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Original poster

Hysteroscopy

134 replies

emmetgirl · 14/01/2023 23:08

Anyone ever had a hysteroscopy? I'm having one in 2 weeks. Is it painful? They suggest I take some painkillers before I arrive 🫣

OP posts:
IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 24/01/2023 19:35

I'm home after this afternoon's adventure. I took two co codamol and 6mg of diazepam before going to the hospital. I was nearly in tears and shaking when I spoke to the doc before the procedure but it was nothing at all like I remember from 5 years ago. I have "sinister changes" in the womb lining and a polyp that is filling the uterine cavity and extending into the cervix. The examination and the biopsy were nowhere near as painful or intense as the experience I had five years ago. I can understand why people have said it was uncomfortable but it was not the nightmare I experienced before.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 24/01/2023 23:47

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 24/01/2023 19:35

I'm home after this afternoon's adventure. I took two co codamol and 6mg of diazepam before going to the hospital. I was nearly in tears and shaking when I spoke to the doc before the procedure but it was nothing at all like I remember from 5 years ago. I have "sinister changes" in the womb lining and a polyp that is filling the uterine cavity and extending into the cervix. The examination and the biopsy were nowhere near as painful or intense as the experience I had five years ago. I can understand why people have said it was uncomfortable but it was not the nightmare I experienced before.

So glad it wasn't as bad as you were expecting. Did they say anything about treatment or is it too early? Sleep well 💐

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 25/01/2023 11:17

Next step is another biopsy in theater but with local anaesthetic. And sedation! It should be in the next week or two before the results of today's biopsy.

MrsSkylerWhite · 25/01/2023 11:18

Have had 3. Uncomfortable rather than painful for me.

Mrsworried1 · 28/01/2023 15:16

How is everyone getting on? I wasn’t worried after mine because he said all looked ok, but stupidly googled and now I’m panicking they could still find something and I could be waiting another 3 weeks for results!

I’m on day 5 after my procedure and I am only just feeling ok- had lots of cramps and also been shattered- possible effect of the GA I suppose- and doesn’t help I’ve come down with some sore of virus! X

Cakeorchocolate · 28/01/2023 15:23

I had one last month, I opted for a GA and was absolutely happy with my decision.

My sis had one without and she found it very painful. Same for my mum many years ago.

faffadoodledo · 28/01/2023 15:38

I had one. Took a couple
Of ibuprofen an hour before and paracetamol shortly after. Took a hot water bottle in the car to calm the expected cramps.
It was painful but really didn't (for me) warrant GA
I recalled my birth breathing techniques too and I think that helped.

Remember a GA carries risk

OddBoots · 28/01/2023 16:06

I have always wondered why gas and air isn't offered for this although I know recently there have been reports of ventilation upgrades being needed due to staff exposures so I guess that might be part of it.

Crumpleton · 28/01/2023 16:15

Mine has resulted in having had a full hysterectomy on Wednesdayjust gone.
At home recovering and hoping recovery goes smoothly.

stripeymonster · 28/01/2023 23:08

Oh no what was the reason for your hysterectomy? Hope you are feeling ok still.

I had a hysteroscopy under GA on Thursday. It didn't go well, they couldn't insert a coil because the uterus lining was too thick. One tube completely blocked. The consultant wasn't very reassuring at all - said she hoped the growth was benign but just had to wait and see. It's going to be a 2/3 week wait for results.

Crumpleton · 28/01/2023 23:53

Oh no what was the reason for your hysterectomy? Hope you are feeling ok still.

After having tests due to bleeding results showed thickening of the womb lining, 22.9mm, although no sign of cancer they couldn't be sure it wouldn't change over time.
Options were continue with mirena coil and test to keep an eye out for changes or hysterectomy.
I really didn't see the point in playing what could be a waiting game so illuminated any real concerns.

Utini · 29/01/2023 00:04

I've had two, the first was a failed attempt to remove a polyp, plus a uterine biopsy. It was uncomfortable but not as bad as I expected.

The second was a myosure procedure which actually took out the polyp, and that one was awful, I came out in tears feeling like I was in shock. I wouldn't risk trying again without a GA.

pleaseletmesleeptonight · 29/01/2023 00:11

Ralphiesaurus · 23/01/2023 19:57

Do all hospitals let you choose GA? I’m under St George’s and with changes to my HRT had a bleed a few months back (over 1y post-menopause). The gynae consultant wanted to do a hysteroscopy there and then give me a mirena at the same time but I suggested it might be the change in HRT and could we wait? I wanted to think about the mirena as I don’t get on with most progesterone and find smear tests deeply unpleasant… anyway… she relented but said if I bleed again I need to go back. So… I’m bleeding again, proper period, so I know it needs to be investigated.

