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Having Surgery Tomorrow for HPV Anal Warts-Seeking Support

sufferinginsilence
0 Recommendations

My gynocologist found anal warts in and around my anus while doing an exam about a month ago. When she told me what they were (HPV warts) I completely lost it right there on the exam table, and have been very emotional and scared ever since. I have never had anal sex before and have been in a monogomous relationship for over 2 years. I just didn't think something like this could happen to me. I'm embarrassed and feel ugly. Tomorrow is my first procedure (they've prepared me for possible future procedures because warts reappear until the virus fully flushes out of the system) and I'm scared of the unknown. If anyone out there has had this procedure and is willing to share their exprerience with me I would greatly appreciate it. I believe the doctor said they would be surgically removing the warts, not just burning them off. Any support/encouragment from someone who understands would really mean alot. Thanks you guys. I don't know how I'd get through this ordeal without this support group. I've already received a great amount of much-needed support and advice from a previous post but am hoping to hear from someone who has had this procedure done and can tell me what to expect in terms of pain, diet, going back to work, reoccurences, etc.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Surgery Anal warts Hemorrhoids Colace Kidney stones Herpes simplex Pain HPV Cold sore Genital herpes Percocet

24 replies

jamiegirl

suffering - you may want to friend Dragonfly23 or mp327. They both have a lot of experience with anal condtitions.

flowershoplady

sufferinginsilence, i'm not familiar with this surgery but wanted to let you know that i'll be thinking of you tomorrow and wish you the best. if you're in pain, don't hesitate to take the pain meds they give you...it will help you rest and heal. sending gentle hugs....

flowershoplady

and, you may want to change the privacy option on your discussion to 'private, for members only'....otherwise its searchable (findable?) by most internet search engines such as google.

sufferinginsilence

Thanks flowershoplady...I appreciate your concern. I'll definitely load up on the pain pills....from what I've read and what my doc told me, it's a pretty painful recovery. :( I don't mind this discussion being public considering my profile can remain confidential. The more searchable this topic is, the more response I'll get and hopefully if there are other people out there suffering in silence they can seek out support through this site too. That's how I found it...by doing a google search, and I'm so very thankful I did!

needamiracle

dear sufferinginsilence, how are you doing? i hope you are recovering well. i am curious, if you could see your anal lesions since you said your doctor noticed them during an exam. i, too have a 'spot' of concern right near my rectum that i have been asking my gyno about for at least a year, he kept blowing it off, saying it was nothing and i would probably have it forever. until my last Leep came back, now all of a sudden he wants to remove it right away, and actually said to me," if it has hpv, that's not good" it came up on my body right about the same time i started getting bad paps a year ago, how could it not be related?? you seem to be sure that your's already is hpv positive, what is your doctor's opinion of this? thanks, and God Bless YOU.

