Hysteroscopy clinic - advice please

[poppym12]

I've got an appointment on Friday at the fast track hysteroscopy clinic (post menopausal bleeding).

I understand that I will have a scan as I need to arrive with a full bladder but what then? Is a hysteroscopy always performed or only if the scan shows possible abnormalities?

I made the mistake of searching hysteroscopy on here and am now really anxious. I'll be going alone, wearing a mask as requested on the appointment letter, but if it hurts so much how will I be able to drive home?

I'm dreading it.

I have had one, it wasn’t too bad at all OP, no worst than a smear to be honest. But better to get someone to drop you off & take you home if possible. Good luck.

Yes you’re scan findings will be the primary decider to advise/perform a Hysteroscopy . Your letter may well have advised this but taking two paracetamol and / or two 200mg ibuprofen up to one hour before your appointment is helpful for you . You will be fine .

Yes, ibuprofen is mentioned in the letter. I'm not able to take them so will take cocodamol beforehand.

I don't have anyone to drive me there so hopefully it will be fine.

I had a hysteroscopy but under general anaesthetic so can't tell you too much about it I'm afraid. But I wasn't in much pain afterwards, nothing worse than period pains for a few hours. I didn't have anything after I came out of theatre and could have gone home by lunchtime if they'd have let me! I got given a truck load of painkillers but didn't take any of them. If you're not having a general you'd probably be ok to drive home but I'd have a back up plan just in case.

The appointment letter says to arrive half an hour before to enable an ultrasound to be performed prior to seeing the consultant.

No other information is on the letter but a leaflet is enclosed detailing outpatient hysteroscopy.

Is a hysteroscopy not always performed at the first outpatient appointment? Hopefully if it has to be done at a future date I'll be able to arrange for someone to come with me or at least drive me there and back.

I found it to be incredibly painful

Perhaps give them a ring and see what you've actually been booked in for seeing as you've been sent a leaflet for a procedure that isn't mentioned in your letter.

good idea @emmathedilemma

Bloody hell that hurt. A lot. I had 2 scans (one internal) and an endometrial biopsy. Bit tricky with a tilted cervix and scar tissue. No hysteroscopy but apparently the biopsy hurts more anyway. Er, thanks.

You did better than me I had biopsy, polyp removal, hysteroscopy d & c but had to have a general anaesthetic. I wasn't even going to try without! (acute hospital phobia)

i'd gladly be knocked out if i ever had to have it done again. i can usually cope with pain well but this was something else. i did apologise to the consultant for my foul language but he was lovely and said he wasn't surprised.

They did say to me after ga was the right option as it would not have been pleasant to have it done awake