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January is Cervical Health Awarenss Month
- Jan 1, 2010 at 6:17 AM
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- Comments (17) Total Views (492) Everyone can see this journal post.
This is my story. I'm sure there are many others who have a similar one.
I had my first abnormal pap when I was 30. I had never missed a yearly check up. I was pregnant with my 3rd child at the time.
Prior to that, I didn't think twice about an abnormal pap, HPV, dysplasia, precancerous cells, and all the other terms that are thrown at you.
I was scheduled for a colposcopy. At the colposcopy, the doctor told me he didn't see anything. They were not planning on doing a biopsy anyways because I was pregnant. I was told they would perform another colposcopy after I had my baby.
I had my son in March 2006. In May 2006 I had the colposcopy and biopsy. They told me I had mild to moderate dysplasia (precancerous cells). I was scheduled for a LEEP procedure in July 2006.
I had my LEEP, and the results came back moderate to severe dysplasia. We still don't know if the lab got my first results wrong, or if my dysplasia progressed faster than normal. Either way, the bad tissue was gone.
I went for pap checks every 4 months after that. The first 2 came back abnormal so I had to get another colposcopy. The results of that were negative. I then had my first NORMAL pap at my next appointment.
I had 2 normal paps, and then I got pregnant with our 4th child in June 2008.
I have since had a healthy baby boy (who will be 1 in February), and another normal pap and I'm back on the 'Yearly' plan for check ups. Even though I am clear, I still get anxious with each pap appointment. You just never know if it will come back.
This month is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Get your pap test and HPV test when recommended.
Take charge of your health.
Join Mom's Fighting Cervical Cancer for information and support.
Comments:
I'm glad you are okay and I'm sorry you had to go through the procedures. Thank you for the reminder!!
Thanks for Sharing your story Amy. I knew you owned the Cervical Cancer group but I never thought ask about your story.
I'm glad you're okay now Amy. Your story reminds me that I need to go on a regular check up with my OB this month.
I had an abnormal pap with my dd and this time around it was normal thank got I had a biopsy and the bad cells taken out and I guess that helped
Thank you for being Strong! Thank you for sharing your story and insight! You are so appreciated!
Reminds me I need to get a pap but got to wait till I have the money:( It has been 7 yrs I think and it scares me because I do have things wrong that I know.
Shell81 - I'm going to hound you now that I know! Please get checked out. I have resources in my group if you need any information.
Thanks everyone. It's amazing how many women have gone through the same thing. My group members all have stories of their own - many worse than mine. My goal is to let everyone know that it's more common than you think and you are not alone. And to remind everyone to schedule their pap.
aubrees_mommie - glad you are ok! Make sure you keep up with your check ups.
I also had all normal paps until after my twins were born. Then I had severe dyslpasia. I had to have 2 LEEPs done because they didn't get it all after the first one. I found out I was pregnant with my third child right before I went to get a follow up exam. Other than not being able to dialate without help until they stretched out the scar tissue I was able to have a normal delivery and child. I haven't had nothing but negative paps since but I still get checked every year.
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Amy I am so sorry you went through that. I am glad everything turned out ok.
I can't believe the baby will be one so soon.
Reminds me I need to get a pap but got to wait till I have the money:( It has been 7 yrs I think and it scares me because I do have things wrong that I know.
- shell81
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