Need to have LEEP - very scared!!

Dakotah · 03-12-2007, 03:57 PM

Hi everyone,

I have had "mildly atypical" cells on my cervix for about a year - my doc has been doing repeat PAPs every 3 months to monitor the abnormalities. Had my latest 3 months PAP about 2 weeks ago - doc called last week to have me come in for a colposcopy and biopsies because my latest PAP showed severe dysplasia - HGSIL. He said that he wants to schedule a LEEP to remove the bad cells.

I am freaking out! I don't understand how "mildly atypical" cells could progress to HGSIL so rapidly. I also thought that the LEEP was done in his office under local anesthesia, but he told me he does the procedure under IV Sedation as outpatient surgery.

The doc said that I do not have cancer, but I am soooo afraid of the HGSIL developing into cancer before I can have the surgery. The doc is on vacation this week and next week I will have my period - he said as long as I have the surgery by mid-April all will be fine. He also told me, however, that he usually doesn't see patients with "severe dysplasia" that often because they usually "catch" it before it gets that bad. He said that mine seems to be progressing rapidly. I guess I still don't understand how I got this - he said from "HPV", but I have only had intercourse with 4 men in my lifetime, and I have NEVER had unprotected sex (used a condom EVERY time). Of course, I am feeling very ashamed and "dirty" because I have this.

I have never had surgery, been in a hospital, or been "put under" before so this is all VERY traumatic for me. I am a basketcase and I have had the fear forever that if I am put under, I will not wake up. I mentioned this to my doc, and he said that this will be a great opportunity for me to get over that fear. Gee...thanks.

Has anyone had a LEEP done? How about the IV Sedation? Can anyone calm my fears - my boyfriend is worried that I will have a nervous breakdown before this is all done.

Thanks!!

slightly · 03-12-2007, 08:28 PM

I know its hard, but try not to worry too much as it does no good and just makes you more anxious. When i'm stressing about something like this i just try to remind myself that it is out of my hands and worrying doesn't help the matter.
I had a leep done and it wasn't a big deal, but my doc did it with local (it was several years ago) I went right back to work just feeling crampy. I don't know exactly about IV sedation, but it might be like concious sedation which is what some dentists offices do it when removing teeth (the concious sedation). I would think IV sedation is like that or like what they do when the lazer surgery on eyes. Either way, try to remember that you'll be ok. I had my leep and it took care of everything and all my follow up paps (every 3 months for a year, then every 6 months for a year i think it was) were all clear. Try not to stress and if you have questions, call the nurse as they shouldn't leave you feeling confused and anxious. Good luck to you!!
-slightly
PS, i wish i'd had a little more sedation as the local had some kind of ephedra that made my heart race and that freaked me out more than anything that was going on "down there".

deedlebug06 · 03-12-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slightly

I know its hard, but try not to worry too much as it does no good and just makes you more anxious. When i'm stressing about something like this i just try to remind myself that it is out of my hands and worrying doesn't help the matter.
I had a leep done and it wasn't a big deal, but my doc did it with local (it was several years ago) I went right back to work just feeling crampy. I don't know exactly about IV sedation, but it might be like concious sedation which is what some dentists offices do it when removing teeth (the concious sedation). I would think IV sedation is like that or like what they do when the lazer surgery on eyes. Either way, try to remember that you'll be ok. I had my leep and it took care of everything and all my follow up paps (every 3 months for a year, then every 6 months for a year i think it was) were all clear. Try not to stress and if you have questions, call the nurse as they shouldn't leave you feeling confused and anxious. Good luck to you!!
-slightly
".

I had my leep about 10 years ago and had a similar experience to slightlys. I also had a local, no IV. The procedure made me crampy, but wasn't horrible, however, I do have a pretty high pain tolerance. I was pretty freaked out by the whole thing also, especially the possibility of cancer, so I think what you are feeling is normal. Just take a deep breath and try your best not to stress. Make sure you bring pads and motrin to the appointment.
All of my repeat PAPS since then have been fine. It's a good thing that they caught it early, remember that!
As for the HPV, I like to give the "trained professionals" the benefit of the doubt, but I know in my case I had only had sex with two men before my Atypical PAP. And four years prior to my procedure it was a monagamous relationship with my now husband. The doctors have never mentioned HPV to me since then.

I hope your procedure goes well, feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.

Day-n-Night · 03-12-2007, 09:06 PM

Dakota, I also need Leep done but am waiting out this pregnancy before having it done. So I cannot comment on the procedure but can tell you to try not to worry about the IV sedation its a mild form of anesthesia. And patients are closely monitored by anesthesiologists. I know the fear of anesthesia can be great but the chance of something going wrong is soooo slim and even if it did happen an anesthesiologist can quite quickly reverse effects!

