Women's Health Issues: LadyGardening for Dummies

Sorry to hear that Lir. It must be worrying for you.

Does anyone have first hand experience to confirm whether or not colposcopy appointments are going ahead during the days the nurses are striking?

I saw before on the news that they wouldn't be cancelled, but it would be good to get confirmation. I know I could ring them, but I'm sure they're busy enough as it is atm...

Stheno wrote: »

Has anyone with a Mirena had it move and cause problems?

Not personally, no. But a friend of mine did.

I think I’m gonna get my GP to look at mine the next time I’m in. I started back on my bike and am getting spotting after every cycle (that never happened pre-mirena) so I want to get it checked.

miamee wrote: »

A friend had a coil which slipped out of place...she only discovered this when she found out she was pregnant

Same as!!!

Tinkerbell4484 wrote: »

Has anyone received any letters from cervical check? One of the 6000 that need to be retested that we’re due to be sent out by last week?

I got mine today yeah.

Lashes28 wrote: »

Also how much spotting did you have after a smear?

I didn't have any

Lashes28 wrote: »

Also how much spotting did you have after a smear?

Very very slight.

woodchuck wrote: »

Does anyone have first hand experience to confirm whether or not colposcopy appointments are going ahead during the days the nurses are striking?

I saw before on the news that they wouldn't be cancelled, but it would be good to get confirmation. I know I could ring them, but I'm sure they're busy enough as it is atm...

Just to answer my own question in case anyone is curious or lurking, I got a phone call today to cancel my appointment that was on a strike day next week.

Does anyone else experience this.
When I have my monthly, I bleed for maybe 3 days heavy enough. I then stop for 1 day and always think it is gone. Then 1 day later it returns but not as heavy and lasts another full day.
I had a friend who told me same used happen to her.
Does anyone else experience this and is there any specific explanation as to why it could happen?
It's not exactly a problem but I'm just curious. Thanks.

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Might be no help to you but it often would happen to me too! I thought it was just me and I was strange! I just learned to make sure I had sanitary protection with me and to keep an eye for it starting again. Mine would be light to normal periods and often for the last little bit I could get away with a thicker panti liner as it would be fairly light. My explanation in my own mind was that the body is doing a little clear out of the remnants of the period. Doesn't happen on every period.

Thank you.
Yes I've been caught out before without having sanitary wear because I thought it was over.
It happens me every single month.

Tinkerbell4484 wrote: »

Any updates on smear waiting times? I phoned the helpline this morning and was told which lab mine was sent to to see if there’s anyway to speed it along

Do you mind me asking how long you've been waiting?

I didn't know you could ring to find out info like what lab your test has been sent to. That's great to know, so thanks for that.

Morby wrote: »

Is there any way to track the progress or status of your smear tet on the cervical check website?

All I can find is a link to input your details to tell you if and when you're due another one.

As I've been having some symptoms the Doctor who took my smear test mentioned referring me to Gynae and for an ultrasound and a colposcopy.

I'm just wondering if I would have to wait for the results of the smear test before being referred for the above?

Not expecting any results back for at least 6 months going by what I've been reading online

If you’re symptomatic of something, ask for the referral now. No need to wait for the test results. I’m not sure what the public waiting time for a gynae appt is, any time I have seen the gynae I have gone private.

Best bet is to speak to your doctor.

sullivlo wrote: »

If you’re symptomatic of something, ask for the referral now. No need to wait for the test results. I’m not sure what the public waiting time for a gynae appt is, any time I have seen the gynae I have gone private.

Best bet is to speak to your doctor.

Thank you so much for responding, appreciate it.

I will have to get back onto the Dr as I left the appointment a little unsure as to what steps would be taken next and any timeframe. It was a new locum doctor I had never met before and I was a little in shock and upset at the time and didn't want o go I've my appointment slot asking more questions so I left with more questions than answers unfortunately.

As I've been having some symptoms the Doctor who took my smear test mentioned referring me to Gynae and for an ultrasound and a colposcopy.

I've had the same experience. I've outlined my experience and timelines so far if helpful:

I had a smear around June and I was waiting about 3 months or so for the results. Once that was clear, then they referred me to a public gynaecology clinic. I got a letter in the post soon after the smear results to say that the waiting time for a gynae appointment was up to a year, but then a couple of weeks later I got another letter to say I had an appointment for the following month. I had my first gynae appointment in Nov and they referred me for a colposcopy and scan. I have the colposcopy this week (may need a further appointment for treatment also, not sure yet), the scan next month and then a follow-up back at the gynae clinic next month too.

