HPV Support Group
Human papillomavirus is a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted...
I received an abnormal pap last month. Part of the abnormal issue was that I tested positive for HPV. I had a colposcopy shortly thereafter. During that procedure, my doctor took a few biopsies. The results indicated that I had some minor changes in my cells and showed CIN1, Mild Dysplasia.
Now, at first, I freaked out. Cried, cried some more, then some more. Then, I realized that there was nothing I could do to change this. So I began researching this disease. Why in the heck do I have this?? I have no symptoms or side effects from this, nothing. The word disease freaked me out, and more than anything, the term STD totally overwhelmed me. So, after I got over that (not that I have completely), now I have to worry about the C word? CANCER well, isnt that great.
So, I made it through the Colposcopy and the biopsy. Not bad, just a little uncomfortable, nothing you cant handle. A little spotting/discharge for a week and then well on day 7 most of the stuff came out. Stuff meaning a huge clump of the clotting medicine and skin/mucous. That was pretty strange looking. During that, my doctor said the cells didnt look too bad, but we would ultimately have to wait for the pathologist results.
Like I said above, it came back as CIN1, Mild Dysplasia. Because of that, I have been scheduled to have these cells frozen. Now, I am not sure if this is considered a Leep Procedure or not (if you know, please tell me and let me know what to expect). After that, she said we will repeat my pap in 3 months and go from there.
I am one of the healthiest people I know and have been in a relationship for 10 years. Although there is no way to know who gave who HPV, its still frustrating. There is no one to blame. This just goes to show me that anything can really happen to anyone. I hate that they didnt know more about this disease years ago so that the vaccine could have been offered earlier. I fear that so many women that do not have annual exams and are walking around with this and dont even know it. The longer you wait, gives the abnormal cells that much longer to develop in to cervical cancer. Unfortunately, while this is such a common diagnosis, its like a little secret disease. Im hoping for the best and trying to stay positive. I am optimistic that my case was detected early enough and that my outcome will be favorable.
Now, at first, I freaked out. Cried, cried some more, then some more. Then, I realized that there was nothing I could do to change this. So I began researching this disease. Why in the heck do I have this?? I have no symptoms or side effects from this, nothing. The word disease freaked me out, and more than anything, the term STD totally overwhelmed me. So, after I got over that (not that I have completely), now I have to worry about the C word? CANCER well, isnt that great.
So, I made it through the Colposcopy and the biopsy. Not bad, just a little uncomfortable, nothing you cant handle. A little spotting/discharge for a week and then well on day 7 most of the stuff came out. Stuff meaning a huge clump of the clotting medicine and skin/mucous. That was pretty strange looking. During that, my doctor said the cells didnt look too bad, but we would ultimately have to wait for the pathologist results.
Like I said above, it came back as CIN1, Mild Dysplasia. Because of that, I have been scheduled to have these cells frozen. Now, I am not sure if this is considered a Leep Procedure or not (if you know, please tell me and let me know what to expect). After that, she said we will repeat my pap in 3 months and go from there.
I am one of the healthiest people I know and have been in a relationship for 10 years. Although there is no way to know who gave who HPV, its still frustrating. There is no one to blame. This just goes to show me that anything can really happen to anyone. I hate that they didnt know more about this disease years ago so that the vaccine could have been offered earlier. I fear that so many women that do not have annual exams and are walking around with this and dont even know it. The longer you wait, gives the abnormal cells that much longer to develop in to cervical cancer. Unfortunately, while this is such a common diagnosis, its like a little secret disease. Im hoping for the best and trying to stay positive. I am optimistic that my case was detected early enough and that my outcome will be favorable.
And, I have to agree, I LOVE your attitude, Happy.
It is very frustrating, especially feeling like you can't do anything. But, your healthy diet and lifestyle are already working to help you. I was morbidly obese (barely in that category, but still there) and a pack a day smoker and I drank on weekends. I didn't know I had this. I didn't know much about it. Now I know all I did was hurt myself even more with my lifestyle. I've lost over 40 pounds, am just overweight now, which is a good feeling, lol and am on my way to being healthier all around.
