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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

hysteroscopy. can I ask for Ga? really scared..

91 replies

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 20:19

I need one because am getting occasional bleeding between periods. I don't tolerate smears etc very well and wondered if I ask will I be able to have a ga? does anyone have any advice or experience please? The hospital blurb says it is their preferred way to do as outpatient.

OP posts:

Report

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 20:20

With no GA

OP posts:

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 20:20

With no GA

OP posts:

PoshPenny · 27/05/2014 21:19

Yes you can have one with GA. I had one, I said I was a right booby and would not be able to cope without GA. I did have to wait much longer though to have it done...

Sixweekstowait · 27/05/2014 21:40

I had it with a ga- that's the norm in my area. I've heard it really hurts without one - I wouldn't have contemplated it.

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 21:45

Thank you. I don't mind waiting longer for it. I have ongoing endometriosis and find these things painful. I had to have a sigmoidoscopy a few years ago and even with sedation found it unbearable. will ring them tomorrow and see what they say.

OP posts:

FrontForward · 27/05/2014 21:47

I had it without GA and it was absolutely fine - easier than a smear. I was also terrified and very prepared to say No. Stop! right from the off and revert to GA. It really was fine

Hulababy · 27/05/2014 21:53

I had both of mine under GA. I was really nervous beforehand as I hadn't ever had a GA before. But the nursing staff were excellent, very calming, lovely. They stayed with me during the needle and someone was with me when I cam round. I was less worried the second time round, a few months later.

It was recommended that mine was done under GA, due to potential "cervical shock" and also to allow them to do the laser removal of the scar tissues during that time.

Artus · 27/05/2014 22:08

I had one without a GA and it was fine. Not very uncomfortable at all, and I am not very brave about this sort of thing. I had two polyps removed at the same time, and even that was only mild discomfort. I found the recovery was pretty instant too, which I dont find with a GA, when I feel groggy for several days.

But I am sure if you say you are very nervous and find smears difficult you would be able to ask for the GA.

mineofuselessinformation · 27/05/2014 22:18

If the hospital says it is the preferred way, it doesn't mean it's the only way they offer - you just have to insist on it. It shouldn't really affect how long you have to wait either as the operating time will be the same regardless.
Fwiw, when at the hospital for the first of the two prolapse ops I had, I refused spinal and said I wanted GA, that's what I got. The anaesthetist wasn't keen, but had to comply with my wishes.

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 22:35

Thank you all. I will see what they say tomorrow. I have had quite a few general anasthetics, for laparoscopies and a cystocele and have never had complications. I even found my vaginal ultrasound painful so i'm just going from past experiences. I may need to assert myself...

OP posts:

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 22:35

Thank you all. I will see what they say tomorrow. I have had quite a few general anasthetics, for laparoscopies and a cystocele and have never had complications. I even found my vaginal ultrasound painful so i'm just going from past experiences. I may need to assert myself...

OP posts:

kazzawazzawoo · 27/05/2014 22:42

I have to have a hysteroscopy ssoon, I'm scared of the potential pain (I had a ius fitted 15 years ago and it was extremely painful), but can't bear the thought of a ga.

Those who had it without ga, what was it like, how long did it take, was it in an operating room, how many were present? I've been putting this off for over a year, I'm terrified.

Let us know how you get on OP.

LackaDAISYcal · 27/05/2014 22:50

I've had around half a dozen over the last few years, and have to say that although it's not pleasant, it is much less traumatic than a smear test, ime.

the main difference I assume is that you are in a special chair and the angles are all right, rather than lying flat on your back on a bed. The staff were all fabulous as well; I saw everyone from an HCA to a consultant, and they chatted so much that the camera was inserted before I even realised it, and one time they had removed a polyp and the first I knew it was being waved under my nose in a jar! It's their bread and butter and they are very adept!

You could ask for a sedative, or ask for something like valium to relax you before hand though if it's an issue? And take some ibuprofen and paracetomol up to an hour before the procedure helps with any post hysteroscopy cramping.

Good Luck xx

LackaDAISYcal · 27/05/2014 22:52

No operating room; small treatment room with a scary looking, but surprisingly comfortable chair. kazza, I had a coil fitted on one occasion and that hurt. The other scopes were nothing on comparison.

LackaDAISYcal · 27/05/2014 22:52

oh, and it took less than 20 minutes all told.

kazzawazzawoo · 27/05/2014 22:56

Thanks.I presumed the camera insertion would be more painful than the coil. Would they give me a local? Who would I ask for valium?

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

nobeer · 27/05/2014 23:01

Hi OP, I had two last year, and I wasn't given any choice - I was told I was having GA and that was that! Good luck and I hope you get what you want.

MegGriffin · 27/05/2014 23:05

Dont worrybabout hijack, the more posts, the better.

OP posts:

thenightsky · 27/05/2014 23:06

I had one with no anaesthetic or even a paracetamol and was very surprised how pain free it was. Much easier than a smear.

It wasn't in an operating theatre, just a small room. It's done on a special chair, so you are really comfy. There was the qualified nurse who did it, plus 2 female assistants to help you on and off the chair, arranging your clothes and draping sheets over your nethers etc. All three were lovely and jokey and I actually had a good laugh with them. The qualified nurse said her title was 'Naughty Front Botty Nurse'.

starfishmummy · 27/05/2014 23:09

I had one under GA.
DS was born by csection (medical reasons) so my cervix was still "tight". They also did a d&c at the same time.

kazzawazzawoo · 27/05/2014 23:41

Lol at Naughty front botty nurse!

digerd · 28/05/2014 07:06

It probabaly depends on what you are having done. However, a GA is the norm in my hospital and I had a scrape included.

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MegGriffin · 28/05/2014 14:14

I'm just having an investigation. I have had this letter without a prior appointment with a gynaecologist so the letter was the first I knew about it. I have not had a chance to ask any question. in the letter there are no instructions to take pain relief or do any prep and I can't decide if that is good or bad?...

OP posts:

kazzawazzawoo · 28/05/2014 18:09

Mine is just to be an investigation too due to mid cycle bleeding.

thenightsky · 28/05/2014 18:11

Mine was just an investigation for mid cycle bleeding too. Honestly it was fine

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