Connect
Hysteroscopy experiences AT MAYO specifically
I’m coming to Mayo tomorrow for the second time since August, though this will be my first appointment with OBGYN dept.
I am scheduled for a vaginal ultrasound and a hysteroscopy as an in-office procedure.
Some background as it may matter…
I’m 42. No pregnancies/fertility anything, never tried to conceive. No history of irregular paps or anything.
I have SEVERE PMDD, for this reason, for the last 10+ years I’ve been on oral BC skipping all periods to prevent hormone fluctuations as much as possible.
In March, I had a heart attack out of nowhere. That means estrogen is now off the table. I was switched to a progesterone only oral bc. I was warned I may have a mild period when switching, which I did. However, I’ve had several periods, all over the place, randomly occurring. Some have even had as little as 5-10 days between the end of one and start of the next.
I do NOT miss or skip pills. Never.
The bleeding is not as heavy as my regular periods were, however, the cramping is awful and now it radiates into my chest, with really screws with you after a heart attack.
There is no placebo week. I should NOT be having periods at all. That’s why I’m being seen.
As I’ve been getting more info on the procedure, it’s come to my attention that this is often extremely painful. They advise taking non-asprin pain relievers even starting the night before. Tylenol does nothing for me and I can’t take NSAIDS due to the cardiac stuff.
I know they will not sedate me, especially as I’m coming to MN alone. I inquired about local anesthetic and honestly was treated pretty rudely. This is not an option. This is an in-office procedure. If I’m “one of the people that is unable to tolerate the pain” it will need to be rescheduled in the OR at a later date. Obviously this isn’t an unusual occurrence. I read a medical journal that talks about women being forced to endure these without any anesthetic when it’s completely unnecessary as there’s no reason local anesthetic can’t be given in office.
I do have Fibromyalgia, but overall, I have a fairly high pain tolerance most of the time. However, when I had my angiogram, for which I was sedated, it was excruciating and I was screaming. I’m told this isn’t normal and most people just feel pressure. They tried to keep telling me it didn’t hurt…like hell it didn’t! Two other cardiologists since then have told me it’s common for patients with Fibro to find the angiogram painful. I’m very worried I will have the same experience with this.
I’m especially worried as my cervix has NEVER dilated or anything.
Obviously it’s not uncommon for people to have issues with the procedure or rescheduling for the OR wouldn’t be so casually mentioned.
I’ve seen lots of people comment on hysteroscopies done elsewhere, elsewhere doesn’t matter, different place, different practices. I want to know specifically about those that have had this procedure AT MAYO (I’ll be in Rochester). Did anyone think it was fairly painless?
If you did find it painful and need to have it rescheduled, were they able to do it within the next day or two? My appointment is Wednesday afternoon. They don’t do appointments on weekends. I CANNOT extend my stay, I’m leaving Saturday morning. So if I need to do it in the OR, it needs to be Weds eve, Thurs or Fri…
I’m worried they won’t do the OR with me being alone though, has anybody done this?
Because of my heart I’m limited in what meds can be used.
It’s also a concern because when I’m in pain my blood pressure spikes…again, recent heart attack, so I need to avoid these spikes as much as possible. I’m also a very anxious person which doesn’t help the matter.
The person I spoke with was very condescending and very dismissive of my concerns. I don’t want to risk going into a huge panic or dealing with intense pain and putting extra strain on my heart. I tried to explain this and she just kept repeating “you must come to your consult, and then the procedure will be done in office”…yes. I get it.
Why don’t they listen to patients?! I’m not asking for like NORCO or something, literally just numb it or something. I can’t handle any additional medical trauma but also need to get to the bottom of the issue I’m having.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Women's Health Support Group.
Connect
Thanks 😊
My hysteroscopy did not go well, very painful, so we ended up with a pipelle biopsy.
Bad news for me. Was searching for information on my last colonoscopy and found my lab results for the pipelle biopsy.
The tumor cells demonstrate morphology consistent with endometrial
serous carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for p53 shows diffusely
positive (aberrant) staining. p16 is also diffusely positive,
consistent with the diagnosis. Prognostic immunohistochemistry shows
weak positive staining for estrogen receptor (ER) estimated at 20%.
Progesterone receptor (PR) is negative. Her2 is 0+ (0-3+ scale).
