HPVgotme2
07-13-2007, 11:51 AM
I called up my GYN to find out results of Pap that I had done a couple of weeks ago and the nurse told me that I tested positive for HPV and my pap is abnormal. I was in disbelieve-she could not give me additional info so then I spoke to doctor a day later because she was not in when I first called. My doctor was very supportive and I just cried to her that I hope it is not cancer-she assured me it was not but I needed to have a colposcopy to make sure nothing was missed-oh great just what I needed to hear. She said pap was atypical and showed no dysplasia - I was so numb I did not ask her what these terms meant-As she spoke I truly felt blank-you would think I'd pay close attention but I felt like I was in another place-out of body sort of thing. Ladies I am so nervous and I am waiting to get a call back for a colposcopy which hopefully I don't have to wait to long for. I know I am not the only one going through this but for some reason everyone around me look so damn happy and have no cares in the world while I am carrying the world on my shoulders. Ok I am going now - hope to hear from someone.:confused: :(
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snobun1
07-13-2007, 12:23 PM
HPV- just about everyone male and female who are sexually active have HPV.
THere are many strains of HPV, some higher tendacy to lead to cervical cancers.
So your diagnosed- good. There are no cures for HPV that I have ever heard of.
Abnormal paps can be from anything not always associated with cancer.
If you are having out of body expierences when talking the the DR. you need to take someone with you to all appointments a second set of ears is important, they hear what you miss.
Your DR. seems to be straight forward so go with what she says, if at any time you are uncomfortable you can get a second opinion.
Remember to get PAPS 1x per year from hear on out unless your DR asks you to get them more.
Be aware of your body and how it works- but don't freak out. Wild emotions and stress will not help the situation. The sun will come up tomorrow.
You'll be okay.
THere are many strains of HPV, some higher tendacy to lead to cervical cancers.
So your diagnosed- good. There are no cures for HPV that I have ever heard of.
Abnormal paps can be from anything not always associated with cancer.
If you are having out of body expierences when talking the the DR. you need to take someone with you to all appointments a second set of ears is important, they hear what you miss.
Your DR. seems to be straight forward so go with what she says, if at any time you are uncomfortable you can get a second opinion.
Remember to get PAPS 1x per year from hear on out unless your DR asks you to get them more.
Be aware of your body and how it works- but don't freak out. Wild emotions and stress will not help the situation. The sun will come up tomorrow.
You'll be okay.
HPVgotme2
07-13-2007, 01:48 PM
Yes - I finally scheduled the colposcopy and will be taking hubby/friend along with me. I feel so depressed right now it is unreal. I have been going to sleep as soon as I get home because I feel so down and when I am sad I tend to sleep alot. I just hope to God this is not cancer.
Thanks
Thanks
Shshi
07-13-2007, 09:29 PM
Hi,
As mentioned, atypical Paps do not mean cancer. It just means that something was causing the cells to appear not quite normal. This can be caused by vaginal infections, douching, starting your period, or even having sex within 48 hours before having the Pap done.
The fact that your doctor said that you do not have dysplasia is excellent! Dsyplasia is pre-cancerous cells which very, very rarely ever turn into invasive cancer. Since you don't have dysplasia, the chances are that you do not have cancer.
There is an excellent post I just bumped back up to the top of the message board called Cervical Cytology 101 written by MichelleNTX which may help answers some of your questions and put your mind at ease.
Let us know how your colposcopy goes, and remember, we're here for you whenever you need to talk to someone. :)
Big hugs,
Lisa
As mentioned, atypical Paps do not mean cancer. It just means that something was causing the cells to appear not quite normal. This can be caused by vaginal infections, douching, starting your period, or even having sex within 48 hours before having the Pap done.
The fact that your doctor said that you do not have dysplasia is excellent! Dsyplasia is pre-cancerous cells which very, very rarely ever turn into invasive cancer. Since you don't have dysplasia, the chances are that you do not have cancer.
There is an excellent post I just bumped back up to the top of the message board called Cervical Cytology 101 written by MichelleNTX which may help answers some of your questions and put your mind at ease.
