Hey Everyone!
Wanting to share my experience of my LEEP procedure (with a copper IUD) I had yesterday.
Some context, I had my first smear test in my early 20s, this came back normal. I then returned to get my second smear test about 2 years ago. The results of this smear test were void, "they didn't collect enough cells". Returned again, these results "got lost in the post," attended again, however, these results were void because I returned too early within the 3 months (even though I got a reminder to book an appointment). I then had a copper coil fitted (first time didnt work, as the coil was too big so had to be reffered to a specialist to get a smaller coil fitted). I had another smear test, coincidentally with a new nurse (who I believe was a student, as there was another doctor in the room training her), she was super thorough! And guess what, I have HPV and CIN3. If you can take any thing away for this part, please don't get disheartned by void results, please continue to go and get your smear tests until you get the results.
It was about 2 months after this news, that I had a biopsy. After my biopsy, the doctor advised that I most probably would need a LLETZ (they would still need send the sample off to the lab to confirm). I was given a leaflet that stated I may or may not need to have my copper coil removed. I was unsure of whether I needed to arrange for this to happen at a sexual health clinic or not, I couldn't find that much information online about it either. I also really really did not want to go through the entire process of getting my coil taken out and put back in again (considering I only had it out in in January 22). So I emailed the ward and they were super helpful, they advised that they could refer me to a specialist who could tuck the strings up and work around. I'm quite a shy person when it comes to asking questions and saying what I need, I don't want to be difficult or anything like that, but I'm so happy I asked, it also helped me feel like I had a little more control of the situation. There is no shame in asking questions! It's your body at the end of the day and its the job of the healthcare professionals to help you.
The LLETZ procedure was well, a LLETZ procedure. The anxiety of these things is much worse than the actual procedure (I find anyway). Even after multiple smear tests, coil fittings and biopsies, I was still really anxious, I bought my partner along to wait for me (which I'm so happy I did - remember, you are not an inconvenience!). Not going to lie as someone who has experienced sexual abuse this kind of thing is really triggering (hate that word), I kind of wish I said something to the doctor before, but I just wanted the procedure over and done with. I just counted the fish in the picture on the ceiling. I was fine after the local anesthetic had set in. It definitely felt like the whole kitchen sink was in there! But the doctor was super clear in describing what they were doing etc so I felt reassured. Hopefully, get my results within 4 weeks, really hope I am in the clear and this cerivix saga will be over! In terms of recovery, I'm not really in any pain, just abit achey, the discharge is gross (no other way to describe it). But the peace of mind that I am doing the right thing to ensure good health is worth it.
I'm trying to be super healthy now, are there any foods / supplements that are good to take during recovery time?
What results could I get from a LEEP procedure?
Sorry this is abit of a legnthy post! I hope this offers some comfort to people(?).
X
