ButterflyGirl22
09-08-2002, 11:03 PM
I had a pap smear recently and I was told it came back with a "low grade abnormality". I asked my doctor, who had called me with my results, what it could mean. Unfortunately I had a migraine at the time so I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. He told me that it could be nothing, which I hope it's nothing, or it could be an infection. He mentioned a few things, one of which was HPV. I'm really worried and I know I shouldn't jump to any conclusions about what it is, but has anyone had an abnormal pap smear that turned out to be HPV? Of those of you who have HPV, how did you find out you had it? When my doctor did the exam, he said "everything looks fine" and he seemed confident that my results would come back good and I have no warts in that area. Any help is greatly appreciated!
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ButterflyGirl22
09-13-2002, 04:31 PM
I guess not many people know a lot about HPV, including me. I'm seeing a gynecologist next week so hopefully then I'll get my answers. I did see my family doctor today because I am feeling sick and I asked him about my pap results again. I have to say I'm still very confused about HPV, IF that's what I have, but I do feel a little better after talking to my doctor. He told me his wife went through the same thing as me and she's fine. What I don't understand is this: Well, first he told me that HPV is an STD, but it's not an STD like Chlamydia or Ghonorrea (?sp) or any of those. He said HPV is very common and very treatable. I asked if I have to tell my next partner about this, assuming that I will have to of course, but he said I don't. ??? Huh ??? Well, of course he said to always use protection, but he said that when I see the gynecologist, the abnormal tissue will be removed and I'll be fine, assuming that I have HPV. He said a lot of people have HPV without knowing it. So what are people supposed to do when they are with someone new? I'm thinking from now on I'll demand my partner to be tested along with me so we both feel safe. I don't know how guys will take this, but it's for health and safety reasons. My doctor said if someone has a wart on their finger and touches you, you can get HPV that way. So let's say I get the abnormal tissue removed... He said after that I should be fine and I'll get pap smears done every three months until they get back to normal. I'm still confused though. How in the world could a doctor tell me that I don't have to tell anyone I have this (again, IF I have it, which I'm dying to find out!)?? He told me that (I do not have any warts...) this will have no effect on getting pregnant. He did say that depending on how much tissue needs to be removed, which he doesn't think is a lot in my case, there could be a scar near the cervix which means it may be harder for sperm to get through, therefore harder to get pregnant.
If anyone knows anything about any of this, please let me know. I've been driving myself crazy with worry and fear. My doctor told me not to worry and most of the time it turns out to be nothing (The abnormal pap results), but I can't help but worry!
If anyone knows anything about any of this, please let me know. I've been driving myself crazy with worry and fear. My doctor told me not to worry and most of the time it turns out to be nothing (The abnormal pap results), but I can't help but worry!
bird123
09-13-2002, 09:09 PM
It wouldn't hurt to know what exactly you PAP smear report says. If it says <Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion> then you need to have colposcopy with biopsy done. If it says <Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance> then you need to repeat PAP smear every 4-6 month three more times. If any of repeat PAP smears comes back abnormaal you need colposcopy. If repeat PAP smears are OK you need no further investigations. Good luck.
ButterflyGirl22
09-13-2002, 10:04 PM
I got a copy of my records from my family doctor, who did the pap smear, to take to the gynecologist. It does say "Low-grade Ssquamous Intraepithelial lesion; Mild Dysplasia is present (CIN 1)." My doctor mentioned to me that there's a possibility of a biopsy, but he didn't say it was for sure. He did say that I'll need repeat Pap tests every three months for a year or until they come out normal. If there was a lesion, I'm confused about that. Does that mean I have some type of cut inside me? I just read my records when I got home so I couldn't ask my doctor specifically about them. He did mention the CIN 1 to me, meaning the level of severity of the possible abnormal results.. It's hard to explain. I'm still confused by it. Thank you for your help.
