Hysteroscopy experience

[LucyLokitt]

I'm booked in for a hysteroscopy on NHS next Wednesday. Consultant described this as diagnostic (partly to check out 3 fibroids I was diagnosed with back in 2021 that seem to be causing fertility issues). However, she also said that, depending on what's what, they might try and remove at least one of the fibroids, which is submucosal. I took her to mean they'd do it there and then on the day of the procedure, but I see from British Fibroid Trust website that this is done under local or general anaesthetic. I've only been told to take painkillers an hour before.

I'd really appreciate hearing about experiences of this, as I'm feeling very anxious about it. Has anyone else had this at same time as diagnostic procedure, or have I misunderstood her? Thank you all in advance for any advice you can offer.

The doctor found a polyp while he was up to his elbows* in me, and had it out there and then. It didn't really hurt- IIRC they had already applied some local anaesthetic. It was uncomfortable and pretty squeamish making though.

*figure of speech, obviously he used instruments.

I was slightly different as I didn’t have fibroids but I was having a hysteroscopy and they found a polyp. Consultant decided to remove it so gave me a local anaesthetic and did it there and then. If I’m honest it wasn’t the most fun I’ve had but I much preferred getting it over and done in one go. Actually I think I’d have rather known that it was a possibility, then I’d have felt more prepared.

Hi at lucy Lokitt
i had one done today aftenoon with nhs hospital too, i also have fibroids and it was to check if they could impact on fertility
surprisingly the procedure lasted only mins and i had taken some paracetomol 45 mins before so only felt some discomfort whilst the procedure was done i was hoping they might be able to
remove some fibroids as im experiencing pain with mine but none are submucosal so they were not able too offer any treatment
now im experiencing some period like pain in abdomen and back and some nausea
i hope yours goes ok and let me no how you get on

Thanks for your messages everyone, I really appreciate it.

Tahsha how big are yours? Don't worry if you'd prefer not to say. I'm curious about treatment options as it feels like at least one of my 3 has grown and aggravates other bits around it! Like my bladder. Wondered if myomectomy for non-submucosal was something they'd offer but, as I understand it depends on where the fibroids are, what type, and how big.

LunaFortuna and CrackofDoom Thanks for putting my mind at rest about use of local anesthesia. I was terrified, from what I'd seen on social media, that they'd just forge on and start cutting bits off without any painkillers!

I feel mine have grown. Went for scans on Wednesday. Radiologist let on they'd changed from previous scan but when I asked if they'd grown she backtracked and said I needed to talk to doc. Looks like results from that may be same day as hysteroscopy. 🙄

I meant to add Tahsha: really hope you can get the help you need with the fertility issue. Sounds like we're both in same boat there. It was two MCs for me before Docs would agree to look at fibroids. Previously told they wouldn't effect me, despite me saying I was struggling with bleeding, pain, etc.

@ lucy lokitt Thankyou wishing you all
the best with your journey too defo feel we are in the same boat, so sorry to hear about your miscarriages its a horrible thing to have to go through it, initially i was referred for fertility reasons but ive also had a MC in may and through all my appointments with EPU /midwives the fibroids were not looked into, fortunately i was already awaiting scans/hysteroscopy with the fertility clinic

I'm so sorry to hear this Tahsha. Sending my very best wishes. I can't believe one consultant told me that I should just carry on regardless because pregnancy can 'fix' fibroids. She also told me that fibroids don't hurt. Thankful current thinks very differently!

Currently lying in my bed having had the hysteroscopy this morning. Hysteroscopy itself wasn't the nightmare I thought it would be, but maybe I was just lucky. Doc told me that the fact I was coming to the end of a period may have helped as apparently the cervix is open and 'soft'. Anyway, doc told me before hand that he was going to give me a local which calmed me down a lot. Watched as they did it (on screen) and have seen the monstrous fibroids for myself. Also diagnosed with a polyp. All around the entrance to my only fallopian tube, so they think the growths are blocking it.

Doc took Biopsy and says consultant will probably suggest cutting them all down. Have to say that I'm concerned about the polyp as I wondered if it is connected to left leg pains/sudden and intermittent pelvic pains on left side. Guees time will tell. Would welcome thoughts about polyps as can't find munch online.

Xxx

Just to clarify, in bed because I get dizzy and sick when upright. Otherwise okay!

Polyps have been described to me as like skin tags on your womb lining. Interestingly- re fertility- I had some removed years ago, under GA, and the surgeon at the time said they could have acted somewhat like an IUD to stop me conceiving 🤔. I don't think they've ever been suspected as a cause of miscarriage though.

@LucyLokitt glad it wasnt too bad for you , really you managed to see the fibroids were these the ones inside your womb? Really sorry to hear about your fallapion tube being blocked hope they can sort this out for you soon & your able to
find out more about the polyps
im having similar pains on my left side too but thinking might be due to fibroids but possibly polyps cause similar pain