Hi everyone. I have been reading these message boards since I got my colpo results and found out I would need to have the LEEP done. I must say for the most part (aside from a few horror stories) everyone's stories have been really helpful. I found out in June, after just switching doctors, that I would need LEEP and we were trying to set up the dates. Well, not so fast, said my insurance company--apparently there was an issue with my doctor taking my insurance. So I had to find a new doctor who couldn't see me for even a checkup for another month. So we finally meet at the end of July and we set the date for August 30th (another month down the road). Great! I go in 10 days before for my pre-op tests and such and I happened to mention that I think the date would conflict with my period. Another rescheduling! This time for today, another week down the road (Sept. 7). So I show up today nice and drugged up from my Tylenol Pm which is making me sleepy and pain-free, I suppose, all at the same time. After waiting an hour I finally get to see the doctor (my mom started squawking) and I sign the forms and start to get more bouts of the jitters followed by absolute calm, a strange combination. Then the doc comes in again to go over the procedure and answer questions. We just happen to mention that I have mitralvalve prolapse (irregular heartbeat that you take amoxicillin for any type of procedures, even routine dental cleanings) which I had already mentioned to her nurse on my first visit and she had logged down but SOMEHOW got overlooked until today. So she says we can't do it because I must have the medicine in order to do the procedure and we'll have to reschedule for tomorrow morning. I am freaking out now. I got so close and got the panic going and now I have to relive it all over again. I'm not so much scared of the procedure, just the anxiety of waiting. It also keeps getting worse every time I go. First I hear, "You won't feel a thing. You'll be numb. It'll take 5 minutes." Then, "Oh, there may be slight cramping during the procedure. Take some Tylenol. It should last about an hour." I don't know what to think anymore! It is getting progressively worse every time. Will I be spread eagle on a table for 45 minutes? How long will the actual "LEEPing" take? Is the rest of the time just waiting for the numbing meds to kick in? Are the numbing meds a shot? Or a cream? I have heard different things. I am worried I'm going to faint or have a panic attack or lose complete control of my bodily functions. I'm being a little dramatic when I say that, but geez, all of that is tied into nerves, so who knows. I'm trying to think calmly...my mom will be there and hopefully her talking to me will get my mind off of things, but I just can not WAIT to get this over with. And I assure you I will be back tomorrow to post in full detail the goings on of my LEEP. I hope everything goes well, I'm just nervous. I figure if women can have kids I can handle on little LEEP..and the colpo wasn't bad for me..I found the vinegar part to be the worst of it because it stung. So anyway--I guess I'm just looking for assurance from someone who's been there. Thanks everyone.

P.S.-Does anyone think it's a big deal to have still not had the LEEP 3 months after diagnosis? I'm afraid my cells are growing and spreading and she won't catch all of them now because it's been so long. Do they do another quick colpo before the LEEP? Maybe if she did she would definitely know where everything was... AGGHH!! The stress...

I had my LEEP earlier this year. Other women may have had other experiences, of course, but I will tell you mine.

They do do a quick colpo before the LEEP so that they can see where to cut. The actual surgery, the "LEEPing," took 5-10 seconds or so for me. They swipe that thing through your cervix really quickly and then it's over. They cauterize the wound right after, which takes a bit longer... 20 seconds or so for me. The cauterizing was mildly uncomfortable. I had light to moderate cramping for the rest of the day but that was it. Much less painful than my period.

They numb your cervix with a shot, just like at the dentist. I vaguely felt the first shot but didn't feel the next 3 at all, but I've read other women say they felt them pinch.

I have a history of panic attacks, and was also worried about fainting and things like that, but I was fine. Be aware that most doctors use a numbing agent that has epinephrine (adrenaline) in it, and that may make you feel jittery. I requested that the doctor not use epinephrine on me, so I didn't experience that.

Timber,
Thanks for your comments. I feel better already. Although I doubt my doctor will be that fast it's good to have an idea of what I'm in for. A million hugs sent your way!!

I had my LEEP just about one month ago... I had the speculum in for about 15-20min.... very uncomfortable. It took long because they do the colop, then put the betadine, then the shots, then waiting a few minutes, then the LEEP. The LEEP took about 1 minuteor so, they took out two sections. The cauterizing took another minute or so.

Your mention of the vinegar stinging was the first anyone had mentioned that. But I too, thought it stung quite a bit. I thought I was just making it up in my mind...

I'm kinda dramatic about these things sometimes, but I've never had a child or any health issues before. I've had blood taken lots, donated blood, and plasma. Had skin testing for allergens serveral times. But that's about it. So it was a pretty frightening experience for me.

Looking back, if I ever have to have it done again, I'll ask for some meds for the anxiety. But I am glad that it's over, they think they got it all. Two more months to go for my first follow up pap.

Good luck!

Everyone is different, but I didn’t find it to be an unpleasant situation at all. The waiting was again the worst part. I did not get a colp before my LEEP (maybe that’s an American thing) all a felt was slight pressure when he applied the numbing shots. But I was on the table for about 10 mins. The actual procedure took about 20 seconds, but they had to switch machines so I was on the table a little longer. I didn’t have cramping or discomfort that day at all and just had mild cramping the next day, but nothing bad enough to even take any Advil for.

Good luck today! I hope you finally get it done and over with :)

By the way, what grade dysplasia were you diagnosed with?

I had mild to moderate dysplasia. I'm just hoping nothing progresses into severe because of the wait. I could hardly sleep last night I am so excited to get this over with after all the waiting. I'll come back afterwhile and let you all know how it went. Thanks so much for your feedback!

How'd it go Curls?

EDIT: Nevermind, saw your new thread.