To request a general anaesthetic instead of local?

[radiateforme]

Need to have a hysteroscopy and mass removed from my uterus. I don't like the idea of a general anaesthetic, but like it a lot more than the idea of a local. Doc has told me that local is routine. Without going in to detail, I haven't had sex in years, was sexually assaulted the last time anyone went near me, don't think I could cope with being awake during this procedure. Doc didn't seem too bothered and said local would be better. This fills me with utter dread and my counsellor says it's a bad idea to be awake considering I have PTSD. Where do I stand here?

Yanbu.
I had a general for a hysteroscopy. I didn't like smears and wanted the consultant to get on with his job in peace.

I think YANBU as I would want a GA too

I think you should be very assertive and demand a GA due to your trauma and PTSD. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.

Please ask to speak to them again and explain. Our trust offers some patients GA or spinal anaesthetic with sedation for these. One site offers LA only but if that is not suitable then patients can be directed to another site. Why not contact PALS to assist and advocate for you?

Tell them you insist on ga,
It might mean you have to wait longer but don’t let them railroad you.
Your trauma is real and you don’t need to apologise for it x

I had a general for a hysteroscopy.

You could have light sedation and a local. Less risk and after affects but you feel like you just go to sleep. I had it for tooth removal as I am scared of the dentist following painful work as a child. Much less traumatic than what you are describing and it was suggested to me and no problem other than slightly longer wait as appointment longer

YANBU at all. Persist, you have every right to.

I think they want to see me within 2 weeks as it is through the suspected cancer pathway which might be why they want to do a local. I really, really don't want a local. I am not worried about the pain. I'm worried about being traumatised

Never heard of anyone having a hysterectomy under a local, are you sure you heard correctly?

You might have to stress to the doctor that you are likely to have a flashback and panic and you cannot control this.

@lovemusic33 hysteroscopy is different to hysterectomy

@Lovemusic33

Never heard of anyone having a hysterectomy under a local, are you sure you heard correctly?

She wrote hysteroscopy.

I've had two hysterycopes and normally I would urge people to have a local as it is so much less intrusive than a GA. However in your circumstances I would say that if you feel that you need a GA then you should be listened to.

I’m not sure if you’ll get one - my local hospital has cancelled all outpatient and day surgery appointments. My mum was referred for an endoscopy under the two week wait and her appointment is December 2021 sadly.

Wouldn't be much point in removing a mass from my uterus... then removing my uterus!

As PP said look into sedation. I had it for a tricky wisdom tooth extraction and also scared of dental work. I didn't remember anything. But non of the side effects of anaesthetic. I was really impressed

If they wonmt guve you a general, perhaps they could sedate you? My mum is sedated when she goes for colonoscopies, she’s prety much out of it and doesn’t remember much of them. Could be an option?

I’ve had to have surgery for my bits after tearing with dd.

It was incredibly painful and sex was impossible. The doctor removed scar tissue two fingers thick.

They did all this through general so I’m surprised they are doing your stuff under local

I your case I would definitely ask for GA. I had hysteroscopy without anything and it was so painful and horrible.

I’ve had them done under general and local and the local is ok but you have to be feeling pretty tough about it and determined to get through it. They put local anaesthetic in your cervix and that helps enormously. Your womb doesn’t have nerve endings so once they have numbed the cervix they can remove things from your womb without it being painful tho obviously it’s uncomfortable. Given your circumstances tho, I would definitely demand a general. Also, you don’t say whether you’ve had kids. If you haven’t, then getting through your cervix would be more unpleasant and definitely better to be knocked out for it. I guess the downside of a general is that it takes a few weeks to recover and if they find out that the mass is cancerous, you might need to have another op in quick succession. Wishing you lots of luck and fingers crossed it’s benign. Xxx

I had a hysteroscopy and d and c under general due to complications after a LETZ procedure.
It was originally scheduled for a local however due to PTSD because of rape my hospital was happy to do it under a general although this was 2019 so pre Covid x

Hi OP

I had a local for hysteroscopy and a polyp removal. Extremely uncomfortable and when another was found I rang the consultants secretary and insisted on a general. Given your situation I'd do the same. Be insistent and if you can and you have a sympathetic GP get them to email the consultant too. Hope it all goes ok x

Would suggest looking into sedation. GA takes a huge toll on your body

Another one saying to push for either sedation or GA. You could point out to them that even if you attempted to do it via a local, there's a strong chance you'd have to ask them to stop - a waste of time for everyone involved.