Post menopausal hysteroscopy

[ShazRocky]

61 but I am a mum (but not a gran).Had period pain and bleeding 10 years after menopause so on 2 week referral re endometrial polyps/cancer/whatever? Had vaginal ultrasound. Unpleasant but bearable. Thickened lining so on to next step - hysteroscopy. Asked ultrasound nurse if that was much worse than what id just had done and she said she couldn't lie, it was. Did lots of research and it seemed 50% of women had had a very bad experience. Some referred to it as barbaric and worst pain of their life including childbirth. I didn't like those odds so rang the gynae secretaries and said I would only have it under GA. She said would I attend my planned appt anyway and speak to consultant. I did so. She would have liked to have changed my mind but I stuck to my guns and now awaiting swift appt for GA hysteroscopy. As I will be out they can also remove polyps if that's what it is. I am much relieved and calmer knowing that the problem is being progressed in a humane way. Just want other women to know (especially older with smaller womb and less elasticity) that it is your right to insist on GA. Do not get bullied. Hugs to all going through similar at this very difficult time for us all.

I had my hysteroscopy under GA it was done privately and consultation told me it would be done under ga I didn't get to discuss it
Given that when it was done he had difficulty accessing due to tightly closed cervix it was totally the right decision

I had a Hysteroscopy at 56, post-menopausal with no pain relief. It was like nasty period pains, unpleasant but not unbearable. I was offered gas and air but would have had to stay at the hospital longer for observation so declined it
Personally I think I would sooner tolerate the discomfort than take the risk of a general anaesthetic

Thanks for responses. I think these illustrate that the key here is CHOICE and being told what is available to you. Perfectly okay for each woman to have her own opinion on the way forward but no-one should be forced into anything she is scared of or not comfortable with. :)

I had one recently after unexpectedly bleeding several years post menopause. The leaflet I was given made it sound awful and I was nervous but it was absolutely fine. Not pleasant but not painful just uncomfortable and no issues afterwards. Even taking a biopsy was ok. No way would I risk a general anaesthetic. I would have used gas and air if offered but really didn’t need anything, I’d taken painkillers an hour or so before and they were sufficient.

I had one few years ago with removal of polyps, they tried to remove them with GA and it was the most painful experience of my life, always insist on GA for this.. agree with OP don't allow yourself to be bullied into non surgery..