"Hysteroscopy procedure"

Early this year I underwent an outpatient hysteroscopy procedure which has left me traumatised. I have recently discovered that this is common and the experience I encountered isn't normal and many others have experienced the excruciating pain that I did. 

After two years post natal, I am still experiencing symptoms and hormonal imbalances that would 'normally' be back to normal by now. I attended a GP appointment and with the symptoms I was experienced my GP referred me for a ultrasound and gynaecologist appointment. (Some of many symptoms being, heavy bleeding, clotting, extreme tiredness and falling asleep whilst driving, very dry skin, cracked heels, high blood pressure, anxiety, extreme pain around scar tissue and infection 13 months afterwards, low sex drive etc etc). 

It showed on an ultrasound that I had polyps and a fibroid. From here I received my first gynaecologist appointment. On the initial letter it referred to the consultant I would be seeing and also the wording 'Hysteroscopy' and that was all. Obviously I searched on the NHS website what a hysteroscopy entailed and thought that, that could not be the procedure I was having at my initial appointment as I had had no extra information and as detailed on the internet the procedure was normally carried out with anaesthetic. 

The day of the initial appointment - I was attending on my own as again I thought it was an initial consultation, told my husband not to worry. On the last minute I arranged a lift to take me to and from the hospital as 'a just in case' the hysteroscopy happened. Am I glad I did.  I arrived at my consultation and went through the reason for my referral; the symptoms I had been experiencing since giving birth (via c section) and other medical background information. One being before pregnancy pain I had with smear tests etc. It was decided that I was to have the procedure there and then. The consultant was confident that the fibroid and polyp on the scan were non cancerous but recommended the procedure to fully make sure. Obviously after reading the internet I explained I was anxious about this procedure and would it hurt. I was told that it can be uncomfortable and the pain is like a period pain feeling and gas and air would be available.  With this I went ahead with the procedure. 

This is now where it gets hard to actually describe - I sat on the bed ready for the procedure, the nurse explained how to use the gas and air as I have never used it before. The consultant explained to me that at any point I could stop and that they were entering my womb to take a biopsy of the fibroid. She inserted the utensil which was uncomfortable and slowly went 'up'. I got to the 'period pain wave of pain' and thought to myself "ooo ok here is it - I can 'just' cope with this". At the same time having some gas and air and getting a bit light headed.

Then the excruciating pain hit. I felt like I shot up the medical table and became extremely tense and in pain. The actual pain I could not describe as I had never experienced anything like this before. The consultant explained that she was entering the womb and not far from taking the biopsy when all of a sudden I 'went' partial unconscious/ fainted. I could hear what was going on but could not see or move. As this happened I remember the consultant asking if I was ok as she didn't have far to go now - I tried to carry on and gave permission to do so but just got to a point where I had to say stop.

I slowly came around, started to cry and felt totally embarrassed and ashamed that I couldn't cope with the pain to complete the biopsy. I was told to stay on the medical bed for what felt like a life time. (I must have been white as a sheet). When I had fully come round and felt like I could stand, I went to get changed before meeting back with the consultant.

All I remember is sobbing! Sobbing at how horrible the pain and experience was, sobbing because I thought I had been a total wimp, sobbing because I didn't go through to the end. I was also crying because I knew I was on my own and being in total shock had no-one with me to support me through what I was feeling. I left crying my eyes out and in total shock (traumatised). I sat in the hospital garden waiting for my lift crying my eyes out playing out what had just happened and was in total disbelief of the pain I had just experienced. So much so I was back on the internet to see"what was normal" during the procedure. 

I am still under the gynaecologist and undergoing blood work and figuring out what is going on but I have not had a follow up of the hysteroscopy procedure or an additional ultrasound to check my womb and the fibroid. I am still experiencing all the symptoms that got to this point but more so anxiety. I have never been diagnosed but feel I have been going through PNA however dealt with it on my own. This has just added to that. My poor husband!

Can I point out - as much as I am totally traumatised and in disbelief from this - the medical staff were/are fabulous and looked after me. I am still under the same consultant who has been so informative and supportive in my appointments and she obviously are following hospital procedure.

However I strongly believe this procedure should not be conducted on just 'gas and air' and that a full consultation and anaesthetic appointment should be allowed for such an intrusive procedure.