"I am an advocate for pain relief for this procedure"

I was very nervous about having this procedure, having had an excruciatingly painful hysteroscopy at a different hospital 3 years earlier.  I explained this to my doctor and also tried ringing the hospital several times beforehand.  All I really wanted to do was to speak to someone about it, but there was never anyone available.  I wanted to discuss the possibility of pain relief, such as gas and air or an epidural.  On two occasions I was assured by a receptionist (who said they had checked with a member of the medical staff) that there was gas and air available in all the consulting rooms, which made me feel much more confident.  I didn't want a general anaesthetic, as I was worried about the possibility of cancer and didn't want to delay things.  I had already been told by the booking clerk that I had the last possible appointment they could get for me in order to be within the 2 week fast track period.  

When I arrived a lovely nurse came up to me almost straight away and made introductions, which made me feel more confident.  I was seen almost immediately, which was brilliant and the staff member doing the hysteroscopy was absolutely lovely.  I explained about my fears and what had happened before and they sat me down, explained I was in control and exactly what she would be doing and when.  I was told I could ask her to stop at any time.  They were so kind and so were the other two staff members who were in the room with me.  I was very surprised to find that gas and air is not used for this procedure, but I forgot to ask why.  I would be interested to know.  

The chair I was helped on to was comfortable and I was reassured the whole time.  I didn't feel rushed.  It did hurt - I can't lie - but not nearly as much as before.  I felt like the water they used was a lot less pressured than before and it was quieter, which helped.  It didn't hurt too much when the tube was inserted, but it did a bit when the speculum was put in ready for the biopsy - but it was bearable and I didn't panic.  It felt like they were being very gentle and taking a great deal of care.  Taking the biopsy did hurt again, but only for a short time and it was bearable.  Afterwards I was treated really well and given a cup of tea and biscuit in a comfy chair in the recovery room.  I felt fine and was not in any pain after.  I cannot praise them enough - especially the one doing the hysteroscopy.   I think it helped that I had taken strong painkillers prior to the procedure. Also my fear of possibly having cancer, which made me very determined to go through with it. 

I am an advocate for pain relief for this procedure.  I do not understand why it isn't readily available and why I couldn't have had gas and air.  I think there needs to be a way that women who are going to have this, or any procedure can be able to ring the hospital beforehand and discuss it with someone who knows what they are talking about.  I must admit I am angry that I was misled about the gas and air and I would like this looked into, so no other women are giving incorrect information.  In addition the booking in clerk told me I would have a local anaesthetic, but I knew this was only to the cervix, not the womb.