CancerCompass message board discussion started by Jlc393 on 7/25/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,6178,0.htm Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ If anyone can shed some light for me I would truly be greatful...I know this may sound trivial to most who read this...and I appologize up front for my dramitization; but I recently had the LEEP prodcuedure and I can honestly say I am freaking out! I am going crazy physically and emotionally!!!! Physically I feel really bloated and I am bleeding w/ a lot of discharge. On top of the physical side effects I feel incredibly ugly, dirty, and fat! I don't even want to look in the mirror or put on normal fitting clothes. It is as if when they did the procedure they took my self-esteem with it! With that said...all pitty parties aside...my question is this: Is this normal? Why is this affecting me so bad emontionally? Has anyone else had emotional side effects from having this procedure or dealing with the HPV Virus or the possibility of cervical cancer???? I feel completly alone and I feel like no one understands how I feel. Which granted very well might be the case; but I figured it was worth a shot to see if anyone else has these thought/feelings... Jlc393 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Jayme, I had the leep procedure about 15 years ago and it is still a memory I won't forget. I had tested positive for precancerous cells and this was the only way to go. I remember I was awake and crying the whole time. It was awful but it saved my life. I was on my way to full blown cervical cancer. Since the procedure, I have not had one bad Pap and I am truly grateful for that. As far as your emotions are concerned, face whatever is bothering you and try to get past it. You are healthier now that you have had the surgery, so think positive. It was bad and I know exactly how you feel. Its like a violation. But let's dwell on the positive. You were proactive in saving yourself. That is a good thing. Staypositive Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT my name is marie and i just spoke to my doctor and he says i need a leep procedure , he said that i can do it in a month or so , and i am so scared , i dont know how im gonna feel or how im gonna act while my doctor is doing the leep procedure, i have so many questions , like will this destroy me ever giving birth one day , or how long will i be able to have sex , and not feel wierd about it , how will i tell my love one about this and how will he react to it after knowing i had something done like that i guess , i sound so desprite right now because im so scared , if anyone reads this , and you know a little bit more then i know pls let me in on it maybe if i hear other peoples stories i wont be so scared , Mahal43 Mon, 21 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm a LEEP survivor! I had my procedure on August 4th, and it was not as bad as I thought. I had my husband with me, and he was holding my hand and talking to me. I was so focused on what he was saying that I didn't even feel the needle for the numbing portion. The worst part was the few seconds that my heart rate was racing from the medication, but that was less than 30 seconds. I felt fine after the procedure. My doctor, who is wonderful, said the vagina is a one way street for 30 days afterwards. Don't listen to the horror stories--every woman is different, so you may not have the same experience. You're not alone, and you can do this. It may just save your life. Momof4 Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/25/2006 Jlc393 wrote:If anyone can shed some light for me I would truly be greatful...I know this may sound trivial to most who read this...and I appologize up front for my dramitization; but I recently had the LEEP prodcuedure and I can honestly say I am freaking out! I am going crazy physically and emotionally!!!! Physically I feel really bloated and I am bleeding w/ a lot of discharge. On top of the physical side effects I feel incredibly ugly, dirty, and fat! I don't even want to look in the mirror or put on normal fitting clothes. It is as if when they did the procedure they took my self-esteem with it! With that said...all pitty parties aside...my question is this: Is this normal? Why is this affecting me so bad emontionally? Has anyone else had emotional side effects from having this procedure or dealing with the HPV Virus or the possibility of cervical cancer???? I feel completly alone and I feel like no one understands how I feel. Which granted very well might be the case; but I figured it was worth a shot to see if anyone else has these thought/feelings...I Just had a leep procedure two days ago. I think what you're going through is normal. I know for myself I dealt with those symptoms before the procuedure. I really think alot of the issues had to deal with the fact I may have trouble giving birth or having an early pregnancy. I worry about these things even though I'm not in a situation where I'm ready to have children. When I learned that I had to have a Leep, I felt like a piece of me had died... I guess I also felt bad because I found out I had HPV, an STD. Despite the fact that it's common; I felt disgusting & gross. I couldn't believe what I had and what I was needed to go through. I was having trouble accepting that I had an STD and I had to have a pice of me removed. I became even more nervous after having two months of bleeding after the biopsy. I was terrified that there would be complication from the leep as well. Anyways, before I had my procedure I did a lot of reading on leep procedures, cerival cancer, and hpv. It became easier for me to accept after reading many articles about these things. Don't allow this to take over your self worth. While this is a huge and scary thing, it doesn't change who you are inside, how beautiful you are. As far as being bloated, you should check you body's ph level. You might be craving foods that are typically going to cause bloating. Keep in mind any abnormalities in the body will effect the ph level. My ph level was at an 8 which is too high/ alkaline, and his dangerous. It makes your body more suceptible to diseases and most cancers. I have noticed that within the last few months I've been eating alot of onion, pickles, and spicy food ( things that are naturally acid). I think the best thing you can do, is to continue to take care of your body  and be aware of the foods you're eating which will also help your mood. I wish you the best of luck!   Snowbunny Sat, 27 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT  My name is Arlene, I just had a leep procedure two days ago. I thought it was going to be worse than what it was. I had my colopscopy about 3 months ago, I had severe complications and didn't stop bleeding. I had numerous tests done to figure out why this was, no one could give me an answer. I saw three othrr gyn's and 2 of the 3 didn't even want to exam me because of liability issues. I did a lot of reading about leeps, other procedures, cervical caner (sine I was at a CIN 3, the highest grade before cancer) and hpv. I was concerned about the leep so i discussed all of my concerns with my dr. I really think you should make an appt, make a list of concerns & questions and ask him everything. Believe it or not I felt more confident in the leep procedure and in my dr. I just had my leep two days ago... It was scary, I wont lie to you. I think it;s important to be aware of what's going to happen. From what I've read ever clinic preps for the procedure differently. My dr gave me local anesthesia which hurt so much that my legs were shaking... the pain didn't last long obviously, but i think it was that first step that created so much tension, maybe more than what was really necessary. I could pressure inside me, but it didn't hurt. Then he used another instrument that kinda suctioned the skin that had just been cut. I thought was terrifying, as it really felt like it was suckioned onto my cervix. I was trying to hold back my tears, my bf was holding my hand, and i could smell my own skin burning. I know these things sound terrible & I feel bad for saying this to you, but i really feel that you're better off going into being fully aware of everything that will and can happen. I went home within that hr, and pretty much slept all day... it's been a few days and my body still feels run down. I'm not sure how long Im suppose to feel like this?I hope this has helped somehow. I wish you the best of luck!  