Thank you, Betsy. I know you are right. I'm clinging, clearly, but will move forward to get to the bottom of it. I promise to be back in touch.

It's been quite some time since I wrote, but waited until now because I just had my six-month re-pap. As it turned out, I found a new gyn and provided all of my records (and there are many). Results from this pap show POSITIVE FOR HPV, BUT WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS. The gyn wants me to come back in six months for another pap (which is what I always do). I told my doc that it would seem time to go see a specialist and she said that 1) it's not necessary to see an oncological-gyn because I have nothing diagnosed other than HPV. This doc also said that IF I chose to down the line, I could have a hysterectomy or some variation of it. Her bottom line was that I don't have to expose myself to constant LEEPs or biopsies, and I admit that I liked hearing that. I'd like to hear your thoughts at this point. Seemed eating right and taking care of myself did pay off.

Hi infosearch,

Thanks for giving us the update. I'm not sure exactly what kind of tests you had; could it be you had a normal Pap test along with an HPV test, and the HPV test found some virus still in the cells? If this is the case, the normal Pap means there's very little actually going on at present. Even if there are cell changes, the fact they told you to come back in six months seems to indicate they aren't very severe.

Let us know how things are going, if you don't mind.

Best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

Thanks, Fredo, for your reply. You are correct that I had two tests: the Pap and the HPV. I am still waiting on the records (doc and pathology) to be mailed to me as I always request them. If I see anything different in the documents, I'll post again. Otherwise, I'll keep in touch after the next Pap which I guess will be around November/December (which happens to be a very busy and stressful time of year at my office...interesting).

I really appreciate this Forum!!!!

Well, it's been almost a year since I joined this discussion venue. Time for an update: I have continued to do as my holistic doc has recommended: NO alcohol and good wholesome, natural foods, sleep, etc. For me, this was a major lifestyle shift. Sounds too organic for some, but my December 2010 Pap result was NORMAL AND NO HPV PRESENT.

Betsy, your last comment was a bit condescending and shortsighted on the holistic community. I wish for the day when traditional medicine (which treats disease) can communicate well with those who try to prevent it. (My ob/gyn was in conflict with my dula/midwife, too.)

The foods we eat ARE very important. I would like to ask if there are any studies out there that will explore this connection; it seems so simple.

My job now is to maintain these results, which means a continued lifestyle change and I'll do it.

Thanks for all of your collective time.

Hi infosearch,

Thanks for stopping by and giving us the update and what a great update it is. So glad to hear both the Pap and HPV test are normal! I know this has been a struggle for you throughout this whole year...hard to believe that is has in fact been almost a year since we first began chatting.

Please keep in touch and post again, if for no other reason than I think it's good for others to have your perspective.

Best always,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

I, too, have started consulting a naturopath about HPV, and I am also changing doctors to one who encourages the combination of traditional medical and naturopathic treatments. I had LEEP in July 2010. My colp in November 2010 was normal, but my pap showed low grade dysplasia. I do not want to continue to undergo LEEPs as a method of treatment, so I consulted the naturopath and made changes to my diet and lifestyle. She also recommended a very specific mix of vitamins that I can get a Whole Foods. It's nothing crazy, but combined the regimine focuses on increasing my levels of folate, beta carrotene, and selenium. I have also gone as organic as I possibly can.

I think some doctors are too quick to jump to surgery. Considering I want to have children, I don't think the answer is to keep scraping away at my cervix. The last straw with this doctor was when he hinted at LEEP for low grade dysplasia, which makes no sense at all.

This lifestyle change encourages overall better health with a focus on cervical healthy. Hey, it's worth a shot, right? It's obviously worked for you. I hope I have the same results.