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Original poster

Had a pelvic scan seeing gynecologist next week. Hysteroscopy question?

81 replies

alrightluv · 01/08/2024 18:18

For those who have had a hysteroscopy did you have GA/local or just pain relief? TIA

Just asking in case they mention having one.

OP posts:
margegunderson · 02/08/2024 12:37

I had a local into my cervix and had taken co-codamol before. It was uncomfortable at worst even with a biopsy taken and attempted fibroid removal. Far better than when an a&e doctor did a pipelle biopsy when I was flooding with no pain relief at all "because none was available"

MrsSkylerWhite · 02/08/2024 12:38

Nothing first time. It was uncomfortable at worst until polyps were removed, which was, briefly, quite painful.
Took pain relief an hour before second time and felt very little.

margegunderson · 02/08/2024 12:47

Also I could have opted for a GA procedure instead - I had the choice but thought it would be quicker to go for the non-general version and then if it was horrific I'd stop it and reschedule.

YouOKHun · 02/08/2024 13:21

Last September I was put on the two week pathway due to post-menopausal bleeding. I had previously had a really painful and therefore abandoned Mirena fitting a few years ago and on that basis I insisted on a GA. I read a few reports about hysteroscopy in my local trust which stated a "failure" rate of around 30% which I imagine is procedures that patients refuse to continue because of inadequate pain relief. I don't regret having a GA but obviously it turns the procedure into a more expensive and time consuming event requiring recovery from a GA and taking up a bed for most of the day.

Lots of people have little discomfort or manageable pain but a significant minority struggle. You will probably be in the majority which I would have assumed I'd be in but for my Mirena experience. You can tell them to stop and you can ask for pain relief or for a GA at a later date, none of which is a weakness. As I said to a gynae friend of mine, I'll shove a knitting needle up your cock and you can tell me whether a paracetamol is adequate.

Squareroot · 02/08/2024 14:58

Thanks all, am home now but the nurse couldn’t get in. Opening to the uterus too small apparently & it was “very dry in there” she said. Might just be menopause, might be after-effects of radiotherapy but it felt tight & was bloody painful. So off to hospital for this dried up old prune … hopefully a LA will be enough. Seems like these post menopausal bleed clinics are the first port of call - they said some women are fine, some like me aren’t - or it’s a full-on hospital trip

Squareroot · 02/08/2024 15:01

YouOKHun · 02/08/2024 13:21

Last September I was put on the two week pathway due to post-menopausal bleeding. I had previously had a really painful and therefore abandoned Mirena fitting a few years ago and on that basis I insisted on a GA. I read a few reports about hysteroscopy in my local trust which stated a "failure" rate of around 30% which I imagine is procedures that patients refuse to continue because of inadequate pain relief. I don't regret having a GA but obviously it turns the procedure into a more expensive and time consuming event requiring recovery from a GA and taking up a bed for most of the day.

Lots of people have little discomfort or manageable pain but a significant minority struggle. You will probably be in the majority which I would have assumed I'd be in but for my Mirena experience. You can tell them to stop and you can ask for pain relief or for a GA at a later date, none of which is a weakness. As I said to a gynae friend of mine, I'll shove a knitting needle up your cock and you can tell me whether a paracetamol is adequate.

😂 will get knitting needles out to illustrate to husband when he comes home from work later

SirChenjins · 02/08/2024 15:03

I had a GA - I was offered the full range of options from nothing to a full anaesthetic for my hysteroscopy plus biopsy. Best thing I ever did.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 02/08/2024 15:07

I had a GA. My gynae said she wouldn't even consider doing them without. I had a biopsy, fibroid removal (she said there was a bit of digging around for that 😵‍💫) and a Mirena fitted. Had it done on Wednesday, had the rest of the week off, back at work on Monday.

Original poster
alrightluv · 02/08/2024 18:26

@Squareroot glad you're home. I'm sorry it wasn't successful. Hopefully will be next time 🤞

OP posts:
Smleps · 03/08/2024 08:26

I’ve had two - one for a biopsy and another to have some polyps removed. I took painkillers an hour before and although it was a little uncomfortable, it was honestly ok. I would recommend this, but appreciate that other people have different stories.

