I had my first colpo today (first ever abnormal pap) and am now anxiously waiting for results. I ended up with 5 biopsies being taken and was curious how many other people have done. The dr. didn't really give me any indication on results- just that I'd get a letter with results and we'd talk then.
She did mention that there had been changes since the original pap. I was kind of under the impression that changes were not a good thing- any thoughts???

I'd really appreciate some words of wisdom :)

Hi there

I had my first colposcopy on tuesday, and I tried to get as much information out of the doctor and the nurse as possible and they just kept saying, well we will take the biopsy and see whats happening, the only thing I heard her say to the other doctor was 'thats the area with the abnormal cells, its a small area', so I am thinkin thats a good thing, but I dont know. She said that I woudl get a telephone call followed by a letter in about 2 weeks, which is very fast from what other people have had to wait,

Did they say how long you had to wait? I do know that they cant tell anything from lookin at the abnormalities, its the lab people that look at the biopsy/s. I was under the impression that the doctor can see the cells cleary so wouldnt they be able to know if it looks serious, but have been told they cant?
Good luck keep us posted! I should have my results in just over a week.

Thanks for your response! The dr. said it should be about 2 weeks, but not be shocked if I don't hear until 3 (apparently the lab is being hit hard with tests). My dr. didn't say much either- just to wait for the results and we will go from there.
My concerns came up when I was talking to a friend who has had one and she seemed shocked they took 5 biopsies.
Good luck with your wait time- I am hating it, but trying to keep busy. LEt me know how things turn out!

Hey there flipflop,

Welcome to the board! As you can tell, these abnormal paps/HPV/dysplasia problems are really, really common, unfortunately. At least 80% of sexually active people have/have had HPV so it's virtually impossible to avoid, unless you remain celibate. So try and take some comfort in that fact!

You are now going through the worst part-- the waiting. Trust me when I say that we ALL know how that is like, psychologically speaking! So do try and keep yourself busy and focused on other important things in your life. Your health is very important, but right now you are in no health danger so try not to think of worst-case scenarios (I definitely did!).

Regarding your colpo, the docs can gauge more or less the severity of the lesion(s) on your cervix once they apply the vinegar to the cervix. It truly depends on the woman and how the dysplasia has affected the cervix-- but sometimes docs can't tell what's going on just by looking. That's why the biopsy is really important!

As far as the number of biopsies, my friend's mom (a gyno) told me that the more samples the doc takes, the better in determining exactly WHAT is going on on your cervix. For example, I had only one biopsy taken and my results came back CIN I-II. Now, if they had taken a couple of samples, perhaps the pathologists would've been able to tell me whether definitively whether I had CIN I or CIN II, or maybe not. But essentially, the more samples taken will give you a more definitive result.

I hope you're doing ok with all this! I know it's very stressful and worrying so try and keep relaxed and calm about it. Take care!

I know what you are going through. I go get my first colpo in 2 days after my pap came back high risk hpv strain and dysplasia. I am worried and hope the doctor can tell me something by looking at my cervix. I will let you know how many biopsies they take. The doctor said she will go over different treatment options with me as well. I hate waiting so long..and when I go get the colpo I will just have to wait another 3 weeks probably. I wish you the best and hope for good results for us both. The thing that I am most worried of is I just got married and we were planning on having kids next yr and I keep crying thinking I may not get to have children. I am trying to stay positive.

Sarmee,

Just remember that whatever treatment you get (LEEP, etc), there's a very small chance of risks involved (1-2%). And even in that 1-2% of women who experience risks (cervical stenosis or cervical incompetence), your OB will take the necessary precautions to make sure you deliver your baby safely. Try not to worrk about that fact! I worry about it too, but since the risks are so small, I try and take comfort in that fact-- also in the fact that lots of women have babies normally after treatments for dysplasia. Take care and cheer up! :)

I just want to say thank you again for the postings and replies. I tried a different board a week or so ago and nobody responded to me- ever. It just helps so much to just be able to "talk" to people who know how I am feeling. My boyfriend works in the medical field and keeps telling me that everything will be fine. It's just nice to have a source that understands while my head says everything is fine my heart is scared. I too have the "what if it means no babies" fear- we're not engaged yet, but within the next few months should be. I did ask my dr. after my colpo about kids and she told me that right now there is no reason to even think about problems.
I appreciate any further response or conversation- you are all great!!

I don't have any words of wisdom - but i had my first colp last week after my first abnormal pap. My dr. took AT LEAST 5 biopsies and wouldn't say a word to me either. this has left me terrified beyond words...