Gynecologists don't usually

[beam me up scottie]

notify you to contact their office about a pap smear if it's normal, do they ?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

1. Mine did.

I just had to call in and verify it was me. They can't leave a message on the machine or anything because of patient privacy.

[beam me up scottie]

2. Mine have always been normal.

Not one letter about the results.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

3. Have you had one done since the patients rights thing went into effect?

[beam me up scottie]

4. Not at this practice.

Do you think that's all it is ?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

5. It might be.

They won't even give me my blood results over the phone anymore. I remember getting a letter like that and being very scared. I called and they gave me a cheerful "oh, they just wanted to let you know everything is fine." It was my first pap smear too!

I don't know why they want to make people so nervous. Best of luck that it's just procedure. :hug:

[beam me up scottie]

10. Thanks.

When you get a letter signed by the doctor, it's a little unnerving.
Maybe they could let you know that when you get examined, so people don't worry.
Glad I didn't get it on a Friday...

They really can't give you the results by mail ?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

11. You're right, they should tell you what's coming.

But no, they can't tell you by mail, because your mail could be opened by someone else.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

7. Also, they can't just call you

because if YOU don't answer the phone and someone else does, they have just given away your information...the medical information that you went to the obgyn. They could just hang up or say they can't SAY who is calling, but that could cause problems. It is just easier for them to have you call them back.

[Heddi]

6. **Nursing Student Here** :)

Just because a pap may come back as "not normal" doesn't mean that it's cancer, or PID, or anything bad.

Sometimes they get a bad smear and can't tell what's going on, so they'll have you come back and take another one.

Sometimes, your body may be going through changes like menopause which alter the cellular structure of the cervix & vaginal walls which can give abnormal results, so they'll do another one. Again--abnormal doesn't mean "bad"--it just means "abnormal"

Most women know (but not all) and most offices tell women (but not all) to abstain from sex, douching, and inserting vaginal medications for at least 24-48 hours before having a pap. Even if you had sex 2 days ago, there could have been cellular debris "up there" that gave abnormal results. You're also advised not to get a pap when you're menstruating, although my texbook says that studies have been done and the cervical chages that occur with menstruation often occur 1-2 days before bleeding. So that may be a factor as well.

As the other poster said, the new HIPAA laws really limit what health practitioners can and can't say over the phone. I know that leaving test results on a voice mail/answering machine is a big no-no---it violates your privacy because maybe your son doesn't need to know you went to the GYN, or maybe your husband doesn't need to know, or maybe they all know but the law says no one can assume that they DO know, and that you don't mind if they know, so they opt for speaking to the patient directly, which I think is best in my opinion.

So---most likely they're giving you test results over the phone, and the tests are normal.

If they tell you the tests are abnormal, please PLEASE remember that abnormal is okay, and most likely is just either a processing error, or a biological quirk that caused your cervical/vaginal cells to look funky that one time. THey'll have you come in and do another pap and get you the results of those.

Last quarter, we did OB/GYN and mother-baby care as our clinical focus. I can't TELL you how many women were in the hospital's lab getting re-paps because their pap came back 'abnormal'. There ended up being nothing clinically wrong with these women, but our bodies are different during the months/years of our lives, and it's better to be safe than sorry!

[SemiCharmedQuark]

8. My mom once saw the doctor DROP her sample

And he didn't even tell her. She never would have known if she hadn't seen him.

Ahh, the 80s.

[beam me up scottie]

9. Thanks.

Really.
I haven't really kept up with the medical info since I've always been healthy.
I have had too many things go bad in my life lately and was trying not to think about it too much.
I think I'll make that mammogram appointment tomorrow when I call, the one I was putting off because I hate them so much.
So you did good.
Thanks again.

[Eloriel]

29. one of the most informative posts I've ever seen

Terrific. You're going to be a great nurse. :toast:

[Heddi]

30. Thanks, El

I appreciate it. I find that I can retain information that I learn in school when I can apply it directly to day to day situations.

