*deep breath*
Okay, let's see... Hi, everyone! My name is Nic, and I am a 36-year-old work-at-home (Medical Transcription/Editing) mom of 2 wonderful kiddos (4 and 7). I am also a prenursing student hoping to get that acceptance letter in the next month or two and be on the floor as an RN by the end of 2013.
I've just discovered this forum recently after doing several searches for information regarding my abnormal Paps and colposcopies. Having other women to talk to about these things is such a blessing, and it's so wonderful to know that there are so many women out there who are educating themselves about their diagnosis. Having that type of insight gives you SUCH an advantage to working with physicians and finding answers. Since doctors are people, too, they sometimes need that extra PUSH from their patients to dig a little deeper. Going into their office with KNOWLEDGE about your diagnosis lets them know that they need to be on top of their game.
Okay, okay... Now for the nitty gritty...
Pap 2007: Normal
Pap 2008: LGSIL
Colpo & ECC 2008: LGSIL/CIN 1 (2 spots), endocervicitis (1 spot) / Benign proliferative endometrium -
High-risk HPV NEGATIVE
Pap 2009: ASCUS
Pap 2009: Normal
Pap 2010: ASCUS-H
Colpo & ECC 2010: LSIL/CIN 1 (2 spots), acute and chronic cervicitis / Benign glandulostromal tissue, predominantly endometrial
Pap 2011: ASCUS & AGUS
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When my doctor called me back after the finding of AGUS, she said that she would need to contact the pathology lab as she hadn't seen this come back on a path report before. They pulled my Pap slides and discussed the findings again. The lab tech said that there, indeed, was AGUS, but that they didn't look incredibly abnormal - just "fatter" or something like that.
My doc said, "If your HPV was positive, this would be an entirely different ballgame. I'd be scheduling you for surgery."
I've drilled her over and over about the potential of a low-risk strain of HPV causing this or a strain that isn't tested for when they test for the high-risk strains of HPV. She's confused, also, as to why I keep showing all of the abnormalities and dysplasia without a diagnosis of HPV.
Our game plan for now is this: RETEST the Pap she just sent for HPV.
IF NEGATIVE FOR HPV: Proceed with another colpo, ECC, and endometrial biopsies
IF POSITIVE FOR HPV: Proceed with LEEP or cold knife conization
Here's my dilemma... SOMETHING is causing this. SOMETHING is making this "not go away" - do I ask her to be aggressive and proceed with the cold knife, regardless (especially due to the AGUS)?
*I talked to her about thermal effects on margins with LEEP or laser, and when I mentioned cold knife conization, she said, "It's pretty much the same in terms of overall procedure/removal, so if you'd prefer for me to do the cold knife, I will." She told me a little about the thermal effects, too.
I'm so incredibly nervous that something will be overlooked, and with the AGUS showing up now, I'm that much more nervous.
After reading all of this (bless your heart if you did!), what would you do?
**On a side note, I also have leukopenia (a chronic low white count). I've had a bone marrow biopsy and have been ruled out for all sorts of autoimmune disorders (HIV, lupus, cancers, etc.) I've been this way for years, but I'm wondering if my low white counts can affect me being able to "self correct" cell abnormalities - like the dysplasia.**
Okay. NOW I'm done.
Thank you all in advance for any advice!!!
Nic
