I survived a LEEP

I'm 28 and had the LEEP procedure done on 2/19/09 (today).  I wanted to post this so gals who are about to go through this know what to expect. 

I spent last night reading horror stories on the web about the procedure and totally psyched myself out.  Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep.

My Mom picked me up 30 minutes before the procedure and drove me to the Dr. Office.  I got right in and asked a few questions.  I expressed my anxiety to one of the nurses and she calmed my fears by saying it was much quicker than the previous procedure, a colposcopy.  I had such a bad expierence with the Colposcopy that I passed out from the pain.

Anyway, back to the procedure.  To help with the anxiety, I decided to talk about my recent vacation.  I talked through the entire procedure while my Mom held my hand for the couple of times that I was in slight pain.  The nurse and Doctor humored me and pretended to be interested in what I was saying.  They even asked random questions about my trip which helped distract me.  It really wasn't bad at all.  I have absolutely no pain tolerance and didn't feel much at all.  I've had mild to moderate cramping and bleeding throughout the day, but nothing I couldn't handle.  I honestly think the worst part is when they put the clamp thing in to open you up and then when they remove it.  It was so much less painful and easier than I had thought.  The worst part is no sex for 4 weeks and having to use pads in stead of tampons.  I hate them, they seem so unsanitary and messy. Ugh.

Again, I have no pain tolerance.  I pass out when I get my blood drawn.  I passed out when I got my belly button pierced (years ago.)  And this was a synch.

I decided to take the rest of the day off just to relax.  I'll be back to work tomorrow with no problem I'm sure.  

Do yourself a favor and get off the computer.  Stop reading these stories and psyching yourself out.  You will be fine.  You'll forget any pain you went through in a matter of minutes.

I'm glad your got through this and that your mother went with you. It makes all the difference in the world to have a loved with us to at least hold our hands.

I also hope you have clear margins.

Please forgive me, but there is something in your post that has me questioning your doctor.

Foremost, if you have a low pain tolerance, why did the doctor not offer you some kind of block for the colposcopy? To put you in so much pain that you fainted is unacceptable, on his part,.

Secondly, if you were that nervous, why did the doctor not write you a prescription for sedatives? A caring doctor wants to do everything possible to make it as easy for a patient as possible.

In addition, you mentioned there was a small amount of pain. Since your doctor was aware of your low pain tolerance, did he not offer an IV drip in-office or general anesthesia in outpatient? Did he check, first, before the LEEP to make sure you were fully numb? He should have done his utmost to make this easier for you so that you were not experiencing anxiety and any kind of pain. I honestly think you mighr want to consider getting a different doctor. Your current doctor doesn't sound very respectful of the kind of body you have. Your body is too precious to not be treated as carefully as possible.

But more than that, did he

1. Show you the lab report?

2. Fully discuss what you had, where it was located, how extensive it was, if it was in the endocervical canal, and if it was in the endocervical glands?

3. Give you a detailed discussion of the risks and benefits of all your treatments options - cryosurgery, laser, LEEP, and cold knife cone biopsy - before making a recommendation? Did he mention any future complications from the LEEP?

If you answer "no" to even one question, then please by all means fire that doctor and get a new one.

I just want your body to be treated with utmost respect by a doctor who cares enough and is ethical enough to want you to be educated enough to make informed decisions and to also make sure your anxiety level and pain tolerance are fully addressed. That you were so anxious you had to talk about your vacation to help your nerves and even felt a little bit of pain breaks my heart for you.