Snowbunny Sat, 27 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my name is Amy and I had the LEEP procedure done just 1 week ago.  I have to say that a few days before having the LEEP procedure done under a mild general anesthesia, my doctor tried to perform the procedure in his office.  I felt some discomfort and didn't like laying there knowing that there was so much work needing to be done down there that I was so unfamiliar with.  Well, the procedure ended up not working because my cervix didn't respond to the numbing liquid that is used to numb the area before the LEEP begins.  My doctor said that this is actually pretty common...for whatever reason the cervix just doesn't get numb after the liquid is put into the tissue. SO, he signed me up for the procedure a few days later.  I went in and was given an IV with some fluids that had a medicine in it to prevent infection and right before they were ready to begin, the mild form of anesthesia was put into my IV.  I fell asleep immediately and woke up about 40 minutes later with NO PAIN AT ALL and NO SLEEPY HEAD feelings!  I was so impressed with how simple it was and how easy it was on me.  Before doing this I had several teachers at my school who I work with explain to me that their doctor's always use the IV for mild sedation and other doctor's don't even consider it.  SO, if you are feeling a little panicky I would check out your options.  It was absolutely unbelievable to me how I felt like nothing had been done down there on me at all!  I just absolutely love my doctor and feel so confident about trusting him to do whatever else I may need done in the future.  I hope you have a positive experience, because I know it doesn't have to be a bad one!  The only side effect I have had since then is a little bit more frequent urination.  I don't ever get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, but I have every night since then.  There has been a slight odor down there too, but my doctor says that will disappears after the area sheds the cells that need to be lost.   Amyrh7 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT hi my name is lou and i have had three leep procedures done in 2005 then i had my uteru and cervix removed im glad i did i was on my way to cervical cancer or uterine cancer. its not easy to know now i can never have another child and im only 30 so i know how you feel keep your chin up and smile the best is yet t come! god bless. my thoughts are with you. Hopefulholly Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hello, you said that you had a leepprocedure done last August, I also had one done last dec. about 5 days before x-mas and now I go back in april for my pap, I am scared to death that they didn't get it all, and after telling people my results after the leep it bascially said that were he cut that the dysplyais was there to, so does that mean he didn't get it all and also it came back as cin 1-2. any advice would help.thankyou Blueyes61501 Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had a LEEP Procedure 2 days ago and I have to admit that it is not as bad as I thought it would be.  I was kinda nervous on my way to the hospital because I did not know exactly what to expect.  My husband was not allowed to go back with me so I was kinda scared to do it alone but they all treated me great.  They put an IV in my hand and gave me medicine to put me to sleep before the procedure so I didn't feel a thing! I woke up about 45 minutes later and was fine! I honestly couldn't feel a thing. I wouldn't have even known they did the procedure if they hadn't told me. I felt like I had only been there for 20 minutes because as soon as I got there they sent me to Pre-Op and into surgery and I was in and out.  We were there for about 3 hours but it really did not seem that long at all!  For anyone that is about to go through this I'm sure each person is different and each doctor handles the procedure in many different ways, but if at all possible, request that they put you to sleep.  I know that is the main thing that helped me get through this.  And as far as after the surgery, I am doing fine.  I haven't had any bleeding but it has only been 2 days so that could possibly change, I had some pretty bad cramping but those went away with the pain medicine my doctor prescribed me and also some bloating, but other than that I feel fine! I wish everyone good luck with their procedure and if you have any questions please feel free to ask me!  Stetnie81 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT I just had a LEEP done two days ago and I can't tell you how relieved I am to have found this string of messages.  I honestly feel the exact same way that everyone here has described.  It's like nobody else truly understands how this procedure can be so tough emotionally.  I just feel drained and a little sad.  I'm 31 years old and would like to have kids one day, and I'm just worried that this will affect my ability to carry a child down the road.  It's just scary.In terms of physical pain, my LEEP was actually performed in a hospital day surgery unit, so I was given mild sedation through an IV for the procedure.  I was hesitant to have any sedation at first, but I am now so glad that I had it.  I was mildly aware of what was going on, but not really.  I didn't experience any pain during the procedure, but was pretty groggy for the rest of the day.  Now, I'm just having some mild cramping, but no bleeding.  Just taking Advil for the cramping which is working fine.  My question and concern now is that my doctor said she would be getting a pathology report on the removed tissue in about a week.  I'm so worried that the tissue will actually show something worse than the biopsy, which said I had CIN 2.  Has anyone had the experience where their biopsy showed one thing, but then the pathology report from the LEEP showed something worse?  Green22 Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Your answer is about precious.  My dr. has found CIN III and I'm doing a colposcopy on Thursday and then the LEEP.  You're the only one I've read so far that hasn't scared me to death.  God bless you for that. Liz97 Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am so glad I found this - it's amazing what Google will find you!  I had the Leep procedure done almost 2 weeks ago. It didn't hurt so bad - my doctor said she likes to make sure you are very numb. I didn't feel anything while she was doing it - just had cramping afterwards for a day or two and the discharge was horrible. (sorry for the TMI) My question is - it will be 2 weeks like I said - should I still have the discharge? Because I do and it's bothering me. I also have a lot of pressure lately when I sit down. I FEEL it as I sit. Anyone else have this or should I call my doctor? If it's normal, that's fine, I'm just a little freaked out.TIA!  2swtgrls Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am very happy to have found this thread.  I just had my LEEP 3 days ago.  I was awake for the whole thing.  The only pain was when they stuck the needle in to numb my cervix.  