CRYOTHERAPY

Well, today I had a medical procedure performed on me: CRYOTHERAPY

What is cryotherapy?

Something that men will never experience and some men may not want to read the rest of this blog.

Cryotherapy is a treatment in which the cervix (mouth of the womb) is touched by an instrument that rapidly freezes the tissue (this actually take 4 minutes). It is used to treat abnormal cells on the cervix.

Cryotherapy is usually performed after colposcopy which may include biopsies of the cervix. I had this procedure last month.

Is it painful?

Before the procedure, Wendy Margolis told me that most women will feel a little pressure. The Fact Sheet stated that most women describe pelvic pressure or menstral-like cramps. I believe it is more like a brain-freeze. I thought I was going to blow up. Not a pleasant experience.

When she was done freezing me then she de-frosted me.

What are the risks of cryotherapy?

Most women do not have any serious side effects after cryotherapy. However, rarely serious complications can occur and these include: flair-up of pelvic infection, perforation of pelvic organs, freeze burns of the vaginal wall, excessive bleeding, or recurrence (less than 10 in 100) of the abnormal cells which may progress to cancer. For this reason, I now have to have my annual womanly visit every 6 months.............. :( The next one is in January.... YUCK!!!!!!!!!!

Why was it necessary for me to undergo this procedure?

The cryotherapy was done to help heal the cervix. It takes about four months for the cervix to completely heal. In January I return to the doctor's office at which time I will have another exam to make sure that my cervix is completely healed and that there are no signs of cancer.

If there are still abnormal cells - we begin again... :( So, I have received a blessing; and I am feeling good (tired today and a little crampy); and I am sure that I will be fine.