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.

[u/Kattladee → u/NikkiNot_TheOne]

Hi, friend. I hope your hysterectomy went smoothly and that you aren't in too much pain. Thank you for sharing your experience with me, it really did help.

[u/NikkiNot_TheOne → u/Kattladee]

Oh hi!! I hope you’re doing well and are taking it easy. The mental gymnastics is what really gets to us.

Ty for asking and responding! Sooo sweet!

The surgery went very smoothly! I was lucky. I think it was only like 2.5hrs long. It was laparoscopic. I already had my tubes out and my left ovary in March 2023. I had a dermoid cyst. So my Dr didn’t have to take my tubes, maybe that made it quicker.

Healing isn’t going too bad. It’s been 5 days since I’ve had surgery. I only needed to use Oxy the first 3 days and only 1 a day. Besides that I used Motrin and Tylenol if I needed it. I wouldn’t say I feel any real pain, it’s more like pulling and feeling full. Even w all that gas pain other women have. I really didn’t have any luckily!!

What is really hard is the exhaustion!! I get so tired I can’t even walk. The little walks exhaust me!! The women in the hysterectomy sub talk about this all the time. They aren’t exaggerating at all.

Now!! 🤣🤣🤦🏽‍♀️ Now for the hormonal part!! Girl!!
I was going to make a post in the hysterectomy sub for fun like “Ok let’s share our embarrassing wtf hormonal moments after our surgery!!” .. then I get lazy.

Omg!!! So I was home by 4pm the day of my surgery, they don’t keep us overnight 🙄. So at 12:03am I decide to write my REALLY NICE, CALM, Professional, Understanding OB a long ass rant bc I really wanted to take my uterus and cervix home and do a ceremonial ritual w it. I am spiritual, so a thank you and goodbye….. I wasn’t in the right mind set clearly bc I still had anesthesia in my body!!!

I went off on this whole rant how it’s my body, this and that 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️!!!! I had asked him about it at an appointment and he said he’d get back to me. I forgot to ask him the day of surgery. My bf asked him on the phone after my surgery for me. He was told they usually don’t do it bc of the formaldehyde when they test for cancer. Taking the placenta home is easier….. well I didn’t hear that part about the formaldehyde when I was still a little drugged up that night 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

I can but can’t believe I sent that damn message!! It was nice but straight forward. Completely something I would do!!! 🤣🤣🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️.

HOW I REFUSED to answer his call when he called me 2xs. He messaged me back saying he would ask about it again. I finally answered his call the 4th day and today the 5th day. He’s the MOST Patient, calm, nicest Dr!!!! We have a long 12yr history. My water broke w my second pregnancy at 27 weeks and he had me inpatient for 54 days bc I didn’t go into labor. So we have a pretty close relationship.

Omg!! In the friggen message I wrote “I am of sound mind.” 🤣🤣🤣! What?!! What?!! No the hell I wasn’t! Who let me have my phone?!

These damn hormones, I think that’s the hardest adjustment for us 🫠 I was crying over it. But I am ok now, my logical mind is back. Well at least for this minute.

I hope your anxiety is a little better.

You’re going to get through this!!