It did also feel strange to have my heart racing from the medication for a few minutes.I had bleeding for one day.  Now I have cramping and feel bloated.  I also feel kind of faint (I think that may be because I am stressing so much).  I am worried about getting the test results on what was cut off.  I am afraid they didn't get it all.  I was CIN2, and I am afraid something worse might turn up. Shelleyb Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am schedule to go for LEEP in two weeks and have been researching a lot.  I have CIN3 and have had a lot of emotions the last 6 weeks between my pap, colposcopy, biopsy and waiting for the results.  I had my last pap about 14 months ago and it was normal...how does it progress to CIN3 in such a short time?  I still have many questions and hope to talk to my GYN again before the procedure...which by the way will be under general anest. as I am getting my tubes tied at the same time.  Any advise from anyone?  Nicole76 Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT my pap smear came back abnormal in November of 2006 my doctor gave me the option of waiting three months before doing a Cone biopsy in hopes that my immune system would repair the abnormal cells. I lost my insurance and did not go back to the doctor until  June of 2007, and had to go to a new doctor. (to anyone) if your doctor gives you the option to wait... DON'T!!! That was my biggest mistake, it went from atypical to SILII which is a lesion. My new OBGYN called me the day he recieved the results from my pap and told me I had to see an oncologist the next morning and she would explain everything to me, that was the scariest 24 hours of my life. I just had my LEEP Procedure July 6th under general anesthia, i hate medical procedures and the biopsy was awful. She also scraped my birth canal which was extremely painful.  My feelings about this whole situation are just plain MAD!!! I had NO IDEA that my decisions I made years ago could turn into cancer, no idea that an STD could put me through all of this. I have to wait a month before I know the results from the LEEP procedure and my oncologist said things looked worse from three weeks ago when i had my biopsy. She said if i left it alone for three more months it would be cervical cancer, which will spread fast. I understand where all of yall are coming from when you say your self esteem is ruined basically. I feel absoloutly disgusting, I havent stopped cramping and just started bleeding today, the pain killers have done nothing but constipate me and my oncologist has a bleek outlook.  I never thought this would happen to me. Frazier418 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT I was lucky enough to have absolutely no warning that the Leep procedure would be done on me. I thought I was going in for a followup of my colposcopy appointment, and apparently my doctor made a notation in my file that the leep had already been done on me. I didn't even know what a Leep was. So I had a different doctor this time and she says 'we'll do a colposcopy and if there are still abnormal cells we'll just do a leep today'. So I had less than 5 minutes to mentally prepare for it and I'll tell you it was really not that bad. You shouldn't worry about it. The worst part is when they inject the anaesthetic into your cervix but even that is not that painful. I would advise taking something to help you relax though, like some Ativan. Just about any doctor will prescribe this to you to prevent you from having a panic attack in their office. If you do that you'll be fine. On 8/21/2006 Mahal43 wrote:my name is marie and i just spoke to my doctor and he says i need a leep procedure , he said that i can do it in a month or so , and i am so scared , i dont know how im gonna feel or how im gonna act while my doctor is doing the leep procedure, i have so many questions , like will this destroy me ever giving birth one day , or how long will i be able to have sex , and not feel wierd about it , how will i tell my love one about this and how will he react to it after knowing i had something done like that i guess , i sound so desprite right now because im so scared , if anyone reads this , and you know a little bit more then i know pls let me in on it maybe if i hear other peoples stories i wont be so scared , Liia1 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT hi everyone.. i'm so glad i found this message board.  i had the leep procedure done a week ago and i'm still not very comfortable.  there really isn't much pain there, but my lower back has been killing me.  and i am so over the discharge.  does anyone know about how long to expect the discharge?  i know everyone heals differently, but i'm tired of it.  I usually heal very quickly and am not used to this.   I also have been emotional lately, which is not like me at all.   Also does anyone know if this will affect my menstrual cycle? mollyohno14 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had a LEEP done in 2003. I was 17 at the time and a senior in high school. It was hard to deal with at first. I still have some issues with it mentally. I also had pain when I sat down or got up. It does go away after a while. The whole HPV things has really tested me and my husbands relationship. I get really sharp pain during intercourse. Sometimes I don't even want to have sex because of the pain. Does anyone else have this problem? I have asked my dr and she swears that it has nothing to do with having the LEEP done. Can anyone shed some light on this matter. I am getting desperate!!!! amadar17 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/6/2007 Nicole76 wrote:I am schedule to go for LEEP in two weeks and have been researching a lot.  I have CIN3 and have had a lot of emotions the last 6 weeks between my pap, colposcopy, biopsy and waiting for the results.  I had my last pap about 14 months ago and it was normal...how does it progress to CIN3 in such a short time?  I still have many questions and hope to talk to my GYN again before the procedure...which by the way will be under general anest. as I am getting my tubes tied at the same time.  Any advise from anyone?  It didn't progress in such a short time, it just means that they found the abnormal cells further up than the first time. I am only 20 years old and just had my Leep procedure done 6 days ago. I went under general anesthesia and it felt like seconds and my procedure was over. I didn't feel groggy and only had mild cramping. I do have that pressure feeling that others have mentioned but am hoping it will go away. As of now, I still have some discharge as well. As for the self esteem issues, I am experiencing those as well. I have cut off any romantic ties and am feeling repulsive right now. Hopefully all this will pass. expresso120 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone!I had the LEEP procedure done back in August of this year (2007) and did my fair share of research as well on the causes and effects, etc. Found this site and was truly grateful. One thing that is surprising is the number of folks on here who said they were awake. My GYN (male) didn't even provide that as an option! He said most folks don't like to "hear" nor "smell" the procedure being done. So, he always suggests in and out surgery. It was my first surgery ever and it was a piece of cake. I went through pre-op, was given anesthesia, and it was done without me knowing anything. I had no cramping and was back home in time for Oprah! The discharge the weeks following (about 4 or so) was annoying, but not painful. I'm headed for my follow-up in December and pray all is still well. I had CIN 2 and it can progress quickly, so I'm staying as proactive as possible. So don't delay on any coposcopies or LEEPs your doctor wants to do. My only problem now is that although I'm on birth control, my cycle