Hysteroscopy.

I was really worried about it (I actually thought about cancelling) so I thought I'd share this because the internet seems to have a lot of dreadful accounts of the procedure.

Obviously it's never going to be pleasant but it's not nearly as awful as I was expecting.  I was absolutely fine afterwards too - I'd taken painkillers with me for afterwards but I didn't need them at all. 

Hi Louise,

In the US I think they do this under some sort of anesthesia!  Perhaps they do the same in part of the UK.  

But you are one brave woman!  

That's because us Scotswomen are made of steel, Lynda!   I didn't feel at all brave when I arrived though!  It honestly wasn't bad, it was only really painful for a couple of minutes, so - all things considered - I'm glad I didn't have any anaesthetic as you can go back to normal straight after.  I know that aneasthesia isn't normally offered, certainly in the hospital I was at (a major teaching hospital and trauma centre in Scotland) but maybe could be given if you ask?  When I had a colonoscopy last year I was given Fentanyl, which worked pretty well...still painful but bearable.  I'm wondering if they could give something similar for this if anyone required it?

I agree that Scotswomen are made of steel! I've often wished that I could visit your beautiful country.  A very distant male relative of mine left Scotland for the US, several centuries ago.  

In the US they use a mix of fentanyl and another drug (versed?) to produce what they call conscious sedation.  Theoretically, there is no pain but the patient remains able to converse with the doctor, etc. After the procedure, they don't recall any pain, or what happened.  They use it for several procedures, including endoscopy, colonoscopy, and I think for biopsies, too.

I had a colonoscopy using that method a few months ago.  Interestingly enough, I woke up the night afterwards in terrible pain--I remember that I was still mostly asleep, telling myself that my intestines weren't going to explode, to try to relax and go back to sleep, I didn't need to call 911.  And, that's what I did.  I didn't have anything like that happen after my first colonoscopy.  Experiencing that was something else.

I know that several people who are going to have procedures and/or surgery are terrified to be anesthetized. I'm the one with her hand raised saying, can you put me out for that? xx  

I take it that you are in the US?  I have visited the east coast - we flew to Florida (to visit Mickey!) and then travelled from there right through Georgia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, etc., up to Canada.  I loved Pennsylvania, it reminded me of Scotland in parts.  You have a beautiful country too, but so vast, I would just love to visit again.  Interesting about the conscious sedation, I remember everything about the colonoscopy but that was just by itself with no other drug x

Yes, I'm in the US--in the western dessert.  I love to head east whenever I can!  I miss the lush green, but not the humidity, which can get pretty bad!  

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit!    

 

I had it done in the US. No pain killer or anesthesia at all. It's horrible. Yes, I understand the need for it, but I don't think the doctors performing this have a clue.

I just feel like this is so routine to them.

I had a sonohystogram and a biopsy. The sonohystgram in a clinic/lab and the biopsy in the doctor's office. No pain killer or anethesia. They were both awful. Yes, I got through it, and we must, but I really don't think doctors understand how awful it is. I've had nightmares about it since. I think it's just me, and how I feel about these things. The pain was bearable, but the whole procedure was upsetting.

Hi Debbie,

I'm so sorry to learn this!  Whereabouts in the US?  My doctor said he might want to perform one, but told me it would be done with anesthesia.  

I think that a patient is dependent upon the customary practice of medicine in their geographical area.  Some doctors do view anesthesia as optional.  However, I also think some insurance plans won't cover anesthesia for certain procedures.

I am so sorry you had to go through this!  What was the outcome?

Thanks. I'm trying to be strong about these things, but it's tough. I really believe the stress of it all is worse than the actual procedure. I'm in NY State.

Polyps were found. I haven't decided if I want them removed. They said to, but after all the research I did, I found out they rarely cause a problem after menopause. If anything, I would probably go for a hysterectomy before just having them removed. I've heard of others having them removed only to find out they come back.

Anyway, this is really about getting through the stress and worry of these tests, knowing they will not give you anything. I did it, but have had nightmares about it since. I'm sure it's just me...worryier here.

I'm a worrier, too! . I had a biopsy last year in my gyn's office.  He gave me a prescription for tranquilizers before hand, and I had to take an over the counter anti-diarrheal.  I was so upset and worried, I couldn't leave the house until I got calmed down.

My gyn is a really good man.  He was very kind to me.  But, I agree that some docs just act as though it's your tough luck being a woman. And, let's face it, the procedures aren't painful for them...

Thanks Sabrina, looking back on this I've not written it very well, so any questions please ask.

 

Yes, nothing more demoralising and uncomfortable than wearing the nasty, bulky equivalent of a maternity pad!  I had to do that when I had the first biopsy last month so was more prepared this time.