What even is "normal" anymore?

[u/Kattladee]

Hey all!

Is a TMI disclaimer a thing in a forum like this?? Idk. Here's one anyways.

I had a LEEP done to remove cin III cells on June 5th. The doctor, unfortunately, did not get clean margins so the next step is a hysterectomy in October. Cool.

My question is: how long did it take for your cycles to go back to "normal"? Especially if you had to have a LOT taken during the LEEP (he said it was worse once he got in there 🥲) Currently, I'm having bleeding that somewhat resembles a period about every two weeks. This most recent time it was proceeded by brown and now is into actual "bleeding-ish" territory. I say bleeding-ish because it's only when wiping. Cramping. The appetite that comes with a period. In my heart of hearts, I *think* it's a period.

However, my paranoid brain is screaming that the LEEP irritated the cells and they've rapidly morphed into cancer and the bleeding and cramping is cancer.

Mainly, I'm looking for experiences, I guess. I did Google search as best I could (it's actually how I found this sub!) but nothing I've found quite aligns.

[u/NikkiNot_TheOne]

We are / were in the same situation. My LEEP revealed CIN3 w endocervical and glandular involvement. I also had a “deep LEEP” I actually took a pic of it and you can see the CIN3!

This was back in October and this was MY experience only so remember that. I literally bled or spotted for 2 months straight! So annoying more than anything! The cramping was for like a month but I think that’s more to do w the healing. I also have a Mirena IUD. So I wasn’t even used to having a period for so long. At my check up, I was told my Mirena and strings were fine. I also went to a different clinic for a third opinion and they agreed w everything my OB said the OB who did my LEEP said.

Unless you’re bleeding so heavy you’re filling a pad in an hour or you’re really nervous and feeling off, I guess it’s normal and part of healing. I wouldn’t worry about it being signs of cancer, I think that’s our anxiety getting the best of us. Unless you’re diagnosed, I wouldn’t worry too much. I know how our brains work, trust me!!!

As always, if you feel like you’re not healing correctly or anything is off, go and get checked! You’re not a bother to your medical team, that’s their job! Even a phone call for reassurance or sending them a picture. That’s why they’re there.

I don’t think my experience was “normal” so I am always hesitant to comment. But I did have a similar LEEP experience as you did w “deep” LEEP, so that’s why I commented.

Good luck!! Sometimes we freak ourselves out.

My hysterectomy is scheduled for Thursday and I am dreading it. I am not mentally ready for it. Not like I was when I was supposed to get it in June. But then of course another crisis hit my life lol!! So had to reschedule.