In Jan/09, I will need to have the LEEP procedure done. I was just wondering if anyone has had this procedure and could give me some insight on the procedure itself, the pain involved and the recovery time. Basically, what should I expect. I also wanted to ask if it is still possible to have a baby some time down the road. I have 3 wonderful kids but I am newly remarried to the man who was meant for me and who I would love to a child with.
Thanks to everyone taking the time to respond. I did have the LEEP procedure and it was not as bad as I let my mind think it was. There was really no pain, just a bit of pressure during the procedure and cramping and bleeding for a few days after. The only thing that scared me was when my heart raced so fast ( after the drugs) that they had to stop for a bit until I could relax again. Thanks for those who mentioned about the smell. The smell was not terrible but I came prepared and took a wash cloth with a bit of my husbands cologne on it to help mask the burning smell. I also went back for my 6 month check up and the results came back clear!!!! I am still holding my breath for my one year check up and if that also shows no irregular cells, then maybe we will try for a baby. I just want to make sure that I am 100% before I take any chances. Thanks again moms, you helped this mom out.
I had it done and was feeling better 2 days later. I had my son one year after that. good luck! :)
P.S. - Have some tylenol or motrin handy.
C. -
I believe that is the procedure I had done several years ago - it's been so long I almost forgot. Recovery time wasn't too bad - a day or so. The worst part for me was that they told me to take motrin before I came, but it wasn't quite enough. I have a friend that had the same procedure and she couldn't believe that I did the whole thing with motrin. If you can have someone else drive home, you might want to.
If you can find someone that does it with laser's you'll be better off all around. My dr. at the time did it the 'old' way by freezing, apparently the 'new' way with lasers is better, less painful, and quicker recovery time.
I had go back every 3 months follow up for a couple of years, then every 6 months for another couple of years. I now have 2 kids.
HTH -
J.
C.,
I had it done about 10 years ago and don't recall that it was that bad. For me the worst part was getting the shot and the burning rush that shot through my body. My heart pounded really hard for a while and that made it a little scary but I don't recall that it hurt after the procedure was over. I believe they used a laser.
S.
I had one done over 10 years ago. It was not painful, but slightly uncomfortable. As some else said, it was similar to a PAP for me -- just longer and a little more uncomfortable. I don't recall any significant recovery, I was fine. No impact to my fertility. When I was in labor, I think the scar tissue from the LEEP prevented me from dialating (my friend had this happen as well). That's the only thing I can ever recall this impacting. Never had an abnormal PAP since.
Good luck, hopefully it will be as painless for you as well!
C.,
I had a LEEP procedure done in 2003, I don't remember it as being much worse than a regular PAP, so I must have had the laser version. And, I am happy to report that I became pregnant a few months later and now have 3 healthy kids, so it didn't cause any problems on that front!
Good luck.
-K.
I had it done in my 20s and it's really no big deal. I have had two kids since so that's no issue. They basically just burn away the bad cells and then give you a cream to insert vaginally with an applicator. Kind of like using a tampon. You have to do that for a couple of weeks so be sure to always wear a pad. It doesn't hurt much after the first day, but the cream is gross. Good luck!!
I have never had it done. However, a friend of mine did have it done and was still able to have a baby afterwards. I do know that they had to monitor her more closely, and she had more ultrasounds then I did, but everything was fine. Hope that helps. You could check with your doctor before hand, just so you know what to expect.
All I know is they wanted to do the LEEP procedure on me about 10 years ago. I chickened out. A year later I went back in for my pap and everything was normal. I found out that these cells alot of times clear on their own. Look into it. Good luck.
I had a LEEP about 12 years ago -- minimal pain, and a couple of days to take it easy and recover. I've had two beautiful babies in the last 3 years!! Good luck!
Granted it was 14 years ago that I had mine done, but it doesn't seem like it was very painful - I'd call it mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Recovery was not bad. Having a good doctor you trust is important. You should be able to have children after as long as you wait until the doctor says everything is healed up. It's easy to let your fears get a hold of you on this, just take it in stride. Good luck.
I unfortunately had about 4 LEEPS done so far. The doc. gives me a prescription for Vicodin and Xanax. I just take 1 vicodin about 2 hrs. before the procedure. I have a high pain tolerance so I am told. You can smell the flesh burning, but that doesnt really bother me. Every now and then I feel a stinging sensation but it passes. Overall it doesnt really hurt. As far as recovery, I have never had any bleeding, just coffee ground looking stuff. They say that is the medicine they use to stop the bleeding. I walk a little funny for a couple of hours and then I am fine. I had my first LEEP after my first daughter. I had no comlications with my second. It might sound kinda scary, but its really not that bad. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
C. ~
I haven't had the procedure done, so can't really help with info about the recovery. But, I am an L&D nurse, and can tell you that you can have a baby afterwards. Sometimes there's scar tissue, so you may contract alot without dilating, but once the doctor breaks up that scar tissue you'll probably go fast.
good luck!
D.
