justcurious123
04-02-2008, 06:36 PM
First of all, let me thank you for taking the time to read this.
Second, let me apologize for how long this is.
Where to start. A couple months ago, I received a call from a nurse/secretary at my doctor's office regarding my pap. She stated that everything came back normal except for some abnormal cells found on my cervix. I have never had an abnormal pap before and I started to freak out. I have a couple friends that were diagnosed with HPV and right off the bat asked her if I had it. She told me that the pap didn't come back abnormal because of HPV, but just that there were some different cells on my cervix that needed more attention. I called a couple days later to ask what the name of the cells were that came back abnormal so I could start doing research and the secretary answered the phone and told me that she will talk to my doctor and get back with me. She called me back and told me the name of the cells (I don't remember the specific cell name but it had squamous in it) and that the doctor said I basically have HPV. Of course upset, I made another appointment for a biopsy at a different doctor's office. When I called my previous doctor to get my results faxed to the other doctor, I spoke with the woman that answered the phone and stated my concern about being told two different things, that I don't have it and that I do. She told me again that I didn't have HPV and that she was looking at my results.
I went into the doctor this week and they did the biopsy and the first thing that came out of his mouth when he looked in there after putting the solution on my cervix was "there is hardly anything in here" (talking about the abnormal cells). He swabbed my uterus to make sure the infection wasn't in there and told me to come back in two weeks. I have to go back to freeze the abnormal cells off. Here is what I am wondering:
** Is there still a possiblity that this could just be an infection instead of HPV?
** Is the freezing painful?
** Since HPV is not curable, does this mean that when I have kids I will have to have a c-section to prevent from passing it?
** When I have kids, will I only be able to have one because my cervix might change and might not be able to hold another pregnancy?
** If there are hardly any abnormal cells on my cervix why would he want to hurry and freeze them off instead of making me wait? Are the cells warts? or jsut abnormal cells?
** Could overian cysts carry the HPV strand or be caused by HPV?
** I am not sure what strand I have yet, I was told "High Risk" and I have no signs of warts or anything, so is it still possible (lets just say 10 years down the road) that I could still pass it to someone else?
** Is there a connection between strep-throat and HPV? Could step throat be a strand of the HPV virus?
** LAST QUESTION, Why is it so important for me to quit smoking? (aside from it being horrible for my health. In doing research I have seen on every webpage that if you smoke and have HPV to stop).
I have told my partner already and he was VERY understanding, which made me think more positive about my situation.
Thank you in advance for any comments pertaining to this.
Second, let me apologize for how long this is.
Where to start. A couple months ago, I received a call from a nurse/secretary at my doctor's office regarding my pap. She stated that everything came back normal except for some abnormal cells found on my cervix. I have never had an abnormal pap before and I started to freak out. I have a couple friends that were diagnosed with HPV and right off the bat asked her if I had it. She told me that the pap didn't come back abnormal because of HPV, but just that there were some different cells on my cervix that needed more attention. I called a couple days later to ask what the name of the cells were that came back abnormal so I could start doing research and the secretary answered the phone and told me that she will talk to my doctor and get back with me. She called me back and told me the name of the cells (I don't remember the specific cell name but it had squamous in it) and that the doctor said I basically have HPV. Of course upset, I made another appointment for a biopsy at a different doctor's office. When I called my previous doctor to get my results faxed to the other doctor, I spoke with the woman that answered the phone and stated my concern about being told two different things, that I don't have it and that I do. She told me again that I didn't have HPV and that she was looking at my results.
I went into the doctor this week and they did the biopsy and the first thing that came out of his mouth when he looked in there after putting the solution on my cervix was "there is hardly anything in here" (talking about the abnormal cells). He swabbed my uterus to make sure the infection wasn't in there and told me to come back in two weeks. I have to go back to freeze the abnormal cells off. Here is what I am wondering:
** Is there still a possiblity that this could just be an infection instead of HPV?
** Is the freezing painful?
** Since HPV is not curable, does this mean that when I have kids I will have to have a c-section to prevent from passing it?
** When I have kids, will I only be able to have one because my cervix might change and might not be able to hold another pregnancy?
** If there are hardly any abnormal cells on my cervix why would he want to hurry and freeze them off instead of making me wait? Are the cells warts? or jsut abnormal cells?
** Could overian cysts carry the HPV strand or be caused by HPV?
** I am not sure what strand I have yet, I was told "High Risk" and I have no signs of warts or anything, so is it still possible (lets just say 10 years down the road) that I could still pass it to someone else?
** Is there a connection between strep-throat and HPV? Could step throat be a strand of the HPV virus?
** LAST QUESTION, Why is it so important for me to quit smoking? (aside from it being horrible for my health. In doing research I have seen on every webpage that if you smoke and have HPV to stop).
I have told my partner already and he was VERY understanding, which made me think more positive about my situation.
Thank you in advance for any comments pertaining to this.
