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I had persistent post menopausal bleeding and have had two hysteroscopies, one with anaesthetic which was without problems and one without. The latter was nothing short of brutal. The surgeon scraped cells but then said the sample wasn’t sufficient so she scraped higher up. I felt as if I had been impaled on a spear that had been thrust up to my chest. The pain was excruciating and I literally crashed out on the table. When I came to, my blood pressure was through the roof and I had to wait several hours till I was out of danger enough for my daughter to take me home. I had pain in my sternum for a week afterwards, not to mention the shock. I was so traumatised by this that the next time I had bleeding I refused to go to the doctor as he said they would need to do the procedure again. The bleeding was very heavy and in desperation I had acupuncture because a friend recommended it. I felt the bleeding stop at the first session. I had another session a week later and have not had bleeding since. That was around four years ago. I really wish I had complained but we tend not to and it seems somehow ungrateful. Personally I believe that operation should never be done without anaesthetic. Also the NHS does nothing about the bleeding, they are merely trying to establish whether it’s a symptom of uterine cancer. In all honesty, the total cost of the acupuncture was £120. I can’t imagine how much more expensive it is to do a hysteroscopy. I cannot face the thought of ever putting myself in that kind of position again. I also cannot forget the experience of that pain which was much much worse than childbirth. 

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I had an out patient Hysteroscopy/biopsy attempt on 5th December 2020. I recieved the leaflet about the procedure and recommendation of over the counter pain relief prior to arriving. I was hesitant and researched best practice guidance. There was a sense that pain was downplayed in the information so I focused on safe practice and risks beforehand.
 
The questions I raised with the consultant were based on size and type of scope in addition to type of saline used.  My potential pain was not factored in at all nor any suggestion of how I might feel. During the procedure the consultant commented that ' we have such good ladies this morning' indicating I was compliant with this barbaric procedure due to my use of mediation and relaxation techniques. This comment is shockingly inappropriate and disregards and minimises the extent of pain that women are experiencing. I yelled out in pain at the biopsy attempt and shorty afterwards the consultant ended the procedure.  
As she left the room, she asked me to get dressed and see her next door. I was in tears. The nurse started it was best to stop as my womb could risk being perforated. I was then advised that I would receive an appointment to have the procedure under a GA. I was in shock, I went home and recognised I was experiencing PTSD reactions such as flashbacks, distress and slept most of the day and the following one. I also experienced for 10 days.
 
When I was admitted for the procedure under general anaesthesia, the very same consultant was involved. I had an extremely dismissive response to my previous experience and fears and she did nothing to alleviate my concerns. In fact she frightend me with potential risks and I felt pressured to go ahead. 
Shortly after I decided against the procedure under her care. 
This is my experience of poor treatment and has created a lack of trust and confidence in the care recieved which adds to the anxiety I am feeling about my health and I remain confused about my care going forwards.
 
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Is anyone else, who has experienced a painful hysteroscopy, now fearful of having the Covid-19 vaccination due to distrust of NHS staff?

I'm struggling to find any answers to my questions about the vaccination procedure - the thought of being touched by an NHS practitioner is terrifying as a friend says that they hold your arm whilst injecting! The thought of this brings back the memories of my hysteroscopy. Do they have to hold you?

I've written down a load of questions for the vaccination procedure, but worried that my worries will just be dismissed and I'll be seen as a nuisance and staff won't have time to support me - just like the hysteroscopy.

Having therapy, but not really helping. I want the vaccine, but no idea how this will happen as I'm so frightened.

 

 

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Hi Carrie,

I wonder if you shared your concerns with your GP they could provide you with information and support - including ensuring that the vaccination is given to you in a way that avoids any distress. 

Best wishes, Helen

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Regarding a vaccine, i see no parallel to a histeroscopy procedure without anestesia.   Histeroscopy is a brutal invasion if our body that impacts a woman in a painful, sometimes degrading way.  a vaccine is a shot

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22 hours ago, HelenH said:

Hi Carrie,

I wonder if you shared your concerns with your GP they could provide you with information and support - including ensuring that the vaccination is given to you in a way that avoids any distress. 

Best wishes, Helen

Hi Helen,

I've mentioned this to the practice, they have suggested Diazepam, but this won't be possible as I have to drive there. They weren't forthcoming in replies to my queries, I still don't know if I'll held or if I'll be able to lie down to avoid falling if I faint. Same brushing off as I got with hysteroscopy queries which doesn't inspire confidence!

