First negative result in 7+YEARS
33f I have tested positive for HPV for probably about 7 or 8 years. I’ve had two colposcopy/biopsies done within that time frame. Once in the beginning, and then again two years ago.
Every time my pap would come back positive for HPV but negative for lesions or cell changes, they’d say it’s okay we’ll see you in one year.
I had LSIL two years ago- colposcopy/biopsy, and then ASCUS last year.
I would have to take anxiety meds just for my Pap smear each year. Everyone who would say things like, “it’ll be fine, don’t worry so much” obviously hasn’t had persistent HPV and know the fear it instills within you. It’s traumatizing. Colposcopies aren’t comfortable. LEEP procedures are scary. The word ‘cancer’ would live rent free in my head. I’m young. I want kids. HPV is not talked about enough. We are not educated enough as patients and I think that’s where the fear sets in.
In the last year or two, I stopped taking the birth control I was on for 13 years, started using a menstrual disc instead of tampons, have been taking my vitamins religiously, and lost about 45lbs. I don’t know if any of that has any relation whatsoever, but I felt it was worth noting.
Well I had my annual pap last week, and I broke down a little bit to my doctor. I said I was worried and I’ve had HPV for so long, doesn’t that mean I’m at a higher risk for cervical cancer? He genuinely calmed my nerves and told me that since I come in every year and stay on top of it, if anything were to change it would be caught and I would be okay. He thoroughly explained that the likeliness of it turning into cervical cancer is low and to keep coming in for my routine exams.
I just got my results and I am HPV FREE!! I started crying at work. Every year I’d pray and hope it would be gone, and this time it is! I’m posting this for those that feel like they’ll never get a negative result, for those that wonder “why can’t I just be normal” because that was me. It took me 7/8 years and a lot of tears, I thought I was doomed forever. I do know I could test positive again in the future. But the fact that I did pass it this time gives me so much hope.
Today is a good day. I pray anyone struggling with a situation similar to mine can find peace in knowing it IS possible. It may just take some time.