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.
