Just a quick question for you ladies out there:

My gyno told me today that I need to have a cone biopsy, I'm guessing LEEP. It will be an outpatient procedure. This is my first time dealing with an abnormal PAP and have already had the colposcopy done, hence the results. She told me that I should abstain from sex for 6 weeks (which I really hate the thought of and I'm sure my husband feels the same), but said nothing about other activities like going back to work. To those of you that have gone through this, how long before I can possibly return to work? What can I expect? I work 12-hour days in a chemical laboratory setting with some lifting and periods of standing for a while. How did you feel after your LEEP? When did you get back to performing your "normal" activities?

Thanks for your help,
MMarie

I had a LEEP cone but I also had that at the same time as a laparoscopy so I'm not sure if I can be *that* objective since a lap is abdominal surgery so I had stricter post-surgical instructions. HOWEVER....I can tell you that I bled for 3 weeks after the LEEP cone. Granted, they were VERY aggressive and a LOT of tissue was removed but I was very sore "down there" for a couple weeks. Though I LOVE sex, I knew I wouldn't be up to it--even after I felt "better." We waited the whole 6 weeks and it was still uncomfortable the first few times after. You're at risk for infection after it so please heed your doctor's advice to wait. It's not worth complications. As for other activities, it's probably best to take it easy for at least a week. Go by how you feel and whatever your doctor recommends. If you are working too hard, you'll bleed. I remember I had a post-surgical check up about a week later and my cervix was healing well.

GL!

Thanks Mom2nik,

I'm not going to rush anything and my husband said that he wants me to heal and not develop an infection, so I'm not too worried about that. I was just looking for an estimate of how long I might be away from my job. I could definitely use the rest! LOL

Thank you for the information. I will absolutely listen to my doctor.

MMarie

I'd say take a week off work if you could. Especially since you do physical work. If you can't take that much time, maybe your doctor can write a note that excuses you from physical work until you're healed. I know that's not always possible at work but, maybe, they can give you other tasks while you are healing?

Otherwise, I think you'll be just fine! Take it easy, tho. It's not the "funnest" reason to be off work but you will rest! ;)

Please take it easy. I had severe hemoraging after I returned home, but that isn't as common as other side effects. If you return to normal activities, such as your normal sex life, too soon, you will know it!! The doctors warn you for a reason, so listen to them. Infection and complications are worth avoiding with a little easy going and absaining from sex. Good luck with everything. My thoughts are with you. I had LEEP about 7 weeks ago and will have my repeat pap on the 3rd of September. No stress, you are NOT alone. Keep us posted. :angel: