beezkneez
06-17-2007, 10:48 AM
I started on this site 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with cervical HPV. I posted a topic under this exact title about how embarrassed and gross I felt because I had an std. I just wanted to post this again and start talking about it with others and hopefully help others who stand in the shoes I stood in 4 yrs ago. Since I had my cone biopsy after I was diagnosed, my hpv has become dormant. I learned anything and everything about HPV, facts - myths. It is a very hush hush subject and most, like me, have no clue what it is when diagnosed. I am sooo thankful mine has not reoccured but I still feel that I should help comfort and educate others. So, please be kind and share your stories or ask questions. I will be more than happy to help...and others will too. We can get through it together!
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afmandy
06-17-2007, 05:53 PM
Hello! I'm sort of in your shoes. I felt so nasty when I found out that I had an STD. I didnt even know that HPV was. I found out when I became pregnant from being raped. I have high risk and low risk. I had moderate cells and I had warts. I had my baby girl in feb. and in march I had Co2 laser surgery and so far so good. *knock on wood* I just hope everyones myth that says in 2 years it wont come back is true but I'm doubting it. Right now I'm trying to live my life to the fullest and try to forget about this STD that shouldnt even be called an STD:)
beezkneez
06-19-2007, 10:54 AM
Well the thing about not coming back after 2 years is a myth. It can reoccur at any time. 5 or even 10 years down the road it can reappear. Because it is a virus, it only lies dormant. I have found that some things can help to keep it from reoccuring such as taking vitamins especially ones with lots of folic acid, not smoking (very very bad), excersice regularly. These will help but of coarse will not prevent. Also, keep regular gyno checkups! That is really important.
Lanugo
06-25-2007, 08:27 AM
I've never had any recoccurances and it's 8 years since my treatment for abnormal cells. My cervix wasn't up to giving birth though - it wouldn't open! But who knows - that could've happened anyway. I hope you aren't feeling any guilt - not enough is known about HPV and condoms are not totally effective. I'm just so glad that my kids will grow up in a country where vaccines are available so we can protect our women of the future (including the little girl I'm having soon)!
x
x
FromSqueaky
06-25-2007, 03:35 PM
The vaccine for HPV as of today only protects you from HPV-16 and HPV-18 that are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancers and HPV-6 and HPV-11 that are responsible for 90% of genital warts.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Now that it's being found in the throat and mouth I hope they find a vaccine to fix that too.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Now that it's being found in the throat and mouth I hope they find a vaccine to fix that too.
Vividangel1984
06-27-2007, 02:34 PM
I disagree with the myth part. I have done a TON of research on HPV and in most people with healthy immune systems after a coupld of years it is safe to say that HPV will not come back more than likely. I can't send links here but there is a great HPV faq on hpv from Dr. Handsfield. He has been treating people with HPV and other STDs for over 30 years. And I quote "[deleted]."
Vividangel1984
06-27-2007, 02:48 PM
I would also like to add my opinion on oral hpv. GirlCats condition is very rare. Bless her heart and I know she is fine. But I think hpv in the oral area is still very rare. I'm not sure about high risk strain but as for oral warts chances are slim. I have given oral sex before and probably to the person who gave me warts. And I say that I do not have oral warts. Now as for my tonsil problem that is something different. I got that from my mono and might have to get my tonsils removed. But any area around my tongue, back of throat, lips, gums, roof of mouth no warts. Here is another thing about oral warts from Dr. Handsfield. Most people are very doom and gloom about hpv and I want them to look at the brighter side and from a professional too. Here is another quote from Dr. Handsfield. "[deleted]." I have noticed that some people that have oral infections from hpv seem to have something in their immune system. Not exactly HIV or AIDS but you can be perfectly healthy and have something in your immune system that does not fight off HPV in the oral area. Thats why few people who don't have HIV do have RRP. Either way, its very rare but it can be treated.
