Ladies... cervical dysplasia... treatments

[miss missy]

Gosh I am so bummed. I had one bad pap (low grade), they did colposcopy and although it looked good to the eye, he did take samples. Then he said we need to do Cryotherapy (freezing). That was the most painful thing I EVER had done! No local, I was dying! Next pap was A typical, 3 months later... low grade again... so now he wants me to come in for a consult to discuss what to do next. I know the freezing usually needs to be done more than once so I am surprised he didn't just have me do that. I am bummed! From what I know... I don't like any of the options ... none of them!! Darn it!

None of the procedures are easy. Why the heck do the do this to women. At least numb me up for gosh sakes! They seem to all be "in office" and they hurt like heck!

Anyone else have to deal with this crap? This stinks!

 

[snowy76]

I had dysplasia four years ago -- they did a LEEP and conal biopsy -- in and out the same day but I did have to be admitted to the hospital and I was knocked out for it.

Dealing with dysplasia is NOT fun, you want it gone and you want normal paps NOW. I'm happy to say all my paps have been fine since then; however, my OB thinks the procedure may have compromised my cervix, and may have led to having my preemie. But looking back, if I had not had the LEEP the dysplasia might have turned into something much worse for me and I may never have had a chance to be a mom at all!

 

[robinb]

{{hugs}} I went through this twice. Damn HPV and damn the no-good cheater that gave it to me.

I never had the freezing ... I guess that mine was too serious for something that simple. The first time I was under for a conal biopsy and the second time was a LEEP in the office. The LEEP did not hurt at all. If you are in pain, you should tell your OB so s/he can adjust your pain medication.

My last proceedure was over 10 years ago and I have been fine ever since ... except for the 6 months I was on bed rest because my cervix was so thin the neo-natal specialist thought my DD would just fall out. She ended up being born over a week late after I was released from bed rest at 36 weeks!

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I had this procedure done way back in 1980, 6 weeks post partum due to my cervix not being really really closed. I have a very high pain threshold and this sucked. It was quick and I understood why it needed to be done. I am pleased to say that all of my Pap results have been normal ever since. It is a sucks being female.

 

[kilee]

I've been dealing w/ this off and on for quite awhile. First time was in 1995 I had mild-moderate. They did the colposcopy w/ biospy- then that led to a LEEP. Neither was bad. I did have the LEEP done in a hospital but just w/ a local. It was about a 30 minute procedure, but they had to cauterize because I wouldn't stop bleeding.

All was well until 2002. Then I had one come back w/ moderate-severe. Did the biopsies and colposcopy w/ uterine biopsies too (since the bad cell's were up high ). This (the uterine one)was the MOST painful thing I've been through to date. Had it done numerous times too. Those all came back w/ carcinoma in situ. So, I ended up being put under anesthesia at the hospital and the removed I guess 40% of my cervix.

Went through tons of colposcopies and biopsies since then. I am currently coming up on my first 1 yr pap appointment. All others were always biopsies first at 3 months a few times, then every 6 months. Now, I was able to go a year- and that was just w/ a pap.

It does suck....it seems to be common though.

 

[miss missy]

Well having the freeze was soooo bad. He didn't give me a local. I damanded something so he gave me a valium to take before, but that didnt help pain. He did 3 mins and then left the room for 10 mins... at that point it was so painful I was sweaty and was gonna throw up... but didn't. he came back and did 3 more mins. That was sooo painful!! I dont understand the concept of no local???? Come on, I was dying!

Anyway, I do not know what is next, but I have to tell him my mom's mom had cervical cancer(hysterectomy was the thing bakc then) and I am not looking forward to telling him. They did a hysterectomy on my mom and she had no signs, but they said she was done having kids and with her moms history... arg!

The cryo, laser, leep, hysterectomy or cone all sound bad! waaaaaaaa

 

[SillyMe]

I had it about 15 years ago. First I had the cryosurgery, and yes I agree, it was extremely painful. I don't understand why they don't sedate you either. It either came back or the cryosurgery didn't work, so they did a LEEP. I was knocked out in the hospital and didn't feel a thing. I also had bleeding problems the night I had it done, but I think it was my own fault. I took my dd trick or treating that night. I haven't had any problems since, although I am now overdue for my appt this year so I guess I better make that call.

