new here - Cancer: Breast Message Board

mybody · 11-05-2003, 09:58 AM

Hi!

I've read many posts here over the last week and want to thank you all for the useful information and encouragement.

I had an abnormal pap a couple of weeks ago and went for a colopscopy. BOY, did it hurt!!!! I admit I'm a whimp, but

My Dr said I would most likely need a LEEP, but since my husband & I aren't interested in having children, he said I might want to think about a hysterectomy.

After reading these posts about how realitively simple a LEEP can be, I'm going to go that route, unless the lab results come back really bad. I hate the idea of any surgery, so less invasive is definitely better for me. Although the thought of bleeding and pads for weeks in terribly unappealing, it's my health.

I'm hoping to get the results back soon. I'm about to start an hourly calling campaign to the Dr.s office to get the results, because I don't want to know, but I do.

Anyway, thanks again!!!!!

Ami

k2whale · 11-05-2003, 04:06 PM

Hey Ami,

I'm pretty new to the board too and definitely new to the LEEP procedure. I just wanted to tell you that I had the LEEP on Monday and it was completely painless (the colposcopy/biopsy hurt in a pinch sort of way much more) and I have had virtually no bleeding or any side effects. I haven't even had one cramp. I have heard (and read) many other stories but I wanted to share mine since I went into this with quite a bit of fear, but it was truly a simple procedure that only took about 10-15 minutes altogether. They give you a local anesthesia and then your heart starts racing fast (like too much coffee), and then you don't feel a thing and the only thing you hear is something that resembles a vacuum cleaner.

I would definitely avoid having a hysterectomy (sp?) if at all possible.

Stay positive, nurture yourself (surround yourself with lavender smelling goodies!), and seek loving support.

Take care and good luck,

PaNik5717 · 11-05-2003, 05:09 PM

Great advice k2whale!

Hi Ami,

Did you get your results? Unless you have invasive cancer or really are fed up with uterine/female problems, you shouldn't need a hysterectomy. But, I would like to know who your doc is so I can get one!

I think the colpo hurts, too. I had one that hurt, one that didn't hurt as much and then I had one while I was under anesthesia. I actually had more bleeding from my colpos than from the LEEP. With the LEEP, they burn the edges so it is more common to have an icky watery discharge and you do have to wear pads or pantiliners. With the LEEP, you also have some kind of anesthesia so it shouldn't hurt. They did mine like k2whale's - with the local that made me shake like crazy and made my heart race. I hope your doc does it the same way since you aren't a big fan of surgery. It seems less like surgery if you don't have to be put to sleep. If you do have it awake and you have a lot of anxiety, call ahead to ask for an anti-anxiety med. I didn't even feel the shot and then I just felt movement and pressure after that, and remember, I was a wimp about the colpo, too. The speculum is the worst part. I am really little so the use a smaller one for paps, a slightly larger one for colpos, and an even bigger one for LEEPs.

Let us know when you get the results and when your next appointment is! (Both of you.)

mybody · 11-06-2003, 04:33 PM

Hi!

Thanks for the extra info. I hope mine goes as smoothly! From what the Dr said, it will be a simple procedure with a light anesthesia "like you would get at the dentist's office". Never been knocked out at the dentist, so I'll need a little more information on that.

No, I haven't received the test results yet. Several calls later. . .

I'm thinking about looking for another Dr because I'm not feeling confident about this one. Over a week for the results and no one told me about a pretty disgusting discharge a few days after the procedure. I was pretty freaked out by it. Bottom line, I don't want to give this Dr my money.

Do you think I would have to have another colop of I went to another Dr? I would go under the auspice of a second opinion, but would really be looking at choosing someone new. I really don't want to go through another biopsy!!!!!!

I'll keep you posted. . .

becky1954 · 11-06-2003, 05:34 PM

2 weeks ago I had a D&C and a Leep done outpatient in the hospital under general anesthesia. Of course I felt nothing during but I hurt afterwards. I am still bleeding. I will go along most of the day with just spotting and then I will have a soaked pad. I haven't gotten my results yet. They are probably there but my doc hasn't called me yet. But she didn't call me after my biopsy either. I am also thinking of changing docs. I go for my postop next Wednesday so I guess I will find out then.