Take care, Carrie

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Tuesday 2nd March 2021

I am 55 years old and was referred to a rapid response ward in a Hospital in North Lanarkshire. Referred for post menopausal bleeding and pain on my left ovary.

I have to say that I found the procedure barbaric. Having gone through IVF on three occasions in my30’s, this procedure left me feeling violated and assaulted. I am now outraged that women have to go through this without adequate consultation from a specialist. If this had been given initially, I would have asked for a general anaesthetic to be administered rather than a, ‘Rapid Response’. I will now refer to this procedure as, rapid cost cutting of a consultant ergo the lack of adequate procedural operations with a specialist gynaecologist, surgeon and anaesthetist at hand.

Referred by a GP; The letter relaying my appointment to the, Rapid Procedures clinic gave no indication of what to expect from a, hysteroscopy so, I looked online. Advised to take pain killers before hand, I was apprehensive.

The last time I had a smear test it had been painful. In addition, the Sister involved in the procedure of replacing my marina coil three years before, knocked me out when she accidentally hit the cervix. Now, I was back again with the same Sister! Only, this time, I had prepared myself to stop the procedure if it became too painful.

I answered questions on my smears being up to date, explained my apprehension as the last smear had been painful. I explained that I cannot have sex due to the pain and I haven’t had children so, I am pretty tight. She reassured me and we started.

Whilst the speculum inserted posed some discomfort and the camera or scanner didn’t detect the womb lining or ovaries, as the coil was wrapped in fibroids and casting a shadow. She advised that it had been pushed down with the fibroids and wasn’t able to do it’s job right to control the endometriosis.

The Sister explained further, she would have to move the camera through the cervix and had her afternoons work cut out for her as there were a lot of fibroids. Next thing I new the coil was yanked out! This was excruciatingly painful. I asked for a sedative which she said she would give. Not sure this happened as, I didn’t feel the needle, or maybe I did, as she mopped up the blood inside and said that she was going to replace the coil. At this point I asked her to stop. I apologised for being a poor patient and not as flexible as I used to be! I also explained my anxiety prior to coming due to my last visit. On leaving I had to ask for a sanitary towel and was given no direction on how to leave the changing area.

With no aftercare advice, I went back to work. I would have preferred to take a day or two off after this procedure. With advanced warning I could have organised cover from colleagues to allow for much needed recuperation time. In hindsight this was required for physical and psychological recovery. After all, would any of us have a tooth drilled or extracted without local anaesthesia?

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Hi @Val

Thank you for sharing your difficult experience. Unfortunately your testimonial bears similarities to that of others who also felt they were not given enough information before the procedure or adequate pain relief options. 

At Patient Safety Learning, we have been working with clinicians, researchers, campaigners and of course patients to understand the barriers to safer hysteroscopy treatment so that we can call for action that will be effective in improving care. 

A few links below that may be of interest:

Improving hysteroscopy safety

Presenting my work on pain during hysteroscopy to RCOG

Through the hysteroscope: Reflections of a gynaecologist

Ministers respond to patients’ concerns about painful hysteroscopies: Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales (February 2021)

Minister acknowledges patients’ concerns about painful hysteroscopies; but will action be taken? (January 2021)

 


 

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I attended yesterday for myosure procedure for removal of a uterine polyp.This procedure is horrendous and should not be allowed without a general anaesthetic .The pain was excruciating and the procedure had to be stopped I won’t go into the details but  I can honestly say I left there feeling traumatised and the thought of having to go back and have it done again makes me feel physically sick It should be made  100% honestly clear by the consultant  that this procedure is extremely painful and not like it’s just a period pain (it is most certainly not) it is not even close and I suffer painful periods . no woman should have to suffer pain like this I will add I have a high pain threshold but this was awful on a scale of one to ten I give this a big fat 10 for pain 

 

 

 

 

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Hello Np   - I'm very sorry to hear about the Myosure procedure.  I hope that you will feel a lot better soon and that the memory will fade.  You are absolutely not alone in experiencing severe pain and trauma during an outpatient hysteroscopic procedure .  Please, if it's any use and if you're on Facebook, the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy has a private/hidden Action/Support group you'd be very welcome to join.  If you'd like to do so please send me (Katharine Tylko - one of the admin, not a medic) a FB friend request and I'll add you.  We have an anonymous patient survey if you're interested: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2XTOe81rEy7zV2ARNPECceYyE--wTtR0mA10XHIxNQVOBrw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2OuUIFSAa_Nk5HggwX5ZB_C94k_ObKn1qJHaio1oRHMuxexcyY9nR9NsU 

 A good place to prompt your hospital to offer better pain-relief  is www.careopinion.org.uk   Here one can tell one's story anonymously and sometimes the hospital actually makes improvements.  NHS audits show that 1 in 4 outpatient hysteroscopy patients suffer severe pain. 