I think this means I need a hysterectomy where they will stage the cancer and determine my fate. My Doctor must be on vacation as I have not heard from her and the lab results were posted Dec 20th, the same day as the procedure. I think I will fill out the Mayo clinic self referral information and not wait for my Doctor's referral.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@beebe
It is a shame that the doctor or someone from their office has not responded to you. Hopefully you will get an update after holidays.
Yes, you can definitely self-refer yourself to Mayo in addition to provider referring you. Once you talk to someone at Mayo, they can assist you with how to send medical records.
Here is link to request an appointment:
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Do you know what location you will be requesting appointment at?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThanks for the link Laurie. I just completed the on-line appointment request and have a time on Monday, Jan 6th that I should receive a call. I live close to Phoenix so have selected that location.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am scheduled for a hysteroscopy and a D&C for spotting and thckened endometium after almost 40 years menopausal.
I don't want to be anesthesized. had a colonoscopy 2 years ago, and a D&C w/out anesthesia abt. 40 yrs. ago.
Wonder if anesthesia is really necessary now. Any comments?
@itisi
While I don't know of anyone who has had a D&C without anesthesia I would think this is a possibility you can discuss with your doctor. Since I had a hysteroscopy and a D&C when I had spotting here is what I do know. The uterus needs to be distended (basically inflated) to allow the physician access to visualize the uterus and do the procedure. In order to distend the uterus CO2 (carbon dioxide) is introduced through the cervix. That's what I experienced however I had anesthesia so I wasn't uncomfortable during the procedure. I was uncomfortable when I woke up because there was still that gas in my uterus. Once the gas was absorbed which took a few hours I felt better. For many people, that introduction of the gas can be uncomfortable. So this is something to discuss with your physician who will do the procedure and find out what they recommend.
By the way, CO2 is what is usually introduced into the colon in order to do a colonoscopy. My husband has colonoscopies without sedation and he doesn't mind the brief periods of discomfort. Still, each time he has a colonoscopy he has to first discuss this with the doctor who will do the procedure.
When is your procedure scheduled?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsFirst, I thank you for sharing your experience w/me. I didn't know abt. this website until yesterday!!!
To answer your question:This coming Friday. Have had quite a time finding a Dr.
My Pimary Dr. dismissed the spotting last year in July. Said I was one of the healthiest 87 year olds around and to just go and enjoy my life. He just said I should eat more. My diet is another story.
He would NOT give me a referral to a Gynecologist, and it took me months to find one......another story because this Dr. scheduled the 2 procedures for last month. Would not hear of doing them w/out anesthesia, even though I've had a colonoscopy and a D&C w/out anesthesia.
The two procedures were cancelled by the Anesthesiologist as I was already getting a gown for the surgery! Reason: The Dr. was going to do it in a day surgery location, and I needed someone to watch me for 24 hours, which was not possible at that time.
Went home and Dr. never contacted me! That is another story... "smile"
I am now w/another Gyn. which my Primary Dr. send referral to, finally. This Dr. said I have to have anesthesia, and is scheduled to be in a hospital. I am to go to the hospital in a few days for them to check me and give me instructions, etc.
Well that is as briefly as I can put my experience so far.....
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@itisi Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm happy that you found us and that we are helpful to ou.
What a confusing and frustrating road you've been on to get the spotting examined. With all the reading I have done, for instance, on the American Cancer Society website, Mayo Clinic website, and others I now understand that any spotting that occurs after menopause is a warning sign and there must be follow-up. Your primary doctor's comment about just going out and enjoying your life dismissed your quite valid concerns. When my father was about the same age as you and found a lump in his neck he was told the same thing by an ENT specialist who just thought my dad was "too old" to worry about something like this. I was furious and so eventually my father got a referral to Mayo Clinic where he was kindly and thoroughly evaluated. That was my first experience at Mayo Clinic and I will never forget how wonderful the doctors and all staff were to my dad.
Now, back to you. Ah, you are one persistent and tenacious woman! I admire you for never giving up. How terrible that the two prior procedures were cancelled by the anesthesiologist and no one every contacted you again after that. So, finally your primary care doctor made the referral to another gynecologist. In a few days, during the instructions and prior to the procedure you can finally ask your questions and get your concerns out there.
I am wishing you compassionate staff and physicians who listen to you. You are a very wise individual who communicates your needs and wants clearly. Do you have a friend who can go this instructions appointment with you? This friend is another set of "ears" who will support you, listen, and make sure that you are listened to. I am 73-years-old and I always take someone with me to my appointments.
Will you please let me know what happens at your appointment?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions