We had our phone appointment on November 14^th 2022 and the actions following that were a repeat attempt of the Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) X-ray following the dilation of the entrance of my cervix and a repeat blood test because apparently my last ones were still “off”. I didn’t even notice until I was editing these posts that she hadn’t said anything about the ultrasound results, and I’d forgotten I’d had it!

My period arrived on December 7^th and I had no issues booking the HSG for December 15^th. The bloods, however, were a no-go. December 7^th was a Wednesday. The blood needed to be taken between day 2 and 5. The receptionist said she couldn’t book me an appointment for Thurs or Friday due to sickness, and Monday will be day 6 so it would be too late.

Hysterosalpingogram

HSG recap. A HSG procedure is used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, and then contrast dye is injected. X-rays are taken throughout so that the radiologist can see where the dye goes. It’s often used to check for blockages of the fallopian tubes. It can also help identify any polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or abnormalities in the shape of the uterus.

December 15^th. My appointment was at 9.20am so I was up early to get showered ahead of the appointment. I’ll be honest, I was dreading it; remembering the pain of the dilation.

For a minute, it looked like I couldn’t be found in the system, which the receptionist then blamed on my double-barrelled surname!

I