LilKesha
09-14-2002, 09:37 AM
It seemd to me that your doctor isn't telling you nothing, I advise you to go see anothor doctor. Did you get tested for an STD? If not you should. I don't think its HPV because it seems as if the doctor should have been seen it.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Kesha
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/gabby.gif Kesha
ButterflyGirl22
09-14-2002, 01:48 PM
I plan to get tested for STD's when I see the gynecologist this week. My doctor said that everything looked fine when I had my pap smear and when the results came back as abnormal he said he was surprised. He didn't see anything abnormal, but there are so many types of HPV and not all of them show warts. What a scary thing. :( I guess it's possible it will come back as nothing, but from everything I've been reading about a CIN 1 pap smear, it all seems to lead to HPV! I'm really scared. I felt so much better after talking to my doctor yesterday because he told me all I would need is a biopsy and it will be gone and I won't have to ever tell anyone, but from what I've been reading, HPV never goes away! If I have the kind that doesn't have warts, does that mean I am a carrier of HPV, but don't have symptoms? I'm really confused about this. I'm dying to see the gynecologist for some answers. It was my family doctor who I saw yesterday. He was the one who did the original pap smear. I'm sure a gynecologist knows a lot more about this.
My family doctor said that I shouldn't feel dirty or anything and that many people have this, even without knowing it. He said it's not as bad as other STD's and I don't have to go calling ex-boyfriends and yelling at them about it. What surprised me is that he kept saying you usually get HPV from unprotected sex and the last guy I was with wore a condom every time. I've only had two partners and the first one was four years ago. With him we were dumb and didn't always use protection. So to find out that I could have gotten this from the first guy was a shock. My doctor said it can take months or years for this to show up. I'm still hoping my pap smear is abnormal from something else. I recently had a urinary tract infection and I keep hoping maybe that's related. I'll be so glad when this is all over.
My family doctor said that I shouldn't feel dirty or anything and that many people have this, even without knowing it. He said it's not as bad as other STD's and I don't have to go calling ex-boyfriends and yelling at them about it. What surprised me is that he kept saying you usually get HPV from unprotected sex and the last guy I was with wore a condom every time. I've only had two partners and the first one was four years ago. With him we were dumb and didn't always use protection. So to find out that I could have gotten this from the first guy was a shock. My doctor said it can take months or years for this to show up. I'm still hoping my pap smear is abnormal from something else. I recently had a urinary tract infection and I keep hoping maybe that's related. I'll be so glad when this is all over.
LilKesha
09-15-2002, 02:44 PM
Well when you find out the results let me know what happened. I hope eveything goes well.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Kesha
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif Kesha
lisatiger
10-17-2002, 01:39 AM
do you have hpv ar a uti
ButterflyGirl22
10-17-2002, 02:31 AM
I had a urinary tract infection awhile ago. It is gone now. After my abnormal pap smear, I saw a gynecologist, had a colposcopy exam and biopsy, then found out I need a LEEP procedure. It's been a stressful and exhausting time for me. I was extremely upset to hear I need surgery, but I'm taking it much better now.
I still do not know if I have HPV for sure or not. My gynecologist said that the biopsy showed that I have some mild and moderate cervical dysplagia. Basically that means that I have pre-cancerous cells in my cervix. They need to be removed or I will get cervical cancer. The LEEP procedure will take care of this. LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. Part of my cervix will be removed, but it will grow back. I do not have any warts, but it is possible that I do have HPV, just the kind that doesn't cause warts. My doctor told me that there is a test that can be done for HPV, but it isn't accurate. Not very comforting to hear, but my doctor said there is a lot of false info about HPV out there and even doctors don't know much about it. I'm relieved that I do not have genital warts (one strain of HPV), but I may have HPV because HPV causes cervical dysplagia, but it's also possible that I don't have it. I've been so confused about this and every time I see my doctor and ask questions, he somehow answers them in a way that I feel better but then I can't really explain anything he told me. Like how he said he doesn't know if I have HPV or not. Totally confusing to me, but at the time of my appointment I felt fine about it. He told me I can live my life normally, this doesn't affect it at all, other than I need the LEEP done. After that I need more frequent pap smears for the next two years (or until they come back normal) and I should be fine.
