Hysteroscopy: what should I expect?

[KMarie]

Hi all,

I have to have a hysterscopy on October 25th and I'm wondering what to expect. I tried a search, but didn't find anything specifically about this (sorry if I missed it!)

I'm seeing an RE who found that I have a fibroid or polyp taking up almost the entire space of my uterus. He said that it could be acting as an IUD and preventing me from getting pregnant. I am excited to get it out of there, and after about a year of TTC, I'm hoping this will do the trick. I also have a history of endometriosis, so I'm hoping that isn't also contributing.

So, for those of you who've had a hysterscopy, was it pretty easy? How did you feel afterwards? How soon before you were feeling back to normal? Thanks for any info and advice!

[la_bride_2004]

Definitely get it under general anesthesia!! Several of the women in my IF group had it under the local anesthesia and said it was one of the most painful things they had been through.

For me, they thought I had a uterine septum- turns out I didn't. I didn't think the procedure was that big of a deal- I had some cramping and spotting for about a week afterwards, but it was manageable. I felt back to normal within the week. Best of luck to you.

[honeygirl]

I had mine under general anesthesia and so it didn't hurt a bit. :) The recovery was just fine, I don't recall any significant pain and I also had a D&C at the same time (to remove polyps). Good luck!

[skb]

kmarie I had a hysteroscopy procedure for a uterine septum. I was given conscious sedation via I.V. I was awake to watch the procedure on the monitor and did not feel any pain at all. I walked into the surgery room and walked out assisted once finished. I went to the recovery room for a short period afterwards. My blood pressure was monitored for a bit and I was released to go home. As I was leaving the hospital I felt nauseated and exhausted. Good thing dh was the driver! I spent the remainder of the day at home in bed and slept. I used a hot water bottle and some medication for discomfort. I can't remember if it was OTC or prescribed. I took the next day off work but returned the following afternoon to a physical job. There were 3 other women in the prep are prior to my surgery and they were there for fibroids. I couldn't comment on the difference with their procedures. But I hope that gives you some idea and after the 25th you conceive soon!

[Scooter]

I had one under general anesthesia to remove a polyp. Actually, we also did a laparoscopy at the same time to check for any endo. All my recovery was centered around the lap. I dont think any of it had to do with the hysteroscopy.

They detected the poylp in the HSG and made sure the diagnosis was correct by a saline sonogram (SHG). Have you had the SHG? I am thinking that the recovery from a polypectomy would be easier than a fibroidectomy, so it may help you know what to expect if you know which procedure it will be. :confused: If you have a history of endo, did the RE suggest doing a lap at the same time to get rid of it and check for adhesions? I mean, as long as you will be under anesthesia, seems like it would be nice to have all the possibile problems addressed at once so you can get down to the business of TTC. ;)

[KMarie]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I will be under general anesthesia, which I'm thankful for. I don't want to know what's going on ... don't have the stomach for it!

Scooter, I haven't had the SHG. The fibroid/polyp was initially discovered during an ultrasound and then confirmed again during the HSG. I had a lap (which turned into a laparotomy) to remove endo in 1998. After that I was on Lupron and then continuous birth control. My RE said that he doesn't recommend any more laps because each time surgery is performed in that area it can create more scar tissue and makes things worse. He thinks my endo has been under control all these years and I'm hoping he's right. My endo was in the form of two large chocolate cysts on each ovary. I haven't had any more cysts since then, and all my other tests are checking out okay. I'm just hoping this fibroid in my uterus is it!

[Teresita]

I had a hysteroscopy to remove adhesions in my uterus (scar tissue from a d & c). I was under general anesthesia, so no pain, though I did have some cramping when I woke up. The recovery was pretty quick and easy. I was a little out of it and crampy for about a day after surgery, but that was it. Good luck with everything!

ETA: I am not sure if the cramping was actually a result of the surgery. It was more likely due to the fact that I had a splint/balloon inserted into my uterus after the scar tissue was removed to keep the uterine walls from adhering, and it's pretty common for that to cause cramping.

[looty]

I had a hysteroscopy under a general and it was fine. I was tired and crampy the rest of the day but I didn't feel much because I slept most of the day. I did return to work the next day (teacher, so on my feet all day). I will say that I wished that I had taken the day off because I was pretty sore even with some meds. I just took over the counter meds and was able to manage throughout the day, but wished I was at home relaxing.

