Hysteroscopy

[Crocky]

Had a scan for post menopausal bleeding on the two week pathway the week before last.
Had the constant appointment this morning for the results. Expected a quick in, no issues found and out again but when I got there they said I had thickening of the womb lining and were going to do a hysteroscopy. No local or general offered. No chance beforehand to take any painkillers. A lot of rummaging because I have a tilted uterus and a completely closed cervix.
Bloody ouch. I am sure it’s not painful for a lot of people but I was very close to passing out.
Nothing untoward found apparently but I am now home alone and feeling a bit bruised and sorry for myself. Just looking for a little sympathy.

I would complain to PALS at this hospital about this lack of care.

I have had thickening of the womb lining as a part of peri menopause and in my case uterine ablation surgery was suggested.

I had a hysteroscopy earlier this week under GA. Our hospital doesn’t do them any other way. I’m sorry you didn’t get a choice and can understand that you’re feeling a bit sorry for yourself.
I’m not sure how they can say nothing untoward has been found today as the biopsy samples will need to be analysed, which takes some time - I’ve been told it could be weeks before I get my results back.

You poor thing. I had this under general anaesthesia.

The surgeon said she could do a much more thorough examination when she knows the patient is not 'wincing in pain and begging her to finish' (her words).

I also had one under GA this week and a polyp removed. Did they take biopsies?

Very bad that they didn't tell you what was going to happen. Sounds like not properly informed consent to me.

Bloody hell! My hospital only does them under general anaesthetic.

Complain!!

I’m so sorry they did that to you. It was not usual or ok.

I had one in December. No anaesthetic but did take paracetamol beforehand and knew it was going to happen. I had the ablation. It didn’t hurt at all.

I think the experience of the procedure itself varies so much from person to person. I knew from my research in advance that some people find it horrific and some, like me, breeze it. I was very scared going in.

I do think that it should always be done under general anaesthetic. It shouldn’t be the lottery that it is and it’s not fair that some women are allowed to be in agony and left traumatised. We should all get the same. We shouldn’t be expected to just ‘cope’ or ‘put up with it’.

if it’s any consolation, I paid for my easy experience with a traumatic and agonising recovery, so you know, swings and roundabouts..

I had an endometrial biopsy and then (only because the sample was inadequate) a hysteroscopy. Took 2 paracetamol prior to procedure but they were unable to get the camera in to the womb so after a lot of prodding and poking did another biopsy which was adequate. Was ok to be fair. They were lovely and it made things much quicker.

I’ve had two - first one I chatted all the way through, second one ‘bloody ouch’ to use your words.

But both times I knew that I was going in for it and had the opportunity to take painkillers beforehand.

The consultants are so experienced that, although you can’t be sure until you’ve had biopsy results, I’d be very reassured if they said there was nothing untoward.

Take care and have a quiet couple of days 💐

Thank you for the sympathy. It is very much appreciated.
Still feeling a bit sore this morning and have some questions about the results. They did the camera and then went back in for what I think I was told was a biopsy so am unsure how they could tell it was clear. I really was not in a fit state to question at that point and by the time I had come to a bit the doctor had gone. I’m hoping I get a letter through that makes things a bit clearer.
Am prescribing myself plenty of tea and a book in a quiet corner for today.