glimmer3
08-22-2005, 08:29 PM
OK, I'm new to this site and I just want to post my story in hopes that maybe someone can help, or at least make me realize I'm not the only one (or to help someone else realize they're not the only one). I apologize in advance if this gets long....
I'm 24 and about a year ago, I had an abnormal pap smear. A colposcopy/biopsy of my cervix showed moderate dysplasia (from HPV) with possible carcinoma in-situ (I had a second biopsy which didn't show cancer). This was not the first time I'd heard of HPV. A couple of my friends had it (only theirs was warts). 6 months ago I had a conization of my cervix done where the doctor removed the infected tissue. Free and clear now, right? Nope...
Now here we are, 6 months later and I discovered a couple tiny bumps on the vulva area. Mild itching...nothing too bad, just enough to make me wonder what's going on (knowing I have HPV, I just knew it was warts). So I went to my doc to show him. He took a peek and couldn't see anything. I had to point it out to him, only for him to say, "hmmmmm...let's do a biopsy" WHAT? WHY? It's just a wart, right? They were small, soft, painless, flesh colored bumps, which he said looked nothing like your "typical" wart - which upon retrospection - I'm sure is an oxymoron...there's nothing "typical" about this virus, clearly.
So I get the biopsy done - not fun! and my results showed severe dysplasia and VIN 3. Now I can't tell you how many times I've been to the gyno in the last year because of this, and the fact that this wasn't noticed until it was in the "severe" catagory scares the crap out of me. Now he's sending me to a "women's cancer specialist". He says this is all because of HPV. He also says that this is not normal (glad he pointed that out!) hence the cancer specialist. I don't have cancer, so why am I going to a cancer specialist? I don't know. Either way, they'll have to remove it. This will be my 2nd surgery in 6 months-all because of this stupid virus.
Like I said I know a few people with it and they got their warts removed and went on to life happy, healthy lives with no further problems. I guess my question would be, what is it about my body that is causing this high risk strain to keep coming back. Is it possible that there is something wrong with my immune system? I cannot afford (mentally or financially) to have surgery every six months for the rest of my life....
Anyone else having a similar problem? Or is there anyone that can give me advice?
Also I hope this increases the awareness out there that HPV is NOT just warts. I've been reading that alot. Women need to be aware of this. If you have HPV, make sure to monitor yourself and report any changes (wart like or not) to your doctor.
I'm 24 and about a year ago, I had an abnormal pap smear. A colposcopy/biopsy of my cervix showed moderate dysplasia (from HPV) with possible carcinoma in-situ (I had a second biopsy which didn't show cancer). This was not the first time I'd heard of HPV. A couple of my friends had it (only theirs was warts). 6 months ago I had a conization of my cervix done where the doctor removed the infected tissue. Free and clear now, right? Nope...
Now here we are, 6 months later and I discovered a couple tiny bumps on the vulva area. Mild itching...nothing too bad, just enough to make me wonder what's going on (knowing I have HPV, I just knew it was warts). So I went to my doc to show him. He took a peek and couldn't see anything. I had to point it out to him, only for him to say, "hmmmmm...let's do a biopsy" WHAT? WHY? It's just a wart, right? They were small, soft, painless, flesh colored bumps, which he said looked nothing like your "typical" wart - which upon retrospection - I'm sure is an oxymoron...there's nothing "typical" about this virus, clearly.
So I get the biopsy done - not fun! and my results showed severe dysplasia and VIN 3. Now I can't tell you how many times I've been to the gyno in the last year because of this, and the fact that this wasn't noticed until it was in the "severe" catagory scares the crap out of me. Now he's sending me to a "women's cancer specialist". He says this is all because of HPV. He also says that this is not normal (glad he pointed that out!) hence the cancer specialist. I don't have cancer, so why am I going to a cancer specialist? I don't know. Either way, they'll have to remove it. This will be my 2nd surgery in 6 months-all because of this stupid virus.
Like I said I know a few people with it and they got their warts removed and went on to life happy, healthy lives with no further problems. I guess my question would be, what is it about my body that is causing this high risk strain to keep coming back. Is it possible that there is something wrong with my immune system? I cannot afford (mentally or financially) to have surgery every six months for the rest of my life....
Anyone else having a similar problem? Or is there anyone that can give me advice?
Also I hope this increases the awareness out there that HPV is NOT just warts. I've been reading that alot. Women need to be aware of this. If you have HPV, make sure to monitor yourself and report any changes (wart like or not) to your doctor.
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iluveeyore
08-22-2005, 08:56 PM
I have had HPV for two years, I was diagnosed because I had an active outbreak, after they did a pap they discorvered I had mild dysplasia ((right in the middle of the spectrum)) This was after having a pap 6 months before I knew I had HPV and it was normal. I had cryosugery, a very uncomfortable and MESSY and painful procedure, now two years later I have had normal paps since. I agree with you, report ANY changes to your Dr, I always check every day when I get out of the shower if I have an outbreak. My advice to you is, wear loose fitting clothing, only cotton underwear, better yet where loose cotton boxers ((warts grow in a warm/wet enviroment)) I use a hair dryer to dry off after I get out of a shower, it doesnt feel too bad either :jester:
My advice to you is, consume a HEALTHY diet, eat three well balenced meals a day ((remember that these are caused by your immune system, I find when I am sick I get outbreaks)) when I am healthy and eating a good diet, I generally do not have any problems. Stay dry and clean down there, keep on top of those paps and try not to get discouraged.
My advice to you is, consume a HEALTHY diet, eat three well balenced meals a day ((remember that these are caused by your immune system, I find when I am sick I get outbreaks)) when I am healthy and eating a good diet, I generally do not have any problems. Stay dry and clean down there, keep on top of those paps and try not to get discouraged.
glimmer3
08-22-2005, 11:23 PM
Thanks for the response!
Just another question....it makes sense to keep dry and clean and healthy to prevent warts...but like I said, I don't have warts...I have "VIN 3" - do you think that'll help with that too?
Just another question....it makes sense to keep dry and clean and healthy to prevent warts...but like I said, I don't have warts...I have "VIN 3" - do you think that'll help with that too?
gracie3
09-10-2005, 01:11 AM
I have also been diagnosed with HPV without the warts. I had moderate displaysia back on 2001 and had the LOOP Cone surgery done. Everything came back negative. I was smoking at the time and my doc told me that smoking causes the HPV to be worse. I don't know if you smoke or not, but just thought I would give u the heads up. Anyway I've had normal paps every since (thank God) I go back this month for my yearly! Keep your fingers crossed!