Worried! - Carol Stream,IL

I think it's more common that we are aware. I had an abnormal one a few years ago, freaked, but the next month has been fine as they years since.

Trust me. . . I know it is easier said than done, but try not to worry unless you have a true reason to!

Hi T.---Try not to worry too much. Most abnormal smears are actually the result of false positives, not that there are any abnormal cells.

I had an abnormal pap MANY years ago, and have never had another.

Just to help ease your nerves, worldwide, cervical cancer affects 16 of every 100,000 women. That is a very low rate of disease. So, don't worry, because even if it ever happened, it is one of the easiest to detect and treat. And know your risk factors. The biggest risk for contracting cervical cancer is multiple sex partners, which increase the risk of acquiring the HPV virus.

Eat a healthy diet, consisting of MOSTLY fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. This diet will keep your immune system strong, able to fight those pesky viruses before they can cause any trouble. Let me know if you would like any additional info on an optimal diet, I am honored to help. I am taking a series of wellness classes, taught by a naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. I have lots of info to share.

Good luck. D.

There's nothing that can take the worry and anxiety away if you're prone to it. The great news, in your case, is that it was nothing, and it hasn't developed into anything.

Many of us on here have commented on our experiences with abnormal paps (dysplasia), colposcopies, LEEP procedures, etc. Cervical cancer is relatively rare in the US, and paps are the main vehicle by which to detect them. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV. Here's some good information from the CDC that should help put your fears to rest a little:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cervical.htm

As a cancer survivor, myself (lymphoma), the worry is always there. It goes away a little each day, but it's always there. Once you've heard bad news, it always lingers. Just trust that you have great doctors and be your own health advocate. Instincts are an amazing thing, so trust yours are good.

You know how you hear when you are planning to get pregnant, or in child bearing years that you should be sure you are getting enough folic acid?
Well, not surpising, the B complex of vitamins is really necesary for women. B's are water soluable and exit when we urinate. I am a firm believer in prevention. My oldest had a similar PAP test result. It just meant to me that her Immune system wasn't as strong as it should be. ( Stress eats up the B's you naturally get) so we put her on a supplemental nutrition program that she remains on today. She has had normal ever since, and we no longer worry when she goes in for annual test.

I do not have any facts or advise for the doctor visit other than to keep your sense of humor. I am going now every three months to get a pap smear. Bad news was that I had uterine cancer removed all the girl parts JUly 18 ! woohoo one year cancer survivor!! and believe me I am relieved to be well and alive afterwards. The sooner anything is caught the better as was me. Here I am writing you one year later alive and well and well, not so skinny, but pretty healthy feeling. Can't worry about what if any kind of cancer you might get, my mother and her aunt had breast cancer, go figure where did uterine cancer come from in my life, I was groping my breasts all the time.
See you cannot worry about it. Try not to worry about lots of things. I know it's hard, but it's a lesson I learned. Try to have fun. Life is but one minute at a time, right now.

My mom had some abnormal tests and they figured it was due to tampon residue left because each time they did it again, she was fine. Don't stress too much before it happens. It may never happen again. Find a caring doctor or midwife to go to that will understand your fears.

Hello T.,
I completely agree with Deb V.
I had an abnormal pap and my doctor completely changed my diet and added Vitamin B into it, and I had the biospy and papsmears every 6 months and am happy to say that am normal ever since.
The orginal abnormal papsmear was right after an extremely stressful time in my life and I had a VERY low immune system which the HPV virus (which the majority of women have, unless they haven't had sexual intercouse yet) reared its ugly self. So to keep that at bay your immune system needs to be strong. Talk to your doctor about this approach and keep going for your paps.

I've had an abnormal pap in the past too, but my most recent one was fine. I was worried sick though after the abnormal result!

Don't worry! Abnormal papsmears are actually very common. They can be caused by an infection, inflammation, or having sex too close to the test. The best thing you can do is keep getting your annual exams and papsmears. And remember, you've been six years with normal paps - rest assured that everything is fine and IF anything happens, your doctor will catch it!

T., 6 years ago?? We all hate them but go get it done my dear. Riley J is exactly correct...very very very few women... however test annually!

Riley J-Wonderful to read your up-beat way of spelling out something that we all go "ugh"..You should consider writing.. my opinion

I understand being scared, but how is not knowing better than knowing and being able to deal with whatever it is? Abnormal PAP smears are incredibly common...that is exactly the reason why they are repeated before any action is taken.

At times in my life, when I've faced tough situations, I've seen a counselor for a few weeks. Just talking to someone who can be objective make help you get some perspective.

I also would suggest considering a midwife for your well-woman care. I find that a lot of my discomfort in the process has to do with the way it is administered. If the test shows any abnormality, you would have to be referrred to an OB...but everything else about the experience is SO much nicer.

What you've experienced is extremely common. Remember--if there IS anything to be found, the sooner the better so don't skip b/c of nerves!

As many have said before, an abnormal pap is quite common, and appropriate follow-up is very important. Cervical cancer typically develops very slow, so if they ever do find an abnormality in the future the earlier it is found the sooner it can be treated. In early stages (before the abnormal cells have had a chance to become cancer) it is often as simple as having just those abnormal cells removed, then of course, close follow-up testing.
Also, as previously mentioned, HPV is a very common sexually transmitted virus. Many people have it and never know it (unless they are tested) and several of the strains of HPV are highly linked to cervical cancer. If you have not already been tested for it you may want to ask your doctor about getting that done with your next pap. It can provide you with additional information about your risk for cervical cancer.
Education and counseling by your health care provider are very important. If you do not feel you are getting the chance to ask questions about your testing/results/treatment plan, or that you are not getting the amount of information and support you need, you may want to consider looking for another doctor/midwife.

I also had an abnormal one a few years ago. The next month everything was fine. I think it's pretty common. I heard that there are lots of things that can cause a pap to come back abnormal. It could be as simple as having sex the night before your pap. Hope this helps!