Good luck.

 

[kilee]

Cervical Cancer is not hereditary. I would speak w/ your GYN about it, but I've been told repeatedly by 5 different GYN's and/or surgeons it's not hereditary.

 

[helenabear]

Anyway, I do not know what is next, but I have to tell him my mom's mom had cervical cancer(hysterectomy was the thing bakc then) and I am not looking forward to telling him. They did a hysterectomy on my mom and she had no signs, but they said she was done having kids and with her moms history... arg!

Good luck with everything. I had several friends go through what you are going through. But one thing to add, cervical cancer is not a hereditary thing. At least they do not consider it as such. I lost my mom to it 13 years ago, and while it is noted on my charts, it is not considered anything that will affect me physically. Just thought I would add that in. So don't worry about telling your doc. It won't affect your history one way or the other. Not sure why they even made a comment about your mom's mom's history when they did a hysterectomy. The majority of cervical cancer (though not all) is caused by a virus (multiple strains). With in that virus over 80% is caused by 2 of the strains. So there is very little to show that there is a family history.

The last friend I had to deal with it had to go through the freezing 3 times before she was "cured" (however you want to put it). I just hope that the rest is easier for you and that you get the pain meds you need.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I had the cryo about 22 years ago. It was uncomfortable... but I was more terrified then anything. What happened to me...1st.... I sat in the waiting room for an hour..... then they finally called me into the room and told me to get undressed. I then sat there ....on the table....undressed with a sheet for 1/2 hour. Then someone comes in and says the doctor got tied up and asked if I would get dressed and go to lunch and come back like I had a choice. So I did.... i left, but I didn't eat...too stressed for that... So I came back and sat in the waiting room another 1/2 hour. By this point I was soooo worked up and stressed out. So I get called in and asked again to undress and wait & wait & wait. Then someone finally comes in and asks if I wouldn't mind 5 or 6 students coming into watch I ABSOLUTELY FLAT OUT REFUSED!!!! And I swear, that I was purposly held up for this reason I did not care I was so freaked out by now NO NO NO, they can't watch.

After that things did turn out OK. I actually ended up pregnant before I got my good pap back after the cryo.

Since than... about 18 years later... I have had a cyst or somethng removed. That was painful!! BUT could someone tell me....what is a LEEP?

 

[phisigprincess]

A LEEP is when they take an instrument - best I can describe is like a hanger almost? - and use a laser to scrape off the cells.

I've been dealing with dysplasia for 3 years now. Mine remained severe and didn't go away. The doctor finally decided to send me to the hospital for the LEEP. They put me under and it was an outpatient surgery. Honestly, I had no problems afterwords. The colposcopy was worse than my LEEP. After the LEEP it still wasn't cured, so they had to do another colpo. I had them give me vallium to take before I had my colpo and that made it a ton eaiser.

To the OP, I would consider looking for another OB/GYN. These types of procedures are ones that can be done in an outpatient setting and see if you can find a doctor who will consider that for you. Good luck with everything. I've had 2 normal paps and it's the greatest feeling in the world. I actually cried when the nurse told me about my first normal one! I just thank God for early detection.

 

[miss missy]

Cervical Cancer is not hereditary. I would speak w/ your GYN about it, but I've been told repeatedly by 5 different GYN's and/or surgeons it's not hereditary.

Oh cool! I am HOPING he agrees!

 

[miss missy]

A LEEP is when they take an instrument - best I can describe is like a hanger almost? - and use a laser to scrape off the cells.

I've been dealing with dysplasia for 3 years now. Mine remained severe and didn't go away. The doctor finally decided to send me to the hospital for the LEEP. They put me under and it was an outpatient surgery. Honestly, I had no problems afterwords. The colposcopy was worse than my LEEP. After the LEEP it still wasn't cured, so they had to do another colpo. I had them give me vallium to take before I had my colpo and that made it a ton eaiser.