Like this one---I had to open up my Med/Surg book just to refresh my brain, but it was a GOOD refresher. I already knew what I knew, and was pleased that I was typing from my head rather than from the book (which, by the way, said exactly what my head was telling me)

:)

Thanks for the compliment. I super appreciate it.

[beam me up scottie]

12. It came back positive.

High risk.
Have another appointment, this time for a coloscopy and/or possible biopsy.

[lukasahero]

13. What does that mean?

Hey bmuscottie, sorry to hear that. It almost sounds contradictory to me though - I mean, if it's positive, then isn't the whole "risk" part null? Did you get a thorough explanation from your doc? I hope s/he hasn't left you with any questions about this. How are you feeling about it? You ok?

[beam me up scottie]

15. I am okay, thanks.

:hug:
They said that my results were high risk, and that's why they want to have another look with the microscope.
If the cells are suspiciously abnormal, they will do a biopsy.
I will do some reading tonight to see what they are talking about.

[lukasahero]

17. Ok - it sounds like they're just being cautious

That's a good thing even though I'm sure it's got you climbing the wall. I read Bunny's post and am thankful for her information. All my best vibes are headed your way. :hug: back at ya'.

[beam me up scottie]

18. Sure does, the not knowing

is the worse.
Thanks LAH!

[Bunny]

14. Hard as this might be, don't panic.

I've had a couple of positive Pap test results, had the colposcopy and a cone biopsy, too. Turned out to be mild dysplasia each time, it's pretty common and relatively easy to treat. The only thing, if I recall correctly, is that it tends to recur once you've had it the first time. So you have to be pretty vigilant about getting regular Paps. I don't have to worry about it anymore, since I had my hysterectomy (they removed the cervix too).

Or, it could just be a mild infection. That can cause a false positive too, if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, I'm sending good vibes your way. :hug:

[beam me up scottie]

16. Thanks Bunny.

That's reassuring, it's probably nothing serious.

[Warpy]

19. "Positive" means there were some oddly shaped cells in the smear

and that you'll need to go back for a closer look. There's a good chance that the abnormal cells were sloughed off and that's all they found. They'll be doing a visual exam under magnification this time. If they find anything that looks the least bit irregular, they'll biopsy it to get a little tissue to look at to see if the cells are the same irregular cells.

If the worst happens, it's still curable.

Most suspicious pap smears turn out to be nothing. In any case, the statistics are all on your side.

You'll have to be meticulous about follow up exams, though.

[beam me up scottie]

20. Thanks Warpy.

That helps.
They didn't give me too much information but said if I had any questions I could call them.
It's weird, I'm not worried at all right now.
I never worry about me but when my dad had cancer, I freaked out inside.

[geniph]

21. I've had the colposcopy,

the cone biopsy, cryosurgery, all manner of scrapings and diggings around in there. In my 20s, I went through a period when I was having to have Pap smears every six weeks, and they all came back dysplastic. Never developed into cancer, and by my 30s, it'd settled down. I haven't had a bad Pap smear in nearly 15 years now. So bad Pap smears, even repeated ones, are not the end of the world. Most of the procedures aren't fun, but they are not painful either. The cryo sucked, not because it hurt (it didn't) but because you...um...drip for about six weeks afterward. You have to wear napkins and they get soaked - I got diaper rash! On the plus side, that's what finally convinced me to never see another male OB/GYN - he more or less patted me on the head and said, "I know, isn't it terrible" when I mentioned the drippage, and I glared at him and said, "how the hell would YOU know?" and never went to a man for a Pap smear ever again.

The procedure I had that sucked was totally unrelated to the bad Pap smears - I had cervical polyps removed. THAT was distinctly unpleasant. However, that's very unlikely to be what's causing your results to come back dysplastic.

Don't worry too much. The vast, vast majority even of stage 3 and 4 Pap smears are not cancerous and never become so. Colposcopy doesn't hurt at all, they sedate you for the cone biopsy, and the cryo isn't painful.

:hug:

[beam me up scottie]

22. Thanks.

Your experience sounds very trying but at least it didn't develop into cancer.

