I am now 9 weeks in on a urgent cancer pathway with no diagnosis. I am neurodiverse have extreme medical trauma and cannot attend any medical establishments or medical appointments without severe panic attacks despite taking Diazepam before attending. I have had one failed hysteroscopy due to the consultant aborting it as he could not find a clear channel despite using 1/2 and 3/4 hegar dilators to try and find one. He felt the prospects of success were limited and complications a concern if he continued.He proposed a repeat procedure under general anaesthetic but my trauma would find that too much to cope with. I can force myself through an office procedure but there are too many layers to a ga. I could not cope with the preop tests, I am an insulin dependant diabetic and my blood sugars would be uncontrollable, I don't cope with people or them monitoring me and doing things to me. I wouldn't cope with being in a hospital ward either or the admittance or stay afterwards, which is likely to be more extended than a few hours due to how my blood sugars and blood pressure would react. I also need galsses to be able to see and hearing aids to hear and without them I feel very exposed and vulnerable, even for a few minutes.
I have agreed a reasonable adjustment of two supporters during appointments but obviously this would not be possible if I had a proceedure under ga.
I appreciate that most people would find the procedure more acceptable with general anaesethic, but not me. I mentioned regional or conscious sedation but apparently they are not offered by my trust and would in any case need all the preop tests and admittance. Another attempt at an in office procedure is being attempted on Wednesday but is likely to fail. I have also been told that there is no guarnatee that an operating room proceedure would be any more successful. I struggled with the tvus which was aborted in the first instance due to a panic attack, but achieved in a second attempt on another day. I have been offered an mri but would not be able to tolerate it.
I have spoken with the MCMillan helpline this morning but just wondering what tips everyone has for overcoming extreme anxiety and forcing themeselves through the tests and interractions. I don't have any continuity of care, Wednesday I will be seing athird different consultant.My last consultation I was so paniced I shook the whole time and was unable to speak without stuttering and struggling for breath. I have arange of techniques, music, mindfulness, meditation, breathing etc for trying to ground myself but none are working.
Also has anyone any experience of a failed in office procedure but achieved a successful result on a second attempt without ga? Pain was not an issue on the first attempt, the abortion was solely due to the consultant not being able to establish a clear channel for the scope.
I know everyone finds the process difficult and anxiety inducing, so wondered if anyone has any tips that I haven't tried. Somehow I have to find a way to force myself through the processes but my neurodiversity and trauma are preventing me.
none of the usual react symbols seemed right given the topic!
Just a quick update. Had a second attempt at an office procedure today and it was successful with no problems at all. Mild discomfort but no real pain, no difficulty advancing the hysteroscopy.Had gained entry to my uterus within a few minutes. Not quite sure that there was so much insistence I needed a general anaesethic despite me saying it would be too traumatic.
There were numerous problems with the equipment, the screen was faulty and had a dark line, a light failed, and the equipment used for removing a polyp was not working properly either. Consultant not sure he got all the polyp so wants to reschedule to have another look just in case, but said no urgency and will probably be at least 6 weeks.
4 weeks now to wait for biopsy results but told that all looked normal but no 100% guarantee until the results are in. Thank you everyone for your support.
What I have learned is to be absolutely honest about your difficulties and what you can't tolerate. Ask for help. Have an experienced clincian who is used to dealing with menopausal women makes a massive difference. The calibre of the staff is paramount, today's consultant and the nurse who supported me could not be faulted and that is not my usual experience.
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