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CIN III/HSIL
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia III (severe)
High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions
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The results of that June pap were not good. We used a Thin Prep test, and the result was CIN III/HSIL. They recommended I go for a Colposcopy and Biopsy. At that point I started doing my own research. I knew I didn't want Leep or Cryotherapy. I've been familiar with herbs and alternative therapies for a long time. So when I discovered Naturopathic Doctors had come up with a successful treatment for cervical dysplasia, I wanted to know more.
My first really good resource for information on alternative treatment for dysplasia was the Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. For general education on cervical dysplasia please see the presentation I put together for Women Newly Diagnosed with Cervical Dysplasia, it will answer many questions you have. I also did a report on Cervical Cancer, if you want to know more about this please read my report, I've also included some information about the HPV vaccine which I highly suggest reading before getting the vaccine or choosing to vaccinate your daughter(s) against cervical cancer.
Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine by Tori Hudson ND. I contacted Tori by email and asked if she could recommend someone in my area who was familiar with her method of treating dysplasia. She suggested a ND about 30 miles away. If you would like to find a Naturopath in your area visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physician's website and search for an ND in your area. Even if they are unfamiliar with Tori's protocol, if you take her book with you to see the ND they can order the supplies and assist you in treating cervical dysplasia.
I worked with Nancy for the duration of my treatment. The cost of my treatment was aprox $700 for the entire treatment, spread out over about 5 weeks, which includes supplements. As best I can tell, total medical expenses from the colposcopy, biopsies, pregnancy test, and the lab expenses for analyzing the biopsies would of cost me about $1000 if I had not been able to get discounted rates and had some insurance coverage. If I had the cryotherapy it would of added another chunk to the bill, no idea how much that would of been.
For my naturopathic treatment, here are the expenses broken down:
$175 - Initial visit/consultation
Treatment plan:
Protocols: page 63 & 65 in Tori's book.
There were also vaginal suppositories that I used over the course of the treatment. During this time I had sex infrequently, if at all, I don't remember at the moment, Nancy suggested against it, and I tend to think I complied as much as possible.
I began Naturopathic treatment August 10th 2000, and it continued until October 10th 2000. I went for my follow up pap in March of 2001. The results of that one showed some inflammation and some white blood cells present, but other than that, things were normal. Nancy gave me some suppositories for the inflammation.
I went back for another pap in November of 2001. At this time I asked them if they can test to see what kind of HPV is present, however they told me their lab was unable to test that. The results of this pap showed ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, cannot rule out low grade dysplasia, recommending a follow up pap in March of 2002 and suggestions I consider another colposcopy.
I did not return for my follow up pap, instead I worried about it and ignored it for about 5 years. I returned for another pap in Feb of 2007. This time my clinic was able to test for HPV, which I requested they do. They did a thin prep pap which is the better of the two available. My results came back normal, and the HPV test negative. Which is a big relief, but I was curious to know what strains of HPV I had since it has been with me for a while.
And it is nice to know that natural method do work, even cases where severe dysplasia is present. When natural and less invasive methods are available and do work, it makes me angry that doctors send women for Leeps and other invasive procedures when its totally not necessary. I understand why they do it though. I'm sure they charge more than $1000 for Leep or Cryotherapy, look at all the money they'd miss out on. The colposcopy, biopsies and their analysis cost about that.
I think it is totally awesome that they are able to test for the different strains of HPV now, this is a great tool for women who want to be more proactive in taking care of our health. If we don't have one of the worst strains, like 16 or 18 which can become cancerous in as little as 18 months, in something like that... Yea maybe a Leep is a good idea, but otherwise, no. I'm sorry, that kind of invasive treatment I just don't agree with. Ok, so yea, I had to go to a naturopathic doctor for 5 weeks twice a week and spread my legs for her so I could get my cervix dusted with one herbal powder, then washed and rinsed with another herbal concoction. So yea... It is a little more inconvenient and time consuming, and it cost me $35 each visit for the privilege. But you know what? My cervix is intact, and that is important to me.
Maybe for some women, having the doctor take care of the problem for them is best for them. However, if that is a choice that they make when they know all the options, including the alternatives then fine, its her choice. The problem is, a doctor won't tell you about this option.
When I did my colpo and biopsies, I told the Dr's up front (and the nurse) that I was going to treat it naturopatically. The nurse was most interested, I brought Tori's book with me, and I knew that they were going to take pictures of the colpo, so I asked for a copy. I knew I was going to post my experience online, my regular website was going full steam and I knew this was something important that needed to be shared. I had originally created a website on MSN and documented my experience there, but they deleted it for some reason, and I didn't have a back up copy of it, because it was something that you build online as you go.
I was able to pull together most of my medical papers that I had over the years, I couldn't find all the receipts but I have the naturopath's notes and know I did ten treatments, which by the way, I could of done myself, and saved those 10 office visits. I decided however to go to the office, because it was important to wash all of the powder off my cervix and not get it all over the place, like on the walls of my vagina. I decided I'd rather let my ND do it, and I was at a time when I could afford the $70 per week for the two office visits. So it was worth the peace of mind.
I also wanted to share my colposcopy report and photos, as well as the lab results of the biopsies. I went through the pain and suffering to get them, and its an important piece in proving that natural remedies can and do work for severe dysplasia.
Notes from the colposcopy record:
Abnormal things they noted from the colpo were:
Glossary of Terms Used in Colposcopy
I was fertile at the time they took the biopsy samples, and my abundant slippery cervical fluids made it more difficult for the doctor in training (interns?) To get her sample. Once the male doctor had to step in and "show her how its done" OW!!! And let me tell you I felt that. Needless to say I didn't like that male doctor. The young lady was ok though.
