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High Risk HPV but no abnormal cells

Positivepenny
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Hi everyone, 

I received my 2nd cervical smear result today, reading 'your results show high risk hpv, no abnormal cells found reappear in 12 months'. To be honest, it's really dampened my day. It wasn't the result I expected to receive especially whilst at work and my first smear was fine 3 years prior was fine  

I've spent the day researching high risk HPV and it seems all we can really do is wait to see if our immune system clears it or it progresses. I must say it is daunting to think you have a virus that could cause potential cancer and there is nothing you can do about it. 
 

It seems as though numerous people have had this issue and I'm aware HPV is incredibly common, I just want to reassure everyone to stay healthy, focus on your immune system, looking after your body And your mind snd I'm sure all will be fine. I suffered really badly from health anxiety when I was younger around 23 and receiving that then would of really affected me, luckily i am a bit older now and have a more positive and present outlook.

One thing I would say is I am quite unhappy with the whole process I had my smear done August 3rd amd have only today recieved a text, I had chased numerous times and been told I would receive a letter first before the GP. No letter has arrived, just a very clinical inhumano text telling me I have a High risk virus with no further information. Luckily, I am strong minded enough to try and not let it affect me and focus on my health but I totally understand how so many people would feel really worried especially since minimal information is provided, even during the whole process apart from a little leaflet. 
 

stay strong girls and try not to worry, remember it's very common and just stay on top of getting checked to ensure you can sort anything as quick as possible x 

  • Offline

    Hi Positivepenny.

    I have just read your post and my daughter has had exactly the same thing happen to her.

    I am feeling so upset for her. It's such an awful way to send results via text from the GP. We were having a lovely family afternoon out, and she received a text telling her the same thing as yourself. No letter, just a text and then the GP surgery said there was no-one available to speak to her about it. She had to wait until the next day and the nurse who rang her told her she had one of the high risk hpv virus's, no abnormal cells, but to have a repeat smear/hpv test in 12 months! The nurse told her that they do not send the type of hpv she had, only that is is "high risk" for becoming cancer. As there are so many strains of high risk, it would have been so helpful to know whether it was the highest (16 or 18) or one of the other high risk that are not as high.

    I was wondering whether you have had your repeat yet? And what the result is? I am hoping it has cleared by your immune system and you are ok?

    I understand that it is best to keep on top of these smears, as early detection can help to prevent it turning into cancer. But it is so worrying, and such an awful way to be told.

    If you read this, it would be helpful to know how you are doing? So we have an idea of what to expect.

    Trying to stay strong, but it is so hard at the moment.

    XXX

  • Offline in reply to Worriedparent

    Hi Ladies,

    I would just like to let you all know that I received a positive HPV result from a smear test last September with no abnormal cells detected. I did however at a similar time discover a lump between my vagina and anus. I have since been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal. Chemoradiation therapy finished in May and I am going for my end of treatment results on Thursday. In America I am led to believe that someone with a positive HPV result would have both cervical and anal swabs done. I mentioned the lump I had discovered to the nurse conducting the smear test. She could not feel it and and quite frankly could not have been less interested. I then received a positive HPV result and called my GP to discuss what this meant. The GP obviously did not see the case note about the lump I had reported and said that another smear test would be done in 12 months time. Luckily I pursued the lump issue and didn't leave things 12 months. I just wanted to make you all aware that HPV does not only cause cervical cancers. This post is really to offer information not to cause unnecessary worry. Wishing you all well with the HPV. xx

  • Offline in reply to Worriedparent

    Hi,

     

    actually since the test, a few of my other friends have received the same result also, which leads me to believe how common it is. 
     

    ive just gone for my smear again last week, was actually really well managed, the nurse was lovely and it was really quick. However, i was told id receive the results via letter within 6-8 weeks. 
     

    once I get the results, I will update you all. Hopefully its not via a blunt text message this time!! Hope your daughter is doing well. 

  • Offline in reply to Positivepenny

    Thank you so much for your reply.

    It is very reassuring that this must be a very common thing to happen.

    The letter from the NHS came two days after the horrible text from the GP (due to the Royal Mail strike!) and was worded so much differently! If my daughter had received that before the text we wouldn't have been so upset and worried as we were. 

    Apparently, the reason results are taking so long (it was 6 weeks for hers), is because the HPV is tested in the lab first, then the smear test for the abnormal cells is done later. Her letter was very reassuring and we are still angry about the text from the GP. She got the text when she could have been driving or teaching for all they knew and was told she couldn't speak to a nurse (on the phone!) until the day after. And all the text said was that she had high risk HPV and to have a repeat smear in 12 months time. No mention that there were no abnormal cells and she was at low risk of cancer at the present time! All that stress is really not acceptable. Apparently low risk HPV is a different strain entirely and is linked with having warts, nothing to do with abnormal cells.

    I do think there is a much better way to communicate with patients.

    Thank you again for replying, I hope your results are all clear this time. According to the letter, the majority of people clear the virus with their own immune systems.

    Take care, and please let me know how you go on.

    Best wishes.

     

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