MrsF

Heya ladies,
just wondered if anyone had some words of comfort / wisdom re HSG's. This will be my next step and i made the mistake of looking it up on the net...i actually had to lie down at one point as ifelt a tad woosy....

it sounds so painful, and i am not really very good with pain. When i was 19, i had the coil fitted and when they opened my cervix, i actually went into shock on the table. Needless to say, i am totally petrified. alot of the advice on the net is to take some ibuprofen before the procedure....am flippin allergic to that and aspirin based painkillers...

Any advice, input, experiences shared would be so gratefully received guys,

Does anyone else feel that once you start tests, the whole magic of it all goes out the window? (mini-grumble there, sorry...)

pixielou

Hi MrsF,

I had my hsg about a month ago. Like u I did lots of reading and stressing over internet. Basically it was over much quicker than I imagined!
I had two trainee doctors that I agreed to see the proceedure too(well I thought they are gonna see lots of these in their careers so y not mine and they have to learn some how!)
Anyway they got me all positioned, legs akimbo on the bed with student doctor's looking on and then they say that xray machine isn't working so I was left there i the nud! The nurse sai'you can cover yourself if you like!

Sorry, I just thought it was quite amusing.

Honestly though, it dosent hurt only a tiny bit of pain when they put the dye in. Apart from that that over very quickly. I did take two ibruprufen and tried to breath deeply cos I'm such a woss with these kind of things.

Hope that was some help. Don't be worried though cos they are experts at it and do it every day! X

maz

Try not to worry about it. I had mine done at the beginning of January, and like you did loads of research on the internet before I went. Results due next month.

I think it helps to be aware of what to expect, but it's not that bad. I think its the thought of being poked and prodded that is the worst bit - I know it was for me anyhow.

Check with your hospital before you go, as mine gave me painkillers and muscle relaxants, which they wouldn't have given me if I'd taken anything beforehand.

When the dye is injected the sensation is similar to a period cramp, but for me it was nothing worse. It really helped me to have my husband there holding my hand. Not sure who felt worse - me with the dye, or him with his wedding ring cutting into his finger.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry about it. A few deep breaths, and the promise of a nice lunch helps you through it.

Let us know how you get on.

xx

PitBullMommy

My HSG wasn't that bad. It wasn't FUN or COMFORTABLE, obviously, but while she was performing it I only had mild discomfort and cramping. Nothing awful. The worst part for me was having to sit up afterwards and wait the 20 mins or whatever it was. THAT HURT. I had wicked abdominal cramps, thankfully my Mom came with me and during that part was allowed to come in and talk with me and she rubbed my back which made me feel better (isn't that what Mommies are for?!?!). I had cramps throughout the day, but nothing quite as bad. Take nice deep breaths and plan to relax the rest of the day. Mom and I went to lunch afterwards, but I just wanted to go home and lay down. It was kinda neat that I got to watch the dye going through me though, but I love that medical stuff. Good luck, I'm sure it will go well. I read and re-read everything on the internet before I had it done, and actually..it DID help some as I knew what was going to happen and when.

Miabella

Mrs. F -- just wanted to say I'm in the same boat as you...I go for my HSG as soon as this crazy, annovulatory cycle is over. My RE says to take 800mg of ibuprofen about 1/2 hour to and hour before b/c of the cramping. From what I've heard from friends who have been through it, it varies by person.
I'm nervous as well, but they say many women get pg shortly after the HSG so I hope it'll be a worthwhile venture. Good luck! When do you go?

Chellebelle

Hiya. My HSG wasn't too bad, it was uncomfortable. I went to work afterwards though and about an hour later I had to go home... I get terrible abdominal cramps and they lasted for a few hours.

I would recommend that you rest afterwards if possible. Good luck.

polo_princess

Eeek i was thinking about looking up options before i went to the docs this afternoon ... i think i'll pass on looking this one up!!

CowGirlLinds

Dana I had no idea that you were going to do this too. I have mine on St Paddy's day!!! Doc said the same thing about Advil.

MRs. F Maybe your Doc will give you a muscle relaxer...valuim?? I have heard that is the best.

MrsF

Ooo, valium sounds good (please don't read that in a druggy type way - i just know it'll knock me out and i won't feel any pain!!!)

Well, if the witch arrives next week, my DH will go for his final test, and then we're off to the docs for the referral - not sure on waiting times. I'm hoping that the threat of invasive procedures will kick start my dodgy plumbing into working!!! Nothing scientific there whatsoever, but thought-avoidance is helping me cope with whole situation!

It is encouraging to hear though that chances of pregnancy can rise after HSG

Wishing you all lots of babydust and happiness

Mrs F x x x

LucyLou

Id just like to offer you ladies some information from a different angle.
Im a radiographer and regularly take part in performing the procedure along with the radiologists.
Ive never actually been on the receiving end of this procedure (and im hoping that it doent come to that) but the test is pretty much straight forward. Its very similar to having a smear in that a speculum is used to open up the cervix. A tiny tube is then inserted, and this is when you will feel a period pain as a small balloon in inflated to hold the tube in place. Thats pretty much the worst of the procedure. The dye is then injected (this may cause some cramping) and you are xrayed at the same time so the radiologist can watch the dye as it fills up your uterus and spills into your fallopian tubes. Done.
A HSG doesnt neccessarily improve your chances of getting pregnant afterwards, but if you have a blocked tube, then the pressure behind the insertion of the dye can actually unblock the tube, hence why some women may have found it helpful.

I wish you all the best.

L x