There are so many different strains of HPV that my doctor said there's a good chance most people have one form or another. My doctor told me that HPV can even be spread through sharing a towel or just by going to the gym because the virus is present not only on the genitals (if it's genital HPV), but it's also on the inner thighs, so sitting on a gym bench or whatever can possibly be a way to get it. I asked about toilet seats and my doctor said no study has been done on that. There are so many kinds of bacteria that it would be hard to test. I feel a lot better now than I did at first, but it's still confusing. It turns out my boss has had the same surgery before, as well as a nurse I spoke with, so I don't feel so alone. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I'll explain what I've been told about this the best I possibly can. Also, if anyone else has gone through this I would love to hear about it. :)
I still do not know if I have HPV for sure or not. My gynecologist said that the biopsy showed that I have some mild and moderate cervical dysplagia. Basically that means that I have pre-cancerous cells in my cervix. They need to be removed or I will get cervical cancer. The LEEP procedure will take care of this. LEEP stands for Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. Part of my cervix will be removed, but it will grow back. I do not have any warts, but it is possible that I do have HPV, just the kind that doesn't cause warts. My doctor told me that there is a test that can be done for HPV, but it isn't accurate. Not very comforting to hear, but my doctor said there is a lot of false info about HPV out there and even doctors don't know much about it. I'm relieved that I do not have genital warts (one strain of HPV), but I may have HPV because HPV causes cervical dysplagia, but it's also possible that I don't have it. I've been so confused about this and every time I see my doctor and ask questions, he somehow answers them in a way that I feel better but then I can't really explain anything he told me. Like how he said he doesn't know if I have HPV or not. Totally confusing to me, but at the time of my appointment I felt fine about it. He told me I can live my life normally, this doesn't affect it at all, other than I need the LEEP done. After that I need more frequent pap smears for the next two years (or until they come back normal) and I should be fine.
There are so many different strains of HPV that my doctor said there's a good chance most people have one form or another. My doctor told me that HPV can even be spread through sharing a towel or just by going to the gym because the virus is present not only on the genitals (if it's genital HPV), but it's also on the inner thighs, so sitting on a gym bench or whatever can possibly be a way to get it. I asked about toilet seats and my doctor said no study has been done on that. There are so many kinds of bacteria that it would be hard to test. I feel a lot better now than I did at first, but it's still confusing. It turns out my boss has had the same surgery before, as well as a nurse I spoke with, so I don't feel so alone. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I'll explain what I've been told about this the best I possibly can. Also, if anyone else has gone through this I would love to hear about it. :)
Christine-MA
10-18-2002, 10:32 AM
hi hun! I'm sorry I didn't see this post earlier. I had EXACTLY the same thing happen.
Basically had a pap done, my Dr who did it said it looked fine. But then it came back abnormal. It wasn't the low grade thing, it was atypical cells, but she still sent me to a gyn for a colposcopy. (how did you find that? I hated it!) So I had that done, and there was mild inflammation and he said I needed a LEEP. Now, he's basically telling me I have HPV, and I'm just as confused as you are about this. And everything I'm reading says abnormal paps are caused by HPV in alot of the cases. So I'm just believing I have this.
So I go to the LEEP (It was 100x less painful than the colpo, ask me any questions you have, I'm at work and trying to rush through this). Oh, in the meantime I had told my partner I had it, and he probably had it. My dr also said there's nothing they do unless there are warts, and I didn't have warts, neither did my bf, so I believed I had the type that just causes dysplasia. Thank god my bf was so understanding!!
After the LEEP, the results came back that it was normal. It should mild inflammation. (no kidding inflammation, leave my insides alone :)) So don't think I have HPV because there was no sign of dyslasia after the biopsy.
So now I have to have 3 paps in a row come back normal, and I'll be back to my yearly appt. I had one two weeks ago, so I will call this morning and find out. And I'll ask straight out: was I ever TESTED for hpv, or was it just an assumption because of an abnormal pap?
I lived for weeks thinking I had it, and actually got used to knowing I'd have it forever. And was sad about how I'd approach relationships in the future, because it can be transmitted, and it stays with you for life.
So abnormal pap does not necessarily mean HPV. Neither does inflammation on a colposcopy, or having a leep done. Hope all goes well
Christine
Basically had a pap done, my Dr who did it said it looked fine. But then it came back abnormal. It wasn't the low grade thing, it was atypical cells, but she still sent me to a gyn for a colposcopy. (how did you find that? I hated it!) So I had that done, and there was mild inflammation and he said I needed a LEEP. Now, he's basically telling me I have HPV, and I'm just as confused as you are about this. And everything I'm reading says abnormal paps are caused by HPV in alot of the cases. So I'm just believing I have this.
