"Surprise hysteroscopy without pain relief"

A few months ago I had a hospital appointment as a follow-up from ultrasound investigation for fibroids. On this visit the ultrasound result was discussed and then I taken to another room and was asked to lay on the couch for an examination, a doctor from the team and either 1 or 2 nurses in attendance (I can't remember how many as I was so scared by the situation I was suddenly in). The doctor said "we need a quick look at the fibroid so we need to insert a camera/scope past your cervix to get a closer look".

What happened next is still traumatising me. I was on the couch, and they started to try to get the camera/scope in through my cervix. The pain was worse than anything I have ever felt, I was in agony - it felt like they were trying to get an iron bar through.

The first attempt failed so they tried again causing even more pain & distress. A third attempt followed and the doctor mentioned I had a very strong cervix which was fighting them and not letting the scope get through in a tone of voice that made it sound like it was my fault. The pain was worse with every attempt and my anxiety was through the roof.

I begged them to stop as I couldn't take any more pain. They did stop after the third attempt and left me to get dressed... it was only after they had finished that the doctor asked me if I had never had children. I was left to get dressed and then left the hospital and staggered back to my partner waiting in the car.

I was left traumatised, shaking and felt sick with the pain and I bled for a few days afterwards.

I now have extreme anxiety and am getting flashbacks. I have to attend a different hospital in a few weeks time for a hysteroscopy, it was only on researching what was likely to be done at my new appointment that I realised that the procedure was almost identical to the one at the first hospital.

I explained to my new consultant about what had happened to me and how fearful I am. They seemed very good over the phone and I was assured I can have gas & air, pain relief to be taken prior to the procedure and will use the smallest scope and at any time I can't cope they will stop if I ask. I hope the doctor will be as good as their word, on the phone they did not sound too impressed by my earlier experience.

My fear & anxiety is off the scale. I have to have this done as they are checking in case it's anything more serious than a large fibroid because of my symptoms so I know it makes sense - I'm just terrified after what happened at the other place, I can't get it out of my mind. The closer to the appointment date is making the anxiety worse each day.

Am I correct in thinking that the first hospital did indeed spring a hysteroscopy on me? I ask as I had no warning at all which meant no pain relief prior to the appointment, no anaesthetic gel during the procedure and I was left feeling totally violated.

At no time was I asked to sign a consent form for this procedure and because no prior warning was given by the hospital I had no pain relief at all and no information was sent out to me. I was led to believe it was just a follow-up appointment to discuss the ultrasound result and possible treatment options.