just wondering whether there is an option for sedation for colposcopy and further treatment?

[Sullabylullaby]

I'm being referred and have received a leaflet. I'm a little concerned that you don't get sedation for a biopsy if that ends up happening? I've had this procedure in Ireland before and the consultant said he always offers sedation. England seems a little barbaric to be honest. Intrude into your nether regions, then cut a piece off if necessary all while you have a local bloody anaesthetic which sounds painful to start with?
I'll end up crying and that doesn't seem right?

Surely they can be more humane?

OneStepSideways. It's a colposcopy I am being referred for, not a colonoscopy.

Well, who pissed on your cornflakes, OP?

Don't ask if YABU when YABU about BU because YABU.

I had one, a good few years ago . I am a complete wimp and I promise you it did not hurt one little bit .( They took a biopsy) it was very very quick.
You will be absolutely fine .
I am far more afraid of going to the dentist .

I have them frequently, always under sedation.

The first time the doctor tried it turned into a farce as I was alternating between a vice grip on the speculum and pushing it back out. She couldn't see my cervix as a result and it was very stressful. I also found it excruciatingly painful.

I have another next month, again under sedation.

I found colposcopies very painful and they had suggested sedation for my lletz treatment. In the end I went for the local anaesthetic and I'm glad I did. I oddly found the metal speculum far less uncomfortable.

However, the needle stung like a bitch and looking back, if I'd been offered a Valium I would have been over the moon. I think that's all that would have been needed to be honest.

I had had 3 since September due to an abnormal smear test result (I'm pregnant so they are unable to remove any cells at the moment but are keeping a close eye on me during my pregnancy.) all this thread has done is fucking terrify me.

Sorry that's a slight exaggeration I know a lot of peoples experiences have been fine but the sedation/GA talk is really frightening to me.

Also I know this is off topic but I actually grew up in Ireland and that's where my oldest son was born. I found my experience in hospital after his birth absolutely horrific (being told off for bleeding all over the floor just after giving birth by a midwife for example) where as it has been much better over here with the NHS where my second (and soon my third) son was born.

Just to update, the clinic phoned Thursday to confirm the appointment (had received letter in post Wednesday) and I asked the question. She called me back today to say that she had spoken to somebody or another (couldn't hear her clearly as was out and about) and to just come to the appointment and discuss it with them there. I'm not going to be a big wuss if it's just a colposcopy, but if they want to take a sample, I'll ask for sedation because as I said, I dislike smear tests (I cried at the most recent one) blah blah. GP won't give Valium because I asked him for that before for a dental appointment and he refused - miserable git.

Just to warn you when I had my first one they tried to take the punch biopsy without telling me, it was only when I spotted the forceps (?) and asked what they were doing she told me. I had samples taken at every colposcopy and I've had about 4 so far

To make sure that your concerns are taken seriously, don't remove any clothing or get into an examining position before you have made it clear that you will not tolerate any samples being taken without your express consent. They will try to convince you that it will be quick and painless. If you keep your clothes on, you will feel less vulnerable. Don't let them take a "quick look" either, until you are completely comfortable.

Also, ask your dentist for a sedative as they can prescribe one for you.

Good points both of you. Note to self: Keep knickers on until they have told me they will comply with wishes. :)

It's not until 10th April, so I've a few weeks yet.

So is sedation actually an option? Seems strange that there's no info about it on your appointment letter; usually you need to not have anything to eat 4-6 hours before, nothing to drink 2 hours before, and have someone to take you home after/stay with you for 24 hours. I'd ring up again to confirm if you're hoping it's an option. Also, if it's discomfort that you're worried about rather than anxiety about the test, sedation won't really help a great deal, it's not pain relief. You might not remember it if you have sedation though I guess.

OP I think you’re going to need to clarify the sedation situation with them before the appointment. As you probably already know it involves fasting before hand and having someone collect you after and if they haven’t advised you of this in advance I’d be concerned that all you’ll be offered is a 5mg Valium which doesn’t really sound like it’ll meet your needs.

Hmm, I'll ring again on Monday. Sedation in Ireland is like a very mild anaesthetic? Injected, but you remember nothing even though apparently you're able to respond to commands to move etc. If they can't give me a reassurance that they will not proceed with taking a biopsy unless I'm sedated, then I may very well toodle back to the home country.

Will have to go through the whole smear/referral process again then though. I doubt there's a massive risk in terms of urgency, I could see the notes on the doctor's screen and it read 'High risk HPV found' then, 'borderline cells found' or something like that. I'd say that's probably fairly non urgent, but I haven't had HPV detected previously. I'm no expert. It just said Refer Colposcopy at the end.

I second everything toads said.

Would even consider another phone call and a chat with the nurse in charge. Vague stuff about discussing it on the day sounds suspiciously like a fob off.

Forgot to ring them today. Thanks for reminding me.

They'll probably give you sedation if you ask. Most procedures are safer without, so if it's generally seen as not unduly painful, they don't offer it. Explain, tell them how nervous you are and why, and see what they say. And why call people fuckers and dick-heads when they're just doing their jobs?

Madam. I am not calling the doctors dickheads, it's the pen-pushers and cost-cutters who don't have to experience the pain that I have an issue with. I strongly disagree that it is best practice as when cost is not a primary concern, sedation is a given - exemplified by Irish system where it is offered as standard - as my consultant said - it's not pleasant, so I prefer to offer sedation for xyz reasons.

The cost-cutters and pen pushers as you call them are working with the budgets government give them. Most procedures are safer without sedation but many hospitals offer sedation as a matter of course. I never have sedation for gastroscopy because this makes the whole thing safer and quicker, though it is offered routinely as the procedure is unpleasant. I find I can cope, though I understand very well why people do choose to be sedated - madam.

People saying it's not painful - do you realise our bodies are all different?

I found it excruciating. It never occurred to me to ask for sedation but would do if I had it again. I requested, and got, a full anaesthetic for my last coil change.

So, I say, just ask, explain why.

Some people are so wimpy honestly!!!

pipgirl - that's a really unpleasant thing to say. You have no idea how things feel to other people. Good for you if you've no feeling in your nether regions but some of us have.