DANGEROUS LIAISONS

In May, 1987, after a routine pap-smear test, my doctor informed me that I had warts on my cervix. I had them removed with a cone biopsy. At the time I wasn’t informed just how severe Condyloma actually is. Since my warts were gone, I didn’t think about Condyloma again until 1988, when I started reading more and more on the subject. I had pap smears every 60 days. All came back normal, but these warts were on my mind every waking minute. Then, in February, 1990, I had terrible itching and redness, and I went to the doctor. Sure enough, I had warts again, this time eight or nine of them lining my vaginal wall. These were treated with Efudex, a chemotherapy cream. I have to go back for another pap and colposcopy in June.

I’ve come to realize that I’m going to have to live with this for the rest of my life. I no longer dream of finding another “Mr. Right,” and I no longer dream of having two more children. I can only dream about the day I find out there is a cure or vaccine for warts.

DONNA MONAGHAN

Paramount