I also only use women Gynos. I realize male doctors are more than capable, but let's face it, if you don't have the anatomy, you're only guessing what it feels like.
I am unapologetically sexist in this case.
Well, not really sexist, because I don't believe men are incompetent, I just prefer to have a woman Gyno. ( smaller hands are another good reason )

[geniph]

23. Most male GYNs don't even warm the speculum

or warn you they're about to touch you, whereas I've only seen one female GYN who didn't. Cold speculum suddenly touching my person without warning=instant revirginization!

[Finder]

27. "instant revirginization"lol

Just reading the post made me have the same reaction.

[Eloriel]

28. Pap smears should only be given by people who've had one

:D

Those were the wise words of a nurse practitioner in Oregon (enlightened state, Oregon), who was the best pap smear giver I've ever encountered.

[beam me up scottie]

32. No they don't.

I HATE that!
I also hate how most feel compelled to engage you in small talk while they're doing their thing.
It seems to take twice as long with a male doctor.
Women know you just want it to be over, so they complete the exam as quickly as possible.
Women doctors also let you get dressed as soon as they're finished and then come back in to discuss your health instead of talking to you while your ass is hanging out of the gown.

[Lisa0825]

39. I only use female doctors of any kind, unless

I need to see a specialist, and there are not many to choose from. I have just felt that woman docs are easier to talk to, better listeners, more gentle, more thorough, and more caring. Maybe I'm sexist, but that's how I feel!:-)

[noamnety]

25. I've had that too

I'm a huge wuss, and horrible with doctors, so half the pain I feel is in my head or the result of me tensing up when I'm supposed to relax. So I'm gonna confess, the colposcopy hurt - like a bad cramp. I'd take some motrin before going in, or at least ask them about that. Not to scare you, like I said, my pain threshold is pathetically low, but I'd rather you get the warning so you take painkillers, rather than go through some needless discomfort.

Once it was done, though, I was fine. I always prepare for any gyno trips by ensuring I have some booze at home for afterwards. I tried to talk my mammography place into installing a keg, and made what I thought was a good case that all us women sitting around making uncomfortable small talk with our backwards gowns from hell would be much happier if they ran a brewery in the joint, but they said no. I plan to work on them some more at my next visit.

[beam me up scottie]

33. Thanks, that's really good to know.

They did tell me I could take some ibuprofen before the exam.
I would be pissed if I was in pain because they said it shouldn't hurt.
But they also said that about mammograms.

A brewery !!!
:rofl:
A nice wine cellar would be nice too.

[noamnety]

38. oops, forgot to mention

it was just a false positive with me, everything was fine. They made me do another one in 6 months instead of the usual 12, and that one was clear. Can't believe I forgot to mention that, it was supposed to be the point of my post!

[cally]

26. I'm sending good vibes your way

I was just told I need a biopsy after my mamogram so we can freak out together. :hug: I've heard that false positives are relatively common for pap smears.

[beam me up scottie]

35. I dread going for my mam-gram.

Men have no idea how lucky they are to have their equipment on the outside of their bodies.

[Ripley]

24. Yes and no.

I've had mail notifications and phone.

Don't freak. ...a bird just flew into the screen porch I'm sitting in and is freaking me out.

Bird lives, hobbles/flies away...

Hope your test results are good.

[beam me up scottie]

36. I'm think I've used up

all of my freak in the past 2 years but it could come back anytime.

[Eloriel]

31. Good luck, kiddo

When do you go back in?

Please keep us informed. There's a lot of good info in this thread that I hope will keep you from freaking. Some seriously good info.

[beam me up scottie]

37. July 6th.

Yes, this thread has been very educational.
Not to mention supportive.
Knowledge, experience and support, I am sooooooooooooooooo glad we have this group.
I shudder to think what some replies would have been like if I posted this in GD.

[beam me up scottie]

34. Thanks for the awesome support

you guys, I'm alone down here and I needed some perspective.
It's always something, you know ?

Oh, I forgot, I go back on July 6th which is great, I'd hate to have to wait longer.

[Heddi]

40. I hope this doesn't come across as condescending

because I totally do not mean it that way.

However, this is my outlook on life:

Don't worry about things you can't change, and don't worry about the unknown.