sufferinginsilence

Dear needamiracle,
Thanks for your response and well wishes during this fragile time in my life. It's because of beautiful people like you that I'm able to get through this. I think it's interesting that you should ask me this question because I just got my test results back today and you won't believe this...it wasn't even HPV anal warts afterall. I am still in shock. I can not believe that between the 3 different doctors I saw before having this surgery, not a single one mentioned the fact that there's a possibility that it's not HPV at all. They had me fully convinced it was, and how was I to know any better?? I mean, they're the experts, right? I really wish doctors wouldn't assume a diagnosis based on what it LOOKS like. I've had this happen to me once before too. About 2 years ago I had what looked like a bunch of canker sores all along my vaginal lips and they were VERY painful. My gyno instantly told me I had genital herpes...before even testing me for it! Turns out it WAS herpes, but it was HPV-1 herpes, the cold sore kind that people usually have on their mouth. I got it from oral sex with my boyfriend who I didn't even know had the virus! He hadn't had a cold sore in over a year and didn't have one when we had oral sex, yet I still got the virus. So scary...I didn't even know that could happen! Anyway, I guess what I'm learning is that even IF you get a second opinion, you can't always trust what doctors tell you until you get your test results back. And even then, I imagine mistakes can be made. So...back to your question...yes, I could see and feel the "lesions" around and even a little bit inside my anus. I'm surprised your doctor blew it off even though you continued to have it for over a year. I would say ANY kind of bump, growth, discoloration, etc around your genitals and anus should always be examined and tested. But a gynocologist doesn't really have anything to do with the anal/rectal region so it's best to go to a colorectal specialist if you do see or feel something in that area. Mine turned out to be skin tags if you can believe that. I was like wtf?? Skin tags? I just endured an incredibly painful surgery/cauterization for freaking SKIN TAGS??? Ugh, not happy at all. I feel like they should have just removed one and sent it in for testing before making the assumption that it was anal warts and do the full-on invasive surgery. I can't say for sure I wouldn't have still had the procedure done had I known they were just skin tags because they DID itch and hurt occasionally, BUT...I could've waited awhile and not felt so rushed into the procedure. Having that surgery done now was horrible timing for me because I just started a new job and don't have much sick time built up to stay home as long as I need to and recover. It has been miserable going back to work these last two days. I can honestly say (and sorry if I freak anybody out who is about to have this surgery done but it's only fair that you know and are prepared) that this is THE most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life (and I've had kidney stones!). The procedure itself didn't hurt, the evening of the procedure was pretty awful but I kept it under control with pain meds....but what REALLY hurts even today (5 days post-op) is having bowel movements. I can't even begin to describe the pain. Every time it happens I come so close to passing out or vomiting from the intensity of the pain/burning that follows. It's not so much even having the bowel movement, but the minutes afterwards are complete hell. I don't know why that is, but the doctor said it is normal. He said I need to be taking 2-3 10 mg percocets every 4-6 hours so that when I do have a bowel movement it's more tolerable. Well that's nice, but I can't be that comatosed while at work...and I'd really rather not end up coming out of this procedure with a drug addiction either!! Maybe it's just me, maybe I have a low pain tolerance but O-M-G this has been a horrible experience. I'm used to feeling better each day post-op but I can honestly say that I don't feel any better today than I did 5 days ago. I called my doctor today in tears begging him to tell me when I can expect to start feeling better because at this point I've just about had it. All they did was write me an RX for more drugs. Oh, and give me my test results...which is good, but I'm still confused as to why this all had to happen the way it did for something as simple as skin tags. My recommendation for you is to see a colorectal specialist ASAP and see what they say about your lesion. If you do end up having to get it removed, don't fret. I'm sure it won't be as invasive and painful as my procedure (I had LOTS of them and they were inside my rectum too). I think it would be wise to get it taken care of if you can afford to, just so you'll at least have piece of mind and it will then be off your body so you no longer have to worry. A year is a long time to go without a definite answer...you owe it to yourself to get it looked at by a specialist. Please keep me updated on what you decide to do. And God bless you too sweetheart.

corellin

sufferinginsilence -- oh my goodness, skin tags??? That is such a cautionary tale. Did they remove all the skin tags during the procedure? Oh, poor, poor you!!! At least you won't need to worry about recurrence...

sufferinginsilence

Yeah, they removed all of them...and not only did they remove them by scraping them off but then they also cauterized the area around them because I guess that's standard procedure with warts to ensure they get it all. I'm assuming had they known they were just skin tags the surgery could've been much less invasive and therefore I wouldn't be in so much freaking pain right now!!! BUT...I am thankful that it's not HPV, although my doc said I'm not out of the woods entirely. Skin tags DO come back (bummer), and when/if they do I will have to have them removed and sent in for lab work again to make sure it's not HPV. He said he had a patient who had a similar situation, 1st time test came back negative, 2nd time negative again, but the 3rd time it came back positive. I don't really understand how that can happen...if it was just a coincidence or if skin tags on the anus can be a precursor for HPV or make you more susceptible to getting HPV. It's all a big unknown I think at this point, as is a lot of info about HPV it seems. But I think because I had an abnormal pap over a year ago (which turned out to be HPV but not cancerous) I have to be extra careful about getting regular exams. I just still can not believe 3 different doctors couldn't tell the difference between skin tags and warts. This whole thing just baffles me.

sufferinginsilence

I am at the breaking point you guys. I was starting to feel pretty good other than still having pain with bowel movements. I was back to work full time, back to running and playing soccer, having sex again, and enjoying a full social life. I still was having to drive home from work to have bowel movements, but since I live only a few blocks I've been able to get home, go to the bathroom, and get back to work in 15 minutes. It became my daily routine and I was ok with it. The reason I didn't want to have BMs at work is because the bathroom isn't private (has several stalls) and I still have to push very hard which causes me to grunt and it's still pretty painful. BUT...I didn't have to sit in sitz bath anymore after my BMs so I was happy for that. SO...I went in for my post-op follow up appt 2 days ago and guess what. I'm not healing properly. Which is probably why it was still hard to push through BMs. There were 2 spots that weren't healing right (the skin was going over the edge) so they had to cauterize AGAIN. Which means I'm back to square one, raw open wounds once again. I was shocked that they didn't numb me or ask me to come back when I had some pain meds in my system because OMG it hurt like hell. And continued to hurt through the evening. The rushed me out of the clinic because it was 5 p.m. but I was in no shape to drive under that kind of pain. So I got in my car and called my boyfriend to come get me as I lay on my side bawling with severe pain. He took care of me as best he could, but nothing I took helped the pain subside. I was popping percocet like it was candy. I'm sure my tolerance has built up so high over the last 3+ weeks. I slept horribly and woke up at 6 a.m. vomiting like a good girl. I dragged myself into work for an hour and a half so I could call in payroll, but then had to rush home to vomit some more and finally passed out. When I woke up I felt so freaking defeated. Why is this happening to me?? Why can't this just all be over with?? I really and truly just wanted to give up. Thankfully my boyfriend came over and helped me get out of my low low place. I was able to finally eat a little something and go put in a couple more hours at work. They have told me I have to rub those 2 areas with gauze until they bleed every night or it won't heal right. So why the crap didn't they tell me that right after surgery?? Obviously I don't want to inflict that kind of pain upon myself, but am willing to do it if it will keep me from having to have more cauterization done. That freaking HURTS!! Is anyone with me on this, or am I just a big wimp? I'm having an awful time staying positive these days because I feel like that was a HUGE setback in my recovery and I'm so ready to just be done with all this!! Any words of encouragement would be appreciated. Feeling very down and very angry at the doctors. :(