seems to begin in a "spotting" fashion a few days before its scheduled time. I asked the nurse was that normal and she SAID it can be, but I'll be sure to ask my GYN. Saying all this to say 1) if you're given the option for in and out surgery, TAKE IT; and 2) don't waste time thinking about such procedures if its suggested you have them. Time, in these instances, is not your friend! My mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1999 after only missing ONE pap test. She fought it best she could but lost her battle in 2003. Like everyone, I was nervous at first and still am on some days, but keep a positive attitude. It's your best defense in situations like this. Because of all I saw my mom go through in her fight (hysterectomy, radiation, chemo, double ostomy), I'm not about to get weepy over what can be a simple procedure that can save lives. Stay positive, ladies; stay beautiful; stay strong; stay prayerful; and be blessed! See your experience as a way to bless others with your knowledge; not as a burden you must carry. Hugs to all! MsAble Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT  Oh thank God for Google and the warm statements of someone who can relate...I also watched my mom go through everything you mentioned hysterectomy, radiation, chemo...finally I lost her when I was 14 she was only 42.  I am now 29 and have 2 children of my own and found out today that I need to have a LEEP procedure done and to put it lightly I'm scared to death.  I know and believe all of the positive vibes attract positive things but, right now all I'm picturing is them without me like I was without her.  The thing is, is I have CIN ll my mother had ovarian cancer, my great grandmother had breast...(Excuse the pitty party but, I need to vent).  My colposcopy came back with no signs of HPV.  As well as having to schedule a LEEP tomorrow morning I have to sign up for Genetic counseling.  The test we've all been hearing about over and over again on the radio and tv.  My doctor said nothing about being asleep during the procedure and I wish he had.  I will find out tomorrow.  My husband and I were just about to start trying for a 3rd child when this came up.  I pray there are no complications from this but, my doctor assured me that he had never heard of a woman not being able to carry a child after this.  He just had to go through all of the risks because they are in the paperwork. He also suggested I have a hysterectomy when we are finished completing our family.  I'm scared, reaching out and appreciating this message board and the words at the end of last message more than you could imagine.     Sarahdoodle Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had this procedure done three weeks ago and found it very traumatizing, so I understand your concerns. It is, unfortunately, the best american medicine has to offer. Although it is important to go through with it, I think it is more important for women to fight to have research money funneled into quickly creating a more efficient and reliably thorough medicine. STD's that effect men, such as gonhorrea and clymidia, have medicine, now. HPV should have had one created, by now. It is frightening to know something this dangerous is that common, and the only treatment available is to cut it off and hope for the best. This is unacceptable. It's time to fight for change! In the meantime, bring somebody close to you into the doctor's office to hold your hand. I had mine done under general anesthesia, and it made a difference to awaken in recovery and have somebody there. herenow Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT I had LEEP done a few weeks ago (no more than 3) and when I went to the doctor for my 1 week post op visit.  The dr. said everything went great, but I was VERY concerned with the discharge (sorry for the TMI).  I didn't know how to approach him about it because I have never had that problem.  I thought the smell was gross.  He could tell I was concerned by the look on my face and me asking how much longer would it last.  He came back in the room without me saying anything else about it with an antibiotic cream.  It's only one dose and it eliminated the odor and most of the discharge.  I am now spotting a little but I much rather have "normal" spotting than what was going on before.  I hope this helps. ihadittoo Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT I also had the leep procedure done dec 21st 2007. I want to tell everyone that it didn't hurt at all. I was also asleep for the procedure and it was a breeze!!! I agree the worst part is not knowing if they got it all. But we can all only think postive. I know its easier said than done. I had to wait at least a month between each procdure. My doctor hasnt even talked to me since the leep. She didn't tell me about the bleeding, the discharge or when I could have intercourse again. I am running a fever now and I'm not sure if its a cold or something more serious. Its the time of year for colds. Anyway keep your head up just remember your not alone.   mel0621 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my name is Katie and I was just told last Thursday that I have to have a leep procedure done and I am a little scared.   First of all I need to tell you how I found out about this in the first place.  I had an irregular pap and was told my doctor that I had to have a colposcopy done.  This would be my third time to have that procedure done and I was dreading it.  So I made the appointment for the end of November 2007.  When I called to make the appointment I found that the doctor who performed my last colposcopy no longer worked there so I had to see someone new.  Not real happy about that I did it anyway.  So I went in and had the colposcopy done and when it was over he said that the area of bad cells was larger than he had hoped but not any worse than the last time I had had it done.  So he told me that if the test came back alright usually they just have you get a pap in three months to see if it went away on it's own and that's that. Or because this was my third time having to have the colposcopy that he would probably just go in and freeze the area of bad cells and at last case do the leep procedure.  When I left the appointment he told me he would call me when the test results were in and it should be about a week.  After two weeks going by with no word I called the doctors office to see what was up.  He called me back later that day and said that the results weren't in yet and he would call me when they were.  I hung up the phone feeling he was brushing me off and seemed kind of annoyed that I called asking about them.  So another two weeks go by and still nothing.  My fiance every once in a while would ask me if I got my results back yet and I constantly had to say no.  My fiance and I are both the worry type so not having heard from my doctor was very unsettling.  So finally on Jan 3rd, over a month after my colposcopy I called the doctors office again but this time with a little more concern in my voice.  I told the lady that answered the call the it had been over a month and that the last time I called the doctor seemed bothered by the fact that I had called to check up on the results.  She gave him the message and he called me back a little bit later.  He said that I should have had the results back and he would put a "tag team" on it to find them and he would call me tomorrow.  Well he called the next day and said that a nurse had put my file in a hold cue because she thought they were waiting on one more thing.  So to me that sounds like he was passing the blame on someone else when he should have checked on it two weeks prior when I first called.  Anyway he called me back the next day and said that he was going to do a leep procedure because it showed bad cells still.  