Thread: To fret or not to fret?

That is my question. I'm new here and not sure how much traffic this forum brings in. Hopefully it isn't as dead as it appears to be right now.

Okay, so I went to all the work of making an account here because I'm having a bit of a health issue:

Back in June, I had my annual pap done. Because I have a new boyfriend within the past year I figure it's the smart thing to do. So the results come in and they're a little strange. I have been through that before so I didn't think too much of it at the time. I go for a second but more intrusive type of scraping pap smear. They tell that it looks okay and that everything should be fine. A few weeks later, I receive a lovely letter in them advising me that I've been scheduled for a LEEP Procedure to ridden me of dysplasia. Not a whole lot of information beyond that is given.

I of course, go on the internet and read horror stories and half- takes on what is involved and what could happen, etc. I try to get some peice of mind by going to my doctor (who has the personality of a sock but he's the only one I'm able to find and that's really rare where I live!). I voice my concerns and fear about this possibly effecting my future fertility should I choose to have kids one day. He pretty much blows me off. Tells me not to worry rushes me outta the office.

I'm scheduled for the procedure next Friday and least to say, I'm pretty worked up about it. I'm thinking the worse. I'm going to be bleeding and in pain for weeks. This is going to ruin my chances of ever getting pregnant or at least complicate things in the future. I'm going to have to continue doing LEEPS forever now and scrape more and more of my woman parts away. Also, there's that slight fear that I may already have CANCER. Originally, everybody was telling me it was nothing and it seems that everytime I go get another test done it gets worse and I'm forced to do the next step up of something that is eventually going to lead to me having cervical cancer (then will I EVER be able to have kids?).

Sorry for the length. I needed to vent a little bit. If anybody could reflect on their personal experiences with having a LEEP that would be great and very appreciated.

I've have several abnormal paps, 2 leeps, some freezing thing, laproscopic surgery....you name it, I've had it. Actually, it really is not that bad. Have the leep done. (yeah, it's unpleasant) Allow yourself to heal and then focus on being healthy. Good diet and exercise. (when I started taking my health seriously, all the abnormal paps stopped)

I'm not a doctor, but I highly doubt that it will affect your fertility. Just try to relax and remind yourself that this is a pretty common procedure, thousands of women have had this done and are just fine.

Good luck.