Colposcopy Results

Hi Ladies!!

Well, I have posted here before. I did not get many answers to my biopsy. I am a bit confused. Of course, I went alone and could not think of any questions to ask. Well, long story short. My doctor said that I have abnormal cells(which I already knew that--that is why I had this procedure). I am definitely positive for HPV. She said that it has something to do with my cervix. Well, that is funny because I don't have a cervix. This is not the first time she has said this and everytime I ask she says it is a mistake. I think this is a bit odd because it is repeatedly saying the same thing but how can it be when it does not exist any more. I am sooo confused. She wants me to wait 6 months to repeat the pap. I feel like she is just doing a song and dance with me. I am looking for a new doctor. I am pretty scared about any issues that I have because I have had major female issues. I have been retesting and testing for over a year and a half. I think I need to find a new doctor. Any advice would be helpful. She never gives me any consistent answers except for the cervical cells being abnormal. Plus, any questions that anyone can think of would be great too. I hope this does not sound too elementary. I am just scared to death!!!!

Frightened....Scared...and confused.

If you had a hysterectomy and had the cervix removed, it is possible for dysplasia to effect the vagina (it is called VAIN. I don't know, maybe that is why your dr. is saying it ihas something to do with your cervix. I had dysplasia back in 1989 and had a conization, my cervix is currently normal, but I have vaginal cancer now which is related to my cervical issues back in 1989, but yet my cervix is normal. I am a stage I vaginal cancer. I agree that if you feel you are getting nowhere with this dr. get a new one, and I do not blame you for not wanting to wait another six months to go through this again. Find out what the problem is, find the solution, and take care of business is how I like to do it. Although I still worry.

Hey froggie! (I love your name!)

I would definitely suggest at least one additional opinion and maybe a third- all preferably from a gynecological oncologist. Make sure you get copies of all your records, including CAT/CT or MRIs, lab results, etc. to take to them- or have sent to them.
I agree that you should be proactive about this - your doctor doesn't sound like they know exactly what they are doing...

hello, frizzledfrog. i'm so sorry you're in such a difficult position. first i would encourage you to get a paper copy of your medical records, including your pathology report. that will tell you what's what. and second, you should definitely find a new doctor, one whom you trust, one who answers your questions, and one who answers questions you don't even know to ask!

if you don't have a cervix, then your doctor should be able to see that. she should know your medical history. is she not the doctor who did your hysterectomy? is there a possibility that the cervix was not removed? it might be worth checking that out!

and, perhaps she's calling your dysplasia "cervical dysplasia" while she should more accurately call it vaginal dysplasia. the pap is an important screening test, and now you'll want to know what she saw during the colposcopy, and the results of the biopsies. you should get results that say vain1 or vain2 or something similar to that.

as ialwaysworrys said, and it seems you understand, the cervical dysplasia and vaginal dysplasia are all caused by the hpv and, unfortunately, no surgeries nor treatments eliminate the virus, so we need to stay on top of our gyn health and treat any dysplasia that may develop. if you have vain1, mild dysplasia, the standard 'protocol' is to watch and wait, in the hopes/expectations that your body's own immune system will get rid of the dysplasia. most women have hpv and they have no signs of it, so it's a goal to get into that group of women who can get eliminate dysplasia without medical intervention....even if you've have surgeries previously. i encourage you to do everything you can to strengthen your immune system, eating well, yoga/meditation, stress reduction, etc. and you may also want to find out if you have any other vaginal 'issues' that should be addressed since dysplasia is more likely to develop with inflammation, infection, or atrophy.

you may use my story as encouragement: i had recurring cervical dysplasia, a loooong history, many many treatments, finally a hysterectomy, and then 18 months after my tah/bso, i developed vain1, and my gyn/oncologist took a watch and wait approach, with regular colposcopies and biopisies, and i tried to take steps to strengthen my immune system, and i also used vaginal estrogen to improve the atrophic vaginal environment, and lo and behold, after a year, i no longer have vain1....i actually got a normal pap, she saw nothing worthy of a biopsy, and i get to wait a bit for my next pap - and she said i could even see my regular gyn as long as i continue to get normal paps.

if you don't know where to find a new doctor, you may want to start with your general physician. other sources would be hospitals and your insurance company. good luck to you!!! (and let me know if i can be of any further assistance with my experiences!)

I second everyones recommendation. Definitely get a 2nd opinion and a copy of the report. Also, write a list of every concern you have and every clarification you need and bring it with you. I always do this and neither my OB/GYN or my GP flinch, they answer each question to the best of their ability and it helps them take a rounded approach to my care. Hang in there, we are thinking of you.