Hello
I was informed yesterday that I had an abnormal pap. My nurse called me while I was at work, (which was a horrible time) and told me that I needed to come in for a colposcopy. I was not able to get much information because I was at work. (i think she should have asked me if it was a good time) But anyway, I really have no idea what is going on. I have been married to my husband for 4 years now and we have been together for almost 11 years, I am 100% positive that neither of us has been with anyone else in that time. I have not told him yet because he is a big worry wart, and the kicker is that I am 8 weeks pregnant with our first child. This is all a bit scary to me, it seems like most of the information I have been reading on HPV seems like I don't have a bunch to worry about, but I also don't know. Is there a chance that something could show up on my pap as being abnormal, but when they do the colposcopy it could be negative? Please let me know, I am not sure if I want to worry my husband if there is no need to yet? It seems like this is such a huge thing with almost 80% of the population having it at one time or another? Also a side note, I just spoke with the nurse and she said I was Ascus w/ High Risk. Sounds spooky to me, but everything I am reading makes it sound like I shouldn't be worried. I am not really finding much on being pregnant and this as well, (which I am assuming is a good thing??). Thank you in advance!
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HPV questions
- By lucysimm
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 12:51 pm · 7 replies
- In Early detection and testing
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- By lucysimm
- Posted July 10, 2009 at 5:44 pm
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Thanks for all the helpful hints. I did tell my husband, and what I ment about him being a worry wart, is now every day he asks me if I am going to be ok. Which is very nice of him, however he seems to think that I have a life threatening disease, that is the way he thinks, he is a hypochondriac. That is the only reason I did not want to tell him at this time, at least not until I had some answers for him. I understand that he is a grown man, I just feel bad when he is worried, that's all! Thanks for the posts!
- By larsmonty
- Posted July 10, 2009 at 4:53 pm
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If she means high risk, as in, you have high risk type of HPV ie 16 or 18 and abnormality then it may just be slight changes that only need monitoring. It is still really important however yoy follow everything they tell you to do.
Now if she meant 'high grade' this means you will need treatment. But it still does not mean you have cancer.
It sounds like the cells on your cervix are changing and you need to have them looked at more closely. Anything else is just guessing. Most cells go back to normal.
Ask the doctor lots of questions. It's their job and part of their responsibility to make sure you understand what is going on. Don;t let them make you feel stupid for asking lots of questions like I have over the years. Looking back I don;t think they have been very clear and it all happens so quickly you can blank out. If still unsure after that get a second opinion.
Form lots of posts I have read most parnters act like you are over-reacting and are usually reassuring at the same time. Why wouldn't you tell your husband? I think you should not worry about him being a 'worry wart'. He is a grown man.
- By RedWings68
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 4:39 pm
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I received an abnormal pap 1 1/2 years ago. They found abnormal endometrial cells and diagnosed me as High Risk HPV. I was also in shock and disbelief. I knew nothing about this. All my doctor told me was that "this was not normal" and scheduled me two weeks later for a colposcopy and an ECC - everything came back normal. I have had another PAP & ECC four more times in the last 1 1/2 years and everything has come back normal, except I am still High Risk HPV.
Your husband or yourself could have gotten the HPV virus from a former partner. It can stay dormant in your system for years and you will never know it. You are now pregnant and my doctor told me that your immune system is compromised during pregnancy and this could by why the HPV is showing up. Don't point fingers at your spouse and don't try to wonder who it came from. 80% of women have HPV and most don't know.
I talked with an oncologist because my doctor was not giving me the information I wanted. What I saw on the computer for the type of cells they found in my PAP was not very promising and it sounded like I should be on death's door (I had an odd condition). The oncologist my case was not severe, but he told me to keep up with EVERY scheduled test my doctor ordered. Do not miss one and think you will be fine. If you stay on top of the testing and have procedures done that are needed, you will be good. The oncologist also said the women who do not follow up are usually in to see him the next time around because they now have cancer. He also said your doctor should not tell you to come back in a year and they will do another PAP. They need to do all the testing needed to rule out any cancers and to have you back more than once a year for your PAPs to make sure nothing is progressing. After 4 normal PAPs you should be good.
I have been dealing with this for 1 1/2 years and have only had one abnormal pap, but I need to stay on top of it because my HPV has not gone dormant. Listen to your doctor and follow up on every visit.
- By flowershoplady
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 9:28 pm
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hi, lucy. congrats on your pregnancy! i'm sorry that you've had an ascus pap with positive test for high risk hpv. many women who are pregnant have their hpv infection become 'active' and that could result in the abnormal pap. hopefully no dysplasia has developed and the hpv infection will clear once you're no longer pregnant. there are some things that the gynecologist can and can't do because of your pregnancy....i'm sure if they'll do biopsies or just take a look. these are all things you'll need to ask your gynecologist. and, i would encourage you to share this with your doctor....i would hope he would want to know and want to support you....and he should also know that he has hpv as well.
and, amanda, not having cervical cancer doesn't mean you don't have hpv....in fact, most women have hpv, and most don't develop cancer, nor any problems from the virus. and, for clarification, hpv is transmitted via 'intimate' sexual contact....it doesn't have to be intercourse, but it's from skin to skin genital contact.
- By 1983amanda
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 9:16 pm
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I just went through the exact same thing! I have been with hubby for 11 years married 5. My pap came back abnormal and went in for the colcosopy. Doc told me right then that I had cervical cancer. I was so upset. Finally got my results back today...NOTHING! You talk about worrying....geesh...and here is something a lady on here told me that I didn't know....you don't have to have sex to get cervical cancer. There are other ways. And my husband has been faithful to me. This results just proved it 100%. But my doc said i could thank my husband for the hpv. but I don't even have it so yea....switching docs! So I am just saying...don't even worry till you know the FACTS first. Especially because you are pregnant.
- By lucysimm
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 3:42 pm
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Thank you Ducky. That helps a bit, I am planning on telling my husband tonight. from what it seems like, almost everything I have read has said it is very common and will go away soon, (lets hope for that). I just worry about my baby. But with it being so popular you think you would have heard more problems with pregnant ladies! Oh, I don't know I will just have to wait and see. my app is on July 15th. Wish me luck!
- By Ducky6
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 1:51 pm
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There is a chance that it is nothing. If you had sex the day before or day of your pap that could create an abnormal pap. However even if it is abnormal there is a good chance that it won't be progressed. I just had mine and it looks like CIN I (which means I don't do anythign about for 6 months before I go back). I know what you mean on the worry wart I was the same way when I told my boyfriend but its good to have that extra support.
Good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
All the luck (and congrats!)
Ducky
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