"Severe pain during and after hysteroscopy"

I had to have a hysteroscopy due to bleeding post-menopause to check uterine health. I received the information (I had previously had an external and internal ultrasound showing thickening of the endometrium). The letter said to expect ‘discomfort’ like menstrual cramp and to take painkillers 2 hours prior to the procedure.

The staff at the hospital were very friendly and professional and I have absolutely no complaints about their provision of care.

The procedure itself was given with no anaesthetic or pain relief and was horrific. It was so bad that I collapsed and went into shock. The doctor struggled to get into the uterus and tried multiple different equipment and speculums. I have a tilted womb and am 7 years post-menopause which they said was the reason it was not ‘straightforward’.

I have had a colonoscopy, cystoscopy and endoscopy, all without anaesthesia, but I would NEVER have this procedure again. I have no clue why it is not routine to offer at least a local injection into the cervix. I have had a bad recovery with continual bleed for the last 6 days and pelvic pain only manageable with strong analgesics. I could not believe this procedure is being enacted in 21st century modern healthcare.

I am especially concerned other stories on this site seem to suggest that women in different regions are given pain relief options during the procedure. Why is this not routine for every Trust? I have also asked two friends who have had the procedure about their experiences at the same hospital, one only 4 months prior to mine, to see if my experience was unusual, but was told the same thing. Horrendous experience, no pain relief offered. 

Come on NHS, we can do better than this.