Well crap - highly abnormal pap test result

itsmevkb · February 2013

I saw my ob on Friday for a routine post-partum check-up and wasn't expecting to find out yesterday that the results of my pap came back showing highly abnormal cells. I have to go in tomorrow for a colposcopy. The results from the pap done at the beginning of my pregnancy was normal.

I think I know where this is headed - a Leep procedure and I'm terrified about how that might effect any future pregnancies I may have.

Has anyone had a Leep and then had an uneventful pregnancy?

TJ1979 · February 2013

I haven't had a LEEP but have had 2 colpos. During the first they froze the abnormal cells and took a biopsy. The 2nd came back clean. Maybe that can work for you too? GL and fx for you.

Saraevh · February 2013

Oh no!

I had an abnormal pap once as well. Similar to TJ, my second one came back fine.

Hopefully that's the case for you too.

ELF4321 · February 2013

No experience with the colp or leep procedures, but just wanted to say I hope it turns out to be nothing serious.

queenbone · February 2013

ELF4321:
No experience with the colp or leep procedures, but just wanted to say I hope it turns out to be nothing serious.

Ditto. Sending good thoughts your way.

mommyof4boys · February 2013

I had cryosurgery and a cone biopsy and D&C after my abnormal paps.

oooCarrieB · February 2013

I think a lot of women get an abnormal pap at some point. I had one several years ago and similar to pp, I had a biopsy, they checked it out and it was fine. I never had an abnormal pap again. Good luck to you!

amandaleigh1 · February 2013

Years ago I dealt with this. I think you will have a biopsy first. If the biopsy indicates it is severe enough, then they will want to remove the abnormal cells. I had some tissue removed with a cryo surgery. Not sure if this is the same as LEEP. In any case, my cervix behaved just fine in my pregnancy.

I have heard the scar tissue can hinder dilation during labor, but that wasnt my experience.

mystic_J · February 2013

I also had an abnormal pap 12 years ago and 1 colpo. They froze the cells and I have had normal pap's ever since then. My pregnancy with DS was completely normal with no cervical issues.

I'm sorry you're going through this!!

wille2b · February 2013

never been through it but i wanted to say good luck and I hope that everything turns out normal!

Dragonfly1226 · February 2013

I don't have any experience it I have seen many ladies on the boards have abnormal apps and then have the next test come out clear. GL hon!

itsmevkb · February 2013

Thanks ladies. I had an abnormal pap after the birth of my first child and with that I just had to go in for another pap sooner than normal and that one came back normal, along with everyone since. This one is scaring me a little more given that it's "highly" abnormal and so, of course, I googled and with highly abnormal they tend to recommend some course of treatment, either cryo or Leep which is burning off the cells.

I know I should just wait and see what my doc says after the exam tomorrow but what fun would that be when I can start worrying now?

Dragonfly1226 · February 2013

itsmevkb:
Thanks ladies. I had an abnormal pap after the birth of my first child and with that I just had to go in for another pap sooner than normal and that one came back normal, along with everyone since. This one is scaring me a little more given that it's "highly" abnormal and so, of course, I googled and with highly abnormal they tend to recommend some course of treatment, either cryo or Leep which is burning off the cells.

I know I should just wait and see what my doc says after the exam tomorrow but what fun would that be when I can start worrying now?

Dr. Google strikes again! Good luck tomorrow and keep us updated!

pb_bride · February 2013

Just want to wish you good luck and hope the abnl result was a fluke!

JillAly · February 2013

Me. Me. Me!! After the birth of both my kids, my 1st pap smear at 6 wks pp came back abnormal. They did it again and couldn't get good cells but what they did get again came back abnormal. The second time the OB used words like "very concerned" and "more testing needed".

A very senior doctor finally stepped in and said she would do the pap smear again herself and it might hurt a little more because he would really scrape to get a good sample - she told me to stay calm (easier said than done). She had seen it abnormal right after birth so many times that in her practice, she wanted to stop doing them right after birth (but couldn't because of malpractice issues). That third (yep- third) pap came back normal - as have every pap smear since then. I guess hormones go wacky sometimes or something happens to cause the problem. I know how you feel - your mind races and you are already emotional from all the hormones pumping in your body - but just know you're not alone- it is probably nothing- and you'll move past it soon - it's just torture in the meantime. Good luck!

itsmevkb · February 2013

JillAly:
Me. Me. Me!! After the birth of both my kids, my 1st pap smear at 6 wks pp came back abnormal. They did it again and couldn't get good cells but what they did get again came back abnormal. The second time the OB used words like "very concerned" and "more testing needed".

A very senior doctor finally stepped in and said she would do the pap smear again herself and it might hurt a little more because he would really scrape to get a good sample - she told me to stay calm (easier said than done). She had seen it abnormal right after birth so many times that in her practice, she wanted to stop doing them right after birth (but couldn't because of malpractice issues). That third (yep- third) pap came back normal - as have every pap smear since then. I guess hormones go wacky sometimes or something happens to cause the problem. I know how you feel - your mind races and you are already emotional from all the hormones pumping in your body - but just know you're not alone- it is probably nothing- and you'll move past it soon - it's just torture in the meantime. Good luck!

Thanks! I do plan on asking if this could just be a result of having given birth 3 months ago. It's a little suspicious that the 2 abnormal tests I've had have both been after giving birth. I'm hoping he'll tell me I can wait 3 months and do another and see if it comes back normal.

ccam · February 2013

I had several abnormal paps, colpos and a LEEP. After my first abnormal pap, my Dr did a colpo and took several biopsies, then had me come back for another pap in 6 months to keep an eye on it. After this happened a few times, I ended up requiring a LEEP since the cells were just getting worse. This all happened just as we started trying to get pregnant. I worried and googled and drove myself INSANE!!

As hard as it is, try not to think about it until you get the results back from the colpo. There are so many things that can cause an abnormal pap. Hopefully they just do more frequent paps. But if you do require a LEEP, get it done and over with. My LEEP had no effect on my pregnancy. My RE actually said that it didn't even look like I had the procedure done! I suggest asking lots of questions and step away from google! Good luck!

RoseHQ12 · February 2013

I have had a few abnormal paps but when rechecked at a later stage they were normal. A good friend of mine had a Leep procedure & went on to have a trouble free pregnancy. GL tomorrow & try not to worry too much.

Mrs. Mo · February 2013

::raise hand::

I had a LEEP several years ago. Although I was a tad bit worried that was a part of my problem while TTC DD, that fear was obviously unfounded as I got pregnant with this one sans medical help.

charmcitygirl · February 2013

I had a biopsy, colposcopy, several cryo surgeries, a LEEP and a D & C done when I was in my early 20s. I never had any issues related to my cervix during either of my pregnancies. But they did keep a close watch on my cervix throughout both pregnancies. Good luck!

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