So I go to the LEEP (It was 100x less painful than the colpo, ask me any questions you have, I'm at work and trying to rush through this). Oh, in the meantime I had told my partner I had it, and he probably had it. My dr also said there's nothing they do unless there are warts, and I didn't have warts, neither did my bf, so I believed I had the type that just causes dysplasia. Thank god my bf was so understanding!!
After the LEEP, the results came back that it was normal. It should mild inflammation. (no kidding inflammation, leave my insides alone :)) So don't think I have HPV because there was no sign of dyslasia after the biopsy.
So now I have to have 3 paps in a row come back normal, and I'll be back to my yearly appt. I had one two weeks ago, so I will call this morning and find out. And I'll ask straight out: was I ever TESTED for hpv, or was it just an assumption because of an abnormal pap?
I lived for weeks thinking I had it, and actually got used to knowing I'd have it forever. And was sad about how I'd approach relationships in the future, because it can be transmitted, and it stays with you for life.
So abnormal pap does not necessarily mean HPV. Neither does inflammation on a colposcopy, or having a leep done. Hope all goes well
Christine
ButterflyGirl22
10-21-2002, 02:56 AM
To Christine-MA, I didn't like the colposcopy at all, but I hate pap smears to begin with! I'm so bad with them. I even warned my gynecologist, because my family doctor was the one who had always done my pap tests, that I'm bad with them. Luckily he numbed me for the colposcopy! He couldn't numb me at first. It hurt, probably because I had trouble relaxing. It was much better after he numbed me, but it still hurt. He numbed me with a q-tip, not a needle. :) The biopsy hurt. It was like a pinch. (I'm a big baby though!). When I saw my doctor last he said that pretty much every abnormal pap test that requires a LEEP is considered to be from HPV as far as most doctors are concerned, but in actuality it's not necessarily true. It's like a guess, which doesn't seem right. I asked my doctor if I should consider that I have HPV or not and he said I should not consider myself as having HPV because it doesn't affect my life at all and I don't have any warts. Well, of course other than more frequent pap smears and this surgery! So it's like he was kind of lying if you ask me, or he doesn't know so he thinks I shouldn't be thinking I have anything. I'm so confused about it. I think doctors jump to conclusions that it's HPV if you need a LEEP, but maybe it's not, or maybe it's the kind that has no symptoms, obviously, and doesn't affect you after it's taken care of (?).
You wrote, "My dr also said there's nothing they do unless there are warts, and I didn't have warts, neither did my bf, so I believed I had the type that just causes dysplasia." So basically if we both have the type of HPV that nothing can be done for other than removing the bad cells, we don't have the wart kind, so what does it "really" mean for us? Have you been told like I have that there's no need to tell anyone you have this? My doctor told me that anyone who has had sex with more than one person or who has had multiple partners, they basically have some type of HPV. He said to me to assume that everyone has it. How scary is that!
I'm going to be asleep for the procedure. Were you? You said the colposcopy was worse than the LEEP? I was told the LEEP would last 35 min, but I've read it shouldn't take that long. Maybe they included some preparation time, but they told me there will be about an hour before and after for me to prepare and rest?? Something like that. How did you feel after it was done? Could you go to work the next day? Were you in pain and how long did you bleed for? So if the LEEP is done and there is no dysplagia, are you considered to NOT have HPV? Even though I've heard it's something that never goes away, but the symptoms just go away (like the dysplagia)? Did your pap smear come out normal?
Thanks for your help!
You wrote, "My dr also said there's nothing they do unless there are warts, and I didn't have warts, neither did my bf, so I believed I had the type that just causes dysplasia." So basically if we both have the type of HPV that nothing can be done for other than removing the bad cells, we don't have the wart kind, so what does it "really" mean for us? Have you been told like I have that there's no need to tell anyone you have this? My doctor told me that anyone who has had sex with more than one person or who has had multiple partners, they basically have some type of HPV. He said to me to assume that everyone has it. How scary is that!
I'm going to be asleep for the procedure. Were you? You said the colposcopy was worse than the LEEP? I was told the LEEP would last 35 min, but I've read it shouldn't take that long. Maybe they included some preparation time, but they told me there will be about an hour before and after for me to prepare and rest?? Something like that. How did you feel after it was done? Could you go to work the next day? Were you in pain and how long did you bleed for? So if the LEEP is done and there is no dysplagia, are you considered to NOT have HPV? Even though I've heard it's something that never goes away, but the symptoms just go away (like the dysplagia)? Did your pap smear come out normal?