Lovethatforyouhun · 04/08/2024 18:01

I insisted on GA. The scans were bad enough. NHS.

Original poster
alrightluv · 04/08/2024 21:14

Thanks @Lovethatforyouhun .

OP posts:
Original poster
alrightluv · 07/08/2024 09:45

Today's the day to see the gynecologist 🤞🙏

OP posts:
MouseofCommons · 07/08/2024 09:49

Mine was twenty years ago and I insisted on GA. I hated smears and just wanted them to get on with the hysteroscopy in peace.

Original poster
alrightluv · 07/08/2024 10:36

I was in and out quickly. Took a biopsy. I had gas and air and didn't feel anything. That wasn't hysteroscopy though? I'd had a paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before. They said I'd cramp but it was OK.

OP posts:
Ohdearyme72 · 07/08/2024 10:44

alrightluv · 01/08/2024 18:18

For those who have had a hysteroscopy did you have GA/local or just pain relief? TIA

Just asking in case they mention having one.

I took strong painkillers before and it was 100% fine - the fear of it was so much worse than the actual procedure.

YouOKHun · 07/08/2024 10:49

@alrightluv oh good! Glad it was OK for you. I shouldn't think having a biopsy is getting off lightly compared to a hysteroscopy so perhaps you are in the majority who find it tolerable. I'm in the other sizeable minority who can't tolerate it. In some ways it seems odd as I've had four children but no, even that little Mirena was too much. Glad you were fine and I hope all is well with your biopsy.

Original poster
alrightluv · 07/08/2024 11:07

@YouOKHun I would imagine the hysteroscopy is more invasive and takes longer?
I loved the gas and air. Had it when I had a kidney stone and didn't want them to take it off me then. This time I felt so high. I was talking shit 🤣 Thank goodness it wears off quickly. Still at least it gave the nurses a laugh.

OP posts:
blackteaplease · 07/08/2024 11:11

I had an unexpected one as part of a coil fitting. I had local anaesthetic and was offered gas and air before and during the procedure. I was pretty light headed afterwards and sat in the waiting room with a cup of tea for a least 45 mins before I was able to drive myself home

Original poster
alrightluv · 07/08/2024 11:14

@blackteaplease was that hysteroscopy? Glad you were ok.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2024 12:46

alrightluv · 07/08/2024 10:36

I was in and out quickly. Took a biopsy. I had gas and air and didn't feel anything. That wasn't hysteroscopy though? I'd had a paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before. They said I'd cramp but it was OK.

You would probably know though if they did a hysteroscopy as they usually talk through what they can see on the screen. I was told to have a look!

Gas and air isn't normally given for a biopsy. I had one and my consultant initially offered to do it there and then in the consulting room. A quick slightly painful 'nip' for a second and that was it.

Pleased you have got on okay.

Original poster
alrightluv · 07/08/2024 16:19

@JinglingSpringbells no it wasn't a hysteroscopy. Very quick. I was pleasantly surprised about gas and air. If they ask me to have hysteroscopy I'll definitely ask for gas and air again. Results from biopsy within 2 weeks.

OP posts:
JinglingSpringbells · 07/08/2024 16:39

alrightluv · 07/08/2024 16:19

@JinglingSpringbells no it wasn't a hysteroscopy. Very quick. I was pleasantly surprised about gas and air. If they ask me to have hysteroscopy I'll definitely ask for gas and air again. Results from biopsy within 2 weeks.

What were you told you were having a) before with a letter and b) on the day?

blackteaplease · 07/08/2024 16:41

@alrightluv yes a hysteroscopy. The consultant thought she could see a polyp and wanted to investigate further. All was well in the end thankfully. Hope your results come back ok

CointreauVersial · 07/08/2024 16:47

I was just offered gas & air and paracetamol for my hysteroscopy. It was unbelievably painful, and I only just managed to hang on for long enough for them to whizz the camera around, do the biopsy, and get the hell out again. The cramps were almost as bad as childbirth, and you're stuck in stirrups and full of water.....ugh, just the worst.

If I had to have another one I'd have GA straight away. But I won't be having another, because the biopsy revealed cancer, and I had a hysterectomy a couple of weeks later.