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[shrosphirelass]

So I got a phone call this morning following my blood test yesteday. Apparently I'm anaemic. My blood level is 20 when it should be 28, whatever that means, apart from having to have high dose iron tablets which are going to kill my stomach. He said the haemoglobin was ok, but I thought that was what caused anaemia so I'm a bit confused. Also there is a concern about potential vitamin 12 and folic acid deficiency but this needs further investigation. Any one shed any light on that?

Ive got to have an urgent vaginal scan and a urgent hysteroscopy. The latter I don't think I can manage. I have extreme difficulties with smears  so don't think I can tolerate the proceedure. Does anyone know if the scan is clear would it be absoluelty necessary.
I am panicing big time. Though the bleeding has more or less stopped which is a great relief.

[Taz2]

I think that's called iron deficiency without anaemia if the haemoglobin is ok? It means our ferritin/folate levels are low maybe. I remember that my ferritin was 18 and I needed a short course of iron tablets to sort it out. Iron deficiency anaemia is quite complicated. I did find this american site http://www.irondisorders.org/iron-deficiency-anemia#:~:text=Iron%20deficiency%20without%20anemia%20can,both%20serum%20ferritin%20and%20hemoglobin. 

Can you ask for sedation when you have your hysteroscopy? I had that for a gastroscopy (yes, I know it's the other end  ) and I found it great. I think it is necessary to have it done just so they can have a biopsy of your womb lining. Then you will know that everything is ok. I'm glad the bleeding has almost stopped.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Ah, that's why I couldn't find any update in your other thread 

When you get the appt. do ring the dept and discuss your worries.  It may be that you will require sedation to be relaxed enough so will need someone to drive you to and from the hospital.

When you have problems with smear tests, what has been recommended! 

How long will you require the iron tablets for?   My Mum tells me that they can cause constipation, but there is a liquid form which may be worth discussing with the GP. 

Great minds Taz2 

[Kate W]

I had a hysteroscopy last year and was terrified after reading everything about it, I was offered sedation but decided against it and I've got to say that I'm glad I did as it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it was going to be.  It is painful obviously but only for a very short while and if I have to have another one I definitely wouldn't bother with sedation.  Good luck and try not to worry.

[Sparrow]

Vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common, especially if you don't it red meat.  Sometimes they give injection for this.

[Nik2502]

I had a hysteroscopy last year and it was the most painful thing I've ever endured! I've a high pain threshold but I nearly jumped off the bed. I'd definitely ask for sedation.

[Katejo]

So I got a phone call this morning following my blood test yesteday. Apparently I'm anaemic. My blood level is 20 when it should be 28, whatever that means, apart from having to have high dose iron tablets which are going to kill my stomach. He said the haemoglobin was ok, but I thought that was what caused anaemia so I'm a bit confused. Also there is a concern about potential vitamin 12 and folic acid deficiency but this needs further investigation. Any one shed any light on that?

Ive got to have an urgent vaginal scan and a urgent hysteroscopy. The latter I don't think I can manage. I have extreme difficulties with smears  so don't think I can tolerate the proceedure. Does anyone know if the scan is clear would it be absoluelty necessary.
I am panicing big time. Though the bleeding has more or less stopped which is a great relief.

  I had the hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic because it was too painful under local. They are likely to insist on it if the scan shows an endometrial lining of more than 5mm.  Mine was 5.5mm.

[Wrensong]

Shropshireless, I've had hysteroscopies on 3 occasions over the years. First, in fertile years, was under GA, but only because the procedure was combined with laparoscopy & D&C, the next also premenopause, was with light sedation (conscious but relaxed) & local anaesthetic to numb the cervix.  The last - several years postmenopause with poorly controlled VA - was without any pain relief or sedation.  I was instructed to take 2 paracetamol an hour beforehand which I did, but felt no benefit from them. 

The 2nd procedure, with light sedation & local anaesthetic was the least complicated (none of the after effects of GA) & caused me no problems either at the time or afterwards.  I was pleasantly chilled, able to watch what they were doing on the monitor & felt no pain.  But (not sure where you are in the transition) that was before I had VA so tissues were robust.  An anaesthetist was standing by to put me out if necessary but there was no need.

As others have said, the procedure is over in a few minutes & it may be that without any sedation or pain relief you would find it more bearable than you fear, but like you I find smears really difficult these days & like CLKD, Taz & Nik, would recommend you ring & ask in advance for light sedation with local anaesthetic if you are at all anxious & this has not already been offered.  It's in their interests as well as yours, that you are relaxed on the day. 

Many of us have had this procedure when bleeding has to be investigated & it's worth it for the peace of mind, so if the hospital advises it I would agree to it.  I completely understand your apprehension, but it will be over quickly & you will get through it.

P.S.  Was posting at same time as Katejo!  If unlike me you are OK with GA, I would agree that's probably also a better option than having hysteroscopy without any sedation or pain relief, but I remember on past threads that other members have not found GA or even light sedation necessary.  I think variation in how comfortable we find it probably depends upon individual anatomy, whether VA is present, the skill of the practitioner, past bad experiences with smears etc & how anxious we are on the day.

