Hi, Just wanted to introduce myself, I’m awaiting my first hysteroscopy…

Hi Roctre, welcome to the group. I am also new to the group, I was diagnosed with womb cancer in May and had to have a hysterectomy and started Chemo yesterday. In answer to your questions tho I had a biopsy during a consultation (which I agreed to) to save time in arranging another appointment so no time for any paracetamol or ibuprofen beforehand. I found it uncomfortable and just like bad period pain but doable to get it over with ASAP. 

The results then took about 3.5 weeks. I had no fibroids tho. All our experience are different and hopefully yours will be better with medication. Wishing you all the best 

Hi, Sorry to hear of your problems with bleeding, polyps and fibroids. I had a hysteroscopy to take a biopsy and remove a polyp. My gynecologist did the procedure under general anesthetic, which was basically a walk in the park. She refused to do it without GA, because of how painful it is, especially when removing polyps. Personally I would ask for a GA. Dr. Nighat Arif has just done an instagram post covering hysteroscopy, which might give you an idea on different women's experiences. Some don't find it as traumatic as others.Regarding the biopsy, they can tell you at the time if they suspect cancer, but they are not always correct. Only a biopsy afterwards will tell you that. My biopsy came back after 2 weeks. All the best.

Thank you for your reply and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Yes I just want it over with ASAP. 

Hi Roctre, 

Welcome to the chat. Im fairly new to the whole process myself, had hysteroscopy and waiting for results. 

From having a read (and it did become obsessive) it would seem everyones hysteroscopy is different but from my experience I would recommend taking the painkillers, I only had paracetamol an hour before my appointment was meant to be, and they were running an hour later than expected. Just remember its sensitive in there! Lol. Before I went I was under the impression its was like going for a smear and in some respects it is, but I wasnt prepared with the truth and if Im honest I felt a bit like I was in shock immediately after...for about an hour. 

I was lucky with the team doing mine, constantly asking if I was happy to keep going and made it very clear that if I couldnt cope they would stop and re-book to do it under general anaesthetic, I wanted it over and done with so carried on.

I didnt have any fibroids or polyps and was just told...it looks fine. So now Im waiting for the biopsy to confirm that everything actually is 'fine'. 

Sending happy thoughts and keeping everything crossed for you. 

Try to enjoy yourself in Italy 

Thank you, I just want it over with so will try and do it without. I have heard that if it’s too painful I can ask them to stop? Thank you for the info on them telling me then and there, I just want some indication if possible.

I'm so sorry, how very stressful for you. I was booked for a hysteroscopy and requested a general anaesthetic as I find these procedures agony. Some women have less pain. You can also request gas and air which is a huge help.

The biopsy will need analysis so I doubt you'll get results on the day. 

There is lots of reports in the news at the moment about hysteroscopy and how in UK there's no anesthesia for such a painful procedure. 

Do you have a sense of your pain threshold? Do request pain relief as they will provide it if you ask, minimum gas and air. This is a stressful enough time without worrying about painful procedures.

Thank you, normally my pain threshold is quite high, I’ve had no problems with scans or smears so fingers crossed. 

Hi, some women feel little pain during this procedure but many do and find it quiet an ordeal. There is no way of knowing which category you fall into so it's best to be prepared in advance. I've had biopsies taken many times and once with a hysteroscopy and can you that local anaesthetic wasn't enough! I always have gas & air too, which really helps with the pain and helps to calm me down. Some women even have general anaesthetic but it;s your choice.

I would think it through a bit more and arrange extra pain relief such as gas & air beforehand OR GA, as pain levels can vary and the last thing you want is to be stressed about it. Good luck!

Seriously, it's generally much worse than a smear! They need to open the cervix to allow instruments in, so more invasive. Don't wish to alarm you but surely it's best to be prepared?

Thank you, I’m so desperate to know that I will attempt and then if I can’t do it they have said they will stop and book me in for GA