12th March 2007
Hi Everyone,
I recently just joined and after reading many different posts- I just wanted to share my side of living with HPV and anal warts.
Like many have posted, I discovered a bump nearly two years ago while I was in the shower in the perianal area, and at first, didn't think it was anything STD related. After many weeks passed by, I talked to a close friend about it and decided that it was time to go and visit my doctor, which luckly, is gay-friendly and specializes in AIDS/HPV.
Upon examination, he discovered two warts, on opposite sides and treated them using cryotherapy. He diagonsed me with having an STI and had me come in for an internal examination (using an analscope) and take a anal pap smear (men are also at risk for cancers from HPV). The next time I had come in (two weeks later)- I did not need treatment for the perianal region nor internally, but did get a anal pap smear done.
I've been going to my doctor on average of once a month- we have a great relationship and he's helped me cope with having HPV. He bascially told me that we are basically coming to a point where "4 out of 5 men have it" and wasn't surprised I got it since I was very sexually active (and was making bad choices).
Each visit requires me to prepare for an internal inspection, which does involve the use of cryotherapy due to some stubborn very small warts (at last check, I had three very small ones). At one point, maybe seven months ago, I was completely clear from both internal and perianal warts (I haven't had a perianal wart infection in nearly a year). I was hoping at that point, I was done with treatment for good, but it did come back. Due to the reoccuring treatment, I did develop internal hemorrhaging, but having changed my diet (increase water intake and fiber)- I only have bleeding for a few hours after treatment, if that.
Frustration sometimes overcomes me, and as I talk to my doctor about it, he gave me an Rx for 3M's Aldara cream, but said that if I didn't want to pay for it ($80 co-pay), don't bother since he wasn't to fond of it. My past treatment was considered "intense" with cyrotheraphy to "zap" the three little warts- it wasn't to painful, just some discomfort for a few hours afterwards. He did suggest having them surgically removed, but I'd rather continue with cryo.
Lately, I've been reading a lot about herbal treatments when a friend of mine was doing some research on Oil of Oregeno (which has been brought up here)- I plan on purchasing some soon and see how that works out, hopefully in my favor. I also hope as this year goes on, that my body will finally recognize the virus and help supress future warts.
I'm interested in learning about others stories.
I recently just joined and after reading many different posts- I just wanted to share my side of living with HPV and anal warts.
Like many have posted, I discovered a bump nearly two years ago while I was in the shower in the perianal area, and at first, didn't think it was anything STD related. After many weeks passed by, I talked to a close friend about it and decided that it was time to go and visit my doctor, which luckly, is gay-friendly and specializes in AIDS/HPV.
Upon examination, he discovered two warts, on opposite sides and treated them using cryotherapy. He diagonsed me with having an STI and had me come in for an internal examination (using an analscope) and take a anal pap smear (men are also at risk for cancers from HPV). The next time I had come in (two weeks later)- I did not need treatment for the perianal region nor internally, but did get a anal pap smear done.
I've been going to my doctor on average of once a month- we have a great relationship and he's helped me cope with having HPV. He bascially told me that we are basically coming to a point where "4 out of 5 men have it" and wasn't surprised I got it since I was very sexually active (and was making bad choices).
Each visit requires me to prepare for an internal inspection, which does involve the use of cryotherapy due to some stubborn very small warts (at last check, I had three very small ones). At one point, maybe seven months ago, I was completely clear from both internal and perianal warts (I haven't had a perianal wart infection in nearly a year). I was hoping at that point, I was done with treatment for good, but it did come back. Due to the reoccuring treatment, I did develop internal hemorrhaging, but having changed my diet (increase water intake and fiber)- I only have bleeding for a few hours after treatment, if that.
Frustration sometimes overcomes me, and as I talk to my doctor about it, he gave me an Rx for 3M's Aldara cream, but said that if I didn't want to pay for it ($80 co-pay), don't bother since he wasn't to fond of it. My past treatment was considered "intense" with cyrotheraphy to "zap" the three little warts- it wasn't to painful, just some discomfort for a few hours afterwards. He did suggest having them surgically removed, but I'd rather continue with cryo.
Lately, I've been reading a lot about herbal treatments when a friend of mine was doing some research on Oil of Oregeno (which has been brought up here)- I plan on purchasing some soon and see how that works out, hopefully in my favor. I also hope as this year goes on, that my body will finally recognize the virus and help supress future warts.
I'm interested in learning about others stories.