ASCUS and High Risk HPV

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi there,

My first post (yay!).

I'm hoping for a bit of insight on this. I've looked at numerous forums, and it seems like this forum is the best as far as some support/someone to talk to.

Last May I began to feel very weak, tired, night sweats, and achy. I started having recurring ear aches (I have chronic sinus infections in which I take 3 different meds a day for) so my doctor sent me to an ENT who did a CT scan and found nothing wrong with my ears/sinuses. But he mentioned that I may be having problems with my immune system. This was around this past August. About this time I started having lower abdomen pain and my periods became very light. I'm 39, so know I'm beginning premenopaus, but this was very unusual for me. I had very heavy periods about 1.5 years ago, so my ob/gyn put me on the pill to help lighten them, which helped tremendously. I never cramp (thank God), but have been having this constant lower abdomen pain for some time, and sometimes it was worse depending on how I moved. So, I made an appt with my ob/gyn (even though I wasn't due for another 2 years since I've never had an abnormal pap). I'm a vet, so the appointment was through the VA and I saw her in October. At the same time, my regular doctor had referred me to a rheumatologist for the pains (I'm also having a lot of stiffness).

Anyhow, the day of my 1st appt with the rheumatologist, I got a call from my ob/gyn who stated my results came back with ASCUS and High Risk HPV. I have a medical background, so I knew exactly what these results might mean, but she couldn't actually come out and say it - cancer. She's referred me to an air force base for a colcoscopy (sp?) which is scheduled for the 26th of this month.

Here are some of the things I'm wondering about and am hoping maybe someone here can give me some info on:

1. I've read in different areas that this can definitely mean I have cervical cancer or it's just a screening that it means I possibly have cervical cancer. What is it, really? I know for sure I have precancerous cells (at least I think so).

2. I'm a bit scared because of the pain I've been having. When they made the appointment, they made it a double appointment because they said they want to 'address the other issues'. However, I did have an internal ultrasound which showed nothing, so what are these 'other issues' (I know, you can't really answer this)? Do you think it could be because they think the pain is due to cancer?

The good news is I did make the appointment The rheumatology appointment also took many blood tests, some of them looking for cancer stuff. That appointment is on the 13th, so I'll have some news then.

Anyhow, just looking for advice/thoughts. It's scary, but I'm doing okay, although the closer the date gets to my test, the more nervous I become. Especially as I'm a single mom with two boys (my eldest son's father is no longer alive) and my mom died of esophageal cancer a few years ago.

Thanks for reading/listening! Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated!

Smile

In · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

dij,

Hi, First of all, welcome to the Forum. I'm glad you have found us. There is suport and two of the best people to talk to umong others, here. I have/had Cervical Cancer and have a linc in my signature , if you wish to read- my story....I searched the net for ages, till I found this Forum- A place that actually had a thread- let alone people open to talk about these Issues. so...

I'm Guessing you know what HPV is? And How it can be contracted? The symptoms, are all of what you have and more.

A pap smear can only tell you there is Abnormal cells there, So mainly it means there is pre-cancerous cells (warning)- which normally leads to lasering, leep, or surgury- depending on the stage/level. OR Cervical Cancer.

A colcoscopy is where the use a dye to paint on all of the area. The abnormal cells will glow, (change colour) they use a telescope like thing to have a thorough exam. They may take some punch biopsys to give to the lab. This is a slight sting, not too bad. More a little scary than anything. Kinda like having a pap- but with the feeling the whole world is down there. Wink

They may just feel they need to extra time, to spend on you. Or to make sure they have time for biopsys, or do follow on with something like lasering etc. (though I would think they would wait for results of biopsys etc.

1- I'm not excauly what the "other issues" are, but could be something as checking out the are better. Or more checks of STD's etc.

2- The pain could be alot of things. It can be the cancerouse cells, the body reactiong to this. It could be pain of spread etc..BUT lets not worry too much till we know what is going on. Confused

Infection can also lead to pain, especially if HPV. or another STD. Inflamation, sweeling in area etc....

3- Talk to a friend, confide, You'll need the help of suport and a friends touch, also someone to watch or help with the boys for a few days if you need anything more evasive, surgery etc.

We, are here, And hopefuly Kat will post a reply too.

Feel free to PM, me or ask anything- even the silly questions you wonder about.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi there!

Thanks so much for replying. I have read both yours and Kat's stories. They are both breath taking and made tears come to my eyes. I have always had the honest belief that God never gives us anything we can't handle, so he must believe we are pretty strong. Smile

I have studied the colposcopy with great indepth. The confusing part for me is that some people state that ASCUS with the high risk HPV is pretty much cancer. I like to think that it isn't really (am I living in a dream world), but is just a screening. Like I said, I had a pap just the August before, so it hasn't been super long. However, I don't know if they did the DNA test at that time like they did this time.

