I could really use some support. I am Terrified. I’ve read the prior threads about this, but I could use a blow-by-blow…sympathy, endorsements, etc. I had the biospy and had the 1st panic attack of my life during the process. It brings me to tears to even think about it.
Anybody had it, survived and perhaps have some sense of humor about it?
PS: I have to go alone since my gal-pals are traveling and hubby is overseas at the moment. I’ve read the “literature” about the process, but it is so clinical about my little girl parts…
I’ve had it done (I probably posted in one of those threads you searched out). It really was no big deal. I went alone, focused on the little mobile hanging above the bed in my doctor’s office, tried to zone out. It didn’t take long (I think it was about 10 minutes, if I remember correctly). Minor discomfort, no real pain. I’ve had good pap smears ever since (gosh - it’s been about 6 or 7 years…wow). Seriously, going to the dentist is worse.
“LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) - procedure for treating cervical dysplasia in which a fine wire loop and low-energy current are used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.”
Not exactly my idea of a good time, but generally done under local anasthesia on an outpatient basis, so not major surgery.
Been there, done that - it wasn’t my favorite way to spend a morning, and I was sitting uncomfortably for a day or two. Tips: take a couple of Tylenol afterward, and if your doctor is anything like mine was, tell her that you don’t want her to talk to you during the proceudre unless it’s necessary. I was trying my damndest to zone out, but she just kept talking to me. When you’re done, do something to treat yourself, and spend the rest of the day in your pajamas.
It sounds like the alternatives to the LEEP are cervical cancer, radiation and chemotherapy, and death. Doesn’t the LEEP sound better now?
As for the panicking, you probably weren’t breathing right when the biopsy was being done (not surprisingly). Keep your breathing long, slow, and low - from your abdomen, not your chest, and you’ll probably do a whole lot better. You can practice this until time for the LEEP.
And for what it’s worth, being terrified of cancer and procedures like this is perfectly normal - you’ll be scared, but you’ll go get it done, and next thing you know it’ll be over with and you’ll be fine.
Had it done in 1996, and just talked to a coworker the other day who had the freezing version done a few years ago. Both of us have had normal paps since then.
Honestly, and this may be a bit TMI, the only thing that really freaked me out during the procedure was the smell. They give you a local, and if your doc is good you shouldn’t feel anything but a little warmth, but it’s disconcerting to smell singed flesh and know where it’s coming from. So you may want to rub a little Vicks under your nose before they get started.
You’ll need pantyliners or light-day pads for a few days afterwards- they aren’t kidding about the discharge, and you won’t be able to use anything internally. Also be sure to follow the doc’s directions on no insertion of anything for the WHOLE TIME (IIRC, it was ` 4-6 weeks). No trying to flub it, even if you get really, really randy. The cervix will need time to heal, and the last thing you want is an infection.
I’ve never had a LEEP, but I have had two biopsies (colposcopy). Just think, after this you should never need to worry about abnormal paps again. It’ll be worth it, and over and healing before you know it.
Thanks for the support guys. I know in my head that I am being a huge pissy baby about the whole thing. Knowing your anxiety is irrational and actually having it under control during is a whole different story.
I will so bring vapo-rub in my bag. Who knew?!? Nothing like puking on yourself in stirrups, aye? Yeah, that would be me.
Don’t try to control your anxiety or fight it - accept that it’s there, accept that you’re feeling it, and just try to float on it. You will be fine. Tell yourself that you can handle this, because you know deep down that you can.
(I am currently recovering from an anxiety disorder, if you’re wondering where I’m getting all this from. I think it would be safe to say I am somewhat of an expert on anxiety. )
Well, it is over. It was horrible. It pinched, it burned (YES you do feel it when they are using the Loop!), it took too long.
Some unexpected things - like I didn’t quite realize the thing was plugged in. I know it is in the name of the procedure, but I thought somehow it was a battery thing or something. I didn’t think it would be hot, more like a electric razor. :smack:
I also did not realize that I would be grounded to the machine with a cold gel pad slapped on my thigh.
Or that they use a bigger speculum and at first, he didn’t use any lubricant so it was scratchy :eek: . Who DOES that?!? I thought that was S.O.P. to grease the machine a bit. So it was crampy the whole time and it took him a while to get it set up for the loopin’.
Or that the numbing agent has norepinephrine in it so I was shaky and my heart was racing (plus the anxiety on top of it did not help). That also hurt a bit…I think he was poking it in different places (but you can never be sure exactly what is going on on the other side of the drape…).
So my advice is to bring something to hold onto. I was clutching at my shirt and my hair…the nurse wound up having me hold onto the plastic tubing for the smoke filter.
Ask for a cool compress for your head when it is over. It really helps. Or use it during.
When they are doing the painful bits - the needling, the loop, the packing of the creme–pinch yourself. At least you can control that. I pinched myself on the arm. Why this works, I have no idea. A nurse taught me this years ago while getting a blood test.
So, I treated myself to a goat cheese and chive wontons, a nice rare steak, and beautiful cake from Whole Foods. And a Lambic beer.
My last 2 (yearly) smears have been inadequate-not only do I have a retroverted uterus and a hard to find cervix, I’ve also got an ectropion-which sucks. It comes and goes, and so far seems to disappear just before we decide to treat it- then reappear just in time for my next smear. At which point it bleeds and I almost pass out from the pain.
I’ve been checked for everything (HPV negative, no STDs, nothing abnormal going on), so I’m happy to leave it alone, but I’m seeing my doctor on Monday, and we’ll see what happens.
If anyone mentions LEEP, I’m thinking about demanding Valium and some opiate analgaesia! I’m quite happy to sit through other people’s surgeries, but I’m not good when it’s me.
Good for you! Give yourself lots of pats on the back for doing something you had to do but really didn’t want to. (See - you knew deep down you could do it, and you were right. Go you!)
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