Still worrying...just don't understand :(

I know that many of you have helped me already but I have severe anxiety issues and am considered a hypochondriac :(
I don't understand...I have had abnormal paps for the past 4 years..most mild dysplasia, one ASCUS and even a normal one. This past Aug I had yet another abnormal pap. My colpo/bio came back as CIS..after visiting my gyn/onc I was informed that I had CIN III. She did another colposcopy and determine that the area was small and decided to go with a LEEP.

Now my ?s for you...Should I be angry with my reg gyn for not doing a colp sooner. I've only had one and that was after my first abn pap ever.

Is is a good sign that the abn area was small and that my gyn/onc felt that just a LEEP is necessary?

I've been having mild lower back pain, could that be a sign that this CIS has spread?

Please give me some advice on what to expect and what you think based on your "experience". Things I've read on the internet has really freaked me out!

Also...I don't know how much I trust my reg gyn but she did tell me that the endocervical curettage(sp?) came back negative. Could that be visualized by my gyn/onc when she did my colp?

By Carab
Posted October 17, 2009 at 10:54 pm
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Yes it is good that you only have a small area to worry about and that your endocervical came back negative. This is a very good thing!! There is no way that this has spread anywhere beyond your cervix so your lower back pain is unrelated. Maybe your gyno should have ordered a colpo sooner but I think he/she was trying to avoid any unnecessary procedures in hopes that your body would clear the abnormal cells.

So about the LEEP.... this is going to be such a walk in the park that you will be so mad at yourself for even worrying about it! It isnt much different than the colpo and you will be so relieved when its over, knowing that this abnormal cell stuff is gone! Just try not to worry because it really doesnt help.

By taylor1
Posted October 18, 2009 at 8:20 am
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Dear Dejah1987,

I am so sorry that you are going through this but remember that this is very curable. I was diagnosed with the same thing CIN2 and CIS back in december 2007 then had a cold knife cone biopsy. Do not worry about getting a LEEP as it is a very simple procedure. I agree with Carab regarding your lower back pain. I used to get that too but mostly when it was near my period.

I will say a prayer for you and wish you the best of luck on your procedure. God bless.

By PJ2
Posted October 21, 2009 at 1:04 pm
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Trust me when I say we all feellike hypochondriacs after contracting HPV. I can't even count on my fingers and toes how many times I worried about cancer when something went wrong gynecologically for me. It's only natural and to deny your fear would only make you worry more. However, do NOT let it consume your every thought.

The thing is, you won't know what is really going on until the pathology and results come back on your LEEP. Stress and tension can make your back hurt, and may or not be a symptom, but do not get yourself into a pattern of thinking this it - CANCER.

Once you fall down that well, it is hard to climb backout. Take it as it comes and do not draw conclusions based upon fear or worry. Wait until you know where your prognosis/diagnosis is and then discuss it allwith the doctor.

In the meantime, start a journal and write all this down, so when you do have the all the info and bigger picture form the doctor, you can discuss the clinical reasons for the backpain and if you should be concerned.

As for the Internet, when I was diagnosed 10 years ago, every thing that existed talked about hysterectomy and death. I freaked! I talked to the doctor about it and he said sometimes too much info is not a good thing. Until you know your results and such, it makes no sense to self-diagnosis on the Internet, as he put it, it would have me making funeral arrangements!

As for the delay in your colpo, you doctor may have felt that since the area with disease is so small that they would leave you to see if it healed on its own or got better.

Hang in there - take day-by-day!

P

By Dragonfly23
Posted October 21, 2009 at 3:55 pm
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I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time of it.

Though some would disagree, but usually because they continue to overlap the old and new terminology when it comes to cervical lesions, CIS and CIN3 are essentially synonymous and not something to be taken lightly.

While I am not attempting to frighten you, you are on the right track in getting this removed. I did notice that you never mentioned results of any HPV tests. If you had an ASGUS your doctor should have ordered an HPV test. Since 99% of cervical lesions are HPV induced it will most likely be positive but I'm just surprised one wasn't done, or you didn't mention the results.

For your own benefit start getting copies of all your results to keep for your own records. It is much easier when you have things in front of you to read, and include in your posts than to rely on what may be getting read to you over the phone.

I'm of the opinion that a colpo should have been done sooner, but that is water under the bridge at this point. Were other areas colposcopied as well like the vagina and external genitalia including the anal area? I hope so as HPV is not confined to the cervix alone as many women mistakenly believe.

Joining a group and having support is very important also so please keep us advised of your ongoing results and best wishes to you.

By Dejah1987
Posted October 21, 2009 at 7:41 pm
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Dragonfly- I tested positive for high-risk HPV after my very first pap smear ever (which was abnormal).

Is there a difference between grandular and squamous cervical cell abnormalities?

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