughts run away with themselves, which is not easy I know!
I had a couple of punch biopsies taken at my colposcopy, and I did have some bleeding afterwards. I was a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days, but just had some paracetamol and a hot water bottle to help. If you have excessive bleeding, where you fill a pad in an hour then that’s the time to seek more help, but hopefully you’ll recover in a day or so.
The things doctors say without thinking can be very unhelpful for us and cause more worry, but remember that beyond seeing evidence of damage caused by the hpv virus, the doctor doesn’t know anything else yet. The biopsy results are needed to confirm what’s going on.
It’s very easy to think the worst, but this just makes you more anxious so it’s a vicious circle in your mind. None of us here could suggest what might be wrong, but the results of the biopsies will confirm what happens next. Hpv can cause abnormal cells to develop, but that doesn’t mean those are definitely cancer. There are various levels of pre cancerous cells which can be found and they can be treated and removed. Sometimes cancer can be found, but the whole point of testing is to try and catch this early if it is.
I’m sure it will be an added worry for you that a cyst has been identified on your ovary, but try to take things one step at a time, one appointment at a time. It can all be a bit overwhelming during this diagnostic process, but hopefully you’ll have answers soon and can get things sorted out. If you have a cancer diagnosis, and I hope you don’t, the group is here to help support you through.
Sarah xx
Hi again Virgo89
Please don’t beat yourself up about coming to the group without a confirmed diagnosis. Most of us were in your position at one time and appreciated being able to share our worries and not feel so alone.
You have every right to share your fears-it can be a very lonely place to be when you’re trying to deal with fear and worry on your own.
I am well now, thank you. I had a diagnosis of cancer, but I’d recommend not trying to compare yourself to others as our stories are all different. If you click on my name, or anyone’s name, those of us who have filled in their profile details will let you read our stories.
In my case, my situation was very different from yours as I was post menopausal and was being investigated for bleeding and pain. When I was examined, the gynaecologist could see my tumour with the naked eye, so it was obvious there was a problem, but he didn’t tell me what he suspected. I was glad he didn’t, as I didn’t spend my time until the biopsies came back worrying. I honestly didn’t suspect it was cancer-I assumed I might have some abnormal cells.
However, knowing what was wrong was a relief, and I hung onto his words-“I am treating you to cure you”. We cannot help worrying, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t! But our thoughts can often be much worse than reality.
I’ve had cancer in my own family too, and my dad died young, but I never compared myself to anyone else or assumed my situation would be the same. This was my situation, and my story and I was determined to do all I could to get through it.
A bit of bleeding can be normal after biopsies, but keep an eye on things if it becomes worse, or if you develop a temperature which might indicate an infection.
Just take one day at a time, one step at a time, and please keep in touch.
Sarah xx
Hi Virgo89
The hpv virus can come and go, so that may explain some of this. When you did the home test, the virus could have been active and so was detected.
When you went to the colposcopy, it was seen that there had been some cell changes-this shows up when it turns white. But maybe the virus itself was not active at the time the colposcopy was done, so the hpv result was negative. However, I don’t know for certain-I’m just assuming that this could be why.
It’s not a definitive answer for you yet, you’re right. The biopsy results will be needed to confirm things exactly, though it’s always frustrating to be waiting for results. I think too that the medics don’t always explain things to us well enough to help us understand.
Once you get your results I hope it will tell you exactly what they mean, and what the next steps will be. Maybe it will just be returning to regular screening, but do ask questions if you’re not sure. Good luck!
Sarah xx
