Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 K., Hi there. I had my HSG in Aug. that showed a UU. It's definitely uncomfortable, but I wouldn't exactly say it hurt like hell. Everyone has a different level of tolerance for pain. Also, I've heard that if your tubes are blocked, the pain is worse. This is exactly how my HSG went: I went into the room and was given a gown to change into. They put me on top of the X-ray table. They didn't have stirrups, so they put a pillow under my hips and I put my feet together and pulled them toward my bum with my knees out (frog leg position). They used betadine to clean out my vagina and cervix. The speculum was also rinsed in betadine. The doctor inserted the speculum. So far so good. Then my doctor asked me to cough. When I coughed, I think that is when she attached the teneculum. That caused some cramping, but still not terrible. And from there, the doctor inserted the catheter and started the dye injection. This is the part I expected to cause the cramping, but I just felt incredible pressure on my right side. As the dye was injected, I felt pressure build up inside me and then subside as it spilled. And then more would be injected, so it was like an ebb or flow of pressure. Since my uterus was an unexpected shape and there was only dye spill on the right side, I was asked to roll first to my left side and hold while the shot X-rays and then to the left, and back again. Then they removed all the instruments and the doctor applied pressure to my cervix to stop what she said was a small amount of bleeding. They let me lie on the table until I felt like getting up. I massaged my stomach some and finally sat up slowly. I did sort of waddle to the restroom to change back into my clothes. I brought a pad with me to absorb any spotting or dye, but it turns out I didn't even need it. As for having someone drive you, I did ask my DH to go with me for moral support and to be my driver. I was glad he was there to drive me home. Oh, another bit of advice, I did take 800 mg of Ibuprofen an hour before the HSG. I think that did help. I also took another 800 mg 8 hours later as the cramping started to return. I was very, very nervous when I went in for mine and after it was over, it was such a relief to have it over. And I don't think it was as bad as I had imagined. If you have anymore questions or concerns about it, feel free to E-mail me directly. Best of luck to you! Becki, UU, TTC #1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 K., Hi there. I had my HSG in Aug. that showed a UU. It's definitely uncomfortable, but I wouldn't exactly say it hurt like hell. Everyone has a different level of tolerance for pain. Also, I've heard that if your tubes are blocked, the pain is worse. This is exactly how my HSG went: I went into the room and was given a gown to change into. They put me on top of the X-ray table. They didn't have stirrups, so they put a pillow under my hips and I put my feet together and pulled them toward my bum with my knees out (frog leg position). They used betadine to clean out my vagina and cervix. The speculum was also rinsed in betadine. The doctor inserted the speculum. So far so good. Then my doctor asked me to cough. When I coughed, I think that is when she attached the teneculum. That caused some cramping, but still not terrible. And from there, the doctor inserted the catheter and started the dye injection. This is the part I expected to cause the cramping, but I just felt incredible pressure on my right side. As the dye was injected, I felt pressure build up inside me and then subside as it spilled. And then more would be injected, so it was like an ebb or flow of pressure. Since my uterus was an unexpected shape and there was only dye spill on the right side, I was asked to roll first to my left side and hold while the shot X-rays and then to the left, and back again. Then they removed all the instruments and the doctor applied pressure to my cervix to stop what she said was a small amount of bleeding. They let me lie on the table until I felt like getting up. I massaged my stomach some and finally sat up slowly. I did sort of waddle to the restroom to change back into my clothes. I brought a pad with me to absorb any spotting or dye, but it turns out I didn't even need it. As for having someone drive you, I did ask my DH to go with me for moral support and to be my driver. I was glad he was there to drive me home. Oh, another bit of advice, I did take 800 mg of Ibuprofen an hour before the HSG. I think that did help. I also took another 800 mg 8 hours later as the cramping started to return. I was very, very nervous when I went in for mine and after it was over, it was such a relief to have it over. And I don't think it was as bad as I had imagined. If you have anymore questions or concerns about it, feel free to E-mail me directly. Best of luck to you! Becki, UU, TTC #1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 K., Hi there. I had my HSG in Aug. that showed a UU. It's definitely uncomfortable, but I wouldn't exactly say it hurt like hell. Everyone has a different level of tolerance for pain. Also, I've heard that if your tubes are blocked, the pain is worse. This is exactly how my HSG went: I went into the room and was given a gown to change into. They put me on top of the X-ray table. They didn't have stirrups, so they put a pillow under my hips and I put my feet together and pulled them toward my bum