"Biopsy/hysteroscopy"

I am 8 years post surgical menopause. Two weeks ago I had a small PV bleed. My GP referred me to Gynae under the 2 week cancer pathway.

I suffer from vaginal atrophy, bladder prolapse and a variocele. Internal examinations are excruciating. 

I had a pelvic plus internal scan a week after referral.

Mid August, I saw a gynae consultant, went through some medical history, and explained my problems with pain. Even smear tests are incredibly painful.

I was offered a biopsy there and then. I had a panic attack, crying and hyperventilating. I asked for local anaesthetic and was told no, they can't give any injections here. I was offered the choice to return later the week if I needed time to think about it, but I said just do it as I didn't want to be worrying about it.

The pain was absolutely excruciating and the biopsy was unsuccessful. Only then was I told I could come back and have a local. I don't think the Dr was rough, it was my problem. 

That night I couldn't sleep, I was emotionally and physically traumatised, and very weepy the next day.

Two days afterwards I was back again, saw a different consultant, explained it all again.

I had taken paracetamol, maloxicam and diazapam before attending. 

Firstly the speculum was very painful, so the consultant replaced it with a smaller one (why not use the smaller one to start with?). The injection wasn't too bad, but it didn't have time to work before the procedure started.

The procedure was not explained to me, I was expecting a pipelle biopsy,  not a hysteroscopy, and was taken completely unawares when they started pumping water into me. I was yelling, crying and shaking with pain, but they didn't stop until the nurse told her to. 

I only had time to dress, before I was handed the referral paperwork to hand in at reception. 

I have now been referred for the procedure under a GA but have been told it's a long waiting list.

I'm absolutely furious, I said prior to the procedure that I felt very strongly that as a woman, I know my body, I know how much it would hurt, and that I should have been told at the 1st appointment that I could have been booked in for the local. 

I was very vocal about my fears, and feel that a GA should be available as a first choice for women with problems.

I questioned why a colonoscopy (I've had a few) is done with IV sedation and pain relief but that wasn't an option. I just got a blank stare.

I have previously worked in maternity in a different trust, and the ethos was very much women being made to feel empowered, given the chance to make informed choices with their care.