Good luck and I hope this leads to a healthy pregnancy soon.

[KMarie]

Looty, thanks for sharing your experience. It's starting to sound like I'm more worried about this than I should be. It sounds like it's a pretty easy procedure to get through. I'm just always kind-of a chicken when it comes to medical procedures. Guess I better get used to it if I plan on having a baby!

[jessied1025]

Bumping...as I might have to have a hysteroscopy performed due to 2 polyps they found during a SHG.

[pocahontas]

I had a hysteroscopy and laproscopy at the same time. Not sure what the difference is since they seem similar but, Jesse you will do fine. I was under for the whole thing and honestly that is the only part that scared me going in because I had never been under general before and didn't know what to expect since I've heard a few horror stories. :rolleyes: (Guess this would be where it pays not to read the internet.) Something about being unconscious and incoherent gave me the heeby geebies, but I had no problems what so ever, was in and out in an hour and 15 minutes and 72 hours after surgery felt well enough to go out the house. Good luck...you'll probably come back and tell us it was a piece of cake! ;)

[KMarie]

Thanks for bumping -- I didn't realize that I never came back and shared my experience. It turned out to be not bad at all. The anticipation was definitely the worst part! I was under general anesthesia so I didn't feel anything during the actual procedure, which lasted about 1.5 hours (I think). I was a little shaky and weak after waking up, and just felt very tired the next day or two. I had a little bleeding afterwards which lasted several days. I also had some cramping but just used OTC pain relievers to take care of it. Looking back, I'd say overall it was a piece of cake. Good luck!

[taffers]

I had a hysteroscopy, laparsocopy AND hsg all at the same time! During a hysteroscopy, they look at the inside of your uterus...mine was fine so they didn't have to do anything. The surgery itself isn't bad at all because you're out, but unlike many of the girls on CC, I thought the recovery was tough. It was a lot harder than I thought...maybe because I had 3 procedures at once? I don't know, but I was glad that my surgery was on a Wednesday so I didn't have to go back to work until Monday! ;)

[KK812]

I had a hysteroscopy, laparsocopy AND hsg all at the same time! During a hysteroscopy, they look at the inside of your uterus...mine was fine so they didn't have to do anything. The surgery itself isn't bad at all because you're out, but unlike many of the girls on CC, I thought the recovery was tough. It was a lot harder than I thought...maybe because I had 3 procedures at once? I don't know, but I was glad that my surgery was on a Wednesday so I didn't have to go back to work until Monday! ;)


I had all three done at once as well.


The worst part of recovery for me was the nausea and vomiting that night from the anesthesia. My surgery was performed on a Wednesday (2 weeks ago, actually) and I had a hard time getting up and down the next day, but by Saturday I was at Disney Land. The was a dumb thing for me, as it wore me out, but besides that it was fine. Like I said, I am two weeks out and I'd say I've been pain free at the surgical sites for a week or so.

I think recovery depends on the person, but try not to psyche yourself out. As far as surgery goes this is very minor and as long as you trust your doctors there is nothing to worry about. A friend of my husband did my anesthesia and I had become pretty well-acquainted with the surgeons. Just plan to take a day or two after to completely relax, and then take it easy for a week or so after.

[jessied1025]

poca, taffers, kk812 kmarie Thank you all for sharing your experiences. If I don't get pregnant this IUI cycle, then it looks like I will have the hysterocscopy performed next cycle and then start IF treatments the cycle after that.

[KMarie]

Good luck Jessie. I will probably be following in your footsteps soon with the IUIs. I still haven't gotten pregnant since having the hysteroscopy so that's the next step. I wish we didn't have to go through all this stuff!

[Sand]

I was able to watch my hysterocopy. I was really nervous about it, but it turned out to be fine. It was very interesting. The scope has a tiny camera, and I watched the entire process. I was under anesthesia, but it was controlled so I was loopy but I remember everything. I did feel some pulling, but nothing too bad.

Good luck.

[jessied1025]

Just thought I would let you girls know that I am scheduled for a hysteroscopy tomorrow (4/20). I am starting to get a little nervous regarding the procedure, my ob (who is performing it) says it is a piece a cake. She told I had a choice if I wanted general anesthesia or to just be sedated. She indicated that their sedation is pretty powerful, but the final decision was up to me. I think it will be a last minute decision on which I take, probably depending on how nervous I am tomorrow morning.