To the OP, I would consider looking for another OB/GYN. These types of procedures are ones that can be done in an outpatient setting and see if you can find a doctor who will consider that for you. Good luck with everything. I've had 2 normal paps and it's the greatest feeling in the world. I actually cried when the nurse told me about my first normal one! I just thank God for early detection.

I guess I gotta see what he says.

It weird the colpo was easy, a couple pinches, but the cryo was absolute HECK! Funny we all have different pain threholds.

 

[SillyMe]

I guess I gotta see what he says.

It weird the colpo was easy, a couple pinches, but the cryo was absolute HECK! Funny we all have different pain threholds.

Youch! I freaked out every time I need the colposcopy and biopsies. I thought they were really painful!

 

[gshanny]

I had the LEEP done and then a hysterectomy which revealed other isues I had. When I asked, my Dr told me mine was more than likely hereditary, so I guess they don't really know enough about the links to it besides HPV. I did ask if mine was HPV because someone at hystersisters told me the only way to get dysplasia was HPV. My Dr checked and my strain was not a HPV strain.
I think the worst part was the nasty orange stuff they use to stop the bleeding. She had to use quite a bit too which made it nasty for a few days. ~ugh~

 

[MomPlanner22]

There is now a DNA based test that can tell you if you are carrying the HPV virus. I was told 17 years ago I had it but didn't as was confirmed when my OB/Gyn did the testing on me last year during my annual. However, it was always the prevailing opinion that all dysplasia was HPV based.

Tell your doctor about your family history -- my very good friend is an OB/Gyn and she always says the biggest challenge of her job is trying to help people that only provide 75% of their information, intentionally or not. She'd rather someone give her too much info and let her sort through what is relevant and what's not.

Do your follow ups and treatment, even when they are painful.

 

[Aidensmom]

I've been dealing w/ this off and on for quite awhile. First time was in 1995 I had mild-moderate. They did the colposcopy w/ biospy- then that led to a LEEP. Neither was bad. I did have the LEEP done in a hospital but just w/ a local. It was about a 30 minute procedure, but they had to cauterize because I wouldn't stop bleeding.

All was well until 2002. Then I had one come back w/ moderate-severe. Did the biopsies and colposcopy w/ uterine biopsies too (since the bad cell's were up high ). This (the uterine one)was the MOST painful thing I've been through to date. Had it done numerous times too. Those all came back w/ carcinoma in situ. So, I ended up being put under anesthesia at the hospital and the removed I guess 40% of my cervix.

Went through tons of colposcopies and biopsies since then. I am currently coming up on my first 1 yr pap appointment. All others were always biopsies first at 3 months a few times, then every 6 months. Now, I was able to go a year- and that was just w/ a pap.

It does suck....it seems to be common though.

Yep, I would say common, as your post is almost exactly my story!

My oncology GYN's husband shares an office with her, he is an OB/GYN. When I became pregnant (yes, after having a large part of my cervix removed - I was on bedrest and my son was a preemie), I switched to him as a doctor. I won't switch back because I am afraid it will curse me.

 

[Disneymaniacs]

Well having the freeze was soooo bad. He didn't give me a local. I damanded something so he gave me a valium to take before, but that didnt help pain. He did 3 mins and then left the room for 10 mins... at that point it was so painful I was sweaty and was gonna throw up... but didn't. he came back and did 3 more mins. That was sooo painful!! I dont understand the concept of no local???? Come on, I was dying!

Anyway, I do not know what is next, but I have to tell him my mom's mom had cervical cancer(hysterectomy was the thing bakc then) and I am not looking forward to telling him. They did a hysterectomy on my mom and she had no signs, but they said she was done having kids and with her moms history... arg!

The cryo, laser, leep, hysterectomy or cone all sound bad! waaaaaaaa

Oh the cone ! And the cryo- and then there is the thawing out. Good luck to you.

 

[miss missy]

I am so pissed off today! Arg!! This aint helping!!

 

[kilee]

I did ask if mine was HPV because someone at hystersisters told me the only way to get dysplasia was HPV. My Dr checked and my strain was not a HPV strain.

Mine isn't HPV related either.