with my knees out (frog leg position). They used betadine to clean out my vagina and cervix. The speculum was also rinsed in betadine. The doctor inserted the speculum. So far so good. Then my doctor asked me to cough. When I coughed, I think that is when she attached the teneculum. That caused some cramping, but still not terrible. And from there, the doctor inserted the catheter and started the dye injection. This is the part I expected to cause the cramping, but I just felt incredible pressure on my right side. As the dye was injected, I felt pressure build up inside me and then subside as it spilled. And then more would be injected, so it was like an ebb or flow of pressure. Since my uterus was an unexpected shape and there was only dye spill on the right side, I was asked to roll first to my left side and hold while the shot X-rays and then to the left, and back again. Then they removed all the instruments and the doctor applied pressure to my cervix to stop what she said was a small amount of bleeding. They let me lie on the table until I felt like getting up. I massaged my stomach some and finally sat up slowly. I did sort of waddle to the restroom to change back into my clothes. I brought a pad with me to absorb any spotting or dye, but it turns out I didn't even need it. As for having someone drive you, I did ask my DH to go with me for moral support and to be my driver. I was glad he was there to drive me home. Oh, another bit of advice, I did take 800 mg of Ibuprofen an hour before the HSG. I think that did help. I also took another 800 mg 8 hours later as the cramping started to return. I was very, very nervous when I went in for mine and after it was over, it was such a relief to have it over. And I don't think it was as bad as I had imagined. If you have anymore questions or concerns about it, feel free to E-mail me directly. Best of luck to you! Becki, UU, TTC #1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 Hi , I have had an HSG and while it wasn't pleasant, I didn't find it excruciating. It did take a while to administer, I guess that was my biggest complaint. My doctor told me to take a painkiller about an hour or so before the test. I can't remember exactly which one, I think it was Advil that she suggested. I have a didelphic uterus, which means I have two cervixes. In the case of having an HSG, this is TWICE the fun, because the dye has to be injected through each cervix. I don't remember the exact mechanics of the test, but I know it was the getting through the cervix part that hurt. I believe they attach some sort of clamp to your cervix and then have to get some type of instrument/syringe through the cervix in order to inject the dye into your uterus. The part when the doctor was trying to get " through " each cervix was acutely painful. The second part, when the dye is injected was uncomfortable but not too bad. One of my uterine cavities seemed to have a blocked tube, the dye wasn't making out of the end of the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, so the doctor applied more dye, under pressure. That also hurt, it felt like bad menstrual cramps. I also had menstrual-like cramping for about 2-3 hours afterwards, but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't drive or walk etc. My doctor warned me though that different people react differently to the pain and you may feel lightheaded or faint, depending on your tolerance. I went by myself, but I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone along for support and in case you don't feel good afterwards. Take care and good luck with the test, Lia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 Hi , I have had an HSG and while it wasn't pleasant, I didn't find it excruciating. It did take a while to administer, I guess that was my biggest complaint. My doctor told me to take a painkiller about an hour or so before the test. I can't remember exactly which one, I think it was Advil that she suggested. I have a didelphic uterus, which means I have two cervixes. In the case of having an HSG, this is TWICE the fun, because the dye has to be injected through each cervix. I don't remember the exact mechanics of the test, but I know it was the getting through the cervix part that hurt. I believe they attach some sort of clamp to your cervix and then have to get some type of instrument/syringe through the cervix in order to inject the dye into your uterus. The part when the doctor was trying to get " through " each cervix was acutely painful. The second part, when the dye is injected was uncomfortable but not too bad. One of my uterine cavities seemed to have a blocked tube, the dye wasn't making out of the end of the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, so the doctor applied more dye, under pressure. That also hurt, it felt like bad menstrual cramps. I also had menstrual-like cramping for about 2-3 hours afterwards, but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't drive or walk etc. My doctor warned me though that different people react differently to the pain and you may feel lightheaded or faint, depending on your tolerance. I went by myself, but I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone along for support and in case you don't feel good afterwards. Take care and good luck with the test, Lia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 Hi as someone who just had it I still remember mine very well ..I have read online