As for feeling awful about the hpv situation. I have been married 16 years to the same man and neither one of us ever strayed. I have hpv too. I asked my doctor how it was possible for me to have it. The answer was so simple and clear. Just because he was my one and only doesn't mean I was his one and only. He was married before me.

I know this sounds odd but technically having sex with one person only one time can amount to actually having had sex with thousands or millions of people unless both partners were virgins. So please do not feel you did anything wrong. One of the major purposes of life is to procreate unfortunately every good thing can come with a bad thing.

Fuzzy Bear · 03-12-2007, 09:26 PM

First of all, here is a site that explains about HPV.
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm

I looked at a few sites, before I came to this one (I googled HPV and then by Human papillomavirus) and it looks like you can get HPV from another source other than sex. I also read that there are 100 or more types of HPV. Read the above and see if it helps you to understand what you aren't sure of.

Wouldn't IV sedation logically be that you will be put on an IV sedative so it can be controlled differently than a local or general. Perhaps this procedure can vary in the length of time it takes and by using the IV they can assure that you won't be in any discomfort while they are doing the procedure, no matter how long it takes.

I do want to assure you that you are in no way "dirty" for having this, and there really is no need to feel ashamed. You don't know how you were infected and if it doesn't have to be by sex, it could be something that a lot of people do too. If there are 100 + types of HPV there must be something different about each, I'm sure the way the infection is passed is in there somewhere .

Its very normal to feel anxious about any type of medical procedure especially when there is sedation involved. You'll have the best of people around you during the procedure and you'll be monitored closely so nothing will happen to you. Try to think of the whole thing like a over blown PaP and maybe it will help you feel a little less stressed.

HTH

Fuzzy Bear

MargyP · 03-13-2007, 03:09 AM

I have HPV.
Condoms do not protect against HPV. It is spread through skin to skin contact. HPV is the most common STD in the world & infects about 6.2 million Americans each year. Don't feel "dirty" about this- it is a virus, not a moral implication.
I had the LEEP done about 6 years ago. My doctor wanted to give me a local & do it in the office but I was too scared- the supposedly "painless but uncomfortable" cervical biopsy that I had done hurt like hell. So he agreed to do IV sedation, but I had to pay out of pocket. The procedure went totally smooth, aside from my initial freakout when I stood up & thought there was blood all over me. It was only iodine

. I actually felt fine afterward- no cramping or need for pain meds (unlike the biopsy). Since then I've had all normal paps. I was monitored often during my pregnancy 2 years ago because of the shortened cervix, but had no problems.
I understand your anxiety at having to wait for this procedure; I'd feel the same way. It's your health, and this is scary. But I also think that a few weeks probably isn't going to make a difference. Maybe you could get a copy of your medical records & schedule an appt for a second opinion from a different doc. Or go on medication to supress your upcoming period so you can have the procedure sooner. I hope this eases your mind some- feel free to pm me if you like.

Margy

Mustangsally82 · 03-13-2007, 09:25 AM

IV sedation is a breeze. I haave a friend who had a LEEP with only a local anesthetic, and she siad that was painful. IV sedation is quick and you don''t remember anything. It's not like being put to sleep, it's more like being drowsy and falling asleep on your own. They give you a pain med and a medication that causes relaxation and amnesia, so most people don't remember a thing. You are waiting for the procedure to begin one second, and the next second someone is telling you it's over. I've had it three times and I have no complaints. I had general once and it made me really really tired afterwards: it was very hard to wake up from and I'd rather have IV sedation/conscious sedation anyday.

My friend and my mom have both had abnormal paps and procedures like LEEPS, and they both waited for marriage and have only been with their husbands. I know it's hard not to feel embarrassed, but please try to remember that it's not your fault, or anyone's fault. Just try to focus on treatment and rising above it and conquering it. That's what's really important, not how you got it. Lots of hugs and good luck!

yw23 · 03-13-2007, 06:56 PM

My Sister Had The Same Thing Right After She Had My Nephew 3 Yrs Ago..she Is Fine Now, With Another Baby That Just Turned 6 Months Today!! Hope All Goes Well, I'm Sure It Will!!

LorraineD · 03-13-2007, 10:18 PM

I havent been through what you are going through but live with a dermoid cyst which is monitored for cancerous cells. Best thing is to try not to worry even when its easier said than done. Find and trust good health care professionals and have faith in them.

Thinking of you.

Take care,
Lorraine x

VivC · 03-14-2007, 03:48 AM

I know nothing about LEEP, but I am the resident IC paranoid-freak. LEEP can raise the risk of incompetent cervix, so when you're pregnant, please make sure your doc closely monitors your cervix.