However, the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy has done its own survey of outpatient hysteroscopy and found that patients rate the care they receive from its members as 9.7/10.   So we have our work cut out to persuade them that patients are suffering unnecessary pain!  (Interestingly, some of the BSGE members only submitted a single survey response.)

     

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I have a high pain threshold and tolerance for medical procedures - I've had a termination and some other minor procedures under a local by choice. Several years ago I had severe peri-menopausal bleeding, and a scan showed a large polyp. Under local, I had the polyp removed using forceps. I would describe this as a very minor procedure, causing me next to no discomfort during or after, and with the reassurance of the biopsy. It solved my bleeding problems for around 18 months.

Then the bleeding came back. This time, rather than do a diagnostic scan, the GP decided it must be another polyp and referred me directly for a myosure. I was confused about why it wasn't the same procedure and I was put off by the information sheet - it seemed to be more like a glossy marketing brochure. But my GP said it was 'what we do now' and that the alternative might be a hysterectomy. 

During the procedure I was in so much pain, I thought I would pass out. I had to focus all my energy on not throwing up or shouting out.  I have never experienced anything like it before, including during labour. The procedure took far longer than the previous one and afterwards, I couldn't sit up for over an hour as I kept passing out. My heart rate and blood pressure were in such a state that every time the nurses left me, the alarm would go off. 

I don't know exactly what the procedure involved, but while the first op felt as though the polyp was cleanly removed, the second felt as though the whole inside of my womb was ground to bits and sucked out. Sorry to be explicit.

Until I found this site I thought I had just had a one-off bad experience. I can't honestly say that I've suffered psychologically, except that I know I won't put myself through this again - and now the bleeding is back I'm not sure what my choices are.  I'm happy for my experience to be used to inform research and patient advocacy.

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Hi Helen,  thank you for sharing your horrible experience with us. I hope that you are able to receive the care you need without fear or pain.
 

We are working closely with @Katharine Tylko and her wonderful colleagues at CAPH. They also have a FB group where women are sharing their stories too. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1564972663700527&id=193342597530214


We will not stop until these significant patient safety concerns are addressed. You might find our latest blog on this issue of interest. https://www.patientsafetylearning.org/blog/minister-acknowledges-patients-concerns-about-painful-hysteroscopies-but-will-action-be-taken
 

Thanks again. Personal testimonies really help drive home the need for urgent action. Take care and best wishes, 

Helen 

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Hi HelenB

Am very sorry to hear  you had an awful HOLOGIC Myosure procedure.  Am concerned too that you weren't warned upfront that a typical pain score for Myosure is 7/10.  Please, if it's any use and if you're on Facebook we have a hidden/closed Action/Support group that you're most welcome to join.   If you'd like to do so please send me - Katharine Tylko (one of the admin, not a medic) a Facebook friend request and I'll add you to the group.  

Meanwhile, we have an ongoing anonymous 'dissatisfaction survey' of painful hysteroscopy at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2XTOe81rEy7zV2ARNPECceYyE--wTtR0mA10XHIxNQVOBrw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2OuUIFSAa_Nk5HggwX5ZB_C94k_ObKn1qJHaio1oRHMuxexcyY9nR9NsU

We've amassed 1,500+ awful stories collected to show that excruciatingly painful outpatient hysteroscopy is not the rare occurrence that the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy claims. 

Sorry for ranting. 

Updates of our campaigning are at www.hysteroscopyaction.org.uk

Best wihes,

Katharine

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On 08/02/2020 at 12:48, Claire Cox said:

What is your experience of having a hysterscopy? We would like to hear - good or bad so that we can help campaign for safer, harm free care. 

You can read Patient Safety Learning's blog about improving hysteroscopy safety here.

You'll need to be a hub member to comment below, it's quick and easy to do. You can sign up here.

2 days ago I have just had a successful hysteroscopy as an out-patient to have my polyps removed. It went well with pains completely manageable. I know each woman is different and so my own experience may only be relevant to those women in a similar situation (I am 46; had one natural delivery; normal period with bleeding in between periods).