that some ladies do not have pain with theirs.I have a high tolarnance for pain most of the time:) They used a ballon type thing for me which was when the pain was the worse, As the ballon infalted then the dye was released. I was told the ballon type thing was not as painful.. It was so bad for me that they had to get a wash cloth as I was going to pass out. Now granted it also could be that if you have other problems it may be worse.As I have Endo.. I did take a pain pill <loritab> before I went.as I have pain meds here for other things....but it did not help. I drove myself and did not need anyone. Once the test was over I had mild cramping thru out the day. I had no dye coming out....matter of fact I wonder where it went...LOL Anyways, good luck on yours and yes moral support is always great thing to have when we go thru these things. Theresa > OK, I need some advice here. Twice I have seen messages from poeple here on > the board that the HSG hurts. I just scheduled mine (this morning in fact) > for 11/8. Should I have someone drive me, or will I be fine to drive home > myself? What exactly is it that hurts? The dye, or the instruments > themselves? Long lasting pain or short bursts of it. I am really scared > now... > > Thanks > K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 hi ! I think its safe to say that HSGs are different for everyone. Here are some suggestions to make yours easier. -Bring a support person in with you - partner, sister or mom. -Bring a walkman with favorite cd, practice slowly breathing with the music -Bring a stress ball -Remember to wiggle your fingers and toes ... if you do that, your abdonminal muscles relax, ergo less pain :-) If you practice some coping strategies before you go, you'll feel more prepared and relaxed. Take care! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 hi ! I think its safe to say that HSGs are different for everyone. Here are some suggestions to make yours easier. -Bring a support person in with you - partner, sister or mom. -Bring a walkman with favorite cd, practice slowly breathing with the music -Bring a stress ball -Remember to wiggle your fingers and toes ... if you do that, your abdonminal muscles relax, ergo less pain :-) If you practice some coping strategies before you go, you'll feel more prepared and relaxed. Take care! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2001 Report Share Posted November 1, 2001 This is a great thread! Very informative. Has anyone had the laproscopy in combination with this? When was born, the doc seemed to indicate that both procedures would be done under general anesthetic. It was the anesthesia that's kept me away, but now I'm thinking it's not such a bad thing... It's been two years (as of October 23) so maybe I'm not remembering it correctly? Cheri. > hi ! > I think its safe to say that HSGs are different for everyone. Here > are some suggestions to make yours easier. > -Bring a support person in with you - partner, sister or mom. > -Bring a walkman with favorite cd, practice slowly breathing with the > music > -Bring a stress ball > -Remember to wiggle your fingers and toes ... if you do that, your > abdonminal muscles relax, ergo less pain :-) > > If you practice some coping strategies before you go, you'll feel > more prepared and relaxed. Take care! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2001 Report Share Posted November 5, 2001 , Sorry... I'm one of the ones who posted pain :-(. I drove myself (2 hours each way) to the appt. For me the pain was lots of pressure, my cervix on the right is tipped so he had to shift it into a normal position. My tip here for less pain and it is hard to do but RELAX!!!. Yeah right! My right side is bigger than the left so it wasn't so bad, even with the moving of the cervix. It only hurt while the dr. was putting in the ?catheter? I think thats what he used, Then I straightened out my legs and they did the x-ray, I was busy concentrating on the image to feel much crampyness. The left side was smaller, and he had a difficult time getting a seal on the cervix, That was bad, I just breathed like the women on baby story do, and I sang-got my mind off what was going on. After the proceedure was over and the instruments came out it was much better... Just be aware that there is lots of fluid-dye, blood and some clear fluid-that comes out when you stand up. YUK! If you are lucky they will have a place to shower! I bled for about a day. If you can, have someone there with you, since it's an x-ray room they may not let anyone in with you but it helps. I had a nurse with me cuz my dh had to work. I drove home after with no problems. I'd also taken my hubby's prescription naproxen sodium to help with the cramps. I would now, liken the experience to my first day of cramps in my cycle. Just a distant memory, and worth it for what I know know about my uteri. Sorry if I scared you-didn't mean to. Marj --- Karakashian wrote: > OK, I need some advice here. Twice I have seen > messages from poeple here on > the board that the HSG hurts. I just scheduled mine > (this morning in fact) > for 11/8. Should I have someone drive me, or will I > be fine to drive home > myself? What exactly is it that hurts? The dye, or > the instruments > themselves? Long lasting pain or short bursts of it. > I am really scared > now... > > Thanks > K. > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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