"I feel very upset about my procedure"

Recently I was an outpatient for an investigative hysteroscopy. I did all that was required, and took 2 paracetamol as advised an hour before the procedure. I was advised by a nurse when I arrived that I would be given a local anesthetic in my cervix and gas and air for the pain.

The procedure ended up being one of the most traumatic and painful experience of my life. I felt absolutely everything, and cried and cried throughout the procedure. I was offered no gas and air. I was told I had received a local anesthetic but I still felt unacceptable amounts of pain.

I cannot understand why I had to go through this? Why was I not at least sedated? Why was there no pain relief available? Why when I cried and cried and became very distressed were no measures taken to help relieve the pain?

I have to state that the nurses and doctor were very kind, and caring, but I strongly believe that what I endured is beyond what anyone should have to endure, and steps needed to be taken to help me deal with the pain.

I worry that the decision not to give a general anesthetic to women who go through this procedure is purely a financial one. It simply costs more money to ensure our comfort.

I believe this is a widespread issue, and that there should be measures implemented to ensure no one ever has to endure the pain I went though.

I have had numerous procedures in my life: smears, ovary removal, endometriosis lasered off, a clip on one of my Fallopian tube, and yet this was the most barbaric, traumatic and agonising experience of my life. I felt violated, and was very, very upset.