"Painful Hysteroscopy and Biopsy"

Having had an abnormal post-menopausal bleed, I was referred for what I thought would be either a hysteroscopy or a biopsy. I received the appt with a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), which stated I would feel almost period like pain and to take ibuprofen about an hour before.

Prior to the procedure I had a consultation with the Ob-Gyn consultant who was quite abrupt and didn't ask for consent, nor did they explain the level of pain I may experience.

I was then asked to remove my bottom half clothes and was seated in the specialist chair. The procedure was done to me with an explanation, I felt very vulnerable. I have a tilted womb and quite a large fibroid, which it seems made it difficult to get a good view initially from the hysteroscopy tool.

I surmised this through the muttering to a colleague and the length of time it seemed to be taking. The procedure lasted for what seemed like an age and then a speculum was being used. There was no explanation again and I was in pain, despite using Entonox.

I was beginning to hyperventilate and was asked to take deep breaths, but by this time I was panicking and asked the consultant to stop and tell me what she was doing to my body.

Her colleague began to explain as she could see my distress. It was explained that a biopsy was also needed and again the pain was intense. I was frantically gasping at the Entonox to be told that if they couldn't get done what they needed to, I would have to go to theatre. I felt this was said in such a way that it made me feel like I was being dramatic/ a nuisance if this had to be the case.

After obtaining the biopsy, I was asked if I had anybody with me and told to get dressed. The procedure lasted 50 minutes, most of which was in quite severe pain.

Upon getting dressed, I was asked to go back into the consultation room where I was told, that the lining of my womb is a bit thick, the biopsy results will take three weeks and I would be seen in 4 weeks. I asked if I would be seen sooner if the biopsy proved to be cancer. I was told yes. I was then told I have a fibroid so will need to think about a hysterectomy before my next appointment.

I was shocked by this and asked if there was an alternative. I was told that could be discussed at the next appointment. I was told I will bleed. I felt the consultant's manner was appalling. There was little explanation throughout. I felt like an inconvenience; I wasn't asked whether I was feeling OK before, during or after the procedure. 

The PIL does not state that this procedure can be carried out with LA or GA, which I feel is a money saving exercise on the trust's behalf. I have a high pain threshold, have delivered three children with only Entonox, yet found this procedure intensely painful. The Ibuprofen did not touch the pain.

Why are procedures carried out without LA or GA when there is a chance they can cause severe pain. I endured it for 50 minutes as I felt I had no choice. 

The colleague and nurses in the room were more caring, but the consultant had a poor manner. As if women's gynaecological health procedures aren't traumatic and invasive enough without having to go through unnecessary pain.

I also ask myself why some consultants choose this branch of medicine when they appear to have little empathy or sympathy for their patients.