Hi everyone,

i'm new to this board, but have read alot of the posts and think this is so helpful!

I was told yesterday that my cervical biopsies (which was very painful for me personally, although it seems like it isn't for some) came back with CIN III (2 of them), CIN II (2 of them), and CIN I (1 of them) and my dr. recommended a LEEP to be done. He said we could do it in the office with a local anesthesia or in the hospital with a general--i opted for a general since i had already experienced such pain with the biopsies. So now, i have a whole bunch of questions that i thought people that have been through this could help me out with:

1. How does the whole procedure work in the hospital--are you out before they start anything, and do you need breathing apparatus since it is such a short procedure?

2. Should someone be at the hospital with me during the procedure and the recovery (I've only lived in nyc for a short time and have no family here and boyfriend would have to take off of work, should he?) Can anyone even come in the recovery room?

3. I've read on the board that too much walking after isn't good? How much is too much (i have about a 20 minute brisk walk to the subway and from the subway everyday to work)? How long should activity be avoided?

4. Why are blood tests taken for the pre-op?

5. Are you still out of it from the general anesthesia when you leave the recovery room?

6. Can i work the next day after general anesthesia and leep (sit down job, behind computer all day)?

7. Are you given pain medication after the procedure? Do you need it?

I know I asked alot of questions and everyone has different experiences, but i am pretty nervous (without family and close friends nearby for support) so any info from you guys would be really helpful.

thank you so much!

Sophie,

I had my LEEP done at the hosp but chose to have a local instead of general but I still had to go in for pre-op testing. Anytime they are going to use general anesthesia they like to do a blood count and usually chest x-ray and EKG just to make sure everything is ok. You will definetely need someone to drive you home from the hosp, they probably won't release you to leave unless someone is with you. I had mine done on a wed and didn't return to work until monday but I am a nurse and am constantly on my feet. I really didn't have as much pain with the LEEP as i did with the biopsy. Just a little cramping for a couple of days. Discharge lasted about 3 weeks but nothing major just more of an inconvenience than anything. Well I hope this has helped you some. If I can do anything else for you just let me know.

Crystal

Hello! I'll try to answer your questions!! (I copied and pasted them in here!)

1. How does the whole procedure work in the hospital--are you out before they start anything, and do you need breathing apparatus since it is such a short procedure?

Well, I had that general (they called it IV sedation)... it was great! They put the IV in and then I "fell asleep" and when I woke up, it was all over with. I didn't remember any of it. And I didn't feel a thing (just some cramping after, but not major. Like period cramps)

2. Should someone be at the hospital with me during the procedure and the recovery (I've only lived in nyc for a short time and have no family here and boyfriend would have to take off of work, should he?) Can anyone even come in the recovery room?

If you are having out patient surgery (general or IV sedation) you have to have someone drive you home. And they say not to be alone for the next 24 hours. If you don't have anyone, maybe they can keep you in the hospital for that time?

3. I've read on the board that too much walking after isn't good? How much is too much (i have about a 20 minute brisk walk to the subway and from the subway everyday to work)? How long should activity be avoided?

My doctor said not to exercise for 4 weeks...but that I could go for my brisk walks after a couple of days. She said that I could walk right away, but to take it easy (not to fast, no hills, etc). But, now weight lifting for 4 weeks...

4. Why are blood tests taken for the pre-op?

Yes, I had blood tests taken. I don't know what they consist of, but I know one I had was a pregnancy test. I'm sure they just want to make sure before they do the procedure... Every doctor requires different tests from what I understand.

5. Are you still out of it from the general anesthesia when you leave the recovery room?

Not really. I was just tired later on that day. (I was actually silly when I awoke from the procedure!)

6. Can i work the next day after general anesthesia and leep (sit down job, behind computer all day)?

Hmmm...I know my doctor said no for the next day, but I am a teacher (1st grade which is very demanding). I know I felt fine the next day, just a little crampy, but you might just want to relax. But, if you have to work, ask your doctor. I was also told that you can't work 48 hours after anestesia (that is why I really took the next day off)

7. Are you given pain medication after the procedure? Do you need it?

I didn't need any, but I just took some Ibuprofin. Seriously, It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be. I spent more time worrying than it was worth!
I hope I helped you out http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
Good luck! (Where did you live before NYC???)