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Questions about hysteroscopy and conscious (IV) sedation

Noisette
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Hi! I am due to undergo a hysteroscopy on Monday after an US scan showed potential adenomyosis and a cystic lining (I think) of my uterus. The consultant didn't seem overly concerned but wanted to check things out to make sure there is nothing nasty there. I am exceedingly needle-phobic and terrified of any medical procedures so was offered the chance of conscious sedation or a GA, especially as I've never had childern and don't tolerate smear tests especially well. I opted for the former as I have had experience of that for dental work and tolerated it well in the past (with the use of Emla cream etc.) but looking at people's experiences of this procedure with conscious sedation, I am now really worried I chose the wrong option and will be awake for it and experience things. With previous dental work, the sedation pretty much knocked me out and I wasn't aware of anything at all except towards the very end and was then just really sleepy and everything seemed far away (I'd also been numbed up by then).

Has anyone had a hysteroscopy with conscious (IV) sedation? What was it like? Were you fully aware throughout? Googling shows there are three different levels of conscious sedation (light, medium and deep). Do you know if I can ask for a level (I'd feel much better with medium). The thought of this is causing me more anxiety than any potential cancer results at the moment!

Thank you.

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    I was asleep for mine, had enough with them taking biopsies while I was awake with no painkiller/gas & air.

    I woke up with period type pain and had to have codine, so glad I was asleep.

    Hope yours turns out ok.

    Don't be afraid to change your mind to GA, it's your choice.

  • Offline in reply to Ineedabreak

    Thank you. I wonder if I could change my mind on the day. 

  • Offline in reply to Noisette

    I doubt it, they would need to book the theatre for GA I would think.

    I would enquire Monday.

  • Offline in reply to Ineedabreak

    Thank you again. I may just see if they can sedate me a little heavier then, if they had planned to light sedation.

  • Offline in reply to Noisette

    Just a quick update in case this is of use to anyone else. I was offered a choice of both a GA and IV sedation on the day as the theatre had already been booked for the IV sedation. I spoke to the (lovely) anaethestist, who assured me they would ensure it would be deep sedation and would make sure I was actually 'asleep' before I went into the theatre itself (they zonked me out in a small room just outside the operating theatre). The staff did everything they could to minimise my distress and fear and I have no recollection of the procedure itself at all. They also fitted a Mirena Coil at the same time, having being re-assured I could be sedated for its removal too. Post-hysteroscopy, I had some very mild initial discomfort but didn't need any painkillers and still haven't had to take anything 16 hours later. Some mild bleeding afterwards, which has turned into mild spotting. So thankful to have had this option! Fingers crossed the results come back with good news.

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