I had a hysteroscopy outpatient procedure at Cosham Ward, Southmead Hospital in January.
I have been advised by the consultant in a previous appointment that I needed a hysteroscopy, due to excessive bleeding and endometriosis.At the time of that previous appointment, we went into much detail about the pain relief I would receive during this procedure as I was very nervous.
This included the options of local anaesthetic or gas & air. I explained at the time that I have many complicated over lapping chronic illnesses.
Such as EDS, ME, Gastroparises and Dilated Cardio Myopathy. All this means I cannot take conventional painkillers such as paracetamol, Ibuprofen or aspirin.
The consultant assured me that my worries are being taken seriously, and written down in my notes. And that either her or her colleague would be the ones carrying out the procedure, and I would be offered pain relief on the day.
I also explained that I have many cognitive difficulties with communication, and so wanted to make this plan upfront so that on the day I would not have to try and communicate as much.
When the procedure came around in January. I was presented with a different doctor, not the one I’ve previously seen. And although many things were discussed on the day, painkillers were only mentioned briefly.
I once again told them that aspirin, paracetamol or Ibuprofen were things I could not take. They assured me that the pain would be minimal, and so they would carry out the procedure without any pain relief. I was confused and overwhelmed. I did not feel confident enough to question this, which is why I had done it in the appointment beforehand. But this either had not been written in the notes or had been completely ignored.
I should also mention a coil was fitted after the procedure. This was also discussed, and was agreed that I would have pain relief. As I’ve had a bad experience with Coil in the past.
Again I was not offered any pain relief.
The procedure then went ahead, without any pain relief at all. The nurses did their best, trying to distract me and talk through the procedure as it was happening. Telling me to take deep breaths and breathe through it.
But I have never felt pain like it, this is not low-grade period cramp pain. This was sharp intrusive and very scary.
I didn’t feel like I could ask them to stop, as they are doctors and nurses so I assumed they were doing the right thing.
But the pain was excruciating. After the procedure I was taken into a recovery room. Within 20 minutes it was very clear that the pain was not easing, so I was taken back into the procedure room and the coil was removed. Once again without any pain relief.
I was in so much shock from all of the pain, that I left shortly after.Not wanting to be in the hospital anymore.
The next few days of recovery were terrible. I felt like I had been physically attacked. I had bruising and considerable swelling. The psychological effect it has had on me is severe
I feel violated and traumatised. For something so intimate to happen, and feel like you have no control and experience so much pain.
I am sure the team and Doctors are doing the best they can under difficult circumstances of Covid. But what happened feels barbaric and violating. I do not understand why this procedure is not done and anaesthetic. Or another form of pain relief could not be found, to deal with my drug allergies.
It is now almost a month after my procedure, and I’m still traumatised.
I am due a follow-up appointment in a few weeks, and at the moment I do not want to ever step foot into the hospital again. I am scared to come face to face with a Dr that would do that to me.
