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I just had an abnormal pap and am positive for high risk HPV. I am really worried not really sure what to do I really need some emotional support, I am going to the doctor tomorrow to find out what happens next, what can I expect?? And because it is high risk HPV what does that mean for me?
I really need some support I am really scared =[
Svan21: First things first....try to breath and relax. You are 19 years old so your body should be pretty strong against HPV.
I am sure most of the ladies here will have a couple questions for you.
1. Have you had a colposcopy yet? This is where they look at your cervix to see if you have cervical dysplasia. If not, then this will probably be what your doctor will be telling you that you need so that they can see if there is any dysplasia.
2. Do you smoke? If so, then stop as soon as you can because this weakens your immune system and makes your body more submissive to HPV.
3. Did you get copies of your pap results? If not, it is HIGHLY recommended that you get copies of EVERYTHING! Request copies of the pap that you just had done. After any procedure done, even blood work, you request copies of the results, k. Get yourself a binder and keep track of everything, you will be so happy that you did. This includes even marking down the first day of your periods, if you notice any spotting between your periods, etc.
4. Do you have someone that you love and trust that can accompany you to your appointments? Someone that is bold enough to ask the questions that you may be to reserved to ask? Or more so, because you are so young, doctors may have a hard time seeing you as an authority over your health; you need someone who will be a pillar of strength in these appointments. Make sure the person who goes with you educates themselves on HPV and dysplasia if you should have that as well.
Now, just know that HPV is, unfortunately, VERY common. The chances of it causing some type of cancer are low, but you need o stay on top of things okay. Make sure you keep your appointments and educate yourself on HPV and the affects it has on our bodies. By the way, men get it too, as it is a sexually transmitted virus. The most common thing that HPV causes is genital or anal warts and then also dysplasia. I would recommend googling cervical dysplasia or even just dysplasia and try to only read edu sites, or like the mayoclinic, or hospital and research sites. The ladies here are really going to help you out, trust me! You have found an absolutely fabulous group of ladies that are going to provide for you, wisdom, peace of mind, and emotional support.
Start taking a good multi-vitamin and some vitamin C. I also recommend vitamin D3. Start eating cruciferous fruits (you can google that too, lol).
Please, try to stay calm, you are so young and you have that on your side!
Best wishes to you, will you keep in touch with this fabulous group? We like to support eachother through our different paths. :o) OH!- some ladies would prefer that when you make a post, that you click members only as this preserves privacy with very private matters. Myself, I am not bothered, but there are some VERY WISE and informative ladies here who have been through soooooo much and they prefer only members reading their comments. :o) Keep your chin up!
thank you so much for ur reply i have not had a colposcopy yet, and i do smoke but i have stopped now that i found out about HPV i do have a copy of my pap results so i will be keeping that in a binder, and my mom is going to the doctor with me tomorrow so i will have her by my side thank goodness..thank you so much for all your advice ! i will definately be returning here !
svan, you'll want to know the results of your pap - 'abnormal' can cover many things. if you have your records, the pap may indicate HGSIL or LGSIL or ASCUS, for example. and, having a high risk hpv infection does not mean that you are at high risk.....many women have hpv, including high risk hpv strains, and most women clear the hpv infection without medical treatment. it does mean that you have an hpv strain that has the potential to result in dysplasia/cancer, and it's good to hear that your doctor is doing a colposcopy. i would encourage you to take advil prior to the colposcopy to help relieve some of the cramping that can occur from biopsies. ask the doctor to share what he's seeing during the colposcopy. and let us know how you're doing!
hi svan21 -- The guidelines for followup of abnormal pap smears in adolescents (women aged 21 or younger) are different from that of adults, so I would suggest you and your mom educate yourself on those differences so that you can be informed and make the best decision possible about your health. The guidelines are less aggressive because there's a high rate of HPV infection in young women, abnormal pap smears are more common than in older women and they very often clear up on their own without any treatment. So, it's helpful to be fully informed of exactly what is your diagnosis (the specific grade of abnormality as flowershoplady described above) and then be prepared to partner with your doctor in making decisions about followup. Ask the doctor what are the range of options for followup and also what you can do to prevent future HPV infections.
Good luck!!
PS - Here's a link to guidelines for screening of young women and there are references listed at the bottom of the guideliness where you could do additional research on follow up in adolescents of abnormal paps.
http://www.arhp.org/publications-and-resources/quick-reference-guide-for-cl inicians/managing-hpv/Adolescents
Svan21: I am so glad that you are keeping a medical binder for yourself! That is great! I am also happy to hear that your mother is by your side on this. How fabulous. :o) Things sound like they are moving along as they should with the colposcopy.
I look forward to hearing from you soon :o)
Oh! Let me not forget to say congrats!-on quitting smoking! That is HARD! I know, I smoked for only 5 years and quit about 4 years ago and sometimes I still crave a cigarette. I just always look at my children and health and tell myself it wouldn't be worth it.
Many happy days to you.
thank you everybody for replying! i went to the doctor today and she said that it is ASCUS ... and i am getting a colposcopy on monday =/ which im nervous about hopefully everything will be okay
Hello svan21,
I had an abnormal pap as well ASCUS with high risk HPV. I have a doc app on July 15. I am worried as you are, have you gone to the doctor yet? I would like to hear what happened. It all seems very scary, but I am trying not to worry as I am 9 weeks pregnant, I feel like everything should and will be fine if we just keep up on our doc appointments. I was in complete shock when my nurse called me and told me since my pap last year was normal, and have not been with anyone but my husband for years now. I guess it can just pop up at any time. It seems with 80% of the population having it you would hear more bad things about HPV than you do now so i am going to be hopefull. So please let me know how your doc appointment went! Take Care.
hey lucysimm, i go to the doctor on monday for a colposcopy which im really nervous about =[ ill let u know what happens. and yeh i heard it can be infected with it for decades before it shows up on a pap.... I will let you know how everything goes!! stay strong!
Hi svan21,
I hope everything went well today. I am anxious to hear about it! Please let me know when you can! I hope you had good news!!
lucysimm
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