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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Transvaginal ultrasound AIBU to be close to tears?

188 replies

AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 19:35

I have an infection in my vagina, a stinging in there, and when I sit down, I feel like a painful football is bouncing around my insides - not my vagina, my uterus area, inside my tummy.
I also have an issue internally (bleeding and pelvic pain) which is why I'm being referred for US.
AIBU to be doing the female equivalent of my balls shrinking into my scrotum at the thoughts of anything going up my vagina?
Is there any way I can make a probe up my vagina tomorrow possible? I want to find out what's going on clearly, but the thoughts of the pain is upsetting me. Plus I'm not sure whether they'll manage to get anything up there.
Any advice?

OP posts:
Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:20

Always 'tell the ultrasonographer. Unlikely to be a nurse there.

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:21

If you read the thread, I've had this exact exam TWICE before. TWICE!!!! That is 2 FUCKING TIMES! Did I feel pain? NO!

Are the circumstances different now? Yes!
FFS, at least read my posts.

OP posts:
AlwaysDancing1234 · 14/03/2019 20:21

Sorry cross post with your last update. If possible call the clinic beforehand and speak to a nurse/doctor about your concerns. They can often have pain relief available like gas & air or even light sedation but you must talk to them about it.

Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:22

You won't need sedation, or gas and air

If you had actually read what OP had put you would understand why she may need additional analgesia. Some women DO need gas and air during TV USS, I didn't just write it for the fun of it or to scare OP. It's to let her know that she may have options if her infection means the scan is too painful.

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:22

So.

You've had it twice before.

Yet this time you're catastrophising it.

Fimat · 14/03/2019 20:22

Sorry, I just saw the first page. Definitely explain how utterly painful it is and ask about sedation. Can you have someone go with you so they can take you home. You shouldn’t have to suffer like that.

YesQueen · 14/03/2019 20:23

@Miljah because she's in pain!

AlwaysDancing1234 · 14/03/2019 20:24

Miljah at every TV scan I’ve had (at 3 different hospitals) there has been a Gynae nurse there too as well as ultrasound person. Also there are doctors on the clinic as well who I see afterwards for results etc. , I assumed this was same for most hence why I say speak to the nurse before the scan.

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:24

Yes, I'm catastrophizing. Because the insides of my vagina are swollen so much as to be shut, and feel like they are on fire.
Lord, if you don't understand a post, don't comment.

OP posts:
Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:24

milijah what the fuck? RTFT.

Tv USS are fine usually. But imagine if that area is inflamed and sensitive due to infection- and yes this does happen. I've known women unable to have them and they certainly were not 'catastrophising'

Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:25

always that's exactly how it is where I work too.

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:25

Have re-read you.

What did you have '10 days ago'? First it's 'I've had many of these'.

A speculum or a TVS? Given that a TVS doesn't require a speculum?

1MillionSelfiesTakenByMyKids · 14/03/2019 20:26

I'm so sorry yore in such pain. I've had very bad thrush which sounds like the vaginal issues you're having and I 100% wpuld not have been ok with anything being inserted into my vagina even though I'm quite rite relaxed about that generally.

Are the vaginal issues unrelated too the uterine issues? Could it be thrush? If so it might be worth treating that and getting the pain under control before trying to get this scan done.

I think all you can do it explain to the photographer and explain that you might need to call a halt if it's too painful. That way you are at least in control. Good luck

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:26

So, they did a TVS 10 days ago, and what was the outcome?

1MillionSelfiesTakenByMyKids · 14/03/2019 20:27

Agh. 'Helpful ' phone auto corrected sonographer to photographer. Sorry

Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:27

OP I hope you're okay. I'm not sure why some posters are coming across so aggressive.

PanamaPattie · 14/03/2019 20:27

I think it might be worth asking for an external scan first to see if anything shows up. If no joy, ask the technician for the "virgin" wand and attempt the insertion yourself?

ZippyBungleandGeorge · 14/03/2019 20:27

I've had quite a few due to PCOS and prior to DC was often told 'oh you haven't had children yet' 'I'll get the smaller speculum' etc , I had a narrow cervix apparently (no idea now, probably like a Wizard's sleeve) but it didn't hurt at all wasn't even vaguely uncomfortable, smear test was worse. Take some painkillers before you go and just remember it's a means to an end. Good luck

SilkClayFlowers · 14/03/2019 20:27

You are well within your right side to have analgesia during a TVS I did myself for a TVS during a ruptured ovarian cyst.

MollysLips · 14/03/2019 20:28

I'm surprised your GP didn't do a swab when she was up there, to start you on antibiotics.

Or had it become inflamed and swollen since that internal examination the other day?

I think you'll just have to explain the circumstances to the radiographer tomorrow and take it very slowly. Maybe tonight have a sitz bath, or anything that helped you with post-birth pains?

Original poster
AnyWalls · 14/03/2019 20:29

I've had many TVscans over the years. I've also had probably about 10 smears in my life. I've given birth. Never did anything pain me.

10 days ago it was my GP with a speculum. So while they are going to be scanning my insides, I think the vaginal issue may be an issue in them being able to do that if they need to do the TV scan.

OP posts:
Purplejay · 14/03/2019 20:29

Poor you.

I have had 2 of these. Both were no bother at all, much more comfortable than a smear. A bit of pressure at the but no pain at all. The wand is very very smooth and they use lots of lube and go slowly.

I appreciate you are already in pain but they will be used to dealing with people with vaginal and pelvic pain. Take some painkillers before you go as this will help. Also tell them your concerns before they start and say what hurts.

Good luck.

Miljah · 14/03/2019 20:29

Panama the OP has had many TVS before.

The wand doesn't penetrate your cervix.

Still wondering why you're having another TVS 10 days later. Was a cause for your bleeding identified then?

Prequelle · 14/03/2019 20:30

Good point about the swabs

Have you had triple swabs OP?

BejamNostalgia · 14/03/2019 20:31

I found them a less painful and intrusive than things involving a speculum. I also found that when having them done by staff in a gynae clinic where they routinely do those scans and frequently to people with pain, then they’re very gentle and patient.

Explain your concerns beforehand and only go as far as you can manage, say stop as soon as you need to.

bbcessex above gave you some great advice above about sedation. If you can’t manage it, you’ll need to ask to rearrange with some sort of sedation and be assertive about it.