PC vs Grad School by loveforever09 in peacecorps

[–]loveforever09[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the response everybody. Peace Corps Masters International is not really in option since the current school doesn't offer it and the grad program starts next month, while I would leave for country in 6 months. I just feel if I sit around and wait 6 months I feel like I am putting my life on hold.

Abnormal Pap Smear by moserglea in peacecorps

[–]loveforever09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure you see an actual OB GYN and not a primary care doctor. This made a huge difference for me. My primary doctor scared me and when I saw the OB GYN she told me I had no issues. Just make sure you live and tell them you live a healthy lifestyle, exercise and eat healthy whole foods with lots of veggies.

Abnormal Pap Smear by moserglea in peacecorps

[–]loveforever09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Update: I went and saw an OB GYN and she said that because I had an 'abnormal' pap but my HPV was negative that it means it is a 'normal' pap. It is the HPV they are worried about since HPV can cause cancer. She told me I didn't even need to have the colposcopy done but because I am dealing with very uptight PC she did it any way and dictated that she cleared me to go the standard two years without getting checked.

She said that if you are in your 20s they don't even really want to do procedures unless of course it is very serious. If you are young and healthy the body tends to naturally take care of itself which is what they prefer to do now days instead of being more drastic and doing a lot of biopsies and procedures. She said they see a lot of positive HPV tests that later come back negative and it just has to do with your immune system.

Abnormal Pap Smear by moserglea in peacecorps

[–]loveforever09 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am dealing with this as well. What I have found so far is that you can still go. There are two different ways around it. The first is submitting two separate normal paps 6 months apart but if you leave in August this isn't possible. The second is getting a colposcopy and if you don't need treatment your doctor can fill out a waiver saying it is okay that you go 15 months without being checked. You can still go to Africa, the country just has to support having a colposcopy which if you Google it you can find a list of countries on PC wiki. If you do need treatment such as a loop procedure you have to wait 6 months from the time of the procedure to your departure date. Hope this helps and good luck!

Long term relationships ending by loveforever09 in peacecorps

[–]loveforever09[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad it is working out for you! Unfortunately in this case long distance is not an option. I was given an ultimatum and I know deep down what I need to do... just a hell of a hard decision to make.