So while it's all still dragging on a bit since last June, I do feel like it's progressing at least. With the increased smear times atm though, personally I'd go ahead and try to push for a referral to gynaecology clinic now if possible instead of waiting possibly 6 months for the results of the smear.

Hillybilly4 wrote: »

It's now 27 weeks for results from Cervical Check. Appalling.
I, for one, have emailed my local TD and Simon Harris about this situation.

That’s desperate! Disgraceful. How are women meant to wait that long for results?! It’s a nervous enough wait, that long would drive you spare.
How have they gotten so long? I got mine done last June and was waiting about 8 weeks.

Hillybilly4 wrote: »

It's now 27 weeks for results from Cervical Check. Appalling.
I, for one, have emailed my local TD and Simon Harris about this situation.

Do you think he isn't already aware?

jordata wrote: »

I have now been 21 weeks waiting for my results. In the meantime my younger sister has been diagnosed with Cervical cancer. I am concerned as I have some symptoms - bleeding after sex and bloating - so I made an appointment with the GP this week. My own GP is away so I met a gentleman from New Zealand. He said in his country you can get a test done and get the results THE NEXT DAY. He apologised for the state of the Irish health system and didn't charge me as he can't do anything for me. I have to wait for my results.

I wish your younger sister well.
I'm already waiting 26 weeks here.
I read yesterday (a FB post) that you can pay €80 to have your sample sent to a lab here in Ireland instead of joining the queue at the labs in the USA. Maybe that could be an option for you?

Hillybilly4 wrote: »

I wish your younger sister well.
I'm already waiting 22 weeks here.
I read yesterday (a FB post) that you can pay €80 to have your sample sent to a lab here in Ireland instead of joining the queue at the labs in the USA. Maybe that could be an option for you?

I asked about private tests as that was my intention. The private tests use the same lab as the public tests so the wait is the same.

My doctor told me her experience has not been good with some of the private labs. She does a smear, sends it off and then gets it back from them saying the sample is inadequate or wrong etc


The wait is horrendous. I am still tempted to use the private clinic and pay

Just €85?
Public tests are probably costing many multiples of that.

jordata wrote: »

Got a call this morning from my GP regarding my smear test last October. There are low grade changes but I have the tested positive for the papillomavirus (HPV). Now I have another wait for colposcopy appointment. I asked how long will I need to wait? Ah sure a few weeks I guess.
Like it doesn't matter. IT MATTERS TO ME

Sorry to hear this. This whole fiasco is totally unacceptable. Keep making a noise, complaints, emails, whatever. We should not be putting up with this and if we keep quiet the HSE, ministers, CervicalCheck etc will think they're "getting away" with it. I had my smear test back in September 2018 and still haven't had my results (MedLab apparently). I hope you get a colposcopy appointment soon and that all turns out to be OK for you.

Hillybilly4 wrote: »

It's now 27 weeks for results from Cervical Check. Appalling.
I, for one, have emailed my local TD and Simon Harris about this situation.

I knew the situation in Ireland was dire but this is disgraceful. I had a test in Australia this morning (hence why I ended up looking at this thread because it got me thinking about the situation in Ireland). Doc says I should receive a text in about a week if all clear, if I dont hear anything by 2 weeks then give them a call. 5 times the population of Ireland, no excuses!!

I was one of the women invited for a repeat smear due to my previous one being tested for HPV outside of recommended time limits.. got the letter 2 days before my regularly scheduled smear (aka 3 years after my last one), helpful. All of my smears (3) have been low grade abnormal (2014, 2015, 2018) Yet when I got my results the other day after waiting 20 weeks, despite STILL having low grade abnormalities I've been advised to be seen again in 3 years due to no HPV being present.

Thankfully my doctor (moved to her last year) is great. She said she wasn't comfortable with me waiting 3 years and advised me to get a repeat done in a few months time and when we have the results of that we can see about next steps, but most likely she'll recommend a yearly smear. She said she has lost complete faith in the public screening programme - she has had quite a few women advised to remain on the 3 yearly checks when after private smears and subsequent colposcopies they were advised to be checked yearly. I have no problem prioritising the money to be seen every year if necessary, but not everyone has this privilege. It's ridiculous.