I had a LEEP procedure done yesterday and I feel just fine.
Initially I was nervous about going in and was there at a time of high stress (one of my closest friends died the night before after a struggle with breast cancer), but once the procedure started, it was okay.
They gave me an Ativan half an hour prior to the procedure and that helped.
The physician and the nurse talked me through the procedure -- it's not pleasant but I didn't find it any worse than a pap smear, and actually not as painful as the initial biopsy that identified abnormal cells on my cervix.
I have had minimal bleeding last night and the same for today. I'm a little more tired than usual but I chalk that up to emotional stress. I feel like I could go back to working out (which I do five days a week) but I'm being smart and taking the week off exercise. So far, so good.
I feel no shame, no guilt. I am a 46 year old woman in a 22 year monogamous (on both sides) marriage. HPV happens to sexually active adults. Some show symptoms of the virus, others do not. Big deal.
*shrug* Having watched my friend struggle with, and die of, cancer I am pleased I got this procedure done. It may just save my life. Sure, there are minor inconveniences but they are NOTHING compared to fighting for your life and enduring cancer. NOTHING.