I wanted to post a positive story that will hopefully put some minds at ease as you are waiting for a colposcopy or waiting on test results.
I have been getting my pap smears every year since I was 18, I am now 33, always with normal results. So imagine my surprise when the nurse told me it was abnormal showing high risk HPV with LGSIL. I had never had any sort of STD before so I felt like I had a "scarlet letter" on me. Of course the nurse that called acted as if this was no big deal but also mentioned her mom dying from cervical cancer. I got off the phone very upset and started researching it on the internet. I will say that is not the best idea as you will read mostly negative stories and it will make you worry much more. I was scheduled for a colposcopy in a month. So then I researched that and read so many women’s stories of pain, throwing up, bleeding and how it was so horrible. When the day arrived I think I was ready to have a panic attack. The procedure was very much like a pap smear, first she just looks after she sprays your cervix with vinegar. The spray does not hurt, it might itch very little but nothing to worry or complain about. My doctor told me that what she saw was very mild and almost normal but that she still was going to do a few biopsies and an ECC. Of course my thoughts were "Is she just saying this to make me feel better, why is she still doing one?" I did not feel anything when she did the biopsies, it was a breeze. When she did the ECC it was slightly painful. It is just like when you get a pap and she is swabbing but it is more aggressive, but it is very quick and nothing to be terrified of. The whole procedure was quick and I walked out fine and with very mild cramps. I took it easy that night and was back to work the next day, with no bleeding but some mild discharge like coffee grounds. Again, nothing to worry about. Also she said I could resume working out and sexual activities after two days. I am and have been in a committed relationship but if you were to have sex outside of that I would be more careful. She told me I would have my results within a week but she felt it would be low grade and we would do another pap in 6 months. Of course then I looked up on the internet how often the results are different then what the pap said, or how often doctors or wrong. Well today I got the call that it came back as mild and to just do a follow up in six months. She feels it will clear on its own! I am so relieved! I am now taking a multi vitamin, an immune booster as well as extra vitamin C, because it is good for your skin and my doctor suggested I take it. I do not smoke and rarely drink but my plan is to boost my immune system and take care of my health as much as possible.
A few things I learned were that condoms do not really protect from HPV and that most cases clear themselves within two years. You don't have to be one of those girls who "sleep around" to get HPV and men can not be tested for it so they will not know they have it unless it is visible, which in a lot of cases it is not. If you are under 26 get the vaccine because it does prevent against several of the high strands and make sure your kids, even boys, get it!
I know there is alot of negative and scary things to read but get a pap, follow through and continue to get them because that is what prevents and protects this from becoming worse. Hopefully you will have a postive story to tell as well!
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