I just wanted to add my experience of a Hysteroscopy. After post menopausal bleeding afted quite a few month of being on HRT, I wanted to take the first possible appointment. The appointment came through in less than a week. The hospital gave me the correct information about pain relief, including options for local or general anaesthetic. I wanted the procedure done quickly so went ahead with the outpatient appointment. No sooner had I sat down in the waiting room. I was called through. The Consultant was fabulous, like chatting to a friend (albeit a knowledgeable friend thankfully 😅). I knew it was going to be painful I was also offered gas and air, and but I’m not good on it so refused it initially, but had it on standby. I have to say the procedure was really quick. The first part with the camera was painful but the second part more painful. I asked ‘how long now’, the Consultant said ‘nearly done’ and as she said it she was done. It was very intense, but really fast. I was feeling glad I’d tolerated it. However, once I was about to get dressed, I started to feel faint. The next thing I was being asked if was back with them. They checked me over but unfortunately I went into Cervical Shock - (I’d never heard of it until after the event). My blood pressure dropped and my heart rate dropped. The Consultant and Nurses were quickly reacting. I was rushed to the Gynae ward and a team were helping me. Once treated I started to slowly settle, I was in the gynae ward all day for observations and was able to go home in the evening. Apparently it is something that happens to a few people but it is rare. I have now been instructed that for any procedures going forward, I need to have them done under general anaesthetic. I wanted to share this not to scare people (most on here have already had a Hysteroscopy anyway, but to say 2 things;
I got through the procedure ok, I was able to tolerate the pain, knowing it would be over quickly and whilst I know that isn’t everybody’s experience, it was mine and knowing it might help someone.
I had a very unfortunate and thankfully rare after reaction. BUT every member of staff that helped me was absolutely amazing and just the people you want around you when things go badly wrong. I was so so grateful. Later in the afternoon the Consultant came back to the ward to explained properly what had happened. She had only had it happen to one person before, which shows it isn’t something everyone needs to worry about. They are a great team and worked well together.
