Re: Im So Scared After Aving Severe Smear Result
Hi, I have had the same experience. I had a colposcopy and and biopsy about three years ago. I would advise you to let them know about your health anxiety before they start the procedure because I had a VERY insensitive doctor who verbalized everything she saw during the procedure, basically saying she thought I had cancer right then and there. I think this is because she saw cervical warts. Turns out the biopsy was negative for everything. Abnormal cervical cells seem to be something every woman goes through at some point. It can give you warts on your cervix which are harmless, and so remember that if they are mentioned during the exam: the HPV strain that causes warts is NOT the same as the one that causes cancer.
The procedure is pretty simple, they paint your cervix with vinegar I think to let them see any abnormal spots, then they snip a tiny piece from each abnormal spot and send it for biopsy. Usually the biopsy is negative, or will show mild abnormalities (REMEMBER: NOT CANCER!!!!) because it takes YEARS for any kind of cervical cancer to grow. There will be a tiny bit of bleeding and you should take it easy for the rest of that day and the next. Make sure you get follow up appointments every 6 months for the next year or two just to monitor yourself. I have had three clear paps since this happened and it just went away on it's own.
Another encouraging story for you: my mother contracted HPV back in the 60s when they didn't even know anything about it. She had it for 25 years before she was finally diagnosed with cervical cancer. Thats how long it took for a very tiny spot of cancer to grow on her cervix. They simply cut out the cancerous part of her cervix, and she went on to have my little brother a year later. It is now 23 years since that happened and not a single abnormal pap for her in all that time. That is the usual reality of anyone with HPV and abnormal paps. I know Jade Goody has scared the hell out of everyone but please bear in mind she completely ignored her own health and did not deal with what she knew was happening to her cervix for years. She basically killed herself (no disrespect to her intended). She is the absolute least typical example of a cervical cancer or cervical abnormality story.
I am not any kind of medical expert, but did so much research when this happened to me,and went and discussed my moms experience with her, I feel comfortable sharing all this info with you. The most important thing is to be proactive in your health, get the colposcopy done, and keep following up. This is one thing us HA people shouldn't be scared of, because it is one of those things that we can screen for, treat, and prevent so easily.
__________________
Do not be afraid any longer, but believe. Everything is possible to the one who believes.