Sponsor
rosequartz
04-02-2008, 06:40 PM
I had cryosurgery, the freezing of the cells, and I can tell you that it is NOT painful at all........it's a piece of cake! :) The doctor told me it may feel like i have cramps, but I didn't even feel that........don't sweat it!
justcurious123
04-02-2008, 06:46 PM
So since they are freezing the cells, does that mean I have warts??
rosequartz
04-02-2008, 06:50 PM
no not necessisarily, it means you have abnormal cells on the surface of your cervix. The freezing makes them "sluff" off and lets the good cells underneath generate
happyhattie
04-08-2008, 05:31 PM
no not necessisarily, it means you have abnormal cells on the surface of your cervix. The freezing makes them "sluff" off and lets the good cells underneath generate
Hi there
i'm in the UK, and we no longer appear to do cryotherapy or laser therapy, our health service does "loop excision" or "cone" procedures. I have just had "loop" for the second time for CIN2 and had it in 1994 for CIN3. I am yet to find out if I have HPV, but i feel strongly that I do, we do not test for HPV strains over here, so I will have to go to a private clinic and pay.
Good luck with everything.
regards
Hattie
Hi there
i'm in the UK, and we no longer appear to do cryotherapy or laser therapy, our health service does "loop excision" or "cone" procedures. I have just had "loop" for the second time for CIN2 and had it in 1994 for CIN3. I am yet to find out if I have HPV, but i feel strongly that I do, we do not test for HPV strains over here, so I will have to go to a private clinic and pay.
Good luck with everything.
regards
Hattie
Shshi
04-08-2008, 10:42 PM
Hi,
I've done a lot of research on HPV and cervical dysplasia since being diagnosed with and being treated for CIN II/III and carcinoma in situ over the last three years. I'll see if I can help answer some of your other questions.
** Is there still a possibility that this could just be an infection instead of HPV?
Yes, a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection could cause mild changes to the cervical cells.
** Is the freezing painful?
I don't know. I had laser surgery, which wasn't painful at all.
** Since HPV is not curable, does this mean that when I have kids I will have to have a c-section to prevent from passing it?
Your body's immune system can get rid of HPV on it's own, so you won't necessarily have it forever (if you even have it at all.)
** When I have kids, will I only be able to have one because my cervix might change and might not be able to hold another pregnancy?
You shouldn't have problems having more than one child, and if the area to be treated is small, it shouldn't cause any problems with your cervix or it's ability to stay closed during a pregnancy.
** If there are hardly any abnormal cells on my cervix why would he want to hurry and freeze them off instead of making me wait? Are the cells warts? or just abnormal cells?
HPV strains that cause cervical dysplasia and cancer don't cause genital warts. I'm not sure why this doctor wants to freeze them if there's hardly anything there. If it were me, I'd get a second opinion before having the procedure.
** Could ovarian cysts carry the HPV strand or be caused by HPV?
No, ovarian cysts don't carry HPV and they are not caused by HPV (as far as anyone knows.)
** I am not sure what strand I have yet, I was told "High Risk" and I have no signs of warts or anything, so is it still possible (lets just say 10 years down the road) that I could still pass it to someone else?\
Not likely. Again, the strains of virus that cause changes to the cervical cells don't cause warts, so you could have the virus and never know it. If you boost your immune system, your body will probably fight off the virus so that you won't be infected with it in the future. This usually takes about six months to a year to happen.
** Is there a connection between strep-throat and HPV? Could step throat be a strand of the HPV virus?
No, strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria, not the human papilloma virus. They are two totally different things and not connected at all.
** LAST QUESTION, Why is it so important for me to quit smoking? (aside from it being horrible for my health. In doing research I have seen on every web page that if you smoke and have HPV to stop).
Smoking depresses the body's immune system, particularly Vitamin C, which plays an important role in immunity. When your immune system is depressed, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can invade and cause infections. In addition, studies have shown that high levels of nicotine are found in the cervical secretions of female smokers, which can accelerate the changes in the cells which HPV causes and further inhibit the immunity in the cells in that area.
Good luck with everything. Please let us know what you find out.
Big hugs,
Lisa
I've done a lot of research on HPV and cervical dysplasia since being diagnosed with and being treated for CIN II/III and carcinoma in situ over the last three years. I'll see if I can help answer some of your other questions.
** Is there still a possibility that this could just be an infection instead of HPV?
Yes, a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection could cause mild changes to the cervical cells.
** Is the freezing painful?
I don't know. I had laser surgery, which wasn't painful at all.
** Since HPV is not curable, does this mean that when I have kids I will have to have a c-section to prevent from passing it?
Your body's immune system can get rid of HPV on it's own, so you won't necessarily have it forever (if you even have it at all.)
** When I have kids, will I only be able to have one because my cervix might change and might not be able to hold another pregnancy?
