Una Lyons

Hi Claire

its not a new experience - I believe the topic has also been covered some time ago on Women's Hour, and there is already a campaign on line for pain free hysteroscopy. I've had four children by natural delivery, uterine contraceptive devices fitted, no problem with anxiety or having cervical smears - but this procedure is on a totally different level! Barbaric and unbelievable. If I hadn't complained I'd have been counted as a 'successful' procedure, as at the time I was too shocked to say anything. When I got home I realised she'd I owed it to others to make the complaint to my local hospital. 

Ill pay privately for general anaesthetic if I have to, if I ever need another hysteroscopy. 

Kindest Regards

On 08/02/2020 at 13:24, Claire Cox said:

Really sorry to hear this.   There must be places that do this procedure well.   It would be fantastic to hear about what ‘gold standard’ is and ensure all women have this same standard of care. 

Have you found any 'gold standard' Claire? These reports are very similar to my experience. I wrote a letter of complaint, and was persuaded to remove the complaint once I was assured that changes would be made - but I wonder if they have been implemented. A younger and less confident woman would go home and cry feeling violated. It's a disgrace. Pain levels 0-10 should be taken after the procedure to inform medical staff who seem ignorant or insensitive to the pain being inflicted. Inane chatter by two assisting nurses is no cover up, so I suggest it stops. 

On 09/02/2020 at 10:56, shirley herbert said:

I had one 3 years ago and found it very painful. No sedation was offered. I've got an appointment for another later this month and some info I got this time was to take Ibuprofen an hour before the appointment. The pain I felt last time won't be stopped by Ibuprofen,.. I phoned the Oncology nurse who said only if it proves too painful will they stop it and arrange for a general anesthetic for it... My point here is,, it in my opinion should be made an option right from the start. I obviously don't want any delay in a diagnosis and why once again I don't want it deferred till they can offer anaesthetic... but I'm absolutely dreading it.. Last time I thought I might burst a blood vessel the pain was so bad I think it a dreadful state of affairs for this proceedure not to have some sedation.

I had a very painful hysteroscopy this year. My experience was exactly the same as yours and I have heard recently that another family member had a similar experience.  Please don't put yourself through this AGAIN. I was furious on behalf of younger women who would feel violated and not complain. Insist on a general anaesthetic and do NOT accept the assurances that two paracetamol will sort out the pain. You deserve better treatment than this. A general anaesthetic is available to all women if requested, or find another consultant.