Thanks for your help!
Christine-MA
10-21-2002, 12:28 PM
I wish I had more solid information to give you. I can really only tell you what I've been through or read...I feel exactly the way you do. I just want to be told if I HAVE IT OR NOT?! And I don't understand why that's so difficult. The way I see it is that I had an abnormal pap which was caused by inflammation. Well, I got my period the day after I had my pap, so I assumed that could cause irregularities? Because my pap was abnormal, I had the colposcopy, and because that showed inflammation, I had the leep to remove that. And because abnormal paps are many times caused by HPV, that's what I was told I had. But when the LEEP came back, it was normal, and there was no signs of dysplagia. So can't they just test for HPV? I don't know. Honestly I hate my gyn, he was the one who was in my regular Dr's office, so I just went to him. But I will definately be changing, cuz he doesn't tell you ANYthing. He didn't tell me I didn't have to tell anyone, but basically said I could go through life and never have a sign of HPV, so not to worry unless I do. And yes, I've heard to assume MANY MANY people have it. And yes, it is scary. Even if it DOESNT cause warts, it still makes you have these terrible procedures if you have an abnormal pap.
And yes, the colposcopy was much more painful (for me) than the LEEP. With the colpo, I had tons of cramping and the 3 pinches, even though they only lasted 2 seconds, were very painful. With the LEEP I hardly felt anything. The worst pain I think was having the stupid speculum in! I'm sure you've read about the procedure...the most I felt was warmth from the laser. Honestly. Not including getting set up, undressed, etc...from the time he inserts the speculum until you're finished, probably takes 3-4 minutes? The nurses I had were wonderful, and talked to me the whole time. They did say I turned white though :) And if you're going to be asleep, you won't even notice! I didn't have any cramping either. I assumed I would after the numbing stuff wore off, but I didn't. I took a couple aleve or something an hour or so after, but I didn't feel anything. I don't remember how long I bled for, maybe 2 days? More annoying that anything.
My pap did come back normal. Unfortunately, the nurse left me a voice mail, so I'd like to get back to her and ask her some stuff. Like, was I ever tested for HPV, Do I really have it?? It's so confusing! I'll let you know when I talk to her though.
When is your LEEP? You'll be fine :) Try to relax. Let me know if I missed anything.
And yes, the colposcopy was much more painful (for me) than the LEEP. With the colpo, I had tons of cramping and the 3 pinches, even though they only lasted 2 seconds, were very painful. With the LEEP I hardly felt anything. The worst pain I think was having the stupid speculum in! I'm sure you've read about the procedure...the most I felt was warmth from the laser. Honestly. Not including getting set up, undressed, etc...from the time he inserts the speculum until you're finished, probably takes 3-4 minutes? The nurses I had were wonderful, and talked to me the whole time. They did say I turned white though :) And if you're going to be asleep, you won't even notice! I didn't have any cramping either. I assumed I would after the numbing stuff wore off, but I didn't. I took a couple aleve or something an hour or so after, but I didn't feel anything. I don't remember how long I bled for, maybe 2 days? More annoying that anything.
My pap did come back normal. Unfortunately, the nurse left me a voice mail, so I'd like to get back to her and ask her some stuff. Like, was I ever tested for HPV, Do I really have it?? It's so confusing! I'll let you know when I talk to her though.
When is your LEEP? You'll be fine :) Try to relax. Let me know if I missed anything.
ButterflyGirl22
10-22-2002, 02:51 AM
Thanks again for your answers. I'm full of questions! I appreciate any info you tell me, even if it's your own personal experience. That's really better than anything a doctor could tell me, who hasn't even gone through this themselves! I know that I need the LEEP to remove the abnormal, pre-cancerous cells. From what I understand, the procedure will take the bad cells out of me and they hopefully will not ever come back. The best way my gynecologist described HPV to me, which again and just like you said, I wish I knew if I had it or not! But the best way he described it, which made me feel a little better, is the chicken pox example. Chicken pox is a virus that you have forever once you get it, so I just tell myself that if I do have HPV, it's kind of like chicken pox in the way that I'll always have it in my body, but does that really mean anything? Well, this is where I'm not so sure, but I'd like to think that as long as I get regular check-ups I'll be fine because if abnormal cells come back they'll be caught in time.
