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Original poster

Anyone had a hysteroscopy?

21 replies

twirlymum · 03/02/2011 21:00

I have a fibroid and a thickened womb lining, and need to have a hysteroscopy.
I was given a lot of information to read through at the hospital today, and I'm sitting here in tears. I know they have to tell you all the things that can go wrong, but I'm really worried about it. I think it's the thought of a general anaesthetic too.

OP posts:

AnyFuleKno · 03/02/2011 21:22

i have had a hysteroscopy and laparoscopy together under a general.

What are you worried about specifically twirly?

Original poster

twirlymum · 03/02/2011 21:43

I'm not sure really. I know there are risks with any GA, and the doctor said they would be doing a biopsy too (standard procedure he said). I suppose it's just that word, makes you worry what they might find.
Also reading the possible complications- damage to uterus etc.

OP posts:

AnyFuleKno · 03/02/2011 21:48

The biopsy will just be a tiny nick really, you won't feel the after effects.

I had some pain immediately after the operation - like period cramps. After that only pain from the laparoscopy.

In my case the results were normal and it was very reassuring, so worth having done, and I went on to have my dd a couple of years later.

IS it worth asking if you can have a spinal block instead of the general if that's what is worrying you?

Jellykat · 03/02/2011 22:07

I've had the same, and agree with AFK.

I have two littleish fibroids,and was terrified before the procedure,but it really was ok, and my results were normal too..much better to get it done,and know what is going on.

Try not to worry-The thought of it,is much worse than the actual reality.

Original poster

twirlymum · 03/02/2011 22:46

Thanks for your reassurance. Think I'd rather be out completely than be aware of what was going on!

OP posts:

AnyFuleKno · 03/02/2011 22:56

You'll be fine twirly, honestly.

When are you having it?

It's usually a day procedure, although they may want you to prove you can wee ok before they send you home. I did end up staying overnight but was on bupa at the time so I didn't mind one bit. Wish I could still afford it.

Original poster

twirlymum · 03/02/2011 23:03

He said about six weeks, probably. Day procedure unless there are any problems.

OP posts:

AnyFuleKno · 03/02/2011 23:08

Good luck, then!

I just remembered the other day that I was given a printout of one of the images from the hysteroscopy camera, and I showed it to my workmates. They were horrified . I found it fascinating though!

kreecherlivesupstairs · 04/02/2011 07:26

I've had both, I am still here. I would always go for a GA over a spinal anaesthtic but that's because I am a total wuss.

SwearyMary · 04/02/2011 07:36

I had a Hysteroscopy almost three yrs ago to retrieve a Mirena coil that was AWOL. I refused sedation...... enough said.
Although watching it on the screen was interesting.

I was ok afterwards, once the shock had worn off etc. I just felt crampy.

SwearyMary · 04/02/2011 07:37

Oh and I called the surgeon a fucking arsehole! I couldn't help it. He just giggled as I tried and failed to apologise!!!!

malinkey · 04/02/2011 20:12

I know two women who have had hysteroscopies without ANY anaesthetic. Sounds totally barbaric - I can't believe that there is any reason why this would be allowed. After hearing about their experiences I would be begging for a general anaesthetic.

thinkingaboutschools · 04/02/2011 20:51

I had one a few months ago under GA. It wasn't bad at all, although I didn't feel 100% after the GA for a few days.

ilove · 04/02/2011 20:54

I had one with no anaesthetic or sedation or spinal before I had my hysterectomy.

Vajazzler · 05/02/2011 22:41

Hi Twirlymum

I'm having a hysteroscopy and cystectomy on valentines day and i too am getting a bit scared. I think its because ive never had a general anasthetic. Ive had 5 epidurals but never a GA and i think its fear of the unknown.
I'm having a dermoid cyst removed and as i bleed very heavily on my periods im also having a uterine ablation.

Have you been given a date for your op?

whomovedmychocolate · 05/02/2011 22:43

I had one with a laporoscopy under a general - took about an hour. If there is anything really bad they tell you immediately when you wake up but generally they just check stuff out and fix anything that can be fixed while in there.

I experienced shoulder pain (from the gas pumped in to make room for the instruments) and bleeding like a period for about two days. But it was fine. You can have it under a spinal in some hospitals - if you are concerned about the general call them and ask if it's possible.

cabbageroses · 06/02/2011 10:00

I had a hysterscopy in October without any GA or anything. My dr did a biopsy at the same time.

It took about 30 minutes as he had problems inserting the camera- I am post menopausal. I had previously had a biopsy taken a few months earlier just in his surgery and had no problems.

After both the above investigations I was met by a friend, had a cuppa with her, then got the train home .

You do not HAVE to have a GA for this investigation. You can have a cervical local instead , or nothing.

If you don't like the thought of a GA then discuss it with your dr.

My dr told me he had done 2 that morning on women under GAs.

I do see him privately, and he is very much patient- focused, but I think you should still discuss options with your dr.

cabbageroses · 06/02/2011 10:01

malinky- maybe if you read my post you will see that I chose not to have a GA! why put yourself through all of that for the sake of a few minutes of discomfort?

Hulababy · 06/02/2011 10:09

I had two hysteroscopies within 3 months of each other a couple of years back. Both were under GA and I had no choice over that. For me it would not have been a case of a little discomfort. I also has removal if adhesions by laser at the same time.

After the ops I went home that afternoon. I was a little sore but not too bad and painkillers helped. My throat was my worst problem, from the tube during the op. Make sure you have lots of water with you.

I was terrified before hand. ESP as you can't have anyone go with you. I'd never had a GA before and was scared. However the staff were fab and put me at ease. It was all very relaxed. It was def not as bad as I thought.

cabbageroses · 06/02/2011 11:06

Twirly- it is quite possible that you can have all of that done without a GA you know. many of the posters here hav ehad to have other procedures during the hysterescopy, for which they would need a GA.

I had mine because of a slightly thickened lining, "abnormal" bleeding, and I also have a small fibroid but TBH they can see a lot about fibroids from a scan.

TBRH, the drs sometiems prefer to put you under a GA so it makes it easier for them. I discussed this with the nurses who looked after me afterwards ad they agreed that they take more care if you are awake!

Interestingly, one of the nurses was booked in herself for one in London on the NHS and she said she had no option- they would NOT offer her it under a GA!

sausagesandmarmelade · 12/05/2011 09:57

Hope you got on ok Twirly!

I had a second Hysteroscopy yesterday....and again without general anaesthetic.

The first time was to remove a poly and the second because they weren't able to do a biopsy without using the camera (something to do with the shape of my cervix or summat).

Anyway...I was the same. Thought I was ok till I got to the hosp and then during and after the discussion with the doctor (before the procedure) I cried like anything...when she told me what they might find and what it would mean etc. They have to tell you these things so that you are fully informed.

Once I had got the crying out of the way I went into the room...and they carried out the procedure. It hardly hurt at all...in fact the spectrum was more painful and I'd had that for smear tests.

All done...and am very relieved it's over. News was very encouraging (have some small fibroids that don't need any attention) and I now know not to worry about anything as things looked very good. Still have to wait for the results of the biopsy but am hopeful they will be ok. I do wonder why I was recommended that I have it done under GA....and can't help wondering if it's more for their benefit than mine!

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