You shouldn't have problems having more than one child, and if the area to be treated is small, it shouldn't cause any problems with your cervix or it's ability to stay closed during a pregnancy.
** If there are hardly any abnormal cells on my cervix why would he want to hurry and freeze them off instead of making me wait? Are the cells warts? or just abnormal cells?
HPV strains that cause cervical dysplasia and cancer don't cause genital warts. I'm not sure why this doctor wants to freeze them if there's hardly anything there. If it were me, I'd get a second opinion before having the procedure.
** Could ovarian cysts carry the HPV strand or be caused by HPV?
No, ovarian cysts don't carry HPV and they are not caused by HPV (as far as anyone knows.)
** I am not sure what strand I have yet, I was told "High Risk" and I have no signs of warts or anything, so is it still possible (lets just say 10 years down the road) that I could still pass it to someone else?\
Not likely. Again, the strains of virus that cause changes to the cervical cells don't cause warts, so you could have the virus and never know it. If you boost your immune system, your body will probably fight off the virus so that you won't be infected with it in the future. This usually takes about six months to a year to happen.
** Is there a connection between strep-throat and HPV? Could step throat be a strand of the HPV virus?
No, strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria, not the human papilloma virus. They are two totally different things and not connected at all.
** LAST QUESTION, Why is it so important for me to quit smoking? (aside from it being horrible for my health. In doing research I have seen on every web page that if you smoke and have HPV to stop).
Smoking depresses the body's immune system, particularly Vitamin C, which plays an important role in immunity. When your immune system is depressed, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can invade and cause infections. In addition, studies have shown that high levels of nicotine are found in the cervical secretions of female smokers, which can accelerate the changes in the cells which HPV causes and further inhibit the immunity in the cells in that area.
Good luck with everything. Please let us know what you find out.
Big hugs,
Lisa
blahblah
04-09-2008, 01:22 AM
Hi Lisa -
Wanted to ask you a question about the strong immune system and fighting HPV. I have always had normal paps and then had the abnormal pap last october and then another this past march. No HPV in october - unless it was a false negative but HPV positive in march.
I've had a very very healthy life - get a cold and its gone in a few days. That said, I've had a very stressful last few years. But still remained strong and healthy. Just wondering- when they talk about the body fighting of HPV and clearing it up in a year - I wonder if i did have it in october - and then had it again in march - that is atleast 6 months having it and not being able to fight it off. But my immune system appears strong - or do other signs of a healthy immune system have no bearing on the way the body fights off this virus? I also wonder if i have had it off and on and fought it off - and now it just so happens it was in an active stage when i had my pap but ALL other times my body was able to fight it off! Is that possible?
Lastly I am an EX smoker. I was a social smoker off and on in my 20s and 30s and then would quit for a few years and then have an occassional cigarette. i have not had one in a year now - and when i had one over a year ago it was occassional. I just wonder now - if smoking increased my chances of my HPV turning to cancer and i wonder how long you have to quit for the chances to be reduced. Ever read anything about that?
Thanks! Beth
Smoking depresses the body's immune system, particularly Vitamin C, which plays an important role in immunity. When your immune system is depressed, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can invade and cause infections. In addition, studies have shown that high levels of nicotine are found in the cervical secretions of female smokers, which can accelerate the changes in the cells which HPV causes and further inhibit the immunity in the cells in that area.
Good luck with everything. Please let us know what you find out.
Big hugs,
Lisa[/QUOTE]
Wanted to ask you a question about the strong immune system and fighting HPV. I have always had normal paps and then had the abnormal pap last october and then another this past march. No HPV in october - unless it was a false negative but HPV positive in march.
I've had a very very healthy life - get a cold and its gone in a few days. That said, I've had a very stressful last few years. But still remained strong and healthy. Just wondering- when they talk about the body fighting of HPV and clearing it up in a year - I wonder if i did have it in october - and then had it again in march - that is atleast 6 months having it and not being able to fight it off. But my immune system appears strong - or do other signs of a healthy immune system have no bearing on the way the body fights off this virus? I also wonder if i have had it off and on and fought it off - and now it just so happens it was in an active stage when i had my pap but ALL other times my body was able to fight it off! Is that possible?
Lastly I am an EX smoker. I was a social smoker off and on in my 20s and 30s and then would quit for a few years and then have an occassional cigarette. i have not had one in a year now - and when i had one over a year ago it was occassional. I just wonder now - if smoking increased my chances of my HPV turning to cancer and i wonder how long you have to quit for the chances to be reduced. Ever read anything about that?
Thanks! Beth
Smoking depresses the body's immune system, particularly Vitamin C, which plays an important role in immunity. When your immune system is depressed, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can invade and cause infections. In addition, studies have shown that high levels of nicotine are found in the cervical secretions of female smokers, which can accelerate the changes in the cells which HPV causes and further inhibit the immunity in the cells in that area.
Good luck with everything. Please let us know what you find out.
Big hugs,
Lisa[/QUOTE]