[jessied1025]

My hysterscopy went well last Friday. They removed the polyps (or what they are now calling endometrial tissue). They had it sent to the lab for testing and I will get the results at my post op which is on May 4th. I was completely put under, which was nice. I just remember waking up in another room and DH sitting in the chair next to me. I wasn't too sore at the beginning, but the last couple of days I have had some tenderness. They gave me 600mg of ibporphen, which I can take every 6 hours or so. No lifting anything over 10 lbs until my post op and I need to take it easy for the first week.

So all in all it was a piece of cake. Hopefully, it will help us get our BFP real soon!

[dancn226]

Just carious...for what reason did you need this performed. I am just carious, I went in for and HSG on Wed, and they couldn't perform it because my cerix was very narrow, the nurse that was with the radiologist said that i have cervical seriousis. She said its just so narrow, they couldn't get the cathater to stay in. So they coudln't peform the procedure. Anyhow, did anyone have this condiotion ro something like it, and had this performed to fix it. Just carious...>TIA!!:confused:

[ktnkids]

I'm scheduled for a hysteroscopy and D&C on Sept 13th and I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. I just started AF roday so I'll be CD 15 when I get it done.
Here's my question-what does it do to my cycles? and will I have to wait a bit to start TTC'ing again??

[JLRenheos]

Is the Hysterscopy the same thing as a Hysterosonogram?? My paperwork says that it is an ultrasound test to evaluate the size & shape of the uterine cavity & whether the fallopian tubes are open. It is using the saline solution.

I don't have a date set, but know that I have to have one done, probably within the month. The nurse just recommended me to take at least 3 Advil 4-6 hrs. prior & then again 1 hr. prior to the procedure. I also have a RX for an antibiotic(Doxycycline) to take before/after the hysterosonogram.

[Sand]

ktnkids - It didnt do anything to my cycle. I'm fairly certain we TTC'd after the cycle post hysteroscopy.

dancn - I had a hysteroscopy because they found a polyp when I had a sonohysterogram/hystersonogram. I would definitely take the Advil for the cramps and the antibiotic just to ward off infection.

That said...JLRenheos, no, they are not the same thing.
The hysterosonogram used a probe with a balloon on the end that they "blew up" with saline to get a good outline of my uterus. That was the painful part. When they expanded that. The rest not at all.
Here is a link defining a hysterosonogram
hysterosonogram (http://www.pregnancy-info.net/fertility_tests_hysterosonogram.html)
They found a polyp which they removed via hysteroscopy (another thin probe with tiny pinchers to cut out the polyp)

Here is a list of tests in case anyone needs to understand them:
Endometrial Biopsy: Using a small sample of endometrial tissue taken after the 21st day of your cycle, a biopsy allows your doctor to have a detailed analysis of the endometrial development. The results of the biopsy can show whether the lining is thick enough for implantation. This test is helpful for women who have experienced multiple miscarriages.

Abdominal Ultrasound: Using a hand-held probe on top of the abdomen, high frequency sound waves are bounced off the body to produce an image. This type of ultrasound can give your specialist a general image of your pelvic health.

Transvaginal Ultrasound: This type of ultrasound is similar to an abdominal ultrasound except that the probe is inserted into the vagina. Because the probe is much closer to the pelvic structure, a significantly clearer image is produced than in abdominal ultrasounds. Ultrasounds are often used to check how the follicles are developing during a cycle. It can also be used to diagnose fibroids or ovarian cysts.

Sonohystogram: A variant of the usual ultrasound, a sonohystogram uses water or sterile saline to inflate your uterus. This gives your doctor a clearer view into your uterus.

Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure that is done under anesthetic but on an outpatient basis. It involves using an illuminated small tube that is inserted through an incision just under your naval allowing your doctor to get a good view of your ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes from the outside. It is also possible to insert small tools into the tube thereby helping your doctor to correct any problems. It is useful in locating scar tissue, blockages, abnormalities and endometriosis.

Hysteroscopy: Related to laparoscopy, a hysteroscopy employs a fiber optic telescope to look around the uterus. The viewing device is inserted up through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. Again, it is possible to insert small tools into the tube to fix any problems.

