Any OB/GYN nurses out there?

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

First off, I am not asking for medical advice. I'm looking more for reassurance. I just got back a pap smear test with abnormal cell growth, and that has never happened before. The nurse (well, she called herself a nurse, but could have been sec.) said it was nothing to worry about, and most cases are fasle positives. They just want me to come back in 6 months for another pap (which, I very much plan to do, already set the appt.)

In reading, it does say "most" or "many" cases are false, and can be due to bacteria introduced before the exam. Do any of you that deal with this a lot see a lot of false readings? Would you be worried, or upset if it were you? (I am a worry wart, and I am thinking all kinds of bad scenarios right now)

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Best bet is to check with your doctor who knows your history.

[rn/writer, RN]

Rather than let scary thoughts torture you for the next six months, ask to have another test done right away. If your own provider will not do this, find another doc or go to a women's health clinic to have the test done.

I would not be satisfied to have someone of unknown credentials telling me that the test was a false positive. It seems unconscionable to assume that a test is a false positive and not follow up immediately with another test.

Aside from the need for early detection with any kind of problem, this is about more than just your physical status. There ought to be enough concern for your mental and emotional well-being to re-test you right way. If your current provider (and the staff) can't understand and accommodate this aspect of your care, keep looking until you find someone who can.

I wish you well.