Hi, on 28th October I had transvaginal scan as gp referred me on TWW pathway. Got results immediately afterwards from oncology gynaecology. A specialist nurse explained a mass had been found that wasn't a fibroid as irregular shape & uterine wall was 5.5mm thickness, thicker than previous ultrasound 3 yrs ago that found a small fibroid on the back wall of uterus. She attempted a biopsy but I was very nervous.. Thankfully a small speculum was used but still very very uncomfortable.. She attempted to try a biopsy but the straw like instrument would not pass through the cervix. Doesn't help that it's tilted also. (Previously I'd had endometrial Ablation for heavy periods 12 yr ago under general anaesthetic Prior to that had to have hysteroscopy and smear under general as too painful and nervous.)
She ordered a pelvic MRI with contrast which I had the next day. The day after I was to have hysteroscopy, I turned up but just panicked especially as all instruments were laid out. I asked if resul
of MRI were there? He said didn't know I had one, looked it up and a request for an MDT to read the results had been submitted. He referred me for general anaesthetic hysteroscopy then. The anaesthist said could not do it as have bilateral subclavian and carotid arteries stenoses and cerebral hypoperfusion from having burnt out Takayasu arteritis. He said risk of stroke or heart attack too hi as need carotid endarterectomy but vascular can't proceed as yet as I need allergy testing for nickel as have an allergy to it. Unfortunately been waiting for that for quite some time. So he referr me back for hysterectoscopy with local if I can tolerate. If I can't then an meeting is needed between gynaecology and vascular surgery to co-ordinate how to proceed. As it stands if need surgery wch hysterectomy I was told seems almost certain regardless as have thickening of the wall. An epidural is first port of call possibly and light general anaesthetic if needed as last resource. But on if the endarterectomy is completed first. I feel very overwhelmed and as daft as it sounds the thing I'm fearing most is this hysteroscopy in outpatient clinic. Any advice most welcome. Thank you f reading
Hi Carot
I had no injection into my cervix. I took paracetamol around an hour before. There was entonox available but didn't use it.
I was really scared when I knew I needed a biopsy but to be honest the thought was far worse than my experience. The only ouch moment for me was when they first put the instrument through my cervix- it was an uncomfortable pushing type sensation- but by the time I started to count to 10 it was over. The actual biopsy with the straw like instruments felt no more uncomfortable than a mild period sensation.
You can at any point say stop.
I had a phone call from the nurse specialist who did my biopsy the day before and she talked me through what would happen and that helped. I also had another nurse who spoke to me throughout and kept me calm.
It was not a pleasant experience but it was manageable. I am someone who really does not like hospitals or medical procedures- but it was ok. I did feel quite washed out for the rest of the day and bled for around 24 hours but was then fine.
I would advise taking some more absorbent sanitary towels with you. I took a couple of Always Night Time ones- they do give you basic ones but not so absorbent.
Good Luck
Jane