I know it sounds pedantric and simplicstic, but I try to look at things that way because it helps me keep perspective.

Last year, right around this time, I got a call from my mom (who lives 3,000 miles away). She said she went to the Dr because she wasn't able to loose weight. They did a urine sample on her and found blood in her urine as well as some elevated lab values, and suggested she see a gynecologist.

She got an appt with the GYN that day, and they told her that based on the initial physical exam, she had very large ovarian cysts that could possibly be tumours.

Now, I freaked out. She's my mama. The only one I got. At the time, I was working at a major Cancer Research Center in SEattle, specifically dealing with Breast and Ovarian cancer. Based on my mom's age, her health history, and family history, I was VERY concerned that she would have ovarian cancer---such a thing is not usually diagnosed early on and when diagnosed has generally metastasized (spread) throughout the body.

I was so worried for her. She wasn't scheduled for a vaginal ultrasound for at least a week, and I swear I bit through every fingernail I had PLUS some.

I was talking to her one day about it, very upset, and she said "Heather, look, no matter what this is or isn't, there isn't a damn thing either you or I can do about it. Don't fret--we'll deal with what we need to deal with when the time comes"

Here I was--completely a basketcase, and here SHE was completely calm about it.

That really helped me.

Story ends that she didn't have tumours, just cysts. THey did a total abdominal hysterectomy (because of uterine scarring from an IUD she had back in the 70's) and removed 1 ovary and both fallopian tubes.

She had one 8 lb cyst, and one 12 lb cyst--they had a gynecological oncologist in the OR when she was having her surgey, and as soon as they opened her up, they took ovary samples to check for cancerous cells and precancerous cells.

Thankfully, THANKFULLY, there was no cancer.

And if there was, or if there wasn't, there was not a single thing I could have done about it, nor her.

Later last year I found out my cat had cancer, and I remembered her words ---we'll deal with what we need to deal with at the correct time. There's nothing you can do about it now, and nothing you could have done about it then. Just wait and see and don't try to deal with unknowns.

That really helped me through a very painful journey with my cat.

I completely have you in my thoughts. The longest part about ANYTHING is waiting to get it done, and waiting to get the results. I wish you the best, and feel free to PM me if you just need to rant or anything. I can't say I've been in the same situation as you, or that I can know personally what you're going through, but I have a really good ear and am willing to be a rage board if need be

:)

:hugs:

[beam me up scottie]

41. Jeez.

Way to make me cry. :)

Thank you for that, it wasn't condescending at all.

Your mom sounds like an incredible lady, and you obviously take after her. 8lb and 12lb cysts ? Wow. It's amazing what your body can endure, isn't it? I am so glad she's okay, hug her for me.

I am so sorry about your cat. I love animals, I am a vegetarian and animal rights advocate. I'm also a foster mom and currently am bottle feeding 5 orphaned kittens-(damn thing they're so cute because I'm exhausted!) am fostering 2 other mothers with 3 kittens each on top of my boys- 4 adult male cats who are my permanent residents, so I know how attached we get to our companion animals.
To lose one is to lose a friend capable of endless unconditional love.

Only worrying about what I can control is also my philosophy when dealing with my body, but, like you said, when it comes to your family, you tend to freak out.
I won't tell my dad about this for that reason.
Once I know more, I'll decide if he needs to know. If it will only worry him unnecessarily, I may not tell him until I have to.
He's over 1000 miles away and worries about me as it is.
My dad's been battling cancer for almost 2 years and my older brother just got shipped to Iraq.
He doesn't need this.
I wanted to move home this year but if I need treatment I will have to stay here and keep my insurance.

*******

I worry about the women who don't have insurance.

I didn't have an exam for over two years for that reason.

From what I understand, quick diagnosis and treatment are key to surviving cancer.

What about the women who don't go until it's too late ?

Why should women-mothers, wives, partners, sisters, daughters, friends, why should they be condemned to die because our government cares more about killing people in foreign lands and drug company profits ?

Why do I constantly see ads for free samples of ED drugs but none for free cancer screenings for women without insurance ?

What is wrong here ?