HSG Anxiety and IC

desertheart · July 2014

I have an HSG scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow afternoon, and I'm having anxiety about it. I'm no stranger to pain-- had a scope up my bladder with no painkillers, been stomped on and kicked by horses. But something about this HSG is freaking me out. It's probably more emotions than anything but I'm concerned because I have IC, which causes pressure, tenderness, and irritation in my whole pelvic area. I don't take the prescription meds for it, because they didn't help much. I started having what I think is an IC flare last night-- cramping and pressure. I'm assuming it's the stress of this.

My doctor made it seem like the HSG is going to feel like a menstrual cramp (no biggie), but the nurse who scheduled my ultrasound after said I might not feel like having the ultrasound after the HSG. Say what?

My doctor did not mention any sort of pain medicine (except Advil or Tylenol) or valium. Guess I'm concerned about a few things and wanted some advice and/or reassurance--

First, the speculum is extremely uncomfortable for me because of the IC, which makes me very tense. So I'm afraid it's going to be rougher than my doctor makes it seem. Anyone with IC have experience with an HSG?? I'm considering taking Benadryl before bc it tends to help my IC symptoms.

Second, Tylenol or Ibuprofen? Had a tooth crown last week and the Tylenol definitely helped more for that.

Third, is there a chance my husband will be able to come in with me? I've read on forums that it could go either way. Of course I forgot to ask when they called to remind me about the appointment Thursday afternoon.

My doctor isn't doing the procedure, but another OB/GYN from the office is. So, that makes me feel better because I've heard horror stories about radiologist doing it. Bringing a pad, some Sprite in case I get nauseous, and extra Tylenol/Advil just in case.

FLgirl812 · July 2014

Hi! I am your twin. haha. I'm sending you a PM.

Hollowvic · July 2014

I had an HSG done last month. I was extremely anxious, my RE told me it could be uncomfortable. She gave me Xanax to ease the anxiety and it was a huge help. I took 4 Advil about an hour before the procedure. Just to ease your fears, it wasn't bad at all. I have 2 friends who both had blocked tubes and they said it wasn't that terrible for them either. My anxiety leading up to it was way worse than the actual procedure. Not painful at all. Although I'm not sure what IC is. Just thought I'd try to ease your anxiety. You're DH should be able to go with you. Good luck!

BunnyBerry · July 2014

Ouch, sorry about your IC. There will likely be more speculums before this journey is over - do you have a specialist who can take it seriously and help you find some different meds or lifestyle changes that do make a difference for you?

The HSG hurt more for me in terms of the manipulation of the cervix. The dye itself didn't feel like anything or make me cramp. I took 2 extra strength Tylenol, before and after, which is all I can take, and I think it helped.

If it gets overwhelming, I recommend asking the doctor to just wait a moment and give you a moment to breathe and relax. In the middle of something that is uncomfortable, I find those moments of reprieve to calm down and remind myself that I'm okay can really help.

I hope it goes really smoothly! As far as the ultrasound - perhaps the cervix will be sore, and the wand could be uncomfortable. Maybe you could ask the tech to really take it easy since you just had an HSG.

desertheart · July 2014

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm feeling better about this, but I know I will be super nervous in the waiting room.

BunnyBerry, as far as the specialist goes....not much attention there. Super nice guy, means well. Just wayyyy too busy, and that practice is really my only option as far as IC goes bc of insurance. The first time I went to urogyno was a disaster (same office, different doc)...had to cough and pee while nurse watched and she didn't explain anything, assistant who did catheter was awful again no explaining, two interns during a very *ugh* invasive exam, and then someone opened the door during the exam. Awful. So, I manage the IC on my own. Food doesn't usually cause flares for me unless I really really overdo it. Usually related to stress and appears right before period.

The ultrasound should be abdominal since it's looking for fibroids. At least that's what I researched. Maybe the nurse didn't realize that when she booked, which is why she said that.

Interesting that husbands are sometimes allowed in and sometimes not. Saw some people who said husband was there holding their hand the whole time.

emmuffy · July 2014

Hope it goes well. I've had it done twice, and had no problems (but I also don't have any other health issues). Good luck

Tiko99 · July 2014

I wanted to say GOOD LUCK! I took motrin prior to my HSG and felt a bit of cramping and my abdomen felt full. My tubes were clear so this could also explain the lack of pain. I did have someone drive me home, but that was not necessary. Good luck I'm sure you will do great!

desertheart · July 2014

Thanks everyone!

juneroses · July 2014

I had mine two weeks ago. It did hurt (three bad cramps, one with each push of the dye) but the pain did not last very long. I did the 4 ibuprofen before, and it helped. the anxiety before and during was the worst. I had one of those radiologist horror stories, so I am so happy to see you have an ob ! Once I had an ob come in, it was smooth sailing & the procedure was about 10 minutes. Good luck & fx for you for good results!

