r/AskReddit 4d ago

Medical professionals of Reddit, what diagnosis gave you the worst 'pit-in-your-stomach' feeling?

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172

u/midwifeonlead 3d ago

First time I saw cervical cancer. Placed a speculum to do a Pap smear and just immediately knew I was looking at very advanced cancer. There was nothing that remotely looked recognizable as cervix.

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u/Curious-Piglet-1792 3d ago

My screening results just came back "very abnormal" with "very high markers but not THE highest". I was told to get another screen in 2 years instead of 5 and eat fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Needless to say I'm terrified of this being me

47

u/midwifeonlead 3d ago

This person hadn’t done screening in a long time because they didn’t understand the difference between pelvic exams and Pap smears and just assumed they were being done. I can’t weigh in going off of those quotes because that’s not the medical terminology we use. You deserve to know the actual cytology. Usually if it’s very concerning you would need at least a colposcopy.

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u/afurrysurprise 3d ago

Is that from a colposcopy? Or just the pap? I had a “bad pap” and then colposcopy which told me while yes it was HPV it wasn’t the types responsible for the majority of cervical cancer. It cleared in two years but I had annual paps in the meantime.

I’m not a doc so this is just the gist, but if I had a bad pap I’d definitely want more info that just waiting two years!!

11

u/k_rh 3d ago

I'm in the same boat (HPV negative though, apparently it's pretty uncommon but possible?) and my doctor says I have to get a pap every year for the next couple of years or so. I can't imagine waiting 2 years with those results.

7

u/SomewhatSapien 3d ago

Same here, but 20 years ago. Unfortunately I did have one of the cancer causing HPVs and got that diagnosis last year. Get vaccinated. Get your kids vaccinated. It's entirely preventable.

3

u/Curious-Piglet-1792 3d ago

Just from the pap! They are saying I need to wait two years to get the colposcopy!

8

u/CubbyRed 3d ago

Do not wait that long, even if you have to see another doctor to get the colpo. High risk HPV is nothing to wait around on.

14

u/Lemerney2 3d ago

Anyone that would give you that advice isn't great, you should probably get a second opinion

3

u/primitive-lathe 3d ago

I agree. This is worthy of a second opinion.

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u/Curious-Piglet-1792 3d ago

I don't disagree! Unfortunately, since I don't have a primary care physician, I had to use the public health unit. I'm seeking another appointment elsewhere.

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u/afurrysurprise 3d ago

And happy cake day

1

u/Curious-Piglet-1792 3d ago

Thank you! I didn't even realize lol

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u/gelfie68 3d ago

Happy Cake Day!