I've heard that getting your period around the time of a pap smear CAN mess up the results. I'm sure your doctor knew about it though because they always ask when your last period was. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health. If you aren't happy with your gynecologist it's best to get a new one. Especially because it's such a personal exam they do! I feel better knowing that the LEEP wasn't as bad as the colposcopy for you. It makes me less nervous about the procedure. Even though I'll be asleep I'm still scared. I think the speculum is one of the worst parts! I wish there was an easier way! So I'm assuming the results from the LEEP will tell me how bad my dysplagia really is?? I never really thought of getting results back from the LEEP because I figured the LEEP is what I need because of the results of the colposcopy. I really don't know what to expect from now on, after the LEEP is done, other than more frequent pap smears. Is there a post-op exam? Did your period that you got after the LEEP hurt more than usual? I'm worried because I'm expecting mine so soon after the LEEP! I feel like I'm always going to wonder if I'm ok, if I have abnormal cells again... I know a lot of women go through this. I just hope it doesn't become a constant worry for me. Do you know if HPV is the ONLY possible cause of cervical cancer? I had always thought of Cancer as only being genetic, but I guess not. I guess it has to start somewhere. I still have a lot to learn.
My LEEP is this Wednesday! I'll check back here and let you all know how it went, once I feel recovered. Thank you so much, and everyone who has responded. This board has helped me cope with this so much!
I've heard that getting your period around the time of a pap smear CAN mess up the results. I'm sure your doctor knew about it though because they always ask when your last period was. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health. If you aren't happy with your gynecologist it's best to get a new one. Especially because it's such a personal exam they do! I feel better knowing that the LEEP wasn't as bad as the colposcopy for you. It makes me less nervous about the procedure. Even though I'll be asleep I'm still scared. I think the speculum is one of the worst parts! I wish there was an easier way! So I'm assuming the results from the LEEP will tell me how bad my dysplagia really is?? I never really thought of getting results back from the LEEP because I figured the LEEP is what I need because of the results of the colposcopy. I really don't know what to expect from now on, after the LEEP is done, other than more frequent pap smears. Is there a post-op exam? Did your period that you got after the LEEP hurt more than usual? I'm worried because I'm expecting mine so soon after the LEEP! I feel like I'm always going to wonder if I'm ok, if I have abnormal cells again... I know a lot of women go through this. I just hope it doesn't become a constant worry for me. Do you know if HPV is the ONLY possible cause of cervical cancer? I had always thought of Cancer as only being genetic, but I guess not. I guess it has to start somewhere. I still have a lot to learn.
My LEEP is this Wednesday! I'll check back here and let you all know how it went, once I feel recovered. Thank you so much, and everyone who has responded. This board has helped me cope with this so much!
Christine-MA
10-22-2002, 09:41 AM
No problem. I remember how scared and uninformed I was when I first found out. I was here everyday. And I haven't really been here in months, so I'm glad I saw your post.
If you haven't already, read all the HPV posts on here that you can. Many of them have good links for information. Or do a search for HPV, it will tell you alot.
When I had the pap done that was abnormal, it was my regular dr that did it, since I never had a problem, she did my pap every year, and I had never seen a gyn. But it came back abnormal and referred me to this other guy. So I don't even know if he knew I got my period the next day. But I was thinking at the time, why can't they just do another pap in a month or so. But I really knew very little, so figured if he had to do a colposcopy for a biopsy, he knew what he was doing. And I remember my mom asking me if I wanted to go to another dr, and me saying "what do you think he's making it up?" but now I kinda wish I had, because why couldn't I just get another pap done? But what's done is done.
I don't know if it's really "results" from the LEEP, but I was told that my cervix was normal, and there had been only mild inflammation after the colpo. So what did they remove?? Mild inflammation?
As far as the cancer aspect, do the reading. But I think the % are really low, especially when they're caught so early. The abnormal cells are ones that COULD lead to cancer if not removed, so they won't even necessarily cause cancer. But they will be removed tomorrow, so you'll be fine. And I had a normal period after the LEEP.
I know you're worried, but I can almost guarantee that you'll be back on here after saying it was nothing. Just the yucky speculum!