My experience (from the surgery started to when I stepped off the ‘chair bed’ lasted about 25 minutes. I had 2 paracetamol pills and an ibuprofen ‘bullet’ inserted to my backside about 1 hour before the surgery. I gave the pains (all period-like pains) 3 out of a scale of 10, with 10 being giving birth. There were two occasions when I drew my breath deeply when the period pain became deeper than my normal period cramp, but they were completely manageable. I was offered gas a number of occasions but declined as I felt it was not needed. I had the Mirena fitted at the end.

If I had to do this again (hope not!), I would not hesitate to have the same treatment (out-patient with no GA) again, and would recommend it to women like me. My research show that some other countries operate this under GA and personally if I were given the option of GA, I would still go with no GA. Whilst in the waiting room, there were other 3 women before me aged between 30s to 50s and all had positive experience (the elder lady had gas and high blood pressure at the end and had to lie down before going home).

I hope my positive experience will assure some women who are just like me facing fear or anxiety. However I deeply sympathise with other women who were in a different situation or had bad or even horrendous experience and what they have been through. I can imagine the powerlessness and pains when you are in such a vulnerable position. Each of us is different but if you are like me (mid 40s; had natural birth; normal period), please don’t worry too much.

Best wishes to you all ladies.

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I am not posting this to disagree with all

the people who have had horrific experiences- but just want to Ensure there is a balanced view here for people researching before they go i for this procedure.

I went for a hysteroscopy at New Alderley house Macclesfield this morning terrified after reading all the horror stories online.

But please understand this is not how things are for Everyone.

the staff at New Alderley house that do this are amazing. The consultant takes the time to explain exactly what will happen and your dignity is preserved at all times. There is an amazing nurse who will hold your hand and talk the whole way through the procedure to distract you. What a lovely lady she deserves a medal! The procedure itself takes minutes and the pain was really bearable - and nothing compared to period pain and childbirth! they numb your cervix so once that’s done then the only other bit that hurts a bit is when they take the biopsy - but it’s a only a few seconds and stops immediately. At home I had bad period typE pains and some bleeding.  This is an invasive procedure but it’s being done to look for something far worse which makes it bearable 

Afterwards you can take your time getting dressed etc there is no hurry. Overall it couldn’t have been a better experience for me for what is quite an invasive procedure.

I write this review as there is much bad press about this procedure - but please take a balanced view of feedback and realise that people who don’t have a bad experience generally don’t write reviews. 
 

I am sorry for the folks that had horrific exp - mine wasn’t and there is a good Chance yours won’t be too. 
 

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It is great when you hear women having a positive experience and feel they were in control, that the persons carrying out the procedure explain truefully what will happen.

You dont state your age? I note you were offered & given pain relief to numb the cervix. Unfortunately most women that suffer severely from pain are post menopause with a closed cervix & the practitioner as in my case noted out loud how closed the cervix was! Yet he proceeded to force his way through and this is when I experienced horrendous pain, the room span and was incapable of answering when I was asked if " I was still in the room?" He continued still. The biopsies were painful too but maybe could have been more tolerable if I was not already in so much pain and traumatised.

You say you were anxious after reading " horror" stories? The women who shared them wrote them to initiate change. Shared their awful experiences so no other has to suffer as they did. These are procedures that should not have happened.

I would see them as positive stories as it means women reading them can be better informed & ask questions before they make their choices for the procedure. 

Again  I am so pleased your experience of Hysteroscopy was not like mine. I hope that women in the future have experiences like yours because they were informed & can make choices & know that if it is too painful they can say stop & know in advance the alternatives in place.

Wish you well for the future & that your biopsies have a positive outcome. X

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Hello. I wanted to share my recent experience of having a hysteroscopy. I had it without a general which was fine with me as I don’t like being sedated. I had the procedure very well explained to me as well as the potential discomfort and that I could stop at any point. They were all lovely and I couldn’t have asked for better care. BUT my bodies reaction to the procedure was not what I anticipated. It started with pins and needles in my hands and feet. I then started feeling a bit light headed and this progressed to feeling nauseous and hot. The pins and needles got so bad in my hands that they clenched shut and I couldn’t open them. Apparently I went opaque rather than white and my nail beds lost all colour. I wanted them to persist in fitting the coil as the alternative under general is not appealing. It took at least 5 minutes after they stopped for my hands to start unclenching and colour to start returning to my face. This was not because it was extremely painful although it was very uncomfortable my body just reacted this way. My cervix is twisted so it was difficult for them to get the camera in and they only just managed to get a biopsy but failed to fit the coil which was disappointing. Has anyone else had this reaction? It was really awful!

