"Hysteroscopy"

I had a Hysteroscopy this week. Although in many ways the Doctor and Nurses were great, I wonder if I coud explain how some of this procedure felt so shockingly traumatic and brutal?

The Doctor was a good listener and a good communicator before and after the procedure - they were empathic and clear in their communicatins and listened to my concerns.

However, during the procedure, the opposite was the case. It began before I even knew the doctor was in position - the first I knew that they were there was when the procedure began (I couldn't see the doctor because of the position of us both and the sheet over me). It was a very invasive shock when they suddenly began. The procedure was extremely painful, which would have been easier to bear had they explained what they were doing before they did it and explained at each point what they were doing. Instead I just felt lots of pain and shock as each new probe and movement was carried out with no warning.

The Nurses were extraordinarily caring and did their best to ameliorate the situation but obviously could only inform me as to what was happening a little after it had happened. I am very appreciative of their efforts and care. Afterwards, I felt utterly shocked, invaded and in physical and emotional pain - and I'm a tough old nut - I have had IUDs fitted, cervical smears, 2 children, etc. I am not a shrinking violet. I am also a Biology post graduate with a healthy curiosity and a very pragmatic view - but this totally shocked me. I felt quite assaulted by the whole procedure, because of the maner in which it was carried out. "Brutal" was the word ringing in my head while I tried to pull myself together afterwards. In the follow-up talk, the Doctor was fab - caring, communicative and reassuring. I just wish they had been as personable and aware of my needs (and existence as a person) throughout the procedure.