He gave no detail on how bad they were.  The only thing he did say was that they were nowhere near cancerous which I was glad to hear.  So now I find out that I have to have it done and it only took me a month to find out about it.  Can things get worse in that amount of time? nothappy Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everybody. After having read the what I perceived to be "scary" entries on this page (for the most part), I felt the need to respond myself. I just had a LEEP done yesterday. I was terrified about the procedure. A couple of weeks ago, I broke down in my boyfriend's arms.  The whole idea of it, and HPV in general, terrified me. In a midst of anger and resentment, all pointed towards myself, he helped me to give my perception of the procedure a full 360.  After realizing that I was in the care of one of the most fabulous doctors in the area, and after trusting that it was the best possible option for one in my position (diagnosed with both mid and high grade cells on the cervix), and after asking several questions regarding my future pregnancies (I am only 21), I was actually able to become positive about the procedure.In truth, the needle probably scared me most. My doctor had promised that I would experience such little pain following the procedure that I would not need one Advil.  Because of information online, information given to me by my doctor, and information in the brochures I was given, along with questioning the nurses surrounding me prior to my surgery, I was completely unsure as to whether or not I would be receiving general or local anesthesia.  I figured either way would freak me out a little bit, be it an I.V. in my hand or a shot in my hip.  I had been asked to arrive at the surgical center (not hospital, so less serious to me, and thankfully so) by 7:15, and my procedure was scheduled for 8:00.  I was taken at 7:35 to finish insurance information, and was taken back for the I.V. that I found out I would be getting with "local max" anesthesia (where I was told to expect "grogginess" and an "in and out state") when we were done at about 8.  After becoming very warm and faint-like due to my own fear of needles following the start of the I.V., and after being visited by every professional under the sun from my doctor to nurses to the anesthesiologist, I was taken back for my procedure at 8:25.  My doctor held my hand (he told me he has a daughter my age), promised everything would be fine, made me giggle about something I cannot recall, and I was out.  Thirty minutes later they were finishing wheeling me into the recovery hall when I came to.  My procedure was finished, I was in no pain whatsoever, and I couldn't even fathom how I had possibly just had a procedure done.  Thankfully, I had been out the whole time.I was anxious to leave, and I'd say it took another half hour only from that point until I was dressed and walking out of the surgical center.  I had been offered a wheelchair, but I declined due to my lack of pain and utterly refreshed feeling.  I still had my mom to drive me home.  Overall, she had been in the waiting room from 7:15 until 9:30 when we left.  A little over two hours is ridiculously fast for pre-op, op, and recovery, as one could imagine. Today, I have had the slightest amount of dried blood discharge, which was confirmed to be totally normal when the surgical center called to check in on my recovery today.  I think it's an overstatement to even call it such!  I have been pain-free since I woke up from surgery, and that is in no way an exaggeration.You can see, then, the responsibility I felt in making this post. I figured the other entries might terrify someone considering having the LEEP done.  Certainly, every doctor will suggest or automatically practice something different, and that's why it's okay to shop around.  This particular doctor had been my second opinion in the first place.  Request that you be put to sleep, and obviously consider every option before deciding to go through with the LEEP.  Obviously it will be some time before I know for sure whether or not the procedure was successful, and maybe it wasn't.  All I know is that I feel better for making a healthy, responsible decision.  We're not all dealt a winning hand, but it's the decisions we make in the game of life that can still bring us out on top.    onadar Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had this procedure done today.  I was a little worried going into the procedure exactly how it was going to be.  My doctor assured me that it was no worse than a colposcopy, and it wasn't.  The procedure was performed in my doctors office - I did not have to go to the hospital or anywhere.  It was just like going to a normal appointment.  I was awake for the procedure - I did not have the option of being put to sleep.  I walked into the doctors office at 8:30am and was out by 9:10am.  She walked me through the entire procedure and what she was doing.  The preparation took longer than the actual procedure itself!  There was some mild discomfort, but I didn't feel that it was any worse than a pap smear, just a little longer.  I have had a little of cramping today, but nothing that was extremely uncomfortable.  I'm supposed to hear back in a week regarding follow up actions that I will need to take.   I hope this helps for everyone out there!!! starsun654 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi ladies,I had this procedure done a couple days ago and it really wasn't that bad. Although I think the degree of discomfort and recovery varies depending on the individual case and how serious your condition is. I had a mild case of dysplasia (non-cancerous).The procedure was performed in my doctor's office and I was administered a local anesthesia. Receiving the anesthesia was actually the scariest part of the whole experience because it makes your heart beat really fast and my body was also shaking a little from it. The procedure itself though was really quick! I only felt a little heat and pressure...but NO PAIN! My doc made me feel really comfortable throughout the entire process and kept checking on me to make sure I was doing alright, which was nice.After the procedure I had some bleeding which was a little heavy at times...and some mild cramping. I didn't have to take any pain relievers though. I mostly have just spotting now but no cramps.I am going for my post-op appointment in a few weeks and I will have another PAP test in about four months. Hopefully my next PAP will come back normal & I hope the same for all of you! Ms.Mia Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Was your doctor against putting you to sleep? I op for that but my mother is totally against it. I don't handle pain well and I think this is the best option. Could you please give me some advice? BabyGirl77 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/1/2008 BabyGirl77 wrote:Was your doctor against putting you to sleep? I op for that but my mother is totally against it. I don't handle pain well and I think this is the best option. Could you please give me some advice?My doctor...like the woman who posted before me, didn't give me the option to receive general anesthesia. She told me I would receive a local anesthesia that would numb the area...and it absolutely did. I did ask my doc before the procedure why some woman get the local and others are offered general and she told me that it mostly depends on the severity (for lack of a better term) of your condition.  I think because I only had a mild case of dysplasia she didn't think it was necessary for me to receive general anesthesia.  Honestly I am glad I only received the local because the procedure was really quick and I felt nothing but a little pressure.  