Hi newbie…looking for other People’s hysteroscopy experience

Hi Gazzio80, welcome to the group. I had my investigations this time last year, and, like you was extremely apprehensive about the hysteroscopy. As per the recommendation I took a couple of paracetamol before the procedure. My consultant was lovely and caring, and so was the nurse assisting him. I told him how anxious I was and he offered to put me down right away to have the procedure under general anaesthetic at a separate later appointment, but I wanted him to try, as I was desperate to know if anything was wrong. He asked me if I’d like to be able to see the monitor so that I could see what t he was doing and what I looked like inside, and I said yes please, so he tilted it towards me and he talked me through everything as he did it. But, as gentle and kind as he was, the procedure couldn’t be completed as my cervix was stenosed (common post menopause) and trying to push it through caused me pain and he wasn’t prepared to continue. 

I was upset that he’d had to stop, but he explained that he didn’t want me to have a bad experience, that I could have fainted from the pain, and that he was referring me to have it done under general anaesthetic in 2-3 weeks’ time. I have to say that when I had it done under GA, it was a breeze and I wished I’d opted for that right from the start. 

it varies from woman to woman, and some are able to tolerate it under local anaesthetic. My advice to you would be to make sure you tell them how anxious and terrified you are, and don’t be afraid to ask for it to be done under general if that’s what you’d prefer.

Thanks for replying.  I'm really dont want to have to wait for an appointment under general as i'm so anxious waiting for answers, but I'm not hopeful of being able to get through it as I've always struggled even with smears as I have a tilted cervix. Fun!

Hi, I felt the same and embarrassingly burst into tears after the failed attempt as I didn’t want to have to wait as like you I was worried and the waiting makes it all more difficult. I also always struggle with smears, because of the angle of my cervix, but I told the consultant this and he used a small speculum, was slow and gentle, and reaching my cervix wasn’t a problem - plus they have the benefit of the camera and screen, so they can clearly see where everything is. What day is your appointment?

Thanks again for replying Marmite. My appointment is tomorrow. Can I ask, am I likely to be given any indication at that appointment or will I have to wait? 

I was told by the consultant immediately after the hysteroscopy that what she saw was strongly indicative of cancer and she was booking an MRI without waiting for the biopsy result to come back.  From what I have gathered since, it is a bit unusual to be told on the spot, but it can happen.  I don't know if she would have said it if I hadn't had someone with me. 

Hi Gazzio, at my failed hysteroscopy the consultant said that I had a polyp just above my cervix and that when I had the hysteroscopy under GA the gynae surgeon would remove it as well as doing a biopsy. When I had my GA hysteroscopy the gynae surgeon did remove it, and told me afterwards, but gave no indication as to result and just said I’d get my results by phone call in two weeks’ time.

1. Hi Gazzio80. I had my hysteroscopy in May this year,  I was determined to attend and ask for it under general anaesthetic,  when the nurse came to collect me I said I'm here but I'm not having it done under a local, she was lovely and said no problem I'll have a word with the consultant.  She called me in after a few minutes and led me to the consultant who began by saying I understand you would prefer a general anaesthetic I said definitely as I'd had one years ago and they couldn't do it my pain was too much and my cervix very far back and womb tilted. She asked me if I would let her try and said your in control and I will stop the second you ask me to  I said yes. I had a local anaesthetic put into my cervix,  a new type of gas and air and it was a breeze I was so proud of myself that I'd cut out the extra waiting time. Ask if they can do the same for you and let us know how you get on, All the best xx

Thank you for replying Anne, it’s very kind of you. My husband is on the cusp of travelling to Thailand for work next Saturday and I guess I’m trying to do the impossible….ie look into a crystal ball and find out whether I’d be potentially getting awful news whilst he’s away. But it’s a fabulous opportunity and I don’t want him to stay for this to end up a scare, rather than anything sinister. Take care xx

Thanks Jane. That’s given me a bit of confidence to speak up and look out for myself. Thanks for replying xx

For how long will he be away Gazzio?