May 07, 2012

Fun news! (Best Weight Loss Blog)

I've had a secret I've been sitting on for a couple of weeks, and I'm finally able to share it. Remember when Fitness magazine was doing the Fitterati blog contest, and I was nominated for best weight loss blog? Well, I've never been good at popularity contests, so I did not win the most number of votes ;) However, I was notified that I was selected for "Editor's Pick" for the Best Weight Loss Blog category!


I feel honored and humbled that Runs for Cookies was selected. This opens a great opportunity for me--this summer, I will be able to contribute to FitnessMagazine.com, have "exclusive fitness and health opportunities" (not sure what this means yet!), and I will appear in an upcoming Fitness magazine. That is the reason I had Stephanie take some good "after" photos of me (she wrote a very detailed blog about the photo shoot here, if you're interested). Thank you so much for your votes and support.



Today I had four miles on the schedule, and I woke up to thunder and rain outside. I debated whether I wanted to run outside or on the dreadmill. I actually really enjoy running in the rain--once I get out the door. It's just hard to get motivated to go outside!

I decided to mess around with the calibration of my Garmin foot pod. Since I got the Forerunner 910xt, I haven't calibrated the foot pod. I went to the high school track to calibrate it. The inner edge of the inner lane of the track measures exactly 400 meters, so to calibrate the foot pod by distance, you just run 800 meters. The Forerunner 910 allows you to calibrate by satellites OR by measured distance (like a track). The manual said that the MOST accurate way to calibrate is by using an outdoor track.

This is where I talk about numbers for a while... if you don't like to read nerdy stuff, you can skip it ;)

Since I love numbers, I chose to do both, and see what the difference was. First, I ran 800 meters--I ran fast, I ran slow, I sprinted, and I walked during that 800 meters. I wanted to simulate actual running conditions, and I rarely run at one particular pace the entire time. After the 800 meters, the calibration factor was 974--which was really surprising to me! The factory setting is 1000. So this means that the foot pod was telling me I was going much faster than I actually was (before I calibrated it).

Next, I decided to try calibrating by satellites (not as accurate, because the satellites can't be 100% accurate all the time). This time, the Garmin told me to just run until it beeped (I don't know what the set distance was supposed to be in meters). Turned out to be 3/4 of a mile. I ran the whole thing at one pace, since it was being calibrated by satellite--steps and strides had nothing to do with it. The calibration factor when I did it by satellite was 996.

After that, I decided to go home and see how the calibration compared to the dreadmill. Since the calibration from the 800 meters on the track was supposed to be the most accurate, I chose to use 974 for the calibration factor. I started running, and it was MUCH closer to what the treadmill read than last time I ran on the treadmill. I changed up the speed a lot during the 3 miles on the dreadmill this time--everything from 4.4 mph (walking) to 8.0 mph (running faaaast).

The Garmin still showed I was a little faster than what the dreadmill read, but I believe it was very accurate this time. So I will leave the calibration at 974 from now on. Here are the differences in a 3-mile run:


I am finally confident that I have the right calibration factor. I realize this probably sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo!



So Jerry and I had a great weekend! We went to the museum and the Titanic exhibit; to lunch at Pizza Papalis; Whole Foods for a brownie; to the movies to see "Five Year Engagement"; to home depot for a new faucet that we desperately needed; to another movie, "The Lucky One"; to the mall for my free Victoria's Secret panties and for ice cream; to Chili's for dinner; and then yesterday, we went to my parents' house for dinner.

Because we had gift cards, we spent much less than we would have in Indy. And we had a lot of fun! The movies we saw were pretty good. "Five Year Engagement" was funny (especially because they crack a lot of Michigan jokes, and I totally "got" them!) but it felt like a five hour movie. "The Lucky One" was okay in the typical romance kind of way. I enjoyed both movies.

I somehow managed to gain 9 pounds over the weekend--hahaha! (I'm only laughing because I know it's temporary--if it was "real" weight, I would be crying). We ate out a few times, and we had popcorn at the movies, and we had a few too many desserts. I know the weight is mostly a lot of water--this happens to me EVERY TIME I eat like I did this weekend. In Indy last year, I gained 11 pounds! My weight will probably be back to 138 by Friday or so. The only reason I'm writing about it is so that you can see that eating like I did this weekend definitely affects my weight; but as long as I get right back on track, I'll drop the weight very quickly.


I also got some not-so-fun news today. My gynecologist called about my test results from my recent appointment. My thyroid tests were normal (thank goodness) but my pap smear came back abnormal (despite the negative HPV test). I have to go in on Wednesday for a colposcopy (where they will take tissue from my cervix for biopsy). I'm terrified--I know it's a common procedure, but I imagine it will hurt like hell. And because of some other symptoms I'm having, my doctor is recommending a D&C. That won't be on Wednesday--I will have to schedule that after the colposcopy. Someone please tell me the colposcopy isn't so bad...?

63 comments:

  1. I've had three colposcopies in the past year and it's not as bad as you expect it to be at all. No, it doesn't feel GOOD, but neither does a pap smear. It's very quick and it's mostly just a little bit of stinging and then a tiny pinch. They had a monitor in my room, but I chose not to watch! THAT freaked me out more than the procedure :)

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  2. I'm so glad you had such a fun weekend! Umm, speaking of water weight gain...seis de mayo was rough on me. NOT cinco dd mayo, the day after. I woke up bloated as a balloon. I even took a pic that I think I'll share on my blog today...my eyes are so swollen I couldn't not laugh hehe. So I am with ya sister.

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  3. AnonymousMay 07, 2012

    Please, please don't worry about the colposcopy! If you can handle a regular pelvic exam, you can handle this. Really, the description of what they're going to do is more invasive than the procedure itself. Just relax and breathe!

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  4. AnonymousMay 07, 2012

    I remember the colposcopy feeling like a quick pinch and then it was over. If you are concerned you can take some tylenol or advil 30 minutes before you go in to help numb the pinch.
    Good to know that HPV is negative. That's a good sign! My test did come back with pre-cancerous cells, so I had a leep procedure done and haven't had an issue since (that was 15 years ago)

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  5. AnonymousMay 07, 2012

    The colp is not a big deal. Typically they recommend that you take a few advil a few hrs before hand, and it really only feels like a pinch, and then it goes away. You may have spotting or cramping afterwards, but I've had several and I never had spotting like a period--it was very light.

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  6. Congrats on the blog pick - you deserve it!!

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  7. AnonymousMay 07, 2012

    I had to have a colposcopy last year and was totally freaking out since I'm a super-wuss but it really wasn't much of anything. I took a bunch of advils beforehand and I didn't really even feel anything during the procedure, maybe a little pinch, it's really quick too.

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  8. CONGRATS on the blog pick!! That's so cool :) And even though the numbers thing goes over my head I still read it. How do you do that to me?! LOL. Sorry to hear about the additional med testing needed. Hope everything is quick, relatively painless and results in good news!

    ~Ang
    www.droppingtheplus.blogspot.com

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  9. I just wanted to tell you congrats!! Im a bit of a new follower but I love your blog! Its a highlight of my day!

    Ps- Ive been through the testing several times too..it's not nearly as bad as they say! Be prepared for some bleeding afterwards though!

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  10. Yeah on your blog getting picked!

    I have had that procedure done, not so bad at all. Just a little spotting afterwards! Hang in there.

    Jen
    http://justamomgivingitatri.blogspot.com/

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  11. Congrats on the blog pick and being featured in Fitness Magazine is so awsome!

    I'm sure your appointment will go well :)

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  12. I'm so happy that your blog was recognized for being outstanding! You deserve all the recognition and more!

    I hope your procedure goes smoothly. I've never had one so i can't give my 2 cents.

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    1. I fixed the problem I was having all by myself!

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  13. First, Congrats on the blog award! I am a subscriber to Fitness magazine so I cant wait to see you in the magazine as well as hear about your "exclusive fitness and health opportunities"! How exciting!

    Second, Your weekend sounds like it was lots of fun! I read another bloggers Mini race report and she said it was really hard due to the heat and wind and she's run it 7 times!

    Third, a colposcopy isnt a big deal at all. I've had a couple. I once had some precancerous cells and had to have LEEP as well but I havent had any issues since then either. Good Luck!

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  14. congratulations on the blog award! Definitely well deserved :)

    Colposcopies aren't fun but they aren't much worse than a PAP. I had several in my late teens/early twenties and all was good! Interestingly enough both of my younger sisters also had abnormal PAPs (and clear followups) at the same age.

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  15. Congrats on the blog award!!! I loved the 5 year engagement... I know what you mean about the jokes... I loved the North Dakota joke and I was probably the only one in the theatre laughing! Good luck on your appointment

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  16. Wow! Congrats on the blog and sooo cool about being in FitnessMagazine.com! I can't wait for that!

    As far as the appointment, as the other readers said: it's not that bad! I would take some pain medicine beforehand if you're nervous, but it's just a pinch and I also chose not to watch the procedure on the monitor!

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  17. I am glad that the editor of Fitness made such a smart choice. :) They should give you a column!!

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  18. Colposcopies aren't bad at all, just a little pinch. Good luck!

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  19. Don't worry too much about the colposcopy, just take a couple Motrin before hand. Its a little pinch and its all done.

    Congrats on editors choice!

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  20. Congratulations on your blog award, that is so exciting!!
    Not sure if you read DailyGarnish.com but she chronicles her struggle to finish the Indy race from this weekend. You will get the next one! ;)

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  21. Congratulations on your blog award, you are such a inspiration, I couldn't think of a more deserving blog!
    xx

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  22. Congrats!! That is WONDERFUL! You really do have an awesome blog! You deserve to win! As for the colpo - don't sweat it - it isn't that bad. It's over pretty quickly. It felt like a pap smear to me - the only difference is that I had more spotting after the colpo than the pap. By the way - why on earth did you get free panties from Vickies??

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  23. congrats on the award! I saw it this morning and was so excited for you! Sounds like you had a fun weekend! I thought the same thing about five year engagement..cute but long. Hopefully everything ends up okay with your tests!

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  24. Congrats on the award! That's very cool!
    As for the procedure, I've never had one, but I'm sure it will be fine, as you will probably be in dream land while they do it!

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  25. AnonymousMay 07, 2012

    Congrats on the Blog award!! You're definitely MY favorite!!! Will think of you on Wednesday... Glad you had a great weekend...

    Shelley

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  26. Could not agree with the Editors more! Congrats :) keep it up we need you!

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  27. That's awesome! You totally deserve it!

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  28. Congrats on the blog award! Very cool!

    I've had a colposcopy. It really wasn't bad. The nerves and anxiety leading up to it were FAR worse than the actual procedure. I didn't feel a thing when they did my biopsy, but my doc said that pain levels vary. Some people feel it, some don't. I was one of the lucky ones, I guess. I acutally had the same type of thing -- abnormal pap, negative HPV. I ended up with normal, benign biopsies in the end and I've never had another abnormal pap. That was 8 years ago. Hope you get similar results!

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  29. Yay! Congrats on your much-deserved award :o}

    I totally get your numbers fascination, and figuring it all out. Interesting to read!!!

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  30. I think colposcopies are a lot scarier than they are painful. Physically, I think it just feels like a period cramp (plus, you know, a speculum all up in there). What makes it bearable for me is the video screen -- if your doc has one and you're not easily grossed out, I recommend looking, because it makes me think less about "omg omg what if it's cancer" and more about "WHOA BUDDY is THAT what my cervix looks like??!??" It's over fast, too. Just remember, you run distance and therefore pain has no real meaning to you.

    Congrats on the award =)

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  31. The prep for the colonoscopy is much worse than the actual procedure. The anxiety and nerves are pretty intense leading up to it. But, seriously, the actual colonoscopy is NOT bad at all. I've always had some IV meds during the procedure which make me sleepy and not really even aware of what they are doing. It has been very painless. You can do it!!!

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    1. AnonymousMay 08, 2012

      I think you may have read the procedure as a colonoscopy - it's actually a colposcopy (gynecological procedure). ;)

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  32. I had a colposcopy about 12 years ago. It wasn't too bad. Just take some Advil before you go and have some after. You may feel kind of oogy for the rest of the day but you'll be fine by the next day.

    Congratulations on your award!! That's awesome!!

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  33. Yay! Congrats on the blog award! Much deserved!

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  34. Congratulations on the blog award! You deserve it :)

    I had a colposcopy at the age of 20. It hurt worse than a pap smear for me, because I had to have a bigger section cut. I had the video screen too. I hope your procedure goes as well as everyone else's. My results were normal and everything worked out ok. I hope I don't scare you. I just wanted to share my experience as well. I hope everything goes well for you. :)

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  35. CONGRATS ON YOUR AWARD! How exciting!!

    I hope you'll blog about your procedure. I've heard mixed things about them. Good luck and just remember that if nothing else it will be QUICK!

    Oh and I am so glad to see I'm not the only one who doesn't stress about gaining after a tough few days of eating. I literally threw my hands up and said "THANK YOU!" when I read what you wrote. My family and friends who watch what they eat freak out about any kind of big weight gain like that. Me personally, I know that I can easily lose the weight within 4-5 days. It's more or less a temporary gain. But sometimes since I'm the only one who feels that way I wonder if that is the wrong frame of mind to have. But I can't give up those eating off plan times because it is what gets me through. Balance, moderation and consistency...it's worked for me so far. :)

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  36. I had the same procedure done 4-5 times before they did something called a LEEP procedure. It really isn't that bad. It felt to me like period cramps.

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  37. Personally, I think being an editor's pick is WAY better than winning the popular vote! :) Congrats to you on this well-deserved accomplishment!!

    I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday...I'm glad to see so many folks so that it isn't so bad, because I had never heard of it before!

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    1. I hadn't thought about that--the editors' pick IS better. It wasn't a popularity contest, but a contest where REAL WRITERS picked who they thought was the best blog writer. You really won the preferred award Katie!

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  38. AnonymousMay 08, 2012

    The colposcopy is not that big of a deal. The part I least enjoyed was when they showed me my cervix on the monitor O_o! They use a local anesthetic spray to numb the area and it kind of burns, it hurt worse than when they actually do the biopsy! But even still it wansn't that bad!

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  39. found an interesting video (http://video.about.com/womenshealth/Colposcopy-Exam.htm), I think the hardest part for you will be the "may be asked to avoid heavy exercise for a week" part. Let us know how it goes.

    Woo Hoo for editor's pick!!!! ~throws confetti~

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    1. I watched this video and definitely I think I had a colposcopy, along with other stuff to check my prolapses. I highly recommend the video Katie--it shows what they're going to do which should alleviate your concerns. And 98% of colposcopies find NO cancer, which is a great STAT!

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  40. Congrats on your award! Very nice!

    As far as the colposcopy, it definitely hurts but not a lot. After all you have been through (surgeries, etc.), you will rock this procedure!

    I also saw Five-Year Engagement this weekend and thought it was alright. My husband and I both thought it was quite long as well but my husband thought it was hilarious! I think they purposely geared it toward men so as not to make it seem like a chick flick!

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  41. AnonymousMay 08, 2012

    Katie,

    So happy for you and your award! With all the inspiration you have provided so many, you certainly deserve it. I subscribe to Fitness so looking forward to seeing you there!

    Also, good luck with your procedure...hopefully it will be fine.

    Dede

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  42. Congrats!!!!!! I hope this brings tons more exciting opportunities your way!

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  43. The colposcopy is not that bad! I'm a pain wimp especially in that area as I had a very rough time when I started going to the gynecologist - it took me three different docs and a small surgery before I could have a successful papsmear! So when I say the colposcopy isn't bad, it really isn't! :)

    OMG! You have NO idea how I like hearing you gained 9 lbs! I struggle with the scale and sudden increases in weight. I had a good weekend eating. I ran both days. 3 miles Sat and 5 Sun. It was SO humid I struggled tremendously but I pushed through. However I did do the .9/.1 ratio in my 5 mile run cause I knew I couldn't finish any other way. I'm just not acclimating to the heat. And I gained 1 lb every single day this weekend. I was beating myself up yesterday. I do not understand "temporary" weight gain very well. I'm a numbers person and my mind just can't grasp that. My scale says I weigh that much, so I do. End of story! LOL. It's go to hear you blow up overnight too! :) LOL

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  44. Tammy/texzanMay 08, 2012

    Congrats Katie,, keep us posted please !

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  45. What great news--about your BLOG winning the award anyway. I'm so happy for you. I LOVE to write, but I'm just not as good as I wish I was, certainly no where as good as you at expressing yourself, making us laugh and cry and nod along in agreement as we read about your life. WAY TO GO KATIE!

    About the abnormal pap smear. Now you're talking about my life. I had one too, last month, for the first time in my life. Also a prolapsed uterus--a result of being OLD! Got word that the biopsy was normal (I wonder if I had a colposcopy, nobody called it that, but they used a vaginal probe, ultrasound and there was some "cramping.") It was momentary however, but I was glad when they were done. So now I've got to have a hysterectomy (scheduled for May 22--two weeks from today--YIKES!) to take out my female parts, and they're also going to do some fixing on my bladder laprascopically. It's also prolapsed, which makes me feel like I've got to pee ALL THE TIME! TMI! I'm looking forward to having the problem taken care of, not looking forward to the surgery or the first week or so afterwards. But then I get a total of 6 weeks off work to recover, and since I've been here 35 years, I've got lots and lots of sick leave, so I'm going to think of it as VACATION. At least after those first few days when I know it's going to hurt a bit. How sad is it to be looking forward to surgery? You know you need to retire (which I hope to do Jan. 1) when you would rather have surgery than come to work!

    Hopefully everything is normal in your case. I know you've been through a lot in the last year and a half with your jaw and tummy tuck, so you know it's not fun to be incapacitated. But you came through that tummy tuck like a trooper. I remember watching Jon & Kate Plus Eight, when Kate had one. Of course she is a super-bitch, but you'd have thought she'd died, the way she carried on after that surgery.

    I'm going to have to Google 'colposcopy' to see if that's what I had now. Sure sounds similar to what others have described here.

    Good Luck & Congrats on the well-deserved award! BTW, I've been loving reading about all the other RAGNAR runners and "friended" on Facebook the person making the documentary. That is so exciting--everyday you just get more famous!

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  46. Karen1657May 08, 2012

    I have had a few colposcopy's and I had cramping with the first and nothing with the second. Its only a small pinch like everyone else has been saying.
    Congrats on the editors pick. That is great! I love you blog. I read only runners blogs because that is what I hope to be able to do in the future(run). You are such an inspiration.

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  47. I love getting the Victoria Secret's "free" panties coupon too :)

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  48. I've had 2 colposcopy's and from what I'm reading on here, everyone reacts differently. Mine hurt. I had bad cramps, worse than I would've on a period. BUT, after a few hours, the pain subsides and you might feel kind of sore. Take some advil before you go. Congrats on your editors pick!! I read your blog EVERY day. Kind of my morning ritual. lol.

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  49. I'm so happy that you were chosen for the Editors pick! They have excellent tast! ; ) Your date weekend sounds like it was fun, I need a date night with my hubby. I love my 3 year old to pieces but he is driving me crazy! I'm so sorry to hear about the abnormal pap. : ( I hope it's not too bad for you!

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  50. CONGRATS!!!! So exciting!!!!!

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  51. Congratulations on your win! That's exciting and very much deserved! :)
    ________________

    I have to quote something you said today: "everything from 4.4 mph (walking) to 8.0 mph (running faaaast)."
    ________________

    I am in the process of losing 100# (down 31#) and am following a C25k program. I finished week 5 yesterday and my RUN pace is 4.1! :D :D Your walking pace is faster than my running. Oh gosh! But hey, when I started with week 1 I was struggling to run at 3.5 so I know I'm improving and that I shouldn't compare; and I'm not really, it was just that the comparison made my chuckle. But I'll get there!

    Thanks for all the inspiration you give!

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  52. Mary LewisMay 08, 2012

    I have been having colposcopies every 3-6 months for the last 2 years (due to abnormal Pap) Mine came back for dysplasia, but low-grade, so I have regular followups to make sure I'm clear. The colposcopy might feel like a tiny pinch, but it's not bad. After having kids, your jaw surgery and your stomach surgery, the colp will be nothing! (though I think I'm like you...still nervous about it anyway each time I have one!) Congrats on your blog winning best! Glad you and Jerry had a great weekend...the duck and cover pics cracked me up!!

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  53. Conratulationson the Editors Pick! That is awesome. You are so isnpiring here and you deserve it.

    Don't worry about the procedure. Just take a pain reliever 30 minutes before your appointment and wear a panty liner. It is uncomforable, but not too bad.

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  54. I had a colposcopy because I had an irregular pap. I went in the morning before I headed to work, which means I didn't eat before hand (I eat breakfast at work). I was extremely nervous because I hate needles, blood, and all things hospital-y. The actual procedure wasn't too bad. It did hurt a little, but nothing too bad. After the procedure, I got had cold sweats and got very clammy and dizzy. They put a cool washcloth on my forehead, gave me a soda to drink (quick calories), and had me lay down for about 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, I was fine and on my way to work. Like someone else already mentioned, wear a panty liner because you will spot afterwards. I only had the one because after 2 six month checkups and paps, I was back to a regular pap. Good luck!

    And congrats on the Blog Award... that's awesome!

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  55. Congrats! Wow, your blog is award winning, as it should be. It sounds like you had a great staycation. I'm impressed that you know your body so well and don't get freaked with temporary weight gain.

    I've had a colposcopy and it isn't fun. However, the worst thing is anticipating the procedure. It is pretty quick. Good luck with all that...

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  56. Katie, I usually have to get a colposcopy every other annual exam....as everyone else says, no big deal. I usually find the most discomforting part afterwards with the cramping. I usually pop a couple of tylenol...not advl as it thins the blood and causes you to bleed easier....about an hour or two before the procedure. Then a midol afterwards to combat the cramps. My Dr calls it a "pickling"....because having to put vinagar soaked cotton balls in to thin the cervix. Good luck....and know that we are all thinking about you!

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  57. I had a colposcopy a couple of years ago. No big deal :-) My mom took me to Ulta afterwards and I walked around and was fine (and I got nice make-up out of the deal). Just bring a pad!

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  58. I had a colposcopy a couple of years ago. No big deal :-) My mom took me to Ulta afterwards and I walked around and was fine (and I got nice make-up out of the deal). Just bring a pad!

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