KT416 · July 2014

Just wanted to say good luck! I was prescribed doxi to prevent infection and then took Tylenol before and after to help with pain. The most painful part is when the die goes in and such, but afterwards wasn't too bad... good luck!

desertheart · July 2014

I'm happy about an OB doing the procedure. I read one woman's account and she said the radiologist couldn't put the speculum in properly. Took him three tries.

ebliss444 · July 2014

For comparison sake, mine was easy breezy with really no discomfort to speak of (other than the obvious fact that you're sitting there spread legged with a speculum) so I'm hoping it goes that way for you, even with the IC! I also didn't take anything, but other ladies have said that taking an Advil helped. I actually just distracted myself and watched the monitor the entire time and the doctor showed me my tubes, the dye, etc. which I found kind of fascinating.

Every time I go in and have something inserted up there I just pop up on the table and relax and not worry about it so I'm not tensing up. I think that helps honestly, because it's easier for them to to get it where it needs to go.

Good luck!

desertheart · July 2014

Thanks. I count ceiling tiles. I used to like watching that kind of stuff until the dentist showed me my tooth drilled out and how it was close to the nerve. Bleh. That ended that. Haha.

They should really have some TV's up there.

lebradford · July 2014

I had a bladder scope too, and I thought that was significantly worse than the HSG (though I don't have IC).

At my office they wouldn't let my husband back with me, so just be prepared that that might not be an option.

I believe I took 4 Advil and 2 Tylenol about 45 minutes ahead of time. I was also very nervous, but it just felt like bad menstrual cramps, and it was over quickly.

Good luck this afternoon!

CarSaidYes · July 2014

Like you I was freaking out but luckily it wasn't that bad! Minor cramping and once it was over so was the cramping. It didn't linger really. I was more scared of the table I was laying on that reminded me of the morgue.

desertheart · July 2014

Thanks, y'all. My tummy is all in knots. Wish it were this morning and it would be over.

The idea that it can't be worse than the scope is uhh...comforting.

But I knew the doctor who was doing the scope, and he has a very good bedside manner.

For exactly 24 hours after the scope it felt like you were having it all over again every time you peed. After, my husband and I went to brunch and went to restroom and that's when I realized how much peeing hurt. I think I yelled the F word and beat on the stall. Haha.

desertheart · July 2014

Hi Everyone!

Just came back from the HSG. It was pretty much like everyone said. Very intense for a few seconds followed by cramping and that happened probably three or four times as dye was pushed in. Not the most fun.

Felt little woozy after so very glad I brought a bottle of Sprite with me. Husband got to came in but he seemed a little shy getting too close to take even though nurse told him it was okay. Think he wanted to stay out of her way. The doctor was an OB/GYN from my office who has sat in on consultation appointments. He was so nice! And the nurse stood next to me and brought me tissues. They said everything looked clear.

Then, I had my ultrasound. The tech said looks like my fibroids were not too big and were not in a position that they would be concerned about. But, what worries me is when she started looking at my ovaries she asked questions like "did they put you on birth control for the HSG?" and "when did you say your last period was?" That alarmed me a bit. Won't know anything official until the 17th.

Right now I am sore and drowsy from the Benadry (which I should have taken an hour before the appointment instead of 30 min). Hubby took me to get ice cream after the test. Haha. Going to nap and binge watch trash TV, then treat myself with the best veggie pizza.

ToryKate · July 2014

I am glad your experience wasn't too painful! and yay for clear tubes

Sorry to hear that the ultrasound results seem more ambiguous. I hope you hear good news on the 17th.

Hollowvic · July 2014

Don't you love when scary stuff is over with? I was so glad my HSG was over

desertheart · July 2014

Yes! So relieved. It was good to hear good news, but that also means we don't have an answer.

Not something I'd want to do again, but it was over pretty fast.

juneroses · July 2014

Yay for good news!

ebliss444 · July 2014

Glad to hear your tubes are clear! From what I understand that's a one and done procedure, so hopefully you can check that off the list.

MrsPloehn · July 2014

Hello!

I was totally freaked out before my HSG this past week. So I feel your pain! (and it sounds like you have way more to be scared of than me)

It was so much easier than I expected it to be. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen 2 hours before the appt. There was some mild period cramping, but nothing compared to what I had prepared myself for. My husband was allowed to come in and hold my hand.

Found out my right tube is fully blocked and it was a really big blow. I hadn't prepared myself for that at all. I had myself in the mind-set that the HSG would "clear out the tubes" and didn't even consider that there might be a blockage. My dr doesn't have very good bedside manner - so her delivery of the news was super brusque. So I just want to warn you to prepare yourself for possible outcomes. I wish I had done that!

Best of luck to you!

desertheart · July 2014

Had it the afternoon and everything came back fine.

The doctor who works with my usual doctor is soo nice. He even told me he felt bad for putting me through this. He's sort of cute, so that's a little awkward. After I'd dressed, the guy even told us how to get out of office and gave us parking validation. What doctor does that? I think it's bc he is young and can remember not being a doctor. Haha.

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HSG Anxiety and IC

Re: HSG Anxiety and IC

Me: 26 (IC/PCOS-2000mg of Metformin daily)

DH: 27 (SA results were great minus the slightly low morphology)

Started dating DH in 2002 at 14 years old

Married on 03.01.2014

Officially TTC since April 2014

January 2013- Surprise BFP, m/c at 6 weeks, D&C 2 Weeks later

April 2014- First RE appointment

July 2014- IUI#1-Canx due to scar tissue and polyps. TI with the help of Ovidrel. BFN

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