But, when I was diagnosed, it was bad. It was CIN III, severe dysplasia, and she wanted a LEEP asap. (A LEEP is where they cut with electricity, Cryo is where they freeze off). I was terrified. The doctor even told me, after I told her to be blunt and refused to be placated, that my odds of having cancer furthur up that she would find with the LEEP were high and to expect to have one or two proceedures. I had one. And it cleared. I got VERY lucky. But, I truly believe that what helped the most was when I stopped stressing about it. I lost it one day with my family. Screaming, crying, gasping because the sobs were so hard. But, then I was done. I accepted it from that moment on.
So, the point, there is hope and you have such an amazing chance to clear this first go, just keep your attitude the way it is and you'll be great!
It's nice to know that we are not alone..
I will be going for my procedure (cryo, I think) in less than an hour. Yep, I'm a little freaked out. Just ready to hear results and good news. Wish it was over with already. I think I'm dreading the aftermath more than anyting. Discharge, bleeding, spotting.. blah blah blah.. I guess I'll just have to get over that.. can't change it.
Thanks for sharing your story.
There is so much I want say, I am a talker not a typer so bare with me...lol.
My story is also very similar to yours. I had a abnormal pap which came back positive for the high strain hpv. I followed up with a colposcopy and biopsy. I had to find another doctor bc the one I had was a pure jerk. He would not/did not go over my options just telling me what to do. He even had the nerve to tell me I wouldn't understand and I don't need all those details bc he see it everyday. He was like u have to get cryo and U will be fine. But I was like hell to the nah, who does that? Maybe not, who does that but ur other patients let u get away with that...smh? How are u going to tell me, I have an STD that has no cure and just handle it like take that and leave me alone. U need to go over ALL my options and let me KNOW EVERYTHING. As u can see I'm still pissed with at that man!!! Jerk!!!!! The way he made me feel, made me not trust nothing he told me to do. The way he handled even telling me (over the phone) was so uncaring. I felt he had no re guard for my feelings at all. Any who ( and yes I meant to say any who...lol), After I found my new doctor she told he that I had CINI mild dysplasia.
I told u all that to say the 1st doctor told me I had to have the cryo and I had a moderate case of Dysplasia when I didn't. When I took my records to my new doctor she had a little chart to actually show me what was going on and explained what I have and why she suggest I don't do the cryo. She told me that in her opinion cryo is the old technology for hpv and that leep was the better way to go. (sidebar Natty 0488 let me know what U think about that). She also told me she do not even suggest any procedure for mild dsyplasia cases. She wants to see if my body and immune system will return the cells back to normal on its own. I then told her that most if not all of the women on my support site have always mention cryo and leep even if they had mild dsyplasia. Then she put it to me like this, if I was Michelle Obama this is what she would suggest for her to do of couse after that I was sold....lol. I do agree with u wholeheartedly when U said, "Unfortunately, while this is such a common diagnosis, its like a little secret disease." I thought that this diagnosis was the end of the world its not because the facts show that 80% of us have it. And the body immune system can fight it off.
I also wanted to say that JC311 is right that iGreif and Natty0488 do share some good information.
So Natty what do u think? Is freezing, leep, or just letting my body heal itself the best way to go? I'm saying I want to be proactive and waiting 6 months to see if my body is healing itself is a blower. But I do take my supplements daily. I'm not exercising at all but imma do it....lol.
Your first doc seems like a baffoon. What an ass. Obviously a women doctor is what you want and need at a time like this. When I first met my doctor I just loved her. She is very knowledgeable and well spoken. She talks real sweet to you almost like a child. Which is fine by me because most of the time when I'm there I'm thinking I need my momma! Lol.. So good move on getting the new doc.
My doctor gave me the option of Cryo vs. LEEP. And, explained the differences. Freezing vs. Cutting the bad cells. She said both were very effective but almost sounded like since my case was mild, why be cut on. So, I chose that route myself. Today is day 3 after my procedure and I'm still leaking like a damn fountain which is annoying. But, at the same time I know the bad cells are draining and new ones are cooking up ; )
Keep your head up. As you have noticed, you are not are not alone. Is it frustrating, unbelievable and tragic at first? Yes. Is it the end of the world? No. We got this! We CAN and WILL fight it. Take care of yourself and start adding a little exercise in. Check your supplements and make sure you have some good immune boosters. I take VyraMune. I'm a vegetarian and it helps me get what I may miss from some foods. Plus it's a immune system supporter.
Good luck and keep us posted!