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I had a hysterscopy carried out last week. I was going for an vaginal ultrasound to see if a large fibroid had shrunk. Unfortunately it had not and I had been bleeding, so the doctor said she wanted to to have a look inside my womb with a camera. Doctor said the opening to my cervix was small so she would have to dilate my cervix and take a biopsy and would give me a LA as it might be a bit painful. The word hysterscopy was not mentioned.The procedure which took about 10 minutes was the worst pain I have ever experienced. My first thought was this must be what it’s like to be brutally raped, then I thought I cannot believe I was going through this at my age of 57 years. The adrenaline kicked in and I became emotional, I was shaking and was squeezing the hell out of the nurses hand. I got to the car afterwards and eased in to it, my husband was waiting for me, I burst into tears and said I had just had the most horrendous painful procedure. I was in shock, I woke up next day crying and emotional, I was all out of sorts at work which I probably should have not went to. I felt I couldn’t concentrate for a few days. Then I read these stories on this forum and I can identify with what these women have experianced, those of you who did not feel considerable pain are fortunate. I would advise women who have to get a hysterscopy, to insist on a GA, take  a couple of days off work and rest. Women should not be suffering like this in this day and age.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you for sharing your ghastly experience. It drives us @Patient Safety Learning to support the wonderful campaigners that have been exposing this obscenity, affecting so many women. I hope we can deliver the change needed to stop this. Women should not be exposed to this pain. It’s avoidable. I’m so sorry that you suffered in this way, the pain and the betrayal. Helen 

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On 17/07/2021 at 14:55, Pam said:

Hello. I wanted to share my recent experience of having a hysteroscopy. I had it without a general which was fine with me as I don’t like being sedated. I had the procedure very well explained to me as well as the potential discomfort and that I could stop at any point. They were all lovely and I couldn’t have asked for better care. BUT my bodies reaction to the procedure was not what I anticipated. It started with pins and needles in my hands and feet. I then started feeling a bit light headed and this progressed to feeling nauseous and hot. The pins and needles got so bad in my hands that they clenched shut and I couldn’t open them. Apparently I went opaque rather than white and my nail beds lost all colour. I wanted them to persist in fitting the coil as the alternative under general is not appealing. It took at least 5 minutes after they stopped for my hands to start unclenching and colour to start returning to my face. This was not because it was extremely painful although it was very uncomfortable my body just reacted this way. My cervix is twisted so it was difficult for them to get the camera in and they only just managed to get a biopsy but failed to fit the coil which was disappointing. Has anyone else had this reaction? It was really awful!

Sorry to hear what has happened to you, Pam. The Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy has a webpage and a Facebook page.  If you post on the facebook page you may find people with shared experiences. You can see more about the group here: https://www.hysteroscopyaction.org.uk/  or visit their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/HysteroscopyA .  If you feel in need of some peer support following your dreadful ordeal, please message the facebook page - we also have a private page we can invite you to join from there, where women can discuss their experiences without the whole of FB and google knowing about it.   Best wishes.

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16 hours ago, Miche said:

I had a hysterscopy carried out last week. I was going for an vaginal ultrasound to see if a large fibroid had shrunk. Unfortunately it had not and I had been bleeding, so the doctor said she wanted to to have a look inside my womb with a camera. Doctor said the opening to my cervix was small so she would have to dilate my cervix and take a biopsy and would give me a LA as it might be a bit painful. The word hysterscopy was not mentioned.The procedure which took about 10 minutes was the worst pain I have ever experienced. My first thought was this must be what it’s like to be brutally raped, then I thought I cannot believe I was going through this at my age of 57 years. The adrenaline kicked in and I became emotional, I was shaking and was squeezing the hell out of the nurses hand. I got to the car afterwards and eased in to it, my husband was waiting for me, I burst into tears and said I had just had the most horrendous painful procedure. I was in shock, I woke up next day crying and emotional, I was all out of sorts at work which I probably should have not went to. I felt I couldn’t concentrate for a few days. Then I read these stories on this forum and I can identify with what these women have experianced, those of you who did not feel considerable pain are fortunate. I would advise women who have to get a hysterscopy, to insist on a GA, take  a couple of days off work and rest. Women should not be suffering like this in this day and age.

 

 

 

 

Sorry to hear what has happened to you, Miche.  I have been a member of the campaign group that HelenH mentions since it started over 7 years ago.  You can see more about the group here: https://www.hysteroscopyaction.org.uk/  or visit their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/HysteroscopyA .  If you feel in need of some peer support following your dreadful ordeal, please message the facebook page.  Best wishes.

