Confused an Very Scared HPV question

[paranoidgirl22]

I just found out yesterday that my pap I got during my annual exam was abnormal. The nurse told me that there were a few cells that they weren't sure if they were precancerous, cancerous, or not. Since my pap was abnormal they tested me for HPV, which then resulted in being positive. The next step they want me to take is have a colposcopy. I'm scared about this procedure and what the findings might be, the nurse didn't offer anymore help as I guess their office was super busy. Now I'm extremely frightened, have a somewhat idea of what's going to happen during the colposcopy, but have no idea what the findings might be, expect that I could have cervical cancer..Can anyone offer help?  

[Ellepaige]

This is crazy. I just got a call today from my gyno basically telling me the exact same thing. I have to get a colposcopy and perhaps a biopsy, but I tested positive for HPV. I'm looking all over for some answers, but I couldn't schedule an appointment for another Pap smear for another month. I'm going to be anxious until then.

From what I've looked up I think there isn't anything to be too worried about. Most people in their lifetime with contract HPV from one of their partners. HPV, I found out today from all my research, will go away on its own from the human body's immune system. I know how you are feeling though. I just sat in my room and cried when the doctor kept saying, "Your test came back positive" and "pre-cancerous." I was so scared. But if it can go away on its own then that's good. Good luck with everything! Hope I can get some answers too.

[paranoidgirl22]

I know how you feel. I couldn't schedule my colposcopy until 4/18..and I really hope they don't find anything...I'm starting to look at it, as well at least they caught it early. Bc I get paps done religiously every year..Best of luck to you!

[Ellepaige]

Mine is scheduled for 4/22, my birthday. Great. I'm going on a trip from April 14th-21st, and my doctor was going on vacation before that. So I wanted to get it done as soon as possible. Great way to celebrate my b-day. Hopefully my present will be that she doesn't find anything! :)

The great thing is they caught it early, whatever that "it" is. It can potentially heal on it's own, which is fabulous. Or if it is something else, cervical dy----however you say it, they can treat it. It's not the end of the world. Which makes me a little hopfeul.

Thanks for talking with me! I hope this thread is spreading some light on this subject for others that are going through this too! Take care!

[Ellepaige]

This is what a doctor on this site said to a woman with high risk HPV:

"Among all new infecitons with high risk HPV types, 75-80% clear up within a year and 90% within 2 years."

Phew. I can relax a little bit. Hope you can too!

[Aiene]

if you are high risk you should be having regular paps done every 6 months not every year.

[paranoidgirl22]

I hope you have a nice vacation!! My doctor was on vacation 4/4 so I wanted to get mine done then but couldn't..1 more week until I can finally talk to him..The nurse that was talking to me was so unhelpful..I'm hoping he can answer my questions and give me better insight..My fingers are crossed that both of us clear this..Thanks for posting & yes, hopefully others will be able to connect here too..I'll let you know how the colpo goes, so you know what to expect..

[paranoidgirl22]

I just found out not even a month ago that I have high risk hpv..my doctor wants to do a colposcopy bc of the high risk..if HPV was not detected then I would be going back for another in 6 months..but since I'm over 21, and hpv was detected they wanted to do colposcopy as the next step..and actually asked me when I wanted to do it..strange..I obviously said ASAP bc I don't screw around with my health..I trust my doctor, if he hadn't found my mom's breast cancer, she probably wouldn't be here.

[paranoidgirl22]

I know you go for your colpo tomorrow..

I had mine Saturday..the biopsies hurt a little at first..(maybe like 20 secs..then it goes away.) I had 3 biopsies...I found out my pap was slightly abnormal & get the biopsy results by or on Saturday...good luck tomorrow.

[sugarcube]

Hiya

I understand exactl how you feel.  I had my colposcopy yesterday and while i know i can't stop you from worrying i'd like to put your mind at ease if i can

Like you, i really wasn't sure what would happen & had scared myself silly with googling everything. My result had come back as CIN1 and i was referred for colposcopy.
Honest, it's very similar to a smear test so just a little discomfort but nothing more.  The doctor will be able to look at the area in question with a powerful microscope.  She smears the area with different solutions to highlight any abnormal cells.  She told me there was a mild abnormality and offered me treatment (Lletz/Leep) there and then explaining that she was removing the abnormal cells.  These will be sent to the lab to confirm it was indeed CIN1.
I have a few period pain like cramps today but i was told to expect that, nothing too painful.  The whole process was over in 10 minutes.  I just have to wait for the results.
Truth is, it's a very, very long way from finding a few abnormal cells to having cancer and it's great this procedure and treatment is available.  
I would advise bringing a friend for moral support.  Sometimes it's hard to take in the info they're telling you so for the 50% you forget, he or she will remember :)  Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Good luck
x
Keep your spirits up babe, i hope all goes well.  

[Ellepaige]

Hey! That's for the words of encouragement! The test was fine, only one biopsy.  I didn't even noticed when she did it! I'll have the results in about a week, so I'll let you know how it goes. She wasn't worried though. She said it will go away on it's own. A great birthday present. Yay! Have a great day!