Two days ago, I had my first colposcopy with three cervical biopsies and a culture.
I have a reasonably high pain threshold, but...the colposcopy was pretty uncomfortable, but manageable (I felt like my cervix was being crushed). The main thing is that the biopsies hurt... A LOT!
The worst part of it is that my doctor did not prepare me AT ALL. I have found it very helpful in the past if a doctor says, "Okay, this may hurt a bit, take a deep breath now..." --or whatever.
To call the pain of a biopsy a "pinch" is as absolutely ridiculous (and as offensive) as calling a migraine "just a headache." (And I believe that anyone who would call a cervical biopsy just a "pinch" probably has never had one themselves!)
I don't want to add to anyone's fear or anxiety, though. I survived, though a bit rattled and shaky from the pain. And a bit more than a little angry.
The good news is that the colposcopy/biopsy should be over pretty quickly.
I would definitely recommend taking an ibuprofen before, or requesting sedation. Check with your doctor about ibuprofen, because you don't want to be thinning your blood too much prior to the procedure. (And if you get sedation, you won't be able to drive yourself home, and the sedation itself might make you a bit ill. UGH!)
I just don't understand why there isn't anything like a topical anesthetic (not an injection) that can take the edge off the pain. (?!)
Welcome to the limits of "modern" (Western) Medicine, I guess. Especially women's medicine.
Wishing everyone good luck and good health. :-)
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Two days ago, I had my first colposcopy with three cervical biopsies and a culture.
July 22, 2015 - 4:49pmI have a reasonably high pain threshold, but...the colposcopy was pretty uncomfortable, but manageable (I felt like my cervix was being crushed). The main thing is that the biopsies hurt... A LOT!
The worst part of it is that my doctor did not prepare me AT ALL. I have found it very helpful in the past if a doctor says, "Okay, this may hurt a bit, take a deep breath now..." --or whatever.
To call the pain of a biopsy a "pinch" is as absolutely ridiculous (and as offensive) as calling a migraine "just a headache." (And I believe that anyone who would call a cervical biopsy just a "pinch" probably has never had one themselves!)
I don't want to add to anyone's fear or anxiety, though. I survived, though a bit rattled and shaky from the pain. And a bit more than a little angry.
The good news is that the colposcopy/biopsy should be over pretty quickly.
I would definitely recommend taking an ibuprofen before, or requesting sedation. Check with your doctor about ibuprofen, because you don't want to be thinning your blood too much prior to the procedure. (And if you get sedation, you won't be able to drive yourself home, and the sedation itself might make you a bit ill. UGH!)
I just don't understand why there isn't anything like a topical anesthetic (not an injection) that can take the edge off the pain. (?!)
Welcome to the limits of "modern" (Western) Medicine, I guess. Especially women's medicine.
Wishing everyone good luck and good health. :-)
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