If you haven't already, read all the HPV posts on here that you can. Many of them have good links for information. Or do a search for HPV, it will tell you alot.
When I had the pap done that was abnormal, it was my regular dr that did it, since I never had a problem, she did my pap every year, and I had never seen a gyn. But it came back abnormal and referred me to this other guy. So I don't even know if he knew I got my period the next day. But I was thinking at the time, why can't they just do another pap in a month or so. But I really knew very little, so figured if he had to do a colposcopy for a biopsy, he knew what he was doing. And I remember my mom asking me if I wanted to go to another dr, and me saying "what do you think he's making it up?" but now I kinda wish I had, because why couldn't I just get another pap done? But what's done is done.
I don't know if it's really "results" from the LEEP, but I was told that my cervix was normal, and there had been only mild inflammation after the colpo. So what did they remove?? Mild inflammation?
As far as the cancer aspect, do the reading. But I think the % are really low, especially when they're caught so early. The abnormal cells are ones that COULD lead to cancer if not removed, so they won't even necessarily cause cancer. But they will be removed tomorrow, so you'll be fine. And I had a normal period after the LEEP.
I know you're worried, but I can almost guarantee that you'll be back on here after saying it was nothing. Just the yucky speculum!
Christine-MA
10-28-2002, 10:59 AM
Hey Butterflygirl22, I hope the LEEP went well. I'm still waiting to hear from you. One thing I forgot to mention, but since you had a colpo, you probably had it happen...the brown stuff they put in to help with clotting. Ya, that yucky stuff. And I don't know if your Dr told you this, but mine told me it would come out like coffee grinds, but it could be sort of chunky (this is gross, I know) well, don't be freaked out if it does. Like a whole bunch at a time. Let me know how you made out when you're up for it
ButterflyGirl22
10-30-2002, 11:27 AM
My LEEP was done a week ago and I'm very relieved that it's over! I'm feeling pretty much back to normal now. I have to say that I was SOOO scared right before the surgery, but when it was over it wasn't as bad as I thought. The worst part was having to go all day (my surgery was at 3pm) without eating or drinking at all, and the anesthesia. The bad part of the anesthesia was that it made me feel tired, a little dizzy and nauseous afterward, but it was well worth it to make me unaware of the procedure and what was going on! I was surprised at how little pain I was in afterwards. I will give more details soon. I am at work at the moment so it's a little hard to get into this now. I am so relieved that it's done! :)
Christine-MA
10-31-2002, 09:02 AM
Great to hear all is well! I'm having anesthesia soon too (4 wisdom teeth out), and I'm not looking forward to that either!
ButterflyGirl22
10-31-2002, 08:49 PM
I've had a busy week, but now I have time to tell how my surgery went. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink all day and I tend to feel faint if I don't eat, so that was not easy. The scariest part was when I went on the hospital type bed. They were running late and said that "this part will be rushed" so that got me even more nervous! I had about four or five nurses around me. One had a clipboard and was asking me questions while another nurse started my IV. One of the nurses felt my hand and said it was really cold and said I must be scared. She said that if your hands are cold you're scared. I never knew that. I wasn't cold at all, just my hands. A little while later I started shaking from being so scared. I hate that. I can't even explain how scared I was! I knew I'd be asleep and that was all that helped.
The nurse couldn't get the IV in my arm correctly so she had to switch to my other arm. I still have a bruise from the first IV. Once they started the anesthesia it calmed me down a lot and I fell asleep. The next thing I knew I was in a different room. I had just woken up and had no clue that the surgery was even done! I asked a nurse twice if it was over and she said yes. I couldn't believe it! She asked if I was in pain and I said no! I really couldn't believe that the surgery was all done, especially because I felt no pain at all. But a little later the nurse asked me again and I DID feel some pain, but it wasn't too bad. She put some medicine through my IV and it helped. I was really tired and hungry. I slept when I got home. The anesthesia made me a little nauseous, but it didn't last too long. I wasn't allowed to drive for 24 hours because the anesthesia isn't fully worn off I guess, but I was able to work the day after. I was in pain that night and a day or two later but that's it and it wasn't really that bad. It hurt to walk and sit down that first night and walking was a little uncomfortable the next day, but I was feeling surprisingly well! No cramps or anything! I didn't even bleed much right away. I was told I will need to wear a pad for six weeks.
