AIBU to feel traumatised?

[cattypussclaw]

So yesterday I had a hysteroscopy. It was very very painful. I cried, I nearly threw up and I passed out at one point. They asked if I wanted them to stop but all I could think was that they'd only want to do this to me again and I couldn't face that. In fact, no medical person is carrying out any procedure on me again unless I am out cold.

I was told it would be particularly painful for me as I haven't given birth (one child, non-elective c-section) so my cervix is very tight. I asked why no anaesthetic and the gynaecologist's reply was "Because you're a woman, no man would tolerate this".

I'm usually OK with medical procedures. I'm in the "just get it over with" camp and have no problem with needles and - I thought - a pretty high pain threshold.

It was the most unpleasant and agonising experience of my life and I honestly feel a bit traumatised. AIBU to think that no woman should be expected to go through this? Or am I just a wuss as I haven't been through the pain of childbirth?

YANBU . I got taken in for a coil fitting - with all manner of
issues down below, terrified of internals but told had to try without anaesthetic - told I had to try it for suspected endometriosis .

Twenty minutes that consultant tried to force the coil in - at one point almost ramrodding it . Ended up with heavy bleeding and numb for a few hours . She threw the speculum across the room when I asked her to please stop ... had to go back to work to complete a 12 hour shift . I remember sitting sobbing in the toilet .

It’s hell and I think that attitude is endemic across gynaecology - definitely complain .

Well, I've had two children and I found having a coil fitted (again where they open your cervix manually) absolutely horrific. My blood pressure went through the roof. I felt like you, that it was traumatic. I was shaking for hours afterwards. I've had many seemingly worse medical procedures. I wish as women we didn't just have to 'put up' with this stuff.

I would complain about the whole thing, and particularly about the gynaecologist's comment. Some medical procedures may involve discomfort but anything that hurts enough to make you vomit should not be done without some form of pain relief.

I've had it done twice. I don't think it's true that it's more painful if you haven't given birth....:my first one was before I'd had a child and it was only as uncomfortable/painful as a smear

Not sure where to start my complaints process. GP or hospital?

Sounds horrific and whilst I absolutely agree they should have given you some local anaesthetic.

I’m not shocked though, as when I gave birth the first time, epidural wasn’t an option during childbirth. Not sure why but I head that supposedly there weren’t enough anaesthetists and given birth wasn’t classed as important enough despite the significant prolonged pain most women endure.

Please, report this to Hysteroscopy Action to help their campaign. It's happened to loads of us. My GP told me it wouldn't hurt! It's a disgrace that they are still doing this with no pain relief.

Yeah its bloody sore! Did you not get offered even gas and air?

YANBU to feel traumatised, at all

I'm so angry that this attitude persists and women are subjected to unnecessary pain. It's 2021 ffs, we should be doing better! I had a manual removal of placenta after the most horrific, excruciating and terrifying labour, haemorrhage, 3rd degree tear etc. I was screaming in pain being rushed down the corridor to theatre, begging for a general anaesthetic as I's been told the manual removal would be hell and I just couldn't face any more pain. The doctor in theatre said - I shit ye not - "Hmm, childbirth isn't as easy as you think, is it". I'm afraid I thrashed and screamed and wouldn't let them come near me until they eventually gave me the general anaesthetic. 18 years ago, and I still feel traumatised by it.

I didn't complain, I felt like I'd been hit by a train and my baby was in SCBU so it all just went by me - but if you feel strong enough, I think you should make a complaint. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

When I gave birth I barely dilated and the consultant tried to get a heartbeat clip on the baby’s head, without pain relief. She was basically stretching my cervix manually and it was the worst, most painful bit of the whole experience. I can’t really describe it but I was out of my head with pain, I went to another level if that makes sense

Having your cervix interfered with is absolute agony, it makes me shudder now. Your experience sounds just as awful

ShirleyPhallus I know that moment of pure transcendental agony you're talking about! When I was failing to progress the last couple of cm, a male consultant strode into the room, didn't even make eye contact with me, shoved his hand up there and basically tore me, then said "now she can push", then strode out again. It was a moment I've never been able to describe, like the whole world turned to ice for a couple of seconds. I get flashbacks to it.

I truly am close to tears reading this thread because it is such a horrendous thing to have to go through and be told that we just have to put up with it!!!

Preloved, how do you think they would get local where it was needed?!

Well, I'm not a medical expert, but I would imagine in the same way they use local anaesthetic in other areas. By injection.

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I thought maybe I was being hysterical but glad to be told I'm not.

Whilst I wouldn't wish my experience on anyone, it's a relief to know I'm not alone. I'm so sorry anyone had to suffer as I did so huge hugs to you all.

I've submitted a complaint to my GP as a starting point. Will see if I get a response. I've suggested that - as an absolute minimum - they warn women that this procedure could be excruciatingly painful and that anaesthesia options are available.

Regarding anaesthetics whilst awake:

1. Local anaesthetic by injection into the cervix which is a special kind of agony I don’t need to elaborate on I’m sure.

1. Take you to theatre and give you an epidural.

Oh or alternatively..

Take you to theatre and knock you out for the procedure BECAUSE ITS FUCKING TRAUMATIC

Lots of threads all over the internet discussing this. YANBU it is barbaric without GA. The pressure women are put under to have it done without GA or be put on a long waiting list to be admitted and possibly delay a diagnosis is also shocking. I felt violated after I had it with a biopsy too, went through with it because I didn't want to delay a diagnosis, took me the rest of the week to get over it.

I wish I'd Googled it but it honestly didn't occur to me. It was sold to me as just like a smear test which I find unpleasant but only briefly painful and tolerable. It was NOTHING like a smear test at all. Other than the indignity of it.

That sounds awful, I had mine under general anaesthetic!

Contact PALS and complain that sounds so awful you poor thing, I really feel for you.

I had it and its very painful. I found giving birth to my children much easier. Its like a contraction but without the build up of pain you have in labor. Your not a wimp, its awful.

YANBU. I've had two of these done. The first was years ago under GA. the second was last month and like yours was without pain relief as this is how they do them now.
I've had two vaginal births and two CS. It was agony. Why they think this is ok is beyond me. I've had could fitted without issues, have a high pain threshold, but this was something else.
I feel for you

Coils not could!

God this thread is chilling. I'm so sorry for all of your experiences, they are horrific. OP, I was told by my gynae that I had to have a local or general, they wouldn't do it without one. Reading this has made me realise how fortunate I was.