Pain during hysteroscopy and anxiety

[KatyMac]

2 years ago I had my ovaries removed as part of the testing prior to that I had a 'pipeline biopsy' (I think) and it caused a horrific amount of pain

I am now going back (on Monday) as I'm having problems again and I am likely to be having a hysteroscopy

And I am panicking big time - can anyone reassure me?

Hi I had hysteroscopy, D & C and polyps removed but it was done under a GA. Which turned out to be a good decision for me personally as the procedure was a bit tricky (difficult access) and the consultant thought I wouldn't have tolerated it if it had been done awake. However that's just my personal case everyone is different.
I am anxious and hospital phobic hence the reason for going straight for GA anyway but it was done privately which may have given me more options than if done on NHS
whole thing was a breeze in the end - no issues with anaesthetic or recovery subsequent

sorry meant to add also had endometrial biopsy so presumably quite a bit went on!

Had one with a GA - procedure itself not that bad but pain for a week or more afterwards.

I also had a post op infection which was awful.

Need to have another procedure soon and I'm also freaking out!

They are saying no anesthetic and I should take paracetamol an hour before

No way can a cope with that

And I'm already worried about thinking about it for the best part of 3 days

I have asked to speak to the gp about it as I'm so anxious

There has been a lot of publicity about this. Hysteroscopy is often very painful but for some lucky women causes little pain, which is why
they don't necessarily recommend a GA first off. However, if it has been painful before, the likelihood is that it will be again.

There was a discussion on Woman's Hour a while ago about this. The opinion of the gynae specialist on that prog., and from others I have heard is that women should demand a GA if that is what they want, and that it is wholly unacceptable to suggest mild painkillers only, especially if the woman has had a previous hysteroscopy which has been very painful.

Oh god! I am such a wuss!

The gp thinks the hospital will listen to me; they didn't last time so I hold out little hope this time

The other option would be to go for a local anaesthetic. With this, local is injected into the cervix at a number of points and this can reduce and sometimes eliminate the pain when the cervix is dilated to introduce the hysteroscope (doesn't eliminate the cramping though).

You might consider contacing the consultant's secretary or the clinic involved beforehand, as a GA requires starvation, anarsthetist and appropriate facilities, and won't be done if you just turn up on the day.

I would insist, if I were you.

I got the letter today, appt on Monday (2 week wait)
Bugger

I think I'd be happy with a local

I did a quick search on NICE and I couldn't see anything specific about it but tbh I don't know what I am looking for hmm

[Hmm]

Do smilies not work anymore?

Could you ring and find out if they will offer you a local anaesthetic?
Maybe your GP could prescribe a sedative you could take before going in?

I had mine under GA. No way would I want it on just paracetamol

If I've been referred on the 2 week wait am I OK saying only with a local or will they say I'm being unreasonable?

GP kind of said tell them and get on with it

Phoned the secretary and I have left a message saying I have a quick query before my appt on Monday

Let's hope she works Friday

I had a mirena fitted with just paracetamol and quite frankly that was quite enough! No one is poking about any more than that without me having something stronger.

I feel really insecure and anxious

I need to get over it!

I found the pipelle biopsy really painful too so when I was told I would need a hysteroscopy I told the specialist. They immediately offered me a GA.
If you don't want a GA you could ask for a spinal block.

I had a hysteroscopy a few years ago, the secretary sent out the wrong letter, i had thought i was going in for a talk about procedures and next minute i was folding my pants up and wearing a gown, maybe the surprise factor but I didnt feel any pain at all, nipped a bit taking the biopsy but apart from that was fine, was totally unprepared but glad because I would have been bricking it!!
Good luck

Hi, I had a hysteroscopy with local anaesthetic a couple of months ago. This was for removal of several polyps, the consultant said that he would automatically use local and if beyond that, I could not tolerate it, we would simply stop and re-book for a GA the following week. He was very relaxed about it and said that, as the patient, I had the final say. In fact all was fine, the local was a brief moment of discomfort and after that I had a good old gossip with the nurses while he got on with the hard work. Good luck OP

So the general consensus is I'm not 'fussing' and it's a reasonable thing to expect at least a local?

No you’re not fussing. I think they should always offer a local anaesthetic but it seems not everywhere does.

Why did I read this thread? I’ve got mine in 2 hours. I explained my history of sexual assault and vaginismus and asked for GA. consultant said I would be fine with a couple of painkillers.

I had a GA for mine a decade ago. I refused to do it with anything less. I could barely cope with a smear back then.

Slightly different but I had a colonoscopy and went in without any anxiety beforehand and to start with it was fine and even q interesting watching your insides on the TV screen, but then once it got so far, was absolute agony, I tried to relax and breath in the gas, but the tears were rolling down my cheeks and they stopped and tried again and got so far again ... the removal of an actual polyp was nothing. Afterwards, I felt v wobbly and tearful and a failure for being a baby and had to sit in my car for a little while before feeling ready to drive myself home. So you are not being feeble and if you can have someone go with you. Good luck xxx