Re: Mild Dysplasia

Hello! All!  I am 32 years old and my recent pap smear came back abnormal.  My doctor scheduled me for a colposcopy and she also had my take the vaccine for HPV.  In viewing my chart, I saw the results of my pap smear which indicated that I had a low-grade mild dysplasia and HPV was present.  My doctor has never had a conversation with me about anything that I saw in my chart instead she had the nurse schedule my appointments.  I am going to confront my doctor at the next appointment about my chart to get clarity and knowledge.  I am nervous about my scheduled appointment and I am constantly crying because I have only had one sexual partner since I was 18 years old..my husband.  I have questioned him but he is denying any extra martial affairs.  I have asked to leave.  My family lives on the west coast and I am dealing with this situation all alone.  I know that GOD will make a way for me throught this situation but I just need to vent a little and receive feedback for others who have been in a similar situation or are dealing with the same issues. 

did he have any partners PRIOR to your marriage?  It can be dormant for years.  Did you already get the vaccine?  If not, you may want to check your insurance as it is not indicated in someone your age.

If you do the research, you will find that HPV is highly prevalent. A couple of articles I read after my cancer diagnosis stated that 1 in every 4 people did NOT have HPV. Don't spend your time worrying about where it came from, spend your energy on treating the dysplasia. (I say this but realize that if the two of you have only ever been with each other you will need to talk about it. You should also ask your doctor about HPV, how you get it, etc.)

It is important that you have very clear lines of communication with your doctor(s). Realize that they see this every day, so make sure you are asking them questions that you need answered, otherwise they may not offer up the information. It isn't some plot to keep you from the info, but rather the fact that this information is so ingrained in them they forget everyone else doesn't know it.

Do your research, ask questions, understand your diagnosis. If you don't understand something ask and ask again until you do. If your doctor dismisses your questions, then find another doctor. Before any surgery or cancer treatments, get a second opinion. Research the doctors in your area.

Most of all realize that you need to be educating yourself just as much as your doctor needs to educate you. How will you know what questions to ask if you are not doing your research? This board is a great place to start, but there is a ton of information on other sites as well.

Lastly, and most importantly - you need to take care of yourself emotionally, physically, mentally. Pull yourself together as best you can because if you don't you run the risk of making a bad decision. I've been in your position - I've cried, been angry and depressed. Trust me - I've run the whole gamut. But when you need to make a medical decision, you need to get yourself in a place where you are clear headed. If you don't have someone you can talk to, then find someone - your husband, a friend, a parent, etc. You need someone to lean on and someone to spout off to - and you will need them for quite a while.

 

Good luck and keep the board posted. We've all been there or know someone who has! Sending you best wishes!!!!!

One more thing - lean on your church! I don't know where you are, but I'm in the DC area and my church, McLean Bible Church, has a cancer ministry who has been awesome!!!!!! Even if you are not in the area, check out their website for some reading materials and other info: www.mcleanbible.org

I have a couple of great religion-based cancer books - I'll get you the titles in the next couple of days. Prayer does work!