Your situation may be a little more serious than mine but regardless...if you're concerned about being awake during the procedure you should talk to your doc about it and find out what your options are.Hope this helps.  Good luck! :-) Ms.Mia Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am having the Leep procedure done next Thursday and I am completely freaking out about it!! I have had a few colposcopy's and thought they were pretty uncomfortable which is scaring me even more to have the Leep. How long was the actual procedure? I just cant wait to get it over with because it is the only thing I can think about!!! Nicole1975 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I just had the LEEP done today.  I took a valium and some ibuprofin prior to the procedure.  I felt very calm and the procedure took roughly 30 minutes.  They took 2 good sized pieces of tissue and it was very minimal pressure with the exception of the cervical block.  I am at home now and feeling great.  I have not even had so much as period cramping and no bleeding.  Either I had a great doctor or I just responded well so far.  I was told that this will not effect me being able to conceive children but in the future to let any doctor that I visit with know that I have had this done.  The only thing I was told was nothing in the vagina for 4 weeks.  I look at this as such a blessing.  Look at the great strides in medicine that they have made not to have a hysterectomy when this happens.  I am glad that I have had it done and am praying that the tests came back that they removed it all.  Good luck to any and all having this done.  I was very very scared as my grandmother died from cervical cancer.  txaggiegal03 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I just had The Leep Procedure done Friday, March 28.  The procedure appeared to be a success.  I didn't experience any discomfort at all.  I was given valium to relax me, and I was then put to sleep, so I really don't remember anything from the time I was taken to surgery, until the time I was in the recovery room.  I went in at 11:00 & U woke up about 1:00.  The only thing that I experience that was discomforting was that my tongue was numb from the tubes that at they used to administer my anesthestics.  Overall I feel fine, and I was given pain pills, which I have  them just in case, however I have not experienced any cramps or pains.  I am very thankful, my Doctor and the staff were wonderful.  I will know what the outcome will be in 3 weeks. DMACULOUS Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT In speaking with my doc, she indicated she only uses general anesthetic (puts patients to sleep) for more extensive procedures - when using a  procedure called a cold knife biopsy (they could pick a nicer name, huh?). I believe this procedure is used when a larger area is affected or an area deeper in the cervix that a laser leep can't reach. I'd actually prefer the in-office visit b/c I don't like having to fast for procedures! Not eating in the morning would make me really cranky:)After going through the leep, I honestly believe 90-95% of the "pain" is mental anguish. Same with the colpo. There is some discomfort, but that's as extreme as I'd call it - discomfort, not pain. But, I personally find pap smears uncomfortable. The needle used to anesthetize felt like a slight pinch. I have a low pain tolerance. If I stub my toe, I'm on the floor. When I got the first needle, I barely winced. I brought my ipod in with me and told my doc, I'd be turning it up and closing my eyes and to let me know when it was over. I wanted to try to disassociate myself from the experience as much as possible b/c I knew if thought about it, it would make it much worse than it actually physically was. I think I got through about 4-5 songs on my ipod when she tapped me and said, "ok, one more minute and we're all done". The actual procedure itself takes about 1 minute, as she explained it. It's the prep and wrap up that take the bulk of the time. When the procedure finished and I was walking out, I got quite emotional. I wasn't in pain. I think it was pent up stress from the experience. I tried very hard to not think about the procedure in advance so as not to psych  myself out. So when it was over, it felt like a huge burden had been lifted. I really believe this is a psychologically traumatic experience. If you can try to manage that, then the entire process won't be so bad - b/c the physical pain for me, was probably maybe a 2 or 3 on a 10 pt scale. I took 1 midol when I got home just in case I had cramping (that's the only sort of meds I took the entire time - and I really don't think I even needed that). I started to go to the gym on a regular basis after learning my paps were abnormal to improve both my physical and mental health; upped my intake of vitamin C (helps fight cancers) and other cancer fighting antioxidants; I thought through the benefits of these procedures - basically you're proactively ridding your body of something that is harmful; I all around felt better and mentally prepared for the procedure.  indy1978 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT i had the LEEP done yesterday, i was so scared i cant even tell you. I was a CIN 3, which was scary enough, i was an out patient and they gave me general anestesia (sorry i have horrible spelling)   i didnt feel any pain, just bad cramps after the surgery and some normal bleeding. i'm nervous about the results of the tissue that they took. i'm scared they didnt get it all, or that its more serious then they thought. ughh i've been an emotional wreck, i have an STD and its so hard for me to deal with that, i'm scared and i dk if what i'm feeling is normal. I'm just hoping that this is it and i wont have to go through anymore, its been a really rough few weeks. i just dont know how to feel about all this.....  Stefy1029 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have somewhat the same feelings.I go through all kinds of negative feelings and I am also having a hard time dealing with the fact that i have HPV.I am schedualed fort he leep procedure May 9, I feel nervous and anxious.Anxious that this nightmare will finally end.And nervous that it will still continue.I will be put to sleep so I guessing this is the best way,and probaly the best for me.I have noticed more and more through my routine visits and check ups my paps are becoming more and more painful.Physically and emotionally.I would do anything to know what its like to have the results come back "normal".I do not have any kids yet for the reason of finishing my schooling and pursueing my career.I worry that because of the delaying this is my punishment.Can anyone tell me what the success rate is? Or if they have gotten there results?And has anyone had any issues with conceiving a child afterward? I have asked my dr. but he is male.I would feel better hearing it from women who are in the same boat as me.After my leep I will have to find a new dr. due to the fact mine is retiring so I will switch to a woman more than likely. SunnyBear Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I'm so glad I found this board!!  My name is Jennifer, I'm 33 and I just had my second LEEP done May 15th.  Tomorrow it will be two weeks.  I was searching about bloating and frequent urinating after the LEEP and found this site.  I'm really sorry to hear how many others are going through this but am happy to know that I'm not alone in my symptoms.I'm finally starting to feel "normal" again.  I actually exercised today, that was refreshing!  This is nothing like the first time!!  I haven't had a lot of details from my Dr. yet but I do know she took a lot and went really deep.  I'm just praying this is the last time I'll have to go through a LEEP.  I was awake both times.  The first time I had valuum to relax me, the second time I didn't.  I wish I had because I was a mess!  