[Kathleen]

Hello Shropshirelass

When I had my appointment for a vaginal scan and hysteroscopy I was told that I'd have the scan first and if that indicated a thickened lining I would have the hysteroscopy a short while later.  As it turned out I did need the hysteroscopy and in the waiting room I noticed other women were taking tablets.

I didn't have any sedation or pain relief and the procedure was uncomfortable but I wish I'd known to take some pain relief beforehand.

Perhaps if the procedures are two separate appointments there is more chance that sedation will be available for the hysteroscopy and I would certainly enquire about that.

Wishing you well.

K.

[shrosphirelass]

I appreciate all your replies, many thanks. Its really good to hear others experiences. I'm going to try and have the scan first see what it shows and then see if I really need the hysteroscopy (though they may not want me to wait) then I'll do as suggested and ring and share my concers about it and at the very least ask if there is any possibility of sedation. My family and friends just say I have to "man up" but I'm not sure I can.

[CLKD]

Don't take that 'man up' comment laying down: this is about you and your feelings !  Don't over-share?

Many years ago my Mum told me "You don't want to be depressed" - no Mum, I don't want 2 B depressed - I never told her any of my medical problems again.  Still don't 25 years later.  No one needs to know except my GP and DH ;-)

[Wrensong]

Shropshirelass

My family and friends just say I have to "man up" but I'm not sure I can.

I agree with CLKD.  They are not in your situation.  No-one but you knows how you feel, it is absolutely not a sign of weakness to want to take sensible precautions in any situation about which we feel anxious & this is one situation in which we all do.  If the scan shows you need the hysteroscopy, please make the procedure as easy for yourself as you can.  Your feeling as relaxed as possible, both in advance & on the day, will be helpful to all concerned.  Please let us know how you get on.
Wx

[Katejo]

Shropshireless, I've had hysteroscopies on 3 occasions over the years. First, in fertile years, was under GA, but only because the procedure was combined with laparoscopy & D&C, the next also premenopause, was with light sedation (conscious but relaxed) & local anaesthetic to numb the cervix.  The last - several years postmenopause with poorly controlled VA - was without any pain relief or sedation.  I was instructed to take 2 paracetamol an hour beforehand which I did, but felt no benefit from them. 

The 2nd procedure, with light sedation & local anaesthetic was the least complicated (none of the after effects of GA) & caused me no problems either at the time or afterwards.  I was pleasantly chilled, able to watch what they were doing on the monitor & felt no pain.  But (not sure where you are in the transition) that was before I had VA so tissues were robust.  An anaesthetist was standing by to put me out if necessary but there was no need.

As others have said, the procedure is over in a few minutes & it may be that without any sedation or pain relief you would find it more bearable than you fear, but like you I find smears really difficult these days & like CLKD, Taz & Nik, would recommend you ring & ask in advance for light sedation with local anaesthetic if you are at all anxious & this has not already been offered.  It's in their interests as well as yours, that you are relaxed on the day. 

Many of us have had this procedure when bleeding has to be investigated & it's worth it for the peace of mind, so if the hospital advises it I would agree to it.  I completely understand your apprehension, but it will be over quickly & you will get through it.

P.S.  Was posting at same time as Katejo!  If unlike me you are OK with GA, I would agree that's probably also a better option than having hysteroscopy without any sedation or pain relief, but I remember on past threads that other members have not found GA or even light sedation necessary.  I think variation in how comfortable we find it probably depends upon individual anatomy, whether VA is present, the skill of the practitioner, past bad experiences with smears etc & how anxious we are on the day.

  I wasn't offered a sedation option. It was either local anaesthetic with painkillers taken first or GA. My cervix was too tight for them to get a biopsy. The check for polyps and fibroids was ok under local  but not the biopsy part. Would have preferred sedation.

[Wrensong]

Katejo, I think I remember from past threads where hysteroscopy procedure has been discussed that what's on offer seems to vary by health district.  Imo a very good reason to ring in advance to see what's possible in any individual case. 

For my last hysteroscopy, a few years postmenopause, I was not offered any type of sedation or pain relief, merely advised to take paracetamol beforehand.  I got the impression from the reaction of staff on the day that that is now standard procedure at that hospital & the very kind nurses were evidently uncomfortable with the approach.  The gynae who did the procedure was a senior Cons & holds a teaching post, so I don't think there was any lack of skill on his part.  I would not want the procedure without sedation again if there were a choice, but I would agree to it if there were no other option.   

I believe when we discussed it on here before someone posted to the effect that there was a campaign ongoing to ensure women were given choices as regards sedation & pain relief for hysteroscopy.  I'm so sorry it wasn't straightforward for you.  I feel strongly that we should be given choices, especially postmenopause when many of us have atrophy affecting robustness of tissues throughout the GU area & complicating access.
Wx

[CLKD]

I'm a wimp - no sedation no examination !  My body, my choice.