POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Positive Women => Topic started by: klassykitty on October 08, 2011, 08:10:06 pm
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I had my 6month pap smear 2 weeks ago and got the results back today, ( I have to get one every 6 months until I hit magic number of 200). they came back as abnormal. Well the Dr. has results, I got a letter in mail telling me I have to make another appointment to see him again.
It seems I have to have a colposcopy. What is that? Is it just a fancy name for pap smear?
When I had my last pap smear it was abnormal also but Dr. thought as CD4 came up immune system would help get rid of whatever is going on down there. Of course with my MAC my CD4 didn't come up as planned, I think I am sitting at CD4 of 69.
I go ID Dr. on Oct. 17. I really hope Mark decided he doesn't want to come along, I don't want to scare him anymore then he already is.
Michelle 8)
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Colposcopy is a really simple procedure, and its painless, so please don't worry too much about it...if you do a quick google it will put your mind at rest.
As for your *abnormal* pap Smear this is just some Squamous cells that don't look quite right, or fit in with normal cells in that area,these are the most common of the *abnormal* Pap smear result's and they are usually nothing to worry about.
They can be caused by an early HPV infection, or an irritation from sex, or, and it does happen, the nurse hasn't preformed a good Pap Smear test.
A Followup for this is usually a repeat Pap smear at 6 months, have you been tested for HPV? if so you could be classed as a high risk and your Doc has ordered a Colposcopy as a follow up, the Doc probably just wants to keep an eye on things...don't stress too much.
Let us know what the outcome is.
Aroha
Jan :-*
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For a colposcopy, you undergo the same basic procedure as for a PAP - you know the drill, on your back, feet in stirrups. It lasts a little longer as they use something that kinda looks like an over-grown microscope to have a good look at your cervix. It doesn't actually go inside you. It will be shown on a monitor - which you may or may not be able to see yourself, depending on the set-up of the exam room. They usually take a snap-shot or two, for reference further down the line.
It can be a little uncomfortable as you have to lie still with that spectrum inside you for longer than you have to for a PAP, but it shouldn't actually hurt. I had one colposcopy done while Bush was president and as soon as the doctor realised I was a Yank, he started telling me all these really stupid, innuendo-laden Bush jokes. I finally had to tell him to get on with it - how would HE like to lie there with a speculum shoved up inside him while some stupid doctor told stupid jokes? He got the message and apologised. I've always requested the female doctor for subsequent colposcopies or PAPs. She has a much better bed-side manner as she's been there on that table herself. Don't ever hesitate to tell the doctor if you're too uncomfortable or are feeling pain. It shouldn't hurt.
I'm surprised they didn't have you have a follow-up colposcopy the first time you had an abnormal result. In my clinic, that is the standard of care for any hiv poz women. I've had a few abnormal PAPs, but the colposcopies always gave "clear" results. So try to not worry too much. As Jan mentioned, all sorts of things can cause an abnormal PAP and more often than not, they're false alarms. Keep us posted, and good luck.
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Thanx
When i had last one in March I had to have a followup one 4 weeks later because HPV did show up, so I guess the colposcopy is what I had and didn't realize it. Fortunately I can say it's not an irritation from sex (maybe that's unfortunately). I go back Nov. 4Th for follow up so we shall see what happens.
The ob-gyn I'm seeing is recommended by my ID Dr. because he deals a lot in patients with AIDS, other STD"s and quite a bit of his patients are over 40. I know one woman who is 56 has AIDS and Hep C, she also recommended him.
On the bright side my ID Dr. said I don't have to get another mammogram until next year. I see him next week so hopefully CD4 is up.
Now if only I could get rid of this stupid cold. I only work 2 days this week so I plan on spending a lot of time with Nyquil and sleep.
Michelle 8)
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Michelle, it sounds like you're with a really good doctor and I'm glad to hear you DID have a follow-up colposcopy. It's reassuring to know you're being correctly looked after.
Good luck and fingers crossed you see an improvement in those CD4s and %. Feel better soon! :)
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Hi Michelle, i am netta and i haven't been around in a while, mostly on fb. Anyhoo I had an abnormal pap smear and ahad the colposcopy done 2 years ago. The gyn oncologist I was reffered to did find a spot on the vagina, which I allowed them to remove by laser surgery. It was small but never the less I went for it, since cancer runs in the family. it was a one day surgery and Iam fine. I have to go back and get 4 good paps before I am released from oncology. Would you believe AI have only had one? I missed an appointment and my oncologist stays busy and the office has moved my appt over an over, my next appt is December. They said I was not an at risk patient so I could wiat, I could have had a pap at my gyn, but I prefere my oncologist since he is more familiar with hiv + women. best of luck.