Well, I survived the colposcopy and biopsy. Like Laura Fries(.com!) said, the biopsy didn’t hurt, but I did hear the snip, snip, snipping as the doctor cut off part of my cervix. And after that, she brought out some curettes and made with the scraping, and that wasn’t fun. But it didn’t last long, and I had popped some Ibuprofen ahead of time, which probably helped.
I have to go back on August 24th to “go over the results.” My doctor (who’s great; rest assured, Jenny!) said she has everyone come back to get results in person, even if it turns out to be nothing. She said that in my case she suspects it’s something that will clear up on its own; but of course I don’t know for sure yet. After the appointment, Rusty said that all things considered, I seemed in good spirits; which I suppose I am.
I’m working from home today, so I can keep myself well-dosed with Ibuprofen and lie down when necessary. So far the cramps haven’t been too terrible. I’m also supposed to start my period today, and since I can’t put anything in my vag for a week, I have to use pads. When I went to buy some last night (planning ahead!), I was amazed at how small and inconspicuous the packages were - not to mention the pads themselves. They’re so thin and compact, yet still tout “super absorbency.” I guess there have been great improvements in maxi pad technology in the 9-10 years since I last bought them. Maybe self-conscious 13-year-old girls have a slightly easier time buying them these days. (Probably not, though. When you’re 13, you think the whole world is staring at you, no matter what.)
Anyway. Back to work now. I’m moving a little more slowly than usual, but it’s definitely good to be able to work from home.
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8 Responses to "Another poking and prodding has passed"
Occasional lurker here. As a 28 year old who had a couple abnormal pap smears a few years ago which resulted in a test that said yep I’ve got some lovely HPV trying to give me cancer, I have been there. Had the colposcopy and was told to just wait and it’ll clear up since the cells weren’t too odd or invasive at all. After having PAP smears every 3 mos, eventually I got a normal result I think it took about a year and a half for me. It’s hard to remember.
I was all worried at first (even though I’m a biologist), but really this is a preventable cancer and for the vast majority of women the abnormal cells clear up on their own without intervention. Even if they do decide to turn nasty you will know with regular pap smears and the treatment options are along the lines of burning or freezing those areas. Surgery is only for cases that are not caught in time.
I’m sure you already know all of this, but I’m the type who likes reassurance in cases like this so maybe you will benefit from some repetition too. You’ll be fine. Just keep getting pap smears.
Lastly, I agree, the scraping was by far the worst part. I had very minimal cramping so hopefully you will have the same luxury. Good luck and keep those good spirits!
been scraped myself…ugh. I hope everything turns out fine. and yes, pads have come a long way, but I still hate the damn things.
Did you really have to buy your own pads at 13? Isn’t that what mothers are for?
Very glad things are going relatively well and that you have a good doctor. :-) I actually do think it’s worth flying 1000+ miles for the right doc and part of the reason why I haven’t moved yet is b/c I’d have to find a new gyno. I heart my gyno.
I actually thought of you at exactly 9:00 EST this morning. I’m sure that was the very moment that you were being scraped, since doctors’ offices always start right on the dot… :-)
Love you.
Ah! Glad to hear yours wasn’t too painful. My cramps were horrid. My doctor said she’d email me my results Monday … ha, that hasn’t happened.
Yeah, technically it is a very cureable thing. But how on earth can that prevent you from worrying? I’m traveling with two boys, who don’t get at all why I’m stressing.
And I TOTALLY bought pads too, and was very confused, because they were so small. I was like … am I accidentally buying pantyliners?
We all have a small chance of hemorrhaging, so I was convinced it would happen to me on the flight from atlanta to london. Thankfully, nothing, but if I hadn’t brought the pads, I’m sure it would have.
I was so happy to leave those behind in the hostel in Dublin.
Well, keep us posted …
Um… I traveled 1700+ miles to go back to mine in Austin instead of finding on here in Ithaca. Because I love her and she’s amazing and I’m not giving her up until absolutely necessary!
Did you watch Oprah while taking it easy? Dr. Phil? One of these days I’m gonna get soooo busted doing just that, if my alter-ego, Gladys, ever allowed me such frivolities.
But maybe if I’d just had my cervix chopped to bits…
Hope you’re feeling all better today!
“Chopped to bits” is a bit of an exaggeration, but… Southern ladies are prone to exaggerations, no?
I watched neither Oprah nor Dr. Phil. I was supposed to be relaxing, remember?
glad you’re doing oK. I read about this, and then forgot to write or post a comment. I’mr eally sorry if I seemed like a callous ass!
My son’s ex just went through this, so I know what you’re dealing with since she spent her recuperation here. here parents… oiy. just don’t ask. but I saw her the other day and she’s fine, so I know this will turn out fine too.