Persistent Warts

[DasKapital]

Hey everyone... first off, let me tell everyone that this is a great resource for people who are unable to shut their minds off about this annoying, annoying virus.  Kudos to the contributors.

Okay, now onto my questions/comments.  I was diagnosed with genital warts last June (14 months ago), but probably first noticed them around March of last year (17 months ago).  I started treatment after I was diagnosed, going to my doctor for treatment with bichloracetic acid.  At first, I was in there every two weeks for a treatment.  My doctor insisted that this will clear up, this will clear up, this will clear up.  Well, here I am, a year later, and I'm still having warts show up.  They occur at a much slower rate (I get treated maybe every two months now), but there they are.

My question... has anyone on here ever had to deal with this annoying little virus for so long?  All I read on the expert forums is that most people clear the virus in 8-12 or 6-24 months, even without treatment.  I'm sure that makes the people who are first diagnosed feel better... how about us who can't seem to shake it?  I've decided that I'm going to call the dermatologist and try other treatment options... obviously the acid treatments aren't triggering my immune system like my doc said it would.  Hopefully (fingers crossed twice), a new treatment will have better results.

Anyway, sorry if that came off as just a rant.  I'm getting really frustrated.

[DasKapital]

Thanks for your answer as well... I think deep down, I know my body is slowly clearing the virus (I find that the warts are less common and smaller in size), I just get discouraged each time I think I clear it, only to find one pop up a month later.

I do take heart knowing that this is not a forever thing.  I've not heard of nor seen (online) one case where somebody is despairing because they are still getting warts after 4, 5, 6 years.  

I'm doing my best now just to be patient, take care of my body (working out, eating right, vitamins), and going through the steps I should.  The most difficult part, as I'm sure you both know, is just waiting for the virus to run its course and be cleared.  It'll be quite exciting when I can go six months and not see another one.

I didn't know that as many as 30% of people still have to deal with the virus a year after they are first found/initial diagnosis.  Based on what I've heard (and what my GP has told me), I would have thought that one or two treatments, and then you're good to go.  The fact that you say 3 out of 10 people have recurring symptoms over a year later actually makes me feel better.  I think I'm getting into that sweet spot time frame where I should see it clear relatively soon (within the next year or so).

[alexdelong]

I think you are taking the next steps. A dermatologist will be able to determine if these are truly warts, and not some other problem that a GP, less experienced with this type of diagnosis, might mistake for warts.

Sometimes a specific treatment options doesn't work too well for a particular patient. Since the treatment you are using isn't working, exploring another option makes sense.

While your warts have been annoyingly  persistent, to have warts for a year and a half is not all that uncommon. 30% of people infected with HPV will remain infected for over a year. Fortunately 2/3 of these people will clear the infection before 2 years.

Best of luck.

[DasKapital]

Hi Amie- thanks for the response!  I do not have any illnesses that may have weakened my immune system, and as far as I know, my immune system is generally pretty strong.  I am regularly pretty stressed as I inch closer to graduation, so that may be a large part of it as well.  I am also in the process of trying to get back into the shape I want to be in (i.e. athletic).  I get sick maybe once a year, and even then it's usually just a good juicy cold.

I have decided that my treatment hasn't been effective and I'm going to try other options, I think that's the most proactive thing I can do right now, and probably the right thing.

I suppose I was just venting and am glad to hear that others have gone through the same thing and come out on "clear" on the other side.  I know it takes time, but it definitely is a frustrating, annoying little virus.

[Amie635]

There have been a few posters on here who have persistent warts like you do, so you are not alone and it's totally justified that you would feel frustrated with this.

Do you have any illnesses that could of weakened your immune system? Do you generally have a weak immune system, i.e. are you prone to getting colds etc? Are you generally fit and healthy? Are you stressed?

These are all things that can trigger wart outbreaks. Also it may be that the treatment isn't suitable for you so it's a good idea to explore your options until you find a treatment that is right for your body.

Also crank up the healthy life style - take vitamin supplements eat right etc etc. Do all you can to strengthen your body. I'm sure you've heard all of this before but it really is all you can do. Have faith.