"Hysteroscopy"

I had this procedure at Whipps  Cross hospital , Leytonstone, earlier this month at 9.30.

I previously had an appointment with a gynaecologist who examined me and explained that my cervix was tight and it would have to be stretched so that the instrument could be inserted into my womb. They did ask if I would like a general anaesthetic as it may be painful but I said having had 3 children I’m sure it would be fine with a local. Doctor said I had been ok with the examination and that I would be fine.

I read the leaflet I was given on the hysteroscopy procedure which says that a person may experience cramping so I was fairly confident that all would be well and I wasn’t particularly concerned about having the procedure done. 

What happened in reality was very different. I was in extreme pain which made me cry out , for most of the procedure, I felt sick and was grasping on to the side of the chair the whole time. I said several times I was in pain but at no point did the doctor ask if I wanted to stop. The nurses were very good and tried to calm me.

The only dialogue between the doctor and myself was that I should relax my legs and pointing out the polyp in the screen that was going to be removed. I believe I was given local anaesthetic into my womb or cervix but the procedure carried on without giving this time to work. I was so stressed and tense after that I commented to the nurse about pins and needles in my hands and arms and was told that is because I was so tensed up. 

After the procedure I was told to go to the room to get changed into my clothes and to leave the door open in case I needed help. It took me at least 10 minutes to stop feeling faint before I could try and dress myself. 

I felt like I had been violated and wasn’t listened to when I said I was in pain. If I had been given the full information of how painful this procedure could be for some women I would have chosen the option for a general anaesthetic. 

It would have been good practice to listen to the patient and to have had an offer to stop. Also I don’t understand why ladies undergoing this procedure aren’t offered gas and air to dull the pain. 

I now would advise anyone I know having to have this procedure to have a general anaesthetic.