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Original poster

Pain during hysteroscopy and anxiety

53 replies

KatyMac · 23/01/2020 11:58

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?

OP posts:
iklboo · 24/01/2020 10:02

The pipelle biopsy is horrifically painful - and I have a fairly high pain threshold. The worst pain I've had in my life. I had a follow up hysteroscopy. The (female) doctor was absolutely wonderful. Totally put me at ease, talked me through everything, told me I was in control and she'd work to my cues. I also watched it on the screen - so interesting! I think because of her attitude I was so much more relaxed and it hurt less. Plus the nurses were great and I got time to collect myself afterwards - not just chucked out. I was crampy and uncomfortable afterwards but overall it wasn't too bad.

Definitely discuss a local though if you think you're going to be tense and scared. You're not fussing or being a wuss.

blissfulllife · 24/01/2020 11:13

I had a hysteroscopy 2 years ago for an endometrial ablation. No GA and it wasn't too bad, a bit uncomfortable but the ablation was not very nice. Anyway I was offered gas and air before the hysteroscopy and I wonder if you may be offered the same x

Original poster
KatyMac · 24/01/2020 17:03

Well, apparently "they may not do one anyway, and if they did of course they would use a local"

Phew!!

OP posts:
iklboo · 24/01/2020 17:28

Ah that's a relief for you Smile

2catsblack · 24/01/2020 17:40

Hi poor you. I was expecting a general to put my coil in as the GP requested one. Next thing is I had a biopsy & coil fitted unexpectedly (at the hospital) - I had checked that there wouldn't be any procedures at my first appointment but the consultant did it anyway. It wasn't particularly nice. I have since then had another biopsy and camera etc but made sure I had taken pain killers, Valium and was given a local and it was fine. Good luck

Original poster
KatyMac · 24/01/2020 20:30

@bestbeforedateexpired how are you?

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 24/01/2020 20:31

TBH I could feel my body relax while the secretary was on the phone

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CointreauVersial · 27/01/2020 20:37

Well, I had a hysteroscopy back in October, for suspected polyps (it wasn't, but that's another story).

I have a reasonably good tolerance to pain (had DD2 with just gas & air), have no issue with smear tests and thought I'd be fine, but oh my god, it was the worst. Fierce contractions, like labour pains, from 0 to 60 in a few seconds. They gave me gas & air, which I puffed on as if my life depended on it, and I just about managed to hold it together for long enough for them to do a biopsy, but I was weeping. Once it was all over, the pain subsided pretty quickly, but I couldn't face going back to work afterwards, as I felt totally traumatised.

It sounds like I'm in the minority, but thought you might welcome an opinion from someone who needed more than a bloody paracetamol.

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/01/2020 21:33

that sounds just like me with the pipelle biopsy @CointreauVersial it was appalling! So much pain!

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Original poster
KatyMac · 27/01/2020 22:50

OK they have on my notes when I went today that I had to have a general - apparently they were shocked at my reaction last time and wrote it down 'for any procedures in the future'

So now I wait for a general

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 28/01/2020 08:34

Best to be asleep, in my opinion. Good luck!

bestbeforedateexpired · 31/01/2020 16:43

Thanks for asking.

I attended my appointment last week. The consent form said if you want a GA please inform the doctor. I went in and said I had explained my situation at the initial consultation and explicitly requested a GA and that was ignored.

The doctor I saw last week was shocked and apologised. She said it is always a choice. Anyway, she has referred me and I have requested an ablation at the same time if there are no fibroids protruding into the uterus.

Good luck with yours KatyMac!

Original poster
KatyMac · 31/01/2020 20:38

Thanks - it's happening next Friday - Gulp!

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Original poster
KatyMac · 06/02/2020 10:20

Today I am stressing!

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Original poster
KatyMac · 06/02/2020 11:28

I have a lot of pain today & I guess I am worried the problem is in my abdomen not my uterus

OP posts:
CointreauVersial · 06/02/2020 12:43

The anxiety is probably making the pain worse, OP. Try and do something nice today to take your mind off tomorrow. And Good Luck!

Original poster
KatyMac · 06/02/2020 12:50

I'm busy sewing!

I have moved a bit of wood for the builder who is working in the attic (both today and yesterday) and done a tip run - so I'm busy enough Wink

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Original poster
KatyMac · 08/02/2020 05:52

I went down at 3:30ish and was home for 9

They consultant didn't speak to me post surgery and they said someone would come to the ward they didnt

Feeling a bit lost because went in with a 3cm fibroid, thickened womb lining and a patch/pool of fluid

Came out with a removed polyp (no discussion of size), a (version of a ) D&C and no-one knows anything about the pool of liquid at all

So all my pre-procedure research is not on the right topic and my head is all wooly now - today I'll have another go at research

OP posts:
Egghead68 · 08/02/2020 05:57

This website might be worth a look:
www.hysteroscopyaction.org.uk/

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/02/2020 13:14

Thanks @Egghead68 - I'll have a read

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emmathedilemma · 08/02/2020 14:23

did you have the GA and how do you feel today? I went to my pre-op yesterday and they're digging their heels in about letting me go home alone after it, even though the advice leaflets say it's "advisable" to have someone with you, not "essential". It's not exactly like i'm having major surgery or infirm to start with!!

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/02/2020 14:35

I had the GA and the pain after was really horrific a whole syringe of IV morphine and 2 oramorph and I was still crying with pain the second 2 oramorph after about 30 mins was very welcome

I wouldn't have been able to get home or safe at home with DH I was still wobbly at 5 when I got up for a wee this morning

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emmathedilemma · 08/02/2020 15:41

hmmm i can’t actually believe they send you home in that amount of pain! I had major surgery and don’t recall feeling particularly bad that evening, I just wanted to be left alone to sleep! Apparently they worry about blood clots but IMO I’ll be more active at home than if I stay in!

Original poster
KatyMac · 08/02/2020 16:47

I have chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia which mean I'm quite wobbly after a GA

Part f my anxiety was 16 months ago I had my ovaries out 'by keyhole' but I woke up with an 8 inch cut which was a shock!

I have kept my special sock on!

OP posts:
emmathedilemma · 13/02/2020 12:39

So I had said hysteroscopy yesterday morning. Under GA, think I was given paracetamol before waking up (heard nurse talking when I was in recovery) and didn’t have any further pain relief until I took 2 paracetamol before bed as I felt a bit crampy and didn’t want it to keep me awake. Nothing even close to period pains I’ve had for the last couple of years. Had a lot of watery bleeding yesterday (assume they used water rather than gas but I didn’t ask) but nothing too bad and it’s only there when I wipe today. Honestly think I’d have been fine to come home alone, I could have probably even driven by the time I left at 5pm! So quite happy with that so far!!

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