The good news is, VERY GOOD NEWS, my results came back fine! I no longer have dysplagia or need further surgery! I have to go back in three months for a follow up pap smear. I am still a little bit confused. I keep wondering, since my surgery is over and it took care of my dysplagia, I'm assuming it can still come back in the future and that is why I need the frequent pap smears? I guess I'm just wondering if I have anything else to REALLY worry about. If my future tests come back fine, I guess that means I'm ok.
I've had all my wisdom teeth removed at the same time, and they weren't grown in at all yet, and I had anesthesia then too. I think I was 16. It's good to get them out so you won't have future problems with them. Don't worry too much about the anesthesia. At least you won't be feeling the pain! Good luck! :)
The nurse couldn't get the IV in my arm correctly so she had to switch to my other arm. I still have a bruise from the first IV. Once they started the anesthesia it calmed me down a lot and I fell asleep. The next thing I knew I was in a different room. I had just woken up and had no clue that the surgery was even done! I asked a nurse twice if it was over and she said yes. I couldn't believe it! She asked if I was in pain and I said no! I really couldn't believe that the surgery was all done, especially because I felt no pain at all. But a little later the nurse asked me again and I DID feel some pain, but it wasn't too bad. She put some medicine through my IV and it helped. I was really tired and hungry. I slept when I got home. The anesthesia made me a little nauseous, but it didn't last too long. I wasn't allowed to drive for 24 hours because the anesthesia isn't fully worn off I guess, but I was able to work the day after. I was in pain that night and a day or two later but that's it and it wasn't really that bad. It hurt to walk and sit down that first night and walking was a little uncomfortable the next day, but I was feeling surprisingly well! No cramps or anything! I didn't even bleed much right away. I was told I will need to wear a pad for six weeks.
The good news is, VERY GOOD NEWS, my results came back fine! I no longer have dysplagia or need further surgery! I have to go back in three months for a follow up pap smear. I am still a little bit confused. I keep wondering, since my surgery is over and it took care of my dysplagia, I'm assuming it can still come back in the future and that is why I need the frequent pap smears? I guess I'm just wondering if I have anything else to REALLY worry about. If my future tests come back fine, I guess that means I'm ok.
I've had all my wisdom teeth removed at the same time, and they weren't grown in at all yet, and I had anesthesia then too. I think I was 16. It's good to get them out so you won't have future problems with them. Don't worry too much about the anesthesia. At least you won't be feeling the pain! Good luck! :)
PAISLEY
11-04-2002, 01:23 PM
Hi Butterflygirl :wave:
Glad to hear that everything went well! Since HPV is forever in your system (assuming that you have HPV), there is a possibility that the dysplasia will reappear. That's why the repeat paps every 3 months are crucial. You have to have about 4 in a row that are normal to be able to start back getting them every year. At least this is what I had to do.
Take Care~
Glad to hear that everything went well! Since HPV is forever in your system (assuming that you have HPV), there is a possibility that the dysplasia will reappear. That's why the repeat paps every 3 months are crucial. You have to have about 4 in a row that are normal to be able to start back getting them every year. At least this is what I had to do.
Take Care~
ButterflyGirl22
11-04-2002, 02:28 PM
Hi Paisley. Even though I'm relieved that I'm ok now after surgery, I do wonder about this happening to me again. If I do have HPV and it caused my dysplagia, the abnormal cells have been removed now, but if the HPV is still there, or whatever caused my dysplagia, wouldn't it be very possible for this to come back? If so, isn't it bad to get more than one LEEP done? I feel like I should have kids while I still can because I'm afraid having another LEEP would ruin my chances! Of course I have no control over either one at the moment. I almost feel like going back to getting paps done yearly isn't good enough. I feel scared that this will come back so I almost want to get paps done more often ALL the time! I'm really scared about getting cervical cancer and not knowing it. What if I have a normal pap smear, but right after that I get dysplagia and don't know it for a year? I still feel like I don't know what it really means to have this problem. Dysplagia and possibly HPV or whatever it could be. I wish I could get real answers from my doctor.
Have your tests all come back normal so far? How long has it been since your LEEP? I'm really hoping everything is fine from now on.
Have your tests all come back normal so far? How long has it been since your LEEP? I'm really hoping everything is fine from now on.