andiesq70

Hi Tiggy44, I understand your frustration and confusion-----I feel the same way sometimes. Like you, I find it frustrating to not get clear answers to questions I have; the boards have been great and I have learned some, my doctor and nurse have told me some things but not much and websites seem to be vague at times (regarding vulva issues). I have had 2 areas of severe dysplasia on my vulva area, both times removed and pre-cancerous. Now I have been referred to a GYN Oncologist for further tests and evaluations. I was diagnosed last year and was a wreck (plus my husband was in Iraq for the year) but I am not going to let the diagnosis consume my life because I have too much to enjoy and live for. I do have my moments when I cry and I do wish this would just go away but it won't. All I can do is hope for the best! It's a shame the doc didn't tell you about smoking, that is one of the first questions I was asked (I am not a smoker). You should try to stop smoking, from the CDC it states smoking will help HPV persistance. Plus, you want to have a stong immune system, of course smoking has negative affects and also it is important to keep stress levels low (I know easier said than done). A healthy diet, excercise, and multi vitamins (with folic acid) were recommended to me. Nobody but your doctor can tell you why she did not speak to you about smoking. I hope you can learn to enjoy your life again and focus less on having HPV-----try and focus on the positive things, I do. Take good care of yourself and keep us posted! Best wishes to you and your family!