As for STDs, I shouldn't have anything (other than the HPV). I've been divorced for over 10 years and haven't been with anyone for (unfortunately - lol) many years. I know that Chlamydia may not be found for many years and be asymptomatic. (my background is actually in public health and I have a passion for epidemiology).

It's just this came as a bit of a shock, I suppose; but at the same time I wasn't super surprised because of all the pain I've been having, along with the weakness, etc.

Anyhow, thanks again! I'll give an update with what the Rheumatologist says next week, since she did many blood tests that included some that check for some kind of cancers.

Thanks so much! Unfortunately, with my mom passed, and me being the only female, I don't really have anyone to talk to - anyone I trust anyway.

Smile

In · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:23 am Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

You can trust me, anytime, day or night....I'm up anyway Wink

Inica- Stay in contact
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

lfolk · Regular Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Maine

Hi Dij,

I am going through a similar process to you right now. I am just a little ahead of you. I just had a colposcopy done on November 27th. It wasn't too bad, quite a bit of cramping while they are doing the procedure, I would strongly suggest taking a couple tylenol about 45 minutes before your appointment, it really helps. Smile

People say they sometimes feel a little sting when the biopsy is taken, but I didn't even feel that.
It pretty much like a pap, just takes a little bit longer. I wouldn't worry about the colposcopy too much, its really not bad, and your doctor should tell you all about what he/she is going to do right before, that way there isn't any surprises =)
Good luck and I hope you get good news!

~Libby

In · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:11 am Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

dij,

Hey how is things?? Been a bit since we have heard from you, any news? Test? results?
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi there,

I'm going to my rheumatologist today. I'll get my results as far as all the blood tests (some of them looking for cancer), so hopefully I'll learn something.

I got a call yesterday from the Women's Clinic and they rescheduled me from the 26th to the 27th. It's an air force base so the general gave them the 26th off. Surprised

I'll let you know how my appointment this morning goes!

Thanks! Smile

lfolk · Regular Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Maine

Good luck Dij! I hope everything goes well Laughing

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hey there!

Well, this doctor said all tests were negative, which, of course, is good, but I wish they'd just figure out what's wrong with me. I'm tired all the time, all my bones hurt, and I have major problems with my feet, ankles, and legs; with pain all the time- especially after sitting.

Oh, well. I'm going to try to get fitted for a good pair of shoes and get some inserts that will hopefully help. I have extremely high arches. They're just so darn expensive!

So, I'll let you all know what happens on the 27th. Thank so much for thinking of me! Makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Smile

Have a Merry Christmas!

In · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:42 am Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

I make everyone warm and fuzzy- Warm Hugs and fuzzy .... Razz

Good Luck with the app. Ask about test for rheumatisum, but also for (riters, writers, rhiters) Spelling????? Syndrome. Its a form of blood/ immune disoreder. It has all the same symptoms of atheritis, aches pains, bone pain. illness etc.

Just a suggestion.

good luck
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Yep, they tested my Rheumatoid Arthritis - it was negative, as were tests showing I had any immune problems. I seriously think it's my hormones. I've asked to be tested, but my gyn said that I'm going through pre-menopause, so shouldn't have to be tested. However, when I'm seen at the other women's clinic on the 27th, I'm going to try 'demand' the test - lol. Smile

In · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

Good for you!!! Do what makes you feel good. After all, your the one having the test done... Wink

_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

In · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: Re: ASCUS and High Risk HPV

Hi, been a bit- but with Christmas and Newy year etc...knew you'd be busy.

How is things? any news/help? YTou ok?
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi!

Yeah, sorry, it has been a it crazy, especially as I had to drive two hours there and back for this appointment.

At the appointment they didn't see any cancer, but the PA was concerned because I was her 5th patient, and none of us showed anything with the vinegar. she took some scrapings (yuk!) and stuff for testing and I should hear something within the next few weeks (maybe longer with the holiday, etc). So, hopefully I'll hear something soon.

For me, the procedure didn't bother me too much. I was a bit worried about that, but luckily everything went well.

I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. Thanks for writing. Smile

dij · New User Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

Hi there,

I finally got a letter in the mail telling me I had to schedule my follow-up, but never received a call or results.

So, I was able to get ahold of the clinic today and they told me everything was clear!!! Smile

So, let's cross our fingers that everything is fine with my next two paps in the next 12 months.

On a somber note, a friend of mine who did have spots removed and went back for her follow up was told it's back. She's very upset. I feel very badly for her. She's going again today to have everything removed. Keep her in your thoughts, please! She needs all the support she can get. Smile

Thanks everyone for all your support!

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