Let us know how your colposcopy goes, and remember, we're here for you whenever you need to talk to someone. :)
Big hugs,
Lisa
k2626
07-14-2007, 12:36 AM
I know how scared you are. When I was first diagnosed 8 months ago I cried for a week straight and thought for sure I had cancer because I had bleeding after sex, polyps and other things way before I was diagnosed. Once I went in for my coloscopy/biopsy my doctor said right away it did not look bad. With that, everything came back okay at that time. During my 6 month follow up things changed, and I was diagnosed with high grade dysplasia, I just went in for my LEEP treatment a few days ago. Once again, I was freaking out.
However, as much as this stinks that we are all going through this, please know this is SO common. So common it is very shocking. It is also highly treatable and from what I understand, some HPV strains just go away on their own. Please just be sure to keep every single follow up appointment so you can stay on top of this.
The ladies on this board are all VERY supportive and there is a ton of information within the posts.
Be strong, don't panic, and keep us posted!
However, as much as this stinks that we are all going through this, please know this is SO common. So common it is very shocking. It is also highly treatable and from what I understand, some HPV strains just go away on their own. Please just be sure to keep every single follow up appointment so you can stay on top of this.
The ladies on this board are all VERY supportive and there is a ton of information within the posts.
Be strong, don't panic, and keep us posted!
JC in CA
09-19-2007, 04:19 PM
I would like to share my story and offer words of encouragement.
About 2 years ago I was in the exact same spot as you- went for my annual PAP- got a call- HPV positive, abnormal PAP. Was asked to re-do PAP- still same abnormal. Had a colpopscopy (sp?). Came back no dysplasia. Every 6 months I went for a PAP, had another colpopscopy. Then 6 months ago- Dr. found a polyp- removed and had it sent to the lab. Came back that it had the same cells as the abnormal PAP. Suspiscion was that the growing polyp caused the abnormal PAP- since I was also HPV positive- all the alarms were sounded.
Just got results of my most recent PAP- normal!!!! I was also told that the PAP showed HPV negative! (Not sure how that happened- I was under the impression that once you had HPV- you always would- will talk to my Dr. about this next time I see her!)
So- please remember that lots of things can cause an abnormal PAP! It is better to be checked (even though it is scary!) and know for sure what is going on.
Please hang in there!
JC in CA
About 2 years ago I was in the exact same spot as you- went for my annual PAP- got a call- HPV positive, abnormal PAP. Was asked to re-do PAP- still same abnormal. Had a colpopscopy (sp?). Came back no dysplasia. Every 6 months I went for a PAP, had another colpopscopy. Then 6 months ago- Dr. found a polyp- removed and had it sent to the lab. Came back that it had the same cells as the abnormal PAP. Suspiscion was that the growing polyp caused the abnormal PAP- since I was also HPV positive- all the alarms were sounded.
Just got results of my most recent PAP- normal!!!! I was also told that the PAP showed HPV negative! (Not sure how that happened- I was under the impression that once you had HPV- you always would- will talk to my Dr. about this next time I see her!)
So- please remember that lots of things can cause an abnormal PAP! It is better to be checked (even though it is scary!) and know for sure what is going on.
Please hang in there!
JC in CA
piperpilot
09-20-2007, 04:11 PM
Glad it worked out for you! To address your question of how your PAP came back HPV negative, remember that PAP does not test for HPV. If, however they did a seperate HPV test which based upon your clinical history would be wise, most likely the virus has gone dormant as a result of you immune system; antibodies produced to fight the virus. This does not mean that you don't still have the virus, only that it remains below the sensitivity of detection of the test. If you ever had chicken pox, you know that you still have that virus as well, but it too is now kept in check by your immune system. HPV (some strains more than other strains) has a much higher rate of recourance so keep your immune system healthy and you should be fine.
JC in CA
09-20-2007, 05:40 PM
PiperPilot-
Thanks for the explanation! I had a feeling that is what it meant- that I will always have it- but it is now dormant. And yes- I believe that a new HPV test was done.
thanks again!
-JC in CA
Thanks for the explanation! I had a feeling that is what it meant- that I will always have it- but it is now dormant. And yes- I believe that a new HPV test was done.
thanks again!
-JC in CA