cervical cancer

[Meaux]

I had a colpo nearly five years ago and my test came back positive for stage 1 dysplasia so then I had to have a cryocautery done. No fun at all. (I wasn't cycling then.) The whole thing was really scary and I was so uninformed about the entire situation. I had to have semi-annual exams and smears for three years and the last one came back abnormal. Lucky for me, I haven't had to go through the whole colpo/cryo again. It's just frustrating for me, because there is still so little information about all of this. In TX, they were talking about having the vaccine be mandatory for students over 11, which I thought was fantastic, however, they'd still have to pay full price (not so fantastic). I just get frustrated with the people who say that giving young girls the vaccine will encourage them to have premarital sex. I'm going to stop now, before I go on the crazy woman rant that I usually go on. I just know that I would like other women/girls to not have to go through the discomfort/pain and stress that I went through when I had all of that happen.

[maillotpois]

Wow - thanks for the good discussion. And good luck Cha Cha!

I had initially dismissed the vaccine as being unnecessary if one has regular paps - but I didn't understand the HPV connection. I'm 40 and not a candidate, but this is certainly all good food for thought for my daughter in a couple of years.

Thanks.

[horsemom]

Wow, I am amazed at how many of us have gone through the same thing. I too had dsyplasic cells show on a pap, underwent two colops and subsequent cauterizations in the late 90s, when I was in my late 20s. I did it all alone, afraid to tell anyone....silly, now that I think about it.

Since then I have had good paps and recently during an exam had the nurse mention the test for HPV. She wasn't sure if my insurance would pay, but I said to do it anyway, and it was negative (ins must have paid, I never saw a bill.) My body and the procedures must have taken care of the virus---after all these years it was a load off my mind.

It is amazing that I never talked about it with anyone. I am so glad you all are here so someone else doesn't have to go through that alone.

Laura

[Cha Cha]

Just wanted to LYK, everything with the colpo went fine, Dr said he didn't see anything at all and there was nothing to be concerned about. There was a little burning with the vinegar, but aside from some very minor discomfort (about like a regular pap), it was painless. Hooray!

Thanks again for the encouraging words, it means a lot!

Amy