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First abnormal Pap smear LSIL / no HPV testing

Posted by bkh512 @bkh512, Apr 16 1:28pm

Hi all! Coming here for comfort, but also real talk as needed. I'm 28 and have been receiving regular paps since I was 21, but I've never been tested for HPV (however I received the Gardasil shot series when I was younger). They have always come back normal until this time. I was in a relationship with the same person for 5 years until last year, and I have been seeing/sleeping with my new partner for about 6 months.
I've never received an abnormal pap before, until I went for my annual OBGYN visit two weeks ago. My results were posted to MyChart yesterday and were significant for LOW GRADE SQUAMOUS INTRAEPITHELIAL LESION (LSIL). My provider still has not viewed my results so I haven't heard from them yet, but I took to good ol' Google and now I'm freaking out. I'm seeing that most LSIL are due to HPV, but I've never been tested - I kind of want to assume that it's just because my new boyfriend passed it along to me, but I'm hesitant to believe my delusions since I did get the Gardasil shots (however not sure about their effectiveness).
Last year, my pap came back normal (no lesions, anyway) but showed signs of BV and I was put on antibiotics for a week and have not had any symptoms since. This year it's showing LSIL. I am completely healthy otherwise, and my OBGYN had no concerns from my exam, even saying "See you next year" on my way out. Does anyone have experience and/or advice with this? I also have *awful* health insurance so nervous about the cost of any potential follow up testing, as well.
Any experiences, advice, real talk, etc. that you all have to offer would be greatly appreciated as I want to hear from my doctor, as I'm now halfway convinced I have cervical cancer. Thanks everyone!!

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b264 | @b264 | Apr 25 3:24pm
In reply to @tinamaria1 "I'm glad some of my info was useful to you dear. BTW, Planned Parenthood charged I..." + (show)
@tinamaria1

I'm glad some of my info was useful to you dear. BTW, Planned Parenthood charged I think $400 for a meaningless exam (a nurse asked me a bunch of questions), then I think each shot was about $300, so maybe my total was $1300. HOWEVER, they do give you a break if you meet financial need scales, supposedly. So you might get the shot for less than I did if you revealed your financial status. I was not willing to do so. Also, they told me that also the cost of the shots could go up after my first shot..lol..but it did not go up by the last shot. Also, I it seems there was a positive impact on the cells because in 2022 the questionable cells were present, but this past March 2024, about 8 months after I took the 3rd shot, I no longer have those questionable cells present. At least now I do feel protected against the 14 or so main strains protected against by the vaccine, Gardisel.. Good luck dear!

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It's great to hear some good news. This 1960s child didn't take very good care of herself. Hopefully you will take care of YOU

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 26 9:24am
In reply to @b264 "Thank you for replying. I play guitar and I like to do those diamond paintings. I'm..." + (show)
@b264

Thank you for replying. I play guitar and I like to do those diamond paintings. I'm just so tired all the time for no reason. You seem to be ok but how are you really doing? I've been in pain for one thing or another seems like most of my life. I can't take the sufferings of people and animals. That's what I'm scared of the most is dying in pain. What are you scared of if anything?. The way you respond you seem to be a very strong woman.

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@b264 Like you I cannot take pain and suffering in people and animals. In fact, if a show is recommended to me on TV and I think there might be a lot of violence or worse, torture, I ask the person who recommended the show. If the answer is "yes" I won't watch it. Same with animal cruelty - I refuse to watch or read anything that includes cruelty toward animals.

What am I afraid of? How much time do you have? There are lots of things. I'm claustrophobic so I avoid small spaces if at all possible. When I have an MRI in that awful enclosed tube I ask for sedation. I'm afraid of heights but interestingly (to me) when I'm on a plane I can somehow look out the window and separate myself from that height in the air.

As I look back on my life (I'm 72-years-old) I realize that even when I was at a most anxious place in my life I was able to keep my goals in view such as education and career. My life experiences have helped me to weather difficulties that come up in my life. I practice acceptance and mindfulness but that's not easy in the face of health crises like cancer. That's where coping skills come in and making sure I do things that I like. I'm in a community choir and I've learned so much about music that I didn't know before.

What do you like to play on your guitar? What images do you like to do with your diamond paintings?

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1 reply
b264 | @b264 | Apr 26 11:39am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@b264 Like you I cannot take pain and suffering in people and animals. In fact, if..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@b264 Like you I cannot take pain and suffering in people and animals. In fact, if a show is recommended to me on TV and I think there might be a lot of violence or worse, torture, I ask the person who recommended the show. If the answer is "yes" I won't watch it. Same with animal cruelty - I refuse to watch or read anything that includes cruelty toward animals.

What am I afraid of? How much time do you have? There are lots of things. I'm claustrophobic so I avoid small spaces if at all possible. When I have an MRI in that awful enclosed tube I ask for sedation. I'm afraid of heights but interestingly (to me) when I'm on a plane I can somehow look out the window and separate myself from that height in the air.

As I look back on my life (I'm 72-years-old) I realize that even when I was at a most anxious place in my life I was able to keep my goals in view such as education and career. My life experiences have helped me to weather difficulties that come up in my life. I practice acceptance and mindfulness but that's not easy in the face of health crises like cancer. That's where coping skills come in and making sure I do things that I like. I'm in a community choir and I've learned so much about music that I didn't know before.

What do you like to play on your guitar? What images do you like to do with your diamond paintings?

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I do the same thing when the TV depicts cruelty. I'm 64 only 8 years younger. I don't have the wisdom you do but I feel stronger from reading your reply. I have 5 grandchildren which is enough reason for me to want to stay alive as long as I can. Thank you for replying.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 26 5:46pm

@b264 I don't have grandchildren. Well, I don't have children because of divorce, education, and career. Not exactly in that order but it doesn't change the lack of children. What a blessing for you to have your 5 grandchildren. I think all of us who get to our age bring wisdom with us. Since our grandchildren give you reason to keep on I'm thinking there is a lot of wisdom in that decision. Thank you for sharing.

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1 reply
b264 | @b264 | Apr 26 10:15pm
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@b264 I don't have grandchildren. Well, I don't have children because of divorce, education, and career...." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@b264 I don't have grandchildren. Well, I don't have children because of divorce, education, and career. Not exactly in that order but it doesn't change the lack of children. What a blessing for you to have your 5 grandchildren. I think all of us who get to our age bring wisdom with us. Since our grandchildren give you reason to keep on I'm thinking there is a lot of wisdom in that decision. Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you

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