"Painful and traumatic Hysteroscopy"

I went Leicester General Hospital Outpatient in April 2018.This had taken 4 weeks from 1st visiting GP so I was already worried that.The 2 week wait target had not been met.The ultrasound scans were carried out by a really nice Lady and my privacy was respected I now know that a polyp was identified.

Then went to the Gynaecology Clinic .I was then called in to the Dr who I believed was  my consultant but he turned not to be. No body introduced them selves. A very brief history was taken there was no mention of the polyp, no discussion about possible pain or alternative options on pain relief. The room was very large with movable fabric screens on wheels.

I was helped on to the table and my legs put in rests.There were gaps in the screens I could clearly see the two Nurses talking near the door. I felt completely exposed and very vulnerable, there was a junior Dr in the room  that did not need to be there , I had not been asked if I minded or introduced .The Dr came over assisted by another Nurse and started the procedure. At this time I did not have a Nurse holding my hand .The pain was the worst pain I have felt I froze felt sick and hot. I have had 2 baby’s child birth had nothing this. After 4 burst of this intense pain the Nurse assisting the Dr came round to me and told me that the pain was cramps ,I replied NO. The procedure was abandoned.I felt like crying and struggling to hold back my tears. I asked why I felt tearful. I was told it was because I had a shock. I was helped off the table and left to get dressed.The Dr then said it didn’t really matter because he thought I had a polyp I was going to need a General Anaesthetic anyway! This  would be within 2 weeks. 

I later found out that the ultrasound had identified a polyp 16 mm x 17.5 mm .

My husband took me home in tears after booking my pre op assessment. Was it essential for me to have this procedure in outpatients if I needed a general anaesthetic anyway?  

At my pre assessment appointment I was so upset I asked to see The Matron because I could not stop bursting into tears .She did ask if I wanted counselling this I accepted,  it has helped a little. She going to look in the curtains/screens and that a Nurse should have been there supporting me, throughout this procedure.

Two weeks after I first went in, the Hysteroscopy was carried out under a general anaesthetic. Without any problems the all the staff on the day ward and the theatre were great. My  GP kindly got the results for me confirming I do not have cancer ,what a relief. I have an outpatient appointment in July not looking forward to going back to the same clinic. This has left me very angry and upset. 

We live in the 21st century not the 18th.This all needs reviewing and Women given a choice of sedation,gas and air and local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. All so a study to predict which women will have severe pain due to age or how many years post menopause etc etc.