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Vaginal biopsy - traumatising experience can anyone relate?

Jemma__
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I had a cervical and womb biopsy 9 days ago. I was referred by my doctor, had my appointment scheduled. I didn't have a clue what to expect, when I asked they said 'it will just be a consultation, you may have some tests done. To end up with my legs in stirrups, and a live view of my insides next to me was slightly unexpected to say the least. I still didn't know I was having a biopsy done, I thought they were just looking. They then said we're just going to use this, you might feel a bit of a pinch. A pinch??? I'm very good at sitting through things and gritting my teeth.. But sorry to say I've never felt anything like it. I was asked to cough everytime they needed to scrape, I was in tears I felt very weak to even cough properly. I couldn't control myself. My legs were shaking, I accidentally looked at the camera to see gushes of blood. Midway I was overcome with stomach cramps I've never experienced in my life. I was in total shock, I was shaking, couldn't walk properly. It wasn't until after did they explain what they had just put me through. I had to see the consultant again after, she was talking to me like I hadn't just been through what felt like a horror movie!! Now I know this is all for the greater good and for my health, but even now, I'm still in pain and every wave of pain takes me back to.. that! I have just had a meltdown because I'm in so much pain with my stomach and insides, sharp and twisting pains, also bleeding quite heavy.. it's making me think about the pain and shock i went through. I wasn't prepared for any of it. I wasn't even sat down to say this is what we're going to do. I can't help but think how traumatising this is for some people. I then had to drive home in pain, I felt so weak and kept crying. Come on, we deserve better than that :( 

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    Hi Jemma_,

    That sounds like an awful experience and I'm sorry you had to go through it. I hear you and can relate. 

    I endured a similar experience a couple of years ago after having irregular periods. In my case, the doctor made a heavy-handed decision and was (in hindsight) being extremely arrogant in not asking my permission for a procedure, let alone explaining it... With me in tears, that doctor told me that if I didn't loose some weight, he'd be performing the same biopsies every 6 months. (No, no, no. Not him. Not ever.) Still no explanation of what he'd done or why, no suggestion for pain meds or what to do next. Pain, a bit of berating, and out I was sent. I was traumatised. 

    I remember that drive home, crying my eyes out and having to pull over to double-up in pain. It was awful.

    You are right, we do deserve better than that. Absolutely. 

    It's too late for me now, but you could (if you feel up to it) ring your GP's office and ask the process to make a complaint. I wish I'd done this because other women, like yourself, may have received better treatment if I had spoken up. (Feel quite guilty about this, tbh.)

    Bless you and hope all is well with you going forward. x

  • Offline in reply to New2TheNorth

    Oh bless you for replying!! It really makes me feel like there are people even more fragile than I am out there, and if it has effected me like this! I think there is a difference between tough it out and I had no clue what was happening, the shock that came with it. It's a shame to hear you had a similar experience. Honestly, the drive home do they not consider this before doing something without permission? I'm sure the reason we are not given pain relief in advance is to save on costs. It's not good enough, I'm still in shock with the process! 
     

    I think I will do as you suggested. I am so grateful for the NHS but simple improvements like that to lessen the traumatic experience would be so helpful. I read some people are advised to take painkillers before hand.. I am upset I didn't even have the choice. 
     

    I can sympathise with your experience, I feel like the doctor also wanted to scare you and traumise you even more! I hope you are well now x

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