sparkles1234

SufferinginSilence~

Wow, I cannot believe that you have had to go through all of this. Please know that you are in my thoughts. It's amazing how we look to doctors to know what's going on with us and we put or trust in them and then find out that we have been misdiagnosed or not given proper instructions. All too often women have been given the run around and never fully explained the conditions we are dealing with. It is very disheartening and I hope that you can find hope on this website.

I had LEEP procedure done about two weeks ago and although I cannot relate to the immense pain you are experiencing, I know the feeling of, "WHEN IS THIS GOING TO END?!" It's scary that your world has been turned upside down in a matter of seconds.

I wish you a fast healing process and hope that the pain will soon subside. I hope that your work will be understanding in this difficult time.

Sending you well wishes! xoxo

chamomile

I'm so sorry that you're going through this and are now back to square one with healing. I cannot imagine how difficult that must be. Did your doctor recommend changing your diet for a while to give you time to heal? (i.e. all liquid diet)? My best friend had stomach surgery 6 months ago and she had to be on a liquid diet for a few weeks before and after the surgery. I know if would suck, but I thought I'd at least suggest it.

Faith2

Dear Sufferinginsilence,
I would call my dr immediately and ask for a prescription for topical Lanacaine, like a 5% strength. This will help numb the area while you go to the bathroom. Also, nitroglycerine ointment is used for anal fissures to help with the healing process, can you ask your dr if you're a candidate for this prescription, too? Keep up w/sitz baths as this will help relax the area, keep it clean and promote healing. If ever a time to take a pain med, it's now - even if it means talking w/your boss @ work and explaining (to some degree, you don't have to tell all), that you need to take them, though you shouldn't be driving or making major decisions. Don't stand on your feet too long or sit too long, both add pressure to the rectal area and can make the area throb. Lifting heavy things or sitting too long on the toilet bowl can also add pressure to this area. Drink lots of water, try a stool softener like Colace, eat high fiber but nothing too rough, so that you avoid straining during movements which will only add to the pain/pressure. Avoid spicy foods right now, too. You may also consider asking your dr for a sleep aid - just to get you through the first couple of rough nights - sleep does wonders for the healing process!

The anus and perineal area are loaded with nerve endings so it's not surprising at all how much pain you're in. A colorectal dr told me how she can bring a grown man to his knees by manipulating that area and causing such pain - I didn't feel the need to question her! Hemorrhoids are no picnic either nor is the surgery to excise them, but in about 2 weeks, you should begin to feel noticeably better, and around 4-6 weeks, more like yourself again. Please try not to feel so discouraged right now, just take each day and pamper yourself with the above recommendations as best you can. I realize it feels like time is slowly passing, but it is passing and each day you will get better if you take the care needed now. As far as future skin tags go, right now, I wouldn't think about it, I'd put my energy into getting well. In the event this comes up again, you know you'll deal with it, right? So for now, let it go and heal well.