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On 18/06/2021 at 23:21, SailSawyer said:

I am not posting this to disagree with all

the people who have had horrific experiences- but just want to Ensure there is a balanced view here for people researching before they go i for this procedure.

I went for a hysteroscopy at New Alderley house Macclesfield this morning terrified after reading all the horror stories online.

But please understand this is not how things are for Everyone.

the staff at New Alderley house that do this are amazing. The consultant takes the time to explain exactly what will happen and your dignity is preserved at all times. There is an amazing nurse who will hold your hand and talk the whole way through the procedure to distract you. What a lovely lady she deserves a medal! The procedure itself takes minutes and the pain was really bearable - and nothing compared to period pain and childbirth! they numb your cervix so once that’s done then the only other bit that hurts a bit is when they take the biopsy - but it’s a only a few seconds and stops immediately. At home I had bad period typE pains and some bleeding.  This is an invasive procedure but it’s being done to look for something far worse which makes it bearable 

Afterwards you can take your time getting dressed etc there is no hurry. Overall it couldn’t have been a better experience for me for what is quite an invasive procedure.

I write this review as there is much bad press about this procedure - but please take a balanced view of feedback and realise that people who don’t have a bad experience generally don’t write reviews. 
 

I am sorry for the folks that had horrific exp - mine wasn’t and there is a good Chance yours won’t be too. 
 

Hi SailSawyer

I'm so pleased to hear that the staff at New Alderley House, Macclesfield got it right for you.  I've been part of the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy for many years now and its good to hear some good outcomes amidst the ones that make me cringe from the horrors I'm reading.  Approximately 1 in 4 women experience severe pain with hysteroscopy, and painful experiences appears to result from many factors - eg Unsuitable candidates for Outpatient hysteroscopy procedures in the first place, time post-menopause, whether we've had vaginal births, how skilled the hysteroscopy team are, how our bodies/cervix/uterus react to the procedure and also whether the Dr/hysteroscopist stops as soon as it is apparent the woman is in pain and reschedules for GA, which some aren't good at doing unfortunately.  BTW its not standard practice in many NHS gynae OPHs for the cervix to be numbed either by gel or anaesthetic, so another thumbs-up for Macclesfield as this clearly helped you a lot!  Best wishes.

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I had my hysteroscopy, to remove a polyp, just this morning. I went along expecting some mild cramping. What I actually experienced was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt.

Before the procedure the doctor asked if I had taken any painkillers. I hadn’t, I had forgotten. Not that I think a couple of paracetamol or ibuprofen would have even touched the pain that I felt. 

Even though I think I was woefully underprepared for the level of pain, due to only being told I might experience  mild cramping, I can’t fault the staff. The HCA who looked after me whilst the procedure was taking place was lovely and I was offered gas and air. I refused it at first but changed my mind immediately as the pain intensified. I’ve not had children so this was my first experience with G&A and she talked me through it and kept me focussed on breathing. Even with the pain relief, the agony still made me cry out. 

I’ve since conversed with other women about their experiences on social media and am absolutely horrified to hear that, more often than not, they are not offered pain relief for this procedure and are made to feel weak and a nuisance if they request it. I find this abhorrent. No human being should be putting another through that kind of agony if pain relief is available and is requested. 

I’ll say again that I cannot fault the staff who looked after me. The doctor, the two HCAs and the nurse were all lovely and all did their bit to get me through the procedure. 

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I just had a hysteroscopy and biopsy done privately, and wanted to offer my experiences. As I was self paying, I wanted to try and have the procedure under LA due to the significant additional costs of a GA. However, having never had children, my consultant advised that it would be more difficult to access the cervix. She offered to examine me before the procedure, to see if I experienced any serious pain in the cervix. Then I would have the option to defer the procedure and pay the extra for a GA. Upon examination, I didn’t feel anything but light cramping. The actual hysteroscopy was more uncomfortable - akin to strong period pains. I had a LA injection in the cervix and had taken paracetamol and ibruprofen an hour beforehand. The nurses were very caring, holding my hand and giving positive affirmations, and I was able to breathe through it. The biopsy was the worst part, but over in seconds.  There was some minor bleeding afterwards, and a light stomach ache for the rest of the evening, but I felt fine the next day. Completely understand that every woman is different and I do personally have a very high pain threshold, but I think the consultant’s offer of a prior examination “test run” made all the difference and hopefully this empowers other women to ask for that before jumping straight in and potentially suffering unbearable pain. 

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