Anal pap smear came back

[Dantheman]

I'm nervous.

I've been doing pap smears since I converted about three years ago. For the last year years the results have determined that I have abnormal cells. As a result I did a procedure to destroy the abnormal cells to prevent them to cancer.

Two weeks ago we did the test again to see if the cells returned to normal. Turns out they were not. 

Now the doctor is referring me to another doctor, which makes it sound more serious. i had a melt down today, cried, lied in bed because the thought of having cancer and HIV just sounds like a jackpot.

I'm sure there's more steps, but I just am not taking the news so well. I was surprised. To make things worst I've been sick the past few days and morally/mentally I'm not in a good place. But I never even asked the dr., does this mean I have HPV as well?  Or is this caused just because of HIV?

It's just... life can really smack you down sometimes. I had suicidal thoughts today. I'm experiencing depression and I just don't see the point in fighting for a shitty quality of life.

Does anyone have any experience in this area? 

[Ptrk3]

Sometimes a referral is just a referral and means nothing more than that, truly, so there's no defining reason for you to speculate the worst (though, of course, it's natural to be have some anxiety).

I can't speculate on the possibility of your having HVP.  There are objective tests for that, so don't ruminate or try to analyze any symptoms you are experiencing as an indicator of HVP.
 
Whatever Depression you may have should be treated alone and separately from any medical problems and complications you are experiencing (even though the one may feed into the other).  Depression is its own diagnosis and can change your brain chemistry and cause you to think in ways you usually would not.  But Depression can be treated.

If you are feeling suicidal or that you want to hurt yourself, seek immediate help from your healthcare provider or contact your closest hospital or clinic for immediate assistance. 

Please take care of yourself and continue to use these forums for guidance and support.

[harleymc]

Go and see your doctor ask to be referred to mental health professionals.
Meanwhile on the issue of hpv and anal cancer have a look at the spanc study.

http://www.nchecrsurveys.unsw.edu.au/spanc/reports.html


http://www.thebottomline.org.au/site/section/show/4/understanding-anal-cancer-screening-results

Basically why high grade lesions mean you are at increased risk of anal cancer,  the progression is uncommon, and the high grade lesions can revert.

Don't try to overthink 'what if' scenarios.

[Wade]

Hi Dan,

I've had the Paps on a regular basis for several year also.
Mine have come back high grade and were followed up by an HRA and laser off the suspicious spots. My doc does them in the same clinic .
My last visit I was clear finally, but still must be checked routinely.

As the others have said don't panic, it's just a referral for something he possibly can't do in his office
This is what I posted after my last HRA.

https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=66707.msg728538#msg728538

( That was a great link Harley  )

Try not to worry,

Wade

[harleymc]

I'm coming up for my final HRA and scrape job for the SPANC study soon.
It's been an interesting study  to be on, the only time there were treatment interventions were if cancer was confirmed.

All the other lesions were left to their natural course and observed in subsequent visits.  I had a few lesions first visit that disappeared. But last time around (1 year ago) I had a couple of high grade ones, we'll see how they have progressed or regressed in a month or so.

SPANC's leading to quite a change in what is standard of care in Australia.