KittiesMom · 03-15-2007, 06:23 PM

I had a LEEP with IV sedation and it is a breeze as mentioned above. The most uncomfortable thing is when you get the shot in your butt (AKA happy juice!) and the IV in your arm. I think it was IV sedation, I know I had to be put to sleep because of the uncertainty of an allergic reaction to local anasetia. The cervix biopsy was a big pain, litterally and if you got through that TRUST ME this is so much easier!
I have HPV also, I've only had one partner, my husband, so don't feel dirty about it. It's extremely common. After your LEEP they will have you in for a pap smear every 3 months for about a year, if you show that your clean after a year, they usually go back to a yearly pap smear. Mine have been clean since.
And yes, a LEEP can raise your risk of incompatent cervix, but only if you have multiple ones. I had mine done August of '06 and found out I was pregnant November of '06. My girl was a preemie because of Preeclampsia.
Wow, sorry this was so long! Good luck, if you need someone to talk about this with, PM me! I know what your going through!!!

VivC · 03-16-2007, 01:31 AM

Kittiesmom, after I lost my son to incompetent cervix, I did tons of research, interviewing several perinatologists and reading the results of many studies. Any cervical procedure can cause incompetent cervix, even just one LEEP. Extra cervical ultrasounds can catch IC early enough to save a baby's life, so I always recommend them.

I'm very glad that your cervix held up to keep your girl in there! I love to hear happy endings!

Chilli · 03-16-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VivC

I know nothing about LEEP, but I am the resident IC paranoid-freak. LEEP can raise the risk of incompetent cervix, so when you're pregnant, please make sure your doc closely monitors your cervix.

I also had this proecedure done in June '05. I got pg in Aug '05 and when I went for my checkup at the colposcopy clinic when I was 11wkspg the Dr did warn me there was a higher chance of IC. He sent a letter to my midwife asking her to get me extra monitoring which she did. I did carry my boy til 38wks with no problems though, but it is a good idea like Viv said to get extra monitoring if you get pg.
I had mine under local anasethic and it wasn't very pleasant. I think you're lucky to be offered IV sedation!
As for the HPV I have it too, and was told that up to 97% of sexually active people have the virus. Don't feel dirty.
My smears changed really fast too, from gade one to grade 3 in 6months. But all my smears have been clear since. Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine

Dakotah · 03-16-2007, 01:08 PM

I just want to thank everyone for your words of encouragement and reassurance regarding my diagnosis, the LEEP procedure, IV Sedation, etc. Although I am still nervous I do feel a little better regarding the entire process and the likelihood that I will one day have a healthy pregnancy.

I spoke to the nurse yesterday regarding my colposcopy and biopsy results - she didn't want to give too much information because my doc is on vacation and had not yet reviewed the results, but, she did tell me that of the 4 areas biopsied - 2 came back "mild dysplasia", one came back "mild to moderate dysplasia" and one came back clean. So...that is better news that the PAP which determined "severe dysplasia". I have heard that can sometimes happen. She did confirm that I tested positive for HPV in November '06 and mentioned that the virus may be starting to clear itself. I asked if things typically worsened before they got better and she said she couldn't really answer that. She did think, however, that the doctor may still want to do the LEEP.

I have soooo many questions, as I have been researching this A LOT, so when the nurse calls next week with the doctor's recommendation, I plan to ask either to speak to him over the phone or to schedule an appointment to discuss my results. That is my only complaint about my doctor - he likes to "rush" my questions, not giving me time to ask them and answering quickly - I sometimes feel like I am "bothering" him by asking questions. But...I am going to have to insist that he sit and talk until my questions are answered - this is my body, and my future fertility and although I trust his recommendation I want to make sure I am making the right choice. I may also request a second opinion, although I'm not sure how to go about doing that - do I see one of the other doctors in his practice, or find a completely independent doctor?

With the latest biopsy results, I am not sure the dysplasia has progressed much from where it was originally and I sort of feel like I am in a "grey" area - with the option to either "watch and wait" or have the LEEP. I don't want to make the wrong decision and end up with cancer, or end up infertile. I am more confused every day.

If anyone has had a similar experience with treating "Mild to Moderate" dysplasia - please respond.

Thanks again - the support I have received on this board has been wonderful!!

KittiesMom · 03-16-2007, 04:24 PM

I had severe dysplisia when they decided to do my LEEP. Do the LEEP!!! DO THE LEEP!!!! I can't stress it enough! If you found a lump in your breast you would have it removed with no thought...treat this the same way!!!
I agree about the doctor. When I went through the hospital doctors they brushed me off and got mad at me because I insisted that they sat down and talked to me. That's why I love going to a private practice. My Gyno is the most wonderful person on the face of the earth. I always recommend her to everyone. Don't be afraid to ask for a doctor who will take the time to listen to you. You pay for THEIR service and you should remind them of that when they try and brush you off.
Do the LEEP!
Good luck..PM me anytime!