They took 4 biopsy samples. At 8, 4, 11 and 1 o'clock.
Surgical Pathology Report 7/28/2000
Specimen A: Uterus, cervix at 1 o'clock, biopsy
Specimen B: uterus, cervix at 8 o'clock, biopsy
Specimen C: Uterus, cervix at 4 o'clock, biopsy
Specimen D: Uterus, cervix at 11 o'clock, biopsy
Specimen E: Endocervical curettings
If I ever get another bad pap, I would definitely go this route again, using naturopathic medicine to treat this problem. I might consider doing another colposcopy, however I'm not going to let them take biopsies again, it hurts and when you can see the abnormal areas as shown in the photos, I feel comfortable with going to my naturopath with those in hand and telling her where the problem areas are, and let her do her thing. I feel like I can spare my cervix and body the ordeal of having pieces of my cervix removed.
The only thing that I notice different about my cervix after all of the stuff it has been through, is that the nabothian cysts that were present on my cervix but not very noticeable were more noticeable following the biopsies and naturopathic treatment. Including one that has grown fairly large, I have not looked recently to see if it has altered over the years but whenever I feel my cervix it is still there. Consensus says they're harmless, but one day I'd like to see if I can get them to go away.
Additional Resources
Basic Supplemental Program
Other products I wish I had known about when dealing with HPV? Those would include:
Knowing what I do now. Shaklee is my Go To company when it comes to choosing supplements. Even though their products cost more than your typical Wal-mart brand vitamins, the qualitiy is the difference. What's more expensive a product you spend money on that doesn't work? Or a product that you can be confident does what it say it will? Shaklee spends money on research to make sure the nutrients they are providing actually make it into your blood stream. They make sure your body is able to use it. I know quality is cheaper in and I'm worth every penny.
Their quality control exceeds by far other supplement companies, they send every batch through extensive testing. They check for contaminants, heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, yeast and more. Their labs are on par with the pharmaceutical industry yet their products are natural and based on science not the latest fad. Their ingredients are based on nature, not chemicals. Even though supplement companies have no standerds they need to adhere to, Shaklee invited the FDA to inspect their facilities and the FDA was very impressed and gave them the seal of approval. If you want to read more about the Shaklee difference please view this page. A Company with a Conscience.
Another great thing about Shaklee? If you are not satisfied with their products for any reason, they have a 100% money back guarentee.
I went for my pap in June of 2000, it had been several years since my last one, which had also come back abnormal, that's when I had discovered my partner knowingly exposed me to HPV and didn't warn me that he was a carrier of the virus.
$ 87 - Initial supplements
$350 - 10 Escharotic Treatments at $35 each, occurring twice a week for 5 weeks.
$ 40 - additional supplements and suppositories for inflammation post pap April 2001
$ 43 - additional supplements 6 months later. Sept 2001
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$695 - for naturopathic treatment and supplements up to 1 year following initial treatment.
We followed Tori's book for the most part, pages 63 and 65. Nancy made the following recommendations:
- more leafy greens - cooked and raw - kale, collards, swiss chard, salad greens - important for folic acid and other B vitamins and liver function.
- protein: soy, beans, grains, fish, turkey, chicken, nuts, seeds, eggs.
- Folic Acid - 2 drops/day (she had given me a concentrated liquid)
- Vitamin C - 3 grams/day minimum
- Beta Carotene - 10 drops/day (concentrated liquid)
- Additional Selenium - 200 to 400mg/day (she had a high mg capsule she gave me, most selenium supplements only have small amounts like 50mg per capsule).
- Herbal Tincture - ½ tsp. 3x/day (awful tasting stuff - that was the hardest part to take)
Colposcopy & Biopsy Results
Happy unmolested cervix
abnormal blood vessels
They took 4 pictures
#1 under normal light
#2 under blue light - to show abnormal blood vessels
#3 Acetic Acid Staining (vinegar solution)
#4 Lugol's Staining (iodine solution)
1. Mild to moderate squamous dysplasia (CIN I-II)
2. Negative for malignancy.
1. Moderate squamous dysplasia (CIN II)
2. Negative for malignancy.
1. Moderate to severe squamous dysplasia (CIN II-III)
2. Negative for malignancy.
1. Moderate squamous dysplasia (CIN II)
2. Negative for malignancy.
1. Squamous dysplasia present; small fragment difficult to grade
2. Negative for malignancy.
Conclusion:
If you are dealing with cervical dysplasia or abnormal pap smears, and would like to talk with other women who are going through the same things, please join my email support group. Cervical Dysplasia.
If you need help understanding your Pap Smear Results visit this link.
For information about Cervical Cancer.
For information about Cervical Dysplasia - especially useful for those newly diagnosed
Supplementation is Important: I have recently become aware of a supplement company that is producing top of the line food based supplements. One of their products, called Nutriferon really boosts your immune system, giving it the components needed to naturally fight off colds and viruses. The ingredients found within this product have recently been found effective in the treatment of Hepatitis C which is of viral origin. If I had known about this product when I was dealing with HPV I would of used it. I currently use it.
Vitalizer with Iron
Sustained Release Vitamin C
B-Complex
Beta Carotene (CartoMax) (also included with Vitalizer, for those with abnormal cervix cells, I would use additional Beta Carotene.)
Vivix the components in this product are backed by some pretty amazing research and is highly anti-cancer and anti-oxident. I've started using this, at 1 tsp a day, I can't wait to take it each morning. It gives me great energy, and I know I'm protecting my body on many different levels.
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