Faith2

Just thought I'd mention that genital herpes can also be transmitted to the mouth during oral sex as well as herpes simplex.

corellin

Hi sufferinginsilence -- wow! I can't believe you're going through all this as a result of sking tags! Before getting any more procedures for skin tags, I would suggest contacting Joel Palefsky, UCSF who's an infectious medicine doctor specializing in anal HPV -- especially in the MSM community - and just ask him whether there's any relationship between skin tags and anal HPV. I did some googling of skin tags, and it sounds like they might arise from some kind of trauma -- from hemoroids (sp?) or tight clothing. Maybe an HPV infection could cause some kind of trauma to normal tissues that might result in skin tags -- but it seems to me that the chances of that are very, very remote. Anyway, Joel Palefsky might be a good person to talk to about whether there's any relationship between skin tags and HPV. (I really doubt there is, though I'm no expert!) I am so sorry to hear you're going through all this.

sufferinginsilence

Faith2,
Thank you SO much for your helpful advice and words of encouragment/sympathy as I'm going through this long and grueling healing process. I am happy to report that coming back from the cauterization has been easier than coming back from the initial procedure. The first night was horrible, and the day after was just as bad. But today is going better. I had a bowel movement this morning ...I still had to leave work and go home to do it, but at least I didn't feel the need to soak in the tub afterwards, so I was back to work in 15 minutes. I took a pain pill prior to the bowel movement, so I'm a little drowsy now but still able to concentrate at work thankfully. My doc did prescribe me 5% lidocaine but for some reason it doesn't seem to help that much. I haven't heard of nitroglycerine ointment, but will do some research on it and see if that would be a good option for me. My doctor called me and even gave me his cell phone number. He feels bad about having to cauterize those areas the other day and understands my frustration. He assured me that they are just trying their best to get me well again, and that was a necessary step in the process. I just was SO very not prepared for all this. And after reading more about skin tags, alot of people just live with them. Most people that have surgery for them do so for cosmetic purposes. I really wish they had just removed a few to send in for testing instead of going full blast into a very invasive surgery. But that is in the past and I know all I can do now is look forward and focus on healing properly so I don't have problems in the future. Corellin-do you have Joel Palefsky's contact information? I would very much like more information on anal HPV vs anal skin tags. I have also read that skin tags can be caused by friction...alot of runners get them, but normally not where I have them. The most common places for skin tags are: neck, underarms, eyelids, groin folds. I also just read this: "Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions, since tags are commonly found on healthy people." So my thought is they have nothing to do with HPV, but I would like to hear a professional's opinion.

Faith2

Dear Sufferinginsilence,

Oops...you're right, lidocaine not Lanacaine. Glad to hear that you're beginning to feel better. I had to undergo a procedure a while back and clearly remember the discomfort, so my heart is with you.

My grandma's gone now, but my mom relayed a story to me about her when I was recovering. She had a hemorrhoidectomy done, most likely going into it like many of us do, unaware of the extreme tenderness of it all. Well, needless to say, on the upswing of her recovery and not being shy, she made the grand announcement that should the hemorrhoids ever come back, she would put pink bows on them and let them hang down to her feet before she ever went through that again! Thx for the visual, Gram, but I sure got her point!

Hope you continue to heal well.

akamai70

Just checking in SIS, so sorry to hear you've still been suffering! I hope you are feeling better today... I know time is the only thing that will make it better, and that SUCKS! Keep us posted on your progress... Hugs. xo

sufferinginsilence

Faith2--your story about your G-ma cracks me up! I know that feeling well. I've already found more skin tags (or possibly ones that were missed during surgery) and they can just hang around for all I care. Maybe I'll start naming them even...a whole family of anal skin tags! Any name suggestions? =P
Akamai70....so good to hear from you again, you have been such a good supportive online friend to me through this nightmare procedure. Thanks for checkin in on me. My weekend started bad, but ended good. My boyfriend is losing patience with my recovery process and pretty much admitted that he hasn't been happy with "us" for quite awhile and he's only been nice to me lately to help me get through my procedure. Hearing that devistated me, and I tried my best to explain that I haven't felt like myself in a LONG time (since my original mis-diagnosis months ago). I want my life back, my SELF back just as much as he does. We spent all of yesterday in bed together, being intimate and sweet to one another and for the first time in a long time I felt like myself again, and we felt like "us" again. It was just what I needed. :)

corellin

Hi sufferinginsilence -- send me a friend request, and I'll send you Joel Palefsky's contact information.

Faith2

Hey Sufferinginsilence,

So glad to see you're on the mend and getting some well deserved TLC!

If the tags are benign and not bothersome...names are good!

Best wishes to you moving forward - hope you continue to mend well and that all behind stays benign:)! Take care

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stopcancernow: How about a HPV test you can do in the privacy of your own home and not have to go into the docs office for the test?!!?!?!

stopcancernow: How about HPV Point-of-care testing in Docs office so you can get HPV result while in the office?? We have the technology to do that now.

stopcancernow: It is good to be careful not to over test young adults (under 21). So so many positives that amount to nothing and women over tested!!

stopcancernow: What needs to be added to ACOG guidelines??? HPV Testing. HPV Testing. HPV Testing!!!!!!!!!!!!

stopcancernow: What needs to be added to ACOG guidelines? Add Pap test AND HPV test for women age 30 and over. It should be in there!!!

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