"Outpatient hysteroscopy"

My hysteroscopy had to be called off before they could get the scope through my cervix due to the unbearable pain. My legs were shaking uncontrollably and I had tears running down my face. The pain was absolutely barbaric and nothing like the 'period type cramping' pain I was told it could be like at the start of the procedure. I was made to feel that I was 'unusual' for experiencing severe pain, which I now believe is not the case at all. 

I received no information about the procedure from the hospital. I was just told 'hysteroscopy clinic', that was it, no leaflet, no advice. I wish there was a word to describe the pain I felt. During the procedure I was next to a bin of other people's blood covered wipes which was disgusting enough but then they let me stand up into the pool of water that had come out of me so I also went home with wet socks. I had no pain relief at all and left in tears, as did the two ladies who came out before me. 

I had to drive myself home as I was not told to bring someone or make other travel arrangements. I was in considerable pain for a couple of days afterwards and bleeding a fair bit. For many weeks I couldn't shake the traumatic memories of the pain. I didn't sleep at all for the first two nights. This procedure should not be done without pain relief. It's totally unacceptable to put women through this. Only now, over a year later, do I feel able to write this.

My procedure was rebooked to be done under GA and the experience was a world away. Not only did I suffer no trauma at all, there was minimal bleeding and very little pain in the days which followed.