I didn't remember much from the first time. The room itself was enough to freak me out. The last time I felt fine afterwards.  I actually didn't even feel like I had anything done.  There was a little extra discharge but nothing notable.  This time I was an emotional wreck.  I was very uncomfortable the first week or so and was very depressed on top of it.  I am still bloated and am peeing a lot more than usual.  I still have discharge that switches between blood, normal  and brown colored.  And I'm still waiting to find out if my Dr. got it all this time.  The waiting is killing me.  I have moderate and severe dysplasia.  And am scared to death that in the time it's taken from the first LEEP last year to this one things have gotten worse.I completely understand how some of you guys feel disgusting.  I do too.  I've been married for almost 12 years, so this HPV must've been lingering around for at least that long.  I found out last time that I have that too.Anyway, before I write a book, I hope everyone who will be having a LEEP has no difficulties and all the other's tests come back perfect and that we can all put this experience behind us!!  chjery Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was so happy to read your message about having your second LEEP.  I'm 32 and had my first one about 5 years ago.  I was wondering if there was anyone else out there who has had to go through this multiple times. About a year ago, my paps starting coming back irregular again.  My doctor did a biopsy and even though my results were irregular, the lab they sent it to would never give a definite conclusion on how severe the irregularity was.  After going around and around with this same lab, through more paps and another biospy, I asked my doctor to send the biopsy sample to a lab that specialized in gyno issues, even if that meant my insurance would not cover the bill.  The news came back that it was severe dysplasia. While I'm not happy about having the LEEP again, I am happy to get an answer and to move on.  The scary part is that now I know this can come back at any time in my life, over and over again.I have no idea if this is due to a recurrance of the old virus or a new virus but going through it all over again is very scary.  5 years ago I was younger and single and now I'm married and would like to start having kids in the next few months.  It just seems so unfair to me that women have to go through this pain while the virus has little if any effect on men.  If I ever have a daugher, she will be getting the shot that prevents HPV! kmw75 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT yes,i feel disgusting and a little violated during my leep procedure,i had it done today and its nothing like they said it would.first off the doctor gave me two shots to numb cervix on the left side only,when burning and cutting i could feel everything,then the clamp got stuck so it clamped down in my cervix pinching it and slammed into my pelvic bone all at once.that jerk asked me if i was hurt,yeah,the tears instantly coming into my eyes should tell him that,he said sometimes that happens when the clamp has been open for too long.hello,i've had these examines since '85 never has that happened. now i would prefer to see another doctor before my next colposcopy.the doctor also cancelled my appointment twice before this visit,now its the end of june and i can't take my 4 year old daughter swimming for four weeks because i can't get in the damn water.other people have said this was virtually painless,yeah right i took 750 milligrams of vicodin and felt everything,if the results are negative i choose the hysterectomy-thank you.if anyone else out there has to have this done i would chose to be put to sleep.i know everyone's tolerance for pain varies,but that hurt on top of all this i have an infected tooth on top of it.anywho you're not alone in how you feel,i have had three children and the first thing i wanted to do when i got home was shower,put some comfortable clothes on,and yes i avoided looking in the mirror for the first couple of hours.i hope some of this has helped in some way,and you'll be back up and feeling good about yourself soon moody Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT I just had my LEEP done a week ago. I felt the exact same way as most everyone on here, and everyone I have talked to has about being diagnosed with HPV. My cells on my cervix were severely abnormal (CIN3) Which is the last severity before cancer. I am 22 years old. I just can believe that I have HPV, even though my Doctor told me that 85% of us have HPV, but some just arent clinically affected by it. (theres doesnt show up on pap smears.) I felt really dirty too, even though we shouldnt. Anyways, I am still really paranoid and depressed about getting cancer in the future, and not being able to have any more children. I know that the chances are very slim that I wont be able to get pregnant, or stay pregnant -- but there is always that "what if" factor. Well, Doc says to go back in six months for a PAP . Hope everything goes well with everyone else. PS....I know it sounds really gross, but does anyone have foul smelling odor after the LEEP? I am paranoid about that too. jessica1986 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had the LEEP procedure done last week. Like you I had alot of questions. During the procedure you are awake but they do numb your cervix. Although the did I still felt somewhat uncomfortable. After I didnt bleed much , but have alot of nasty discharge. The doctor said this was normal though. As far as pain its made me hurt in my lower back (left side) and ovary area on the same side. The question about giving birth, the doctor said said yes you can. Its a very small percent that you cant. Just let your doctor know you have had this procedure because it can thin the cervix causing premature delivery. beggsgirl Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi all!  I had the LEEP procedure done last Friday 6/27/08 in my Dr's office under a local anesthetic.  The procedure was over in 20 mins or so and was far less scary than what I had imagined in the days preceding the procedure.  Sure it was a bit uncomfortable and my legs were shaking, but overall it went well and I'm glad to have this procedure done and hopefully all abnormal cells have been removed. Currently my issue is the discharge, but after reading some of your posts I'm a little more at ease that this is a common side effect and I shouldn't worry too much.  My periods were very irregular and I hadn't had a cycle for 7 weeks prior to the LEEP so I'm not sure if that factors into what I'm experiencing, but if it gets worse or a fever develops I'll be sure to call my Dr.  I should be getting my results within the next few days so I'll mention it to my Dr at that time.Thank you to all that have posted, its so nice to see what others are experiencing and see that we are not alone.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery and years of good health to all!!  TampaChele Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi Everyone- I'm new to this board and I'm extremely grateful for finding it. I've been diagnosed with severe dysplasia and will be meeting with the dr. next week to discuss the LEEP procedure. I'm a wreck, I guess that's the best way to put it. I was diagnosed with HPV about 7 years ago and it has never progressed to anything beyond ASCUS cells. I've even had 3 normal paps in the past two years (2 in one year and then the third came back normal so they told me I could go back to annual tests); now, I'm 'severe'.  I've read all of your stories and experiences and I truly value being able to read them. It's great to know that I'm really not alone in this. My thoughts are so everywhere, I don't even know where to start/what to say. I just don't know how to handle this. I'm on the verge of tears all the time and I'm terrified.  