Misopostos

I’m 64 and my gynaecologist never suggested using anything prior to the hysteroscopy/D&C. In the end he couldn’t get my cervix dilated enough and went straight to MRI.

Prior to my initial visit I had been taking Femosten HRT which I think was oestrogen and progesterone.

My hysterectomy was as done 2weeks ago on the basis of the MRI with my gynaecologist certain there was cancer. I’ll find out tomorrow the stage.

I'm 64, not on anything and had a successful (if uncomfortable) hysteroscopy without being given anything a few weeks ago. It was suggested I take a couple of paracetamol an hour before the procedure for pain relief. Unfortunately the biopsies showed cancer and so I'm expecting to have a hysterectomy.  

Thank you for your reply. Hopefully you have an early stage cancer and with treatment can return to your previous less burdened and stressed by Cancer state of life. 

That is wonderful that you were able to tolerate the hysteroscopy in office and didn’t need to go to the operating room. I am sorry though to hear that the outcome of the biopsies were positive for cancer. I hope your hysterectomy is uneventful and all of the cancer is removed and gone so you can move on with your life.

I'm 66 and not on estrogen or hrt, and the only advice was to take paracetamol and ibuprofen 30 minutes before the hysteroscopy appointment.  I was offered having it done under general anaesthetic in a separate  booking as soon as I got there.  I did okay with the smaller hysteroscope for a look around and possibly biopsy though - only ouched when the second anaesthetic injection went in though - but as the dr found polyps he suggested he stopped at that point before using a larger hysteroscope and that I was referred for a hysteroscopy under a general anaesthetic for the polyp removal.  

I've only had one child via a caesarean though, and was told I had vaginal atrophy a couple of years ago when I was referred for a colposcopy biopsy in the same hospital which I found very difficult - which might have been a factor.  But the basic hysteroscopy with anaesthetic gel and a couple of local anaesthetic injections though uncomfortable was ok - not much different to the intravaginal ultrasound.  Have period like cramps now for a few days afterwards even though I didn't have a second biopsy done. 

Is it worth asking your gynaecologist what the pros and cons are of having the whole procedure done under a general anesthetic? 

 So far it seems non of the women who underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy and D & C  were prescribed Misopostos prior to the procedure. I read it doesn’t work in post menopausal women so I was trying to find someone else for whom it was prescribed to feel less uncomfortable about taking it.  With any medication it’s risk vs reward and if no or low possibility of reward I’m thinking, why take it? 

Like you I have vaginal atrophy which they described as severe and an immune disorder called Lichen Sclerosis also causing thinning of the skin. The vaginal sonogram felt like serrated knives going in but was tolerable.The office endometrial biopsy was not and the gynecologist had to stop before she could get a decent sample. No anesthetic injections were offered. So I am scheduled for an ambulatory surgery hysteroscopy and D and C under anesthesia. 

I am concerned because I can’t find an other someone out there prescribed to take Misopostos (note: also used for early abortions) prior to hysteroscopy. Anxious as it is and this uncertainty only making worse. 

The local ones must have been really rough for you , doesn't bear thinking about.  How could they not use local anaesthetic -  even the gel is helpful.   Glad you're having  the rest done under a general.  Hopefully someone will come back to you about the Misopostos.  Is it worth writing to the gynaecologist and asking them what the rationale is for using it given your age? 

Hope you get on alright.  My one under a general isn't booked in yet.

Thank you for your reply. Since yours under anesthesia is yet to be booked I will let you know of my experience.

I will call the gynecologist office about the Misopostos tomorrow. You don’t get to speak to the doctor but hopefully the nurse will be able to ask her. 

I understand under anesthesia they do a more comprehensive procedure and as you said larger hysteroscopy scope. Being the procedure was so painful to begin with I am wondering how the post hysteroscopy pain will be? Have you heard of any experience of those who have had the more comprehensive procedures under anesthesia? 

Yes, I started a thread on here a couple of days ago and three people recommended a general above having a local.  I wonder if we're generally more 'floppy' under a general?    I haven't felt too bad since the hysteroscopy, just the need to take things fairly easy, and being a bit crampy like a mild period. ( Plus I've had a grotty  cold at the same time which wasn't helping)  On the plus side I expect they can work more quickly under general anaesthetic?  I know it's not quite the same but heard that my brother in law regularly has polyps taken out from colon under general anaesthetic which is apparently fine. I think mentally not having to deal with the pain at the time is a good thing. 

It would be good to hear how you get on, thank you 

I hope your cold is better soon. Although not serious you don’t need that nagging at you. I guess under sedation we’re not as tense and anxious. I agree not having to deal with a  painful procedure is in your best interest mental health wise. From what I read women have been trumatized by the procedure pain and the practioner just proceeding on. Completely non validating to one’s sense of control and the common human emotional need for some control over what is tolerable and being done one’s own body. I  haven’t read anything about the effect of anesthesia upon the womb. All I know is when you’re pre menstrual or on estrogen it is a completely different situation down there and up in there. I will definitely post and let you know of my experience. I am grateful for this forum and women supporting each other.