Vividangel1984
06-27-2007, 02:58 PM
Last post I swear!! I think about HPV every day. It has been my life believe me!! I have spent days and night researching hpv and asking my doctor about it. Some of the things that I read on this forum are not very postive when it comes to hpv. It has been my life goal to educate people about this virus and how it won't kill you. No wart lasts forever and neither does HPV. I really wish I could help more people. I have low risk hpv and led me into an awful breakup with my boyfriend. Not because of hpv but because of my depression from it. I drank a lot just to forget about it. All those things are not good for you. And I just want people to know that this virus is a baby compared to other STDs. No matter what happens in life you have to make the best of every thing that comes your way. Including hpv. I'm not trying to bad mouth anyone about their opinions of hpv on here. A lot of it I disagree but I'm not trying to bad mouth it. I wish I caould give everyone a hug and to let them know that its ok. For a while this virus has led me into a downward spiral. I didn't want to exist. Be hapy that you are alive. Isn't it wonderful existing? *HUGS*
Vividangel1984
06-28-2007, 03:58 AM
Ahhh, I knew the mods would delete my quotes. I understand though. If anyone needs to talk to me then let me know and I can IM you.
LAgirl81
06-28-2007, 07:22 AM
Hello,
This is a topic we discuss frequently on the cervical cancer board! I agree with what all of you are saying. I think initial diagnosis of HPV is quite a blow to a lot of us, especially since so many people who have HPV have been sexually responsible (condom usage, limited # of partners, etc.). However, the more you read and know how the virus works, the more alleviated you will feel. And the stigma and feelings of shame of having HPV will dissipate, too.
They call it the common cold of STDs, because quite frankly, nearly all the sexually active population will contract one or more strains of it in their lifetimes. Not everyone will know of it because only a few types cause warts or pre-cancerous changes on the cervix. Most people with HPV carry on their daily lives without ever knowing they have it!
So I agree the initial feelings of shame, disgust, etc of having an STD is normal, but realizing how prolific HPV is should put things in perspective. The only real way of never getting HPV is to abstain from sex! Even condoms don't fully protect you.
So if more than 80% of the sexually active population in this world has HPV, then how can we truly attribute any stigma or shame to it? Now I don't believe stigma should be attributed to any STD, but especially not for one that is so prolific! So for those of you newly diagnosed with HPV, remember that it truly shouldn't alter your life significantly and also remember that most every other adult around you has it, too!
This is a topic we discuss frequently on the cervical cancer board! I agree with what all of you are saying. I think initial diagnosis of HPV is quite a blow to a lot of us, especially since so many people who have HPV have been sexually responsible (condom usage, limited # of partners, etc.). However, the more you read and know how the virus works, the more alleviated you will feel. And the stigma and feelings of shame of having HPV will dissipate, too.
They call it the common cold of STDs, because quite frankly, nearly all the sexually active population will contract one or more strains of it in their lifetimes. Not everyone will know of it because only a few types cause warts or pre-cancerous changes on the cervix. Most people with HPV carry on their daily lives without ever knowing they have it!
So I agree the initial feelings of shame, disgust, etc of having an STD is normal, but realizing how prolific HPV is should put things in perspective. The only real way of never getting HPV is to abstain from sex! Even condoms don't fully protect you.
So if more than 80% of the sexually active population in this world has HPV, then how can we truly attribute any stigma or shame to it? Now I don't believe stigma should be attributed to any STD, but especially not for one that is so prolific! So for those of you newly diagnosed with HPV, remember that it truly shouldn't alter your life significantly and also remember that most every other adult around you has it, too!
beezkneez
06-29-2007, 06:29 AM
I am so glad that people have come here again and posted to help others out. This is exactly what I wanted to do was educate people who have been newly diagnosed with hpv. Thank you all soooo much for coming here and helping out. I just wish more people would ask questions. Like you said, the more you know....the better you feel about it. It takes time to get over the initial shock of "I have an STD." But after a while it goes away.
I read everything I could find. I talked to several doctors and I educated myself. I think it is only fair to share it and spread the word. HPV is so common but no one knows about it! I remember when my doctor told me I was like..."exactly what are we talking about?" And he said it was an STD and I wanted to throw up right there. But now I know it isn't my fault, 80% of the population has it and I was just unlucky enough to get a high risk stain.
Thank you all again for coming here for support. I hope with all of us together we can help others and comfort them! I know I am so greatful to the people who helped me here when I was first diagnosed.
I read everything I could find. I talked to several doctors and I educated myself. I think it is only fair to share it and spread the word. HPV is so common but no one knows about it! I remember when my doctor told me I was like..."exactly what are we talking about?" And he said it was an STD and I wanted to throw up right there. But now I know it isn't my fault, 80% of the population has it and I was just unlucky enough to get a high risk stain.
Thank you all again for coming here for support. I hope with all of us together we can help others and comfort them! I know I am so greatful to the people who helped me here when I was first diagnosed.