I've started to create a list of questions for the dr. ranging from recovery time to if I can be put to sleep to how many LEEPS has he performed. Are there any questions that you wish you had asked ahead of time that I can add to my list? Fire away, please!I also am having a hard time dealing with this emotionally. I'm not one to talk about things, so no one knows about this. I haven't told my Mom (she knows about the hpv and that I had to go back for a colp, but she doesn't know the results or that I'm going to meet the dr. next week), nor any of my girlfriends (2 of whom also have hpv). I'm honestly trying to figure out if I can either drive or walk home after the procedure (I only live about 2 blocks from the office) so that I don't have to tell anyone. Am I being crazy and unnecessarily holding it in?  Any thoughts or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Kat175 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Jessica, my appt is in 2 weeks and then i get to go, the one thing i was wondering cause i forgot to ask (the one that scheduled me was in a hurry) r u allowed ot drive after u have this procedure done. I can get my mom to take me home if not but was just wondering if they said anything to u about that nightlystars Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Pat- From New JerseySubject Having Leep doneAfter reading letters about the Leep Therepy, I was petrified.  I was going to cancel the procedure.  I had to call my doctor, who told me to trust him and not listen to letters on the internet.  Well,  I am glad I listened to my Doctor.  I absolutley no tolerance for pain.  I can honestly tell you the only thing I felt was pressure.  My Doctor gave me a local into the cervix and I did not even know.  Afterwards I had no complications,  some cramping, bleeding like a menstral period.  I highly sugest anyone having the procedure to go to Dr. Robert Mayson, located in Freehold NJ. He is a very compasonate and patient Doctor, whom I trust and respect. howell Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT This is for all the ladies who cringe at the site of LEEP (like me) and are looking for some hope.  I just had the LEEP done last week and I feel great about it.  I was diagnosed with HPV about 9 months ago and two months ago I had abnormal cells from a PAP that were CIN II after a colposcopy in July 2008.  My LEEP was done in an outpatient day hospital setting.  I came into the hospital at 6am, got an IV which felt like a quick pinch at 7am, talked to the OBGYN and Anesthesiologist at 715, was in the OR suite at 730 and out in the holding area, alert and awake at 815, and was d/c'd at 9am.  I was given Versed, Propofol, Toradol, and Fentanyl and I was painless for hours after the procedure.  I thought I was just going to have local anesthesia but the day before the surgery my doctor told me General b/c it gives patients better pain control.  Of course I freaked out and started crying as this was my first surgery, ever, and I am not on any medications or known to take meds.  But let me say, this is the way to go girls.  I didn't feel anything when i woke up and only experienced minor cramping about 4 hours after the procedure.  The doctor did prescribe Tylenol #3 (with codeine) and I took one at the hospital before leaving but only took Motrin at home and I am doing great.  This procedure is quite common, especially for the those in our 20s, but is necessary if you do have high-risk HPV with mod-severe dysplasia.  Cervical cancer is almost 100% curable if properly screened and treated for with routine PAP smears, colposcopies, LEEPs, etc.  I know from first hand the horror when you hear you have HPV and cells that could lead to cancer.  Knowing this is an STD that is incurable does bring tears but it doesn't mean you are promiscuous or for that matter, a hopeless case.  Good luck to everyone and think positively.  You are definitely not alone, in fact, you are one of millions. REM44 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,I am glad to hear everything went well for you. I am a recent colon cancer survivor, was told I need a LEEP procedure because I have HPV and moderate pre-cancer cells. I am very upset and scared being I don't know much about this. As I read about the procedure I am feeling more at ease. I have been through major surgery, chemo and radiation so I think this will be a breeze. I would like to hear any information about the procedure and the recovery. Can you go to work the next day? my doc says yes. When can I have intercourse once the procedure is done? Do I have to be put out? Should I have someone take me?Thanks, Lucky One lucky one Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT Although I'm grateful there's this community to talk about things, I think I'm even more scared than I was prior to reading!  I am scheduled to have the LEEP procedure done next month and I'm very scared.  I have high grade displasia and my doctor isn't concerned that it's cancer.. right now anyway.  My doctor said I had the choice to either have it done now or wait until after I have my first child - I am hoping to get pregnant in the next year.  I am also a smoker (I know, stupid).. I want to quit soon and I've heard smoking increases your risk of cervical cancer.  Does anybody have thoughts on 1.) Should I get the procedure done now or wait until post-baby? and/or 2.) Smoking stinks.. has anybody else had this procedure done and is a smoker? Thanks.. I'm really scared! msu930 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT On 9/13/2008 msu930 wrote:Although I'm grateful there's this community to talk about things, I think I'm even more scared than I was prior to reading!  I am scheduled to have the LEEP procedure done next month and I'm very scared.  I have high grade displasia and my doctor isn't concerned that it's cancer.. right now anyway.  My doctor said I had the choice to either have it done now or wait until after I have my first child - I am hoping to get pregnant in the next year.  I am also a smoker (I know, stupid).. I want to quit soon and I've heard smoking increases your risk of cervical cancer.  Does anybody have thoughts on 1.) Should I get the procedure done now or wait until post-baby? and/or 2.) Smoking stinks.. has anybody else had this procedure done and is a smoker? Thanks.. I'm really scared! Hi. While I'm older than you and not planning on having more children, I am a smoker. My LEEP had to do with having a bad pap smear and being diagnosed with the HPV virus. Of course, smoking does not contribute to HPV. I had my LEEP procedure last Friday (9/19/08) and like you, I was terrified before hand. Mostly I was worried about the shot as I hate needles. I called my doctor who knew from a colposcopy in July that I was high stress in these situations. He prescribed Xanax for the day of the procedure. Before I go further, there was nothing....NOTHING, that was bad about it. And I believe it would have been true without the Xanax, which was .5 mg, a low dose. After explaining my prior biopsies and reasons for being there, the doctor began the LEEP which lasted less than 10 minutes for two areas. I could only feel a tiny twinge on the first shot, then nothing further. My heart raced some after the local and my legs shook a little, which I understand is normal. After that I dressed, went home and slept the rest of the day (gotta love Xanax). I've had some discharge of the medicated packing, which wasn't bad but can stain, and some spotting the past few days. There has been no pain and really no after affects. I wish you the very best with your LEEP and the start of your family. Karatop Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT