Reaction during Colposcopy

I've had four colposcopy procedures now for abnormal pap tests over the last 5 years. During my last procedure I had a strange and unnerving reaction. I felt lightheaded and had a really odd feeling in my body. Not sure if it was the procedure or the numbing medicine that my doctor used. I never experienced this before with the other procedures. I had the feeling for most the day and then it seemed to go away.  Long story short..... three weeks later out of the blue I experienced the same feelings and I've had these feelings now, off and on for 13 days. My primary care doctor has taken blood tests and a EKG to rule out any other problems; so far the tests are normal. So my question is..... can the numbing medicine that was used in my colposcopy have cause this problem I am now having after this many weeks?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The reaction that you had during your colposcopy is common.  It can be caused by the anesthetic, OR simply by manipulation of the cervix and uterus.  It is not an allergic reaction, but rather a side effect.

It should NOT be causing a problem this much later, and I suspect something else is going on at this point.  I suspect that either, your primary care doctor will be able to sort it out for you, OR it will go away on its own.

Good luck!
Dr B

[pb56]

Thank you Dr B for your respond.

All my tests have come back normal.  I believe now that it might be anxiety. I have been under a lot of stress, i.e. long term unemployment, etc....  I am going to try different things to relax me and keep myself busy; and try to keep my mind off my worries.

Thanks again.