"Outpatient Hysteroscopy"

Following an internal ultrasound that found a uterine polyp I attended an appointment to discuss the ultrasound results and next steps. I was informed that I needed a hysteroscopy, polypectomy and biopsy from the lining of the womb. I was told this would all be done in 1 procedure as an outpatient at the clinic. I was told that there was a risk of some bleeding following the procedure, possible infection and small chance of perforating the womb. It was explained that I should take pain killers an hour prior to the appointment. I signed the consent for the procedure. I then received a procedure date and information telling me to take pain killers and that I could resume to normal activities immediately after the procedure. Based on all of this information I was not worried at all and I attended the appointment alone, expecting discomfort similar to a smear test. Just prior to the appointment I was given an information sheet that said to rest at home for 24hrs after the procedure.

Almost immediately in the procedure starting I experienced intense pain in my cervix, lower abdomen and lower back. I tried to breath through the pain but it was intense! The consultant asked if I wanted them to stop, I said no as I didn't want to go through this again. I just wanted it done. I was asked a couple more times if I wanted them to stop as the excruciating pain continued. I said no. I eventually took gas and air but this only eased the pain a little. The consultant then gave me a local anaesthetic, inserted the speculum and continued with the procedure. The pain was still unbearable and I had to ask them to stop.

I felt as though I was in shock, I wanted to cry but held back the tears. I felt very shaken up.

The consultant told me they were very sorry for the pain they had caused me and said that if all women experienced such pain with this procedure they would not do it without general anaesthetic. They also said that they could see from my notes that I have experienced cervical pain for many years.  I couldn't get out of that room quick enough. I was given a cup of tea and left in a room alone having been told I could leave as soon as I was ready. A nurse handed me a copy of a letter that would be sent to my GP following the procedure. No mention at all of the excruciating pain I had experienced or that the procedure had been finished early at my request. 

I had to drive home, in pain, shaken up and very shocked. I was tearful for the rest of the day and had poor sleep for the following few nights due to flashbacks. I am terrified of having any future procedures.

I was not prepared for the pain caused by this procedure. I have consent but it definitely was NOT informed consent.  I was offered no alternatives or options regarding pain relief. 

Surely a patient's symptoms and history should be discussed and considered regarding such procedures. 

This felt like a barbaric, insensitive and traumatic procedure. Not at all what I had been prepared for!