Cervical Dysplasia

[Tiffannie]

I have been diagnosed with the abnormal cells on my cervix and with thru all the stuff I was suppose to do and went back for my results and was told to get undressed from the bottom down. I had no idea that I was going in for a treatment. Doctors do not tell the patient everything we should know or return phone calls when a question needs to be answered. Should there been a after care been told to me, if so there wasn't. why do Doctors just assume you are ok with what they want to to and not explain anything to you even when you ask, they use the medical terms and you ask to explain further and they just look at you like you are stupid. I mean I like to be informed and now days Doctors seem to be more interested in how many patients they can get in and out of their offices than the patients them selves. Plus while he had whatever he had in me (something freezing the cell) that he left on me for 15 or 20 minutes and not asking if I am doing ok or not, but sits there visiting with his nurse and not seeming to have concern for me. He was trying to get me to have this other thing done called Novasure and I read up on it and told him No thanks, he seemed a bit upset about it. I am upset that Doctors don't seem to care about how the patient feels about things being done to them, he doesn't even really tell you much about the results. I am getting oof subject, but I just am upset and don't know what to do, and a bit confused and I haven't had my period yet since the procedure was done. I wasn't told when I can have sex again, or if I can douche' or not nothing or what to watch for anyways. Thank you for reading.

[piperpilot]

Your experience is all too common. Many doctors do not take the time to explain the condition along with the options. Instead, they condescendingly treat women like cattle who are not capable of knowing what's in their own best interest--they do this because they have gotten away with it for so long. I should also mention that the patient should refuse to sign the authorization for treatment document (which states that you have been advised of your condition and of the proceedure about to be performed) until the doctor answers any and all questions to your satisfaction.

As far as cryo-therapy goes(what you are describing) it's generally not the treatment of choice for ANY dysplasia at this time (except uninformed, under-equipped doctors). It will leave scar tissue making future diagnostics difficult because the scar tissue builds on top of the epithelium; future pap smears may not detect dysplastic cells because they lie below scar tissue. The LEEP proceedure, despite having its own problems, provides both immediate treatment of potentially harmful cells, but provides a new tissue sample for pathological diagnostics.

Regarding your period--cryo-therapy (and LEEP) will throw your cycle off for a month or two. Regarding sex and douche--instructions should have been given--nothing in the vagina for 14 days -(minimum) 6 weeks (maximum); depending upon your doctor. You do not to rush sex--it may be difficult to avoid but if you do it too soon, you run the risk of bacterial infection before the cervix has fully healed.

All the best to you.

P.S. I would look for new doctor if I were you.

[Lizzie26]

I am new to the forum. I have so many questions. I am 27 years old. I recently had an abnormal result on a pap smear and went for the colpop last Wednesday. I fully expected for them to not find anything or very little and for it to be no big deal, as that is what I was led to believe. When he began the colpop, he told me he may take a biopsy and what to expect that to feel like. Well, he didn't do a biopsy. He stopped abruptly and was silent for a little while. Then he told me that he didn't do a biopsy because my entire cervix was inflamed (that he could see, it turns oddly) and there were so many different spots that he would have to take too many biopsies. He then said he wanted me to come back next month and have the hpv test. The he said I would more than likely have the leep. He said that they would have to put me to sleep for the leep because of how my cervix is turned. I wasn't told anything about mild, moderate or anything like that. I was left with a million questions and no answers. I feel like I need to do something now, not wait. I just don't know what to do or if I should do anything. I would really appreciate any advice. I feel really lost right now. I should also add that I have Rheumatiod Arthritis and have been on immune system suppressing drugs. Also, I hadn't had a pap in 5 years before now, I know that was stupid, at the time it didn't seem to matter, now it does.

[piperpilot]

First off, don't panic. These issues are extremely common. If your doc is a family physician, I would suggest that you see a gynecologists; much more qualified for any proceedure than a family practitioner. You should make certain that the doc knows about your medications--the condition you are describing may be a direct resut of the medication. Make sure your doctor answers all of your questions to your satisfaction before agreeing to any surgery. If you stil do not feel comfortable, get another opion. If you can take a friend along, it helps to have another person advocating for you and helpin you remember what to ask and the the doc answers. I would ask for a copy of the PAP results. Read it. This will tell you what is suspected. Above all, remember that dysplasia only on extremely rare cases becomes cancerous, and this is generally a 10 year process.

God Bless You,

Michael

[Lizzie26]

Thank you for your reply. I am going to a gynecologist I was encouraged by a friend, who happens to be a nurse, to get a second opinion, so I think I will. It won't hurt anything to see what someone else says. Again, thank you for the reply.