AIBU - Scared to have a Hysteroscopy, Polypectomy and D & C under GA?

[Lexmerrie]

Hi All,

I am currently in self-isolation in preparation for my surgery on Thursday for a Hysteroscopy, Polypectomy and D & C under GA. I am extremely nervous due to many factors and just wondered how others found the whole process? I am worried that I will be quite sore afterwards as I am quite sensitive to pain in that department and also the effects of GA as I have never had this before

My consultant has referred me for the above due to severe menstrual bleeding and after having an ultra-sound, they noted that my endometrial lining is thicker than it should be (possibly polyps). I am aware anything they remove will be tested for the big C as per normal process, which again I am stressed about. Will they tell me once the surgery is complete what they have observed/carried out and any worries they have?

Thanks in advance!

I had a GA for those reasons 2 years ago, with an endometrial ablation thrown in for luck. It was absolutely fine, the worst part was that I was told don’t bring a phone & you can’t have any visitors & the other 3 women in the ward with me had their husbands with them. They left me without the curtains pulled around me & I couldn’t check how much discharge/blood there was as there were men in the room. You won’t have that to deal with at the moment so I think it might actually be better under present circumstances.

The surgeon came to see me after she’d finished all her patients and told me all was ok.

Hey! I had all of these things in one go too, I remember the feeling so to you.

After the op I wasn’t too bad, had a good rest for a couple of days and barely any bleeding because of the d&c. Perhaps some slight tenderness but nothing serious at all. The GA didn’t do anything much to me other than put me to sleep very gently and quickly, afterwards I just felt tired. Make sure you have cosy clean sheets at home waiting for you, nice fresh food and lots of water.

They will unlikely tell you after surgery if they saw anything as anything they take out will be sent off to be tested. A few years ago that took around a week to come back, don’t know if it is quicker now. All I can advise is some box sets and be really really kind to yourself.

I’ve also had a benign tumour and Lletz for CIN3 but no cancer was found at the time or from the polyps. From what I have been told polyps are really common, I hope that helps and it all goes well

@LizziesTwin

I had a GA for those reasons 2 years ago, with an endometrial ablation thrown in for luck. It was absolutely fine, the worst part was that I was told don’t bring a phone & you can’t have any visitors & the other 3 women in the ward with me had their husbands with them. They left me without the curtains pulled around me & I couldn’t check how much discharge/blood there was as there were men in the room. You won’t have that to deal with at the moment so I think it might actually be better under present circumstances.

They haven't mentioned anything about about an endometrial ablation but from my understanding, if it was needed they will do it at time of surgery possibly? Yeah obviously with COVID I wont be allowed anyone with me, which isn't the best but will just have to focus on getting myself ready to be discharged. Thank you though for reassuring me! :)

Hi OP. I’ve just got home from hospital. Today I had my ovaries and Fallopian tubes removed, and a hysteroscopy and polyp removed! I don’t do things by halves! It was done by keyhole but hysteroscopy done in the normal way.
It all went smoothly. I understand your fears because I’m terrified of G.As I’m always convinced I will never wake up! I had a polyp removed but the surgeon said it didn’t look suspicious. My lining is also thickened. I was worried about cancer as I had breast cancer 5 years ago.
It’s all a bit stressful isn’t it? You will feel better when it’s done and they can put your mind at rest. Although they have to send samples to the laboratory, the surgeon will try and give you a good idea of what they think in the day.

@LizziesTwin

The surgeon came to see me after she’d finished all her patients and told me all was ok.

Hopefully they will do this for me too! I am sure everything will be fine, just the worrier in me!

@AgnesNaismith

Hey! I had all of these things in one go too, I remember the feeling so to you.

After the op I wasn’t too bad, had a good rest for a couple of days and barely any bleeding because of the d&c. Perhaps some slight tenderness but nothing serious at all. The GA didn’t do anything much to me other than put me to sleep very gently and quickly, afterwards I just felt tired. Make sure you have cosy clean sheets at home waiting for you, nice fresh food and lots of water.

They will unlikely tell you after surgery if they saw anything as anything they take out will be sent off to be tested. A few years ago that took around a week to come back, don’t know if it is quicker now. All I can advise is some box sets and be really really kind to yourself.

I’ve also had a benign tumour and Lletz for CIN3 but no cancer was found at the time or from the polyps. From what I have been told polyps are really common, I hope that helps and it all goes well

Hi! I know, it is horrible really isn't it! Just want it over an done with now so I can move on and focus on more positive things!

That is reassuring that you were not too bad, as that was my biggest worry that I would be in pain. DF is making sure to wash our bedsheets once he has dropped me off in the morning and I have also treated myself to some M & S pyjamas! I guess the next challenge following surgery will be the anxious wait for results, however the good thing is that like you said, polyps are very common and very rarely are they anything else but benign!

Thank you for the helpful insight, really means the world! :)

@MissyB1

Hi OP. I’ve just got home from hospital. Today I had my ovaries and Fallopian tubes removed, and a hysteroscopy and polyp removed! I don’t do things by halves! It was done by keyhole but hysteroscopy done in the normal way. It all went smoothly. I understand your fears because I’m terrified of G.As I’m always convinced I will never wake up! I had a polyp removed but the surgeon said it didn’t look suspicious. My lining is also thickened. I was worried about cancer as I had breast cancer 5 years ago. It’s all a bit stressful isn’t it? You will feel better when it’s done and they can put your mind at rest. Although they have to send samples to the laboratory, the surgeon will try and give you a good idea of what they think in the day.

Oh god, that must have been gruelling! Hope you feel better soon! Fingers crossed the surgeon will be able to provide a little insight into what they saw etc!

Oh I just had something similar at 9am today. And have had previous hysteroscopic surgery.

No pain post-op, though last time I had a dragging pain when I ran for a few weeks (nothing in between). Bleeding is like a heavy period. I did feel completely washed out immediately post-op, but as you can tell I am up and about now. Didn’t fancy cooking tea so we are having a pizza, and I’m taking tomorrow off work, but expecting to be back in on Thursday.

I had a hysterscopy and attempted polypectomy (the couldn't find it due to another condition flaring up) 5 weeks ago on gas and air. Hurt at the time but was fine after a coupke of painkillers and some sleep. Had period type pain and some bleeding for a few days after but nothing major. Everyone is different with recovery and pain thresholds though. Hooe all goes well for you. I was really nervous going in but they were lovely and it was no where near as bad as i imagined.