Falloposcopy: This procedure uses a similar viewing device as the ones used in laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The telescope is inserted into the vagina, goes up through cervix and uterus, and into the fallopian tubes. Falloposcopy has been found to be effective in treating some blockage problems but more importantly, it allows a doctor to have a more accurate diagnosis, thereby giving way to a more precise treatment.

Hysterosalpingogram: This is a special type of machine that takes an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes. Before the x-ray is taken, though, a water or oil-based dye is injected into your uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye makes it easier for your doctor to identify any problems in the organs on the x-ray. This device is often used to locate blockages and other problems.

[Scooter]

JLRenheos, a hysterosonogram is also known as a sonohysterogram and around here is often called an SHG. It's the same thing as an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) but with saline and an u/s instead of dye and an x-ray. Check out the HSG thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=854) for more info, both are discussed there because they're so similar. I had both and posted in there about them, myself.

[katiems118]

I have a lap/hystero scheduled for Oct to remove a uterine septum. Im scared, but everything I read tells me that it shouldnt be a big deal and its a fairly easy recovery. Any thing I should be prepared for after surgery?

[Scooter]

Katiems, if you've having a lap, too, you'll be under general anesthesia and the hysteroscopy won't be a big deal at all.

Check out the lap thread and it should be helpful to you!
Please tell me your experience with a Laparoscopy (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5657)

[JLRenheos]

Scooter & Sand Thanks for posting the info. on a HSG! I'll certainly be checking out the link too.

[jen]

I found this website the other day and found it helpful:

http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/itests.html

[ktnkids]

I had my hysteroscopy and D&C today. It wasn't that bad physically but they didn't find a d@mn thing so there's no reason why I m/c or haven't O'd in 10 months. i was really nervous about all of it and now that it's over I'm upset that there's nothing. Why the he!! doesn't my body work??? I'm so incredibly frustrated. My mom tells me just to relax and take a couple of months just seeing how things go. Easy for her to say--she's never m/c'd and always got pg the first time they tried. She's so d@mn fertile and regular she can tell you the exact day she conceived each of the 4 of us.
DH says as least we know things are in working order. But obviously they're not b/c I have had NO temp shifts since I m/c Nov 1 2006.
Sorry, I'm just really upset right now.

[ktnkids]

For all of you who've had hysteroscopies or other stuff like that--how long did you bleed afterwards?? I was under the impression that I would have a little spotting and that would be it. That was all for the first day and I was thinking this isn't so bad. Now I"m having AF type bleeding. I'm only on CD18 now but for the past 2 1/2 days I've been doing this. I had the scope on THurs. Now it's sun. I'm almost wondering if this is a short cycle for me (I've had 17 day cycles before and I have O'd 1 time since I m/c'd last Oct.)
Did you all spot or bleed?

[Suzlywoozly]

After my first two hysteroscopies I really didn't bleed that much... maybe just heavy spotting. After my last hysteroscopy I bled very heavily for over 1.5 weeks. I had never bled that heavily before and was losing huge clots. I went back to the RE and she said that the reason for the heavy bleeding was because my lining was so thick to begin with. I was on CD 13 when I had the procedure.

It sounds like what you are experiencing is totally normal. When they do the procedure they are "disturbing" the environment in your uterus hence causing the bleeding. I wouldn't be so sure to count this as your period though.

[ktnkids]

Thanks for the input. I was starting to get a little worried.

[richgal]

Just thought I'd share my hysteroscopy experience here, too. I had an operative hysteroscopy with a D&C and polypectomy last week. I was completely out for the entire procedure which lasted about 45 minutes or so. My RE removed 1 medium-sized polyp and several tiny polyps that she said made the surface of my uterus appear bumpy. I was groggy from the anesthesia when I woke up and tired for the rest of the day, but had zero pain. I had very, very mild cramping the next couple days and spotting for about three days, but I was completely fine at work the day after the surgery. I was instructed to abstain from sex and tampons for 2 weeks to avoid infection.

All in all, it was much less of a deal than I thought it would be. I had more pain in my throat (from the breathing tube) and my hand (from the IV) than I did in my abdomen. :)

[jessied1025]

Hey ladies,

I unfortunately have to have another hysteroscopy performed. A couple of weeks ago they did another SHG and found that a polyp has grown back. Ugh!

Anyway, they scheduled my hysteroscopy for May 27th. When speaking with the nurse I mentioned that would probably be CD27 or 28 of my cycle and asked if we should try for another day. She indicated that the doctor can do the hysteroscopy anytime during the cycle. I was a bit confused because the last time they indicated it could only be done after your period and before you ovulate. In your expereience has this been the case? Also, do you think I should call back and have it rescheduled for after my period arrives?

Thanks ladies!

Update: Just got off the phone with the nurse I was right, they can't do the hysteroscopy around the time of my period. I am now rescheduled for June 10th! :)

[Scooter]

jessied, you know better than the nurse! Yeah, the lining builds up too much later in the cycle, so they really can't see very well with the scope. That's why they want to do it *just* after AF stops, when the lining is as thin as possible. I had mine for polyps, too. Sorry you have to redo it, don't you hate polyps! :(

[laura]

Just bumping this up for more feedback. I have a hysteroscopy scheduled for June 24. My paperwork indicates I will be under "conscious sedation", but I don't know what specific med that means. I am having the procedure 'just to check' on things, but they are prepared to remove any fibroids/polyps they may find. What I'm wondering about is the recovery. I have not been given the impression from the doctor's office that I will need to be off work the following day, but it seems like a lot of people who posted here did not resume normal activity the next day. I'm not having a combo lap, or I would anticipate more time off. Can anyone who had just a hysteroscopy comment? Will it changed based on whether they remove anything or not? If it helps, I have a desk job that is fairly low maintenance. I had a HSG and I did not find that painful at all- I felt like I could have gone back to work afterwards, in fact, although I didn't. TIA!

[Suzlywoozly]

Hey Laura- Are you going to Dr. L for the hysteroscopy? When she did mine I was awake but they were giving me IV pain meds throughout the procedure. She wound up doing a uterine biopsy and removing several small fibroids. I think my case was somewhat rare but I had some major issues after and had to take 4 days off of work. My lining was extremely thick when I went in and they could not figure out why. After the hysteroscopy I had some major bleeding and was passing HUGE clots. The cramping was horrible from all of the bleeding. But like I said, I think I was in the minority because of my situation.

I have heard some people say that they were awake for the whole thing and that it was a piece of cake. Do you have a high tolerance to pain? I am a total wimp and was begging for more drugs. :o

[katiems118]

Laura, You will most likely be fine after the hysteroscopy. I had mine done and had no pain afterwards, just lots of bleeding. They removed a uterine septum (piece of tissue attached to my uterus). You can probably go to work, but you may want to take 1 day off just to take it easy, the more you move around the more you bleed. The bleeding gradually stopped after 3 days.

[laura]

Hi Suz - I am going to Dr. L. I think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but it's hard to say. I've had 3 laps before and I always find the worst part to be the illness from being put under. I think mine will probably be the same as yours in terms of meds - I assume that is what conscious sedation means. That sucks that you had such a bad reaction! Did they ever figure out the lining thickness issue?

katie - thanks for the input. That is a good point about the bleeding.

Mostly I am trying to figure out what to tell my work, since I wasn't planning to really tell them anything. Maybe I will tell them that I am having a minor procedure done and I may not be in the next day. I would like them to be prepared for me to not be there, but I don't want to share too much since I anticipate being out more over the next few weeks and it could be more difficult if I keep saying "procedure".

[katiems118]

Tell them you have some "testing", maybe that would work?

[laura]

Yeah, I was planning to just say "testing", but that wouldn't really necessitate a possible second day off. So that is the complication. But they aren't very nosy, so maybe they won't even ask. Or maybe I will just not prep them, see how I feel, and if I feel bad, then I'll just call in sick for the day. I am really over thinking this. =/

[Bellefior]

When I had my operative hysteroscopy done, I took the next day off as a precaution and was glad I did. I wasn't in any pain or anything (just some light bleeding), but the anesthesia (I was given a general) had really knocked me for a loop and I felt like I had been through the wringer, so it was good to have that extra day. Every person is different though.

As to what to tell an employer, most of the people in my office know we have issues in regards to trying to start a family (small office), but I generally just say medical testing or day surgery and leave it at that. I think saying its for medical testing is fine, as it still leaves the door open for taking the next day off if need be.