LAgirl81
07-02-2007, 04:00 PM
Ok, now I'm convinced that every sexually active adult or person who has every had sex in their lives has HPV.
Last night I went to visit my good friend from college at her house. She shares the place with two other girls, all of us who went to the same college. Another friend of theirs was visiting last night with her boyfriend. We all hung out, had dinner, and watched a movie.
When the other girls went to bed and the friend went home with her boyfriend, my good friend turns to me and says, "Every single girl in this house tonight has HPV and has dealt with abnormal paps and/or pre-cancerous changes."
I was floored! I knew my friend and one of her roommate's had HPV, but I had no idea just *how* ubiquitous it really is! And all of us girls are very responsible, careful people when it comes to sex and we're all college-educated (some of us in PhD programs now too) women-- so any association HPV has with carelessness or promiscuity is absolutely untrue. I am *convinced* now that absolutely everyone around me who's had sex has it. If I were single and dating, I would just presuppose that the guys I'd be dating had HPV. I really can't stress enough just how common it is! I know now I feel much better knowing that I'm *not* in a minority of people who have this STD-- the majority of people have it. I would safely claim that every person on this planet who's had sex, has HPV.
Last night I went to visit my good friend from college at her house. She shares the place with two other girls, all of us who went to the same college. Another friend of theirs was visiting last night with her boyfriend. We all hung out, had dinner, and watched a movie.
When the other girls went to bed and the friend went home with her boyfriend, my good friend turns to me and says, "Every single girl in this house tonight has HPV and has dealt with abnormal paps and/or pre-cancerous changes."
I was floored! I knew my friend and one of her roommate's had HPV, but I had no idea just *how* ubiquitous it really is! And all of us girls are very responsible, careful people when it comes to sex and we're all college-educated (some of us in PhD programs now too) women-- so any association HPV has with carelessness or promiscuity is absolutely untrue. I am *convinced* now that absolutely everyone around me who's had sex has it. If I were single and dating, I would just presuppose that the guys I'd be dating had HPV. I really can't stress enough just how common it is! I know now I feel much better knowing that I'm *not* in a minority of people who have this STD-- the majority of people have it. I would safely claim that every person on this planet who's had sex, has HPV.
kimiesoscared
07-05-2007, 05:26 PM
I now see this is so true. I recently was diagnosed and flipped of course. I have always taken pride in the fact that I have kept myself away from 1 night stands and have had very few sexual partners - long term. So this really disturbed me and I felt ashamed as well-but after talking with a few people-family and friends-and finding out they too have it and have had abnormal paps due to this-it made me feel alot more relaxed and less disappointed with myself-this is still new to me but little by little I am accepting it.
beezkneez
07-07-2007, 05:20 AM
Kimie....we are all shocked at first. It really just "sucks"! Trust me, it will get easier every day. When I was first diagnosed for months that was all that was on my mind. When I woke up....I have HPV...when I was in class...I have HPV...when I went to bed....I have HPV. It was all my life was centered around. I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear! But when I started learning about it I felt better. I felt that I could hold my head up and face the world again. Now it doesn't even cross my mind anymore. Or when I hear about it...I'm like "well....ok."
Remember if you have any questions just ask! Best wishes to you =D
Remember if you have any questions just ask! Best wishes to you =D
LAgirl81
07-07-2007, 03:52 PM
And also beezkneez and kimie, what's helped me the most in coping with it is knowing that every person around me who's had sex, HAS HPV. I mean, truly, it is *impossible* to avoid if you're going to have sex! Knowing that everyone has it -- your parents, your siblings, friends, colleagues, the people you see at the grocery store...everyone! Sometimes if I feel a bit down about it, I think of that and it puts it into perspective for me. The only scary/upsetting thing about HPV, in my opinion, is dealing with cervical dysplasia-- that sucks. :( But even that is treatable and even THAT is very common in young women!
So just put it in perspective. Don't assume you're the only one in a 20-mile radius who has HPV. Most everyone around you (every adult, I mean) has it. Next time you go to the movies or out to dinner, just think to yourself that most of the adults in that room have HPV too (though they just might not know it, especially the men). Take care! :)
So just put it in perspective. Don't assume you're the only one in a 20-mile radius who has HPV. Most everyone around you (every adult, I mean) has it. Next time you go to the movies or out to dinner, just think to yourself that most of the adults in that room have HPV too (though they just might not know it, especially the men). Take care! :)