So can I insist on GA? She made me feel like I was being ridiculous when I asked whether it would be painful and whether I would be offered pain relief or sedation.

Please don't have the coil if you don't 100% want it they aren't right for everyone.

pippapipps · 29/01/2023 03:25

I've actually had about 4 over the years with biopsies taken that twice resulted in not enough tissue taken and had to then go back at a later date to have under a GA
I have a tilted back womb and my experience each time with no pain relief nothing has been horrific and makes me cry the pain is horrendous and one of the times a nurse snapped at me that I'd had children so what was I crying for!!!!!
I've actually been referred again to the clinic at the hospital for post menopause bleeding again!! but this time I'll take paracetamol an hour before my appointment hopefully it will help a bit as I am really dreading it it's barbaric

WilburTheIron · 29/01/2023 03:42

I had a GA and there’s no way on earth I could tolerate it otherwise. Based on the number of women that find these types of procedures awful, even if it’s only, for example, 30%, then they basically know that 3 in 10 women are going to find it horrific and go ahead anyway. It should be a choice. ‘Some women find it traumatic, others are fine. Some prefer to be awake regardless. Some asleep.’ Not - let’s go ahead with no prior warning and hope you’re not one of the traumatised ones - but hey, we’ll save money and women are meant to have a crappy time.

I have also never understood the ‘take some over the counter painkillers’ prior to procedure method. It never seems to work for pain occurring during a procedure, perhaps for the cramping afterwards, but really the concern here is the immediate pain of what they’re actually doing - and for those that find this painful, a few painkillers in advance is really not going to help.

MaryBerrysCamelToe · 29/01/2023 05:49

@QueefQueen80s
That's awful for you, whenever I insert a catheter on a patient I alway ensure they get good local first and it is horrible. Lots of people assume catheters are painless and just a bit uncomfortable but for a lot of women it is not.
I would refuse to do one if the patient declines without anaesthetic as it is barbaric and poor practice to do so.
I have seen patients on palliative, (when I was a student) having morphine, that recoil when having a catheter inserted.
It is a very personal experience and different pain thresholds need to be accept and informed consent obtained.

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 29/01/2023 09:24

The procedure I had on Tuesday was ok - uncomfortable and I concentrated on my breathing but it was ok. But I have to go back "to theatre" for the next one but because of my weight the risk of a G.A. is too high so I have to be awake and have local anaesthetic. Has that been the case for anyone else? I am so anxious about it. I feel like saying I will take my chances rather than suffer the pain.

Mrsworried1 · 29/01/2023 09:26

They did give me leaflets about the risks and my weight. But they still went ahead with GA. X

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 29/01/2023 09:48

I think I will keep hoping that he reviews my notes or something and they decide I should have GA. I'm going to be in the day surgery unit anyway.

Mrsworried1 · 02/02/2023 09:56

Hi how long did it take for
your results? Hope all is well x

Mrsworried1 · 02/02/2023 09:58

Mrsworried1 · 02/02/2023 09:56

Hi how long did it take for
your results? Hope all is well x

@Cakeorchocolate How long did it take for your results? I don’t know
what to expect because after the procedure the consultant said everything looked ok. Not sure what might come
back from the biopsy. hope you are well. X

Mrsworried1 · 02/02/2023 09:59

@emmetgirl Have you had your hysteroscopy yet? Hope you are ok xx

Original poster
emmetgirl · 02/02/2023 10:05

@Mrsworried1 I'm having it next week- I'll come back and update the thread on how bad or not it is. Thank you for asking xx

OP posts:
IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 02/02/2023 10:23

@Mrsworried1 I had the hysteroscopy on the 24th and I was told it was unlikely that I would get the results of the biopsy before the next procedure on the 17th.

Wetellyourstory · 02/02/2023 14:50

For anyone waiting for results, give your doctors surgery a call after a couple of weeks. Friend had biopsies done on 14/1. Happen to be speaking to the surgery about something else and they’d had notification of results on 26/1 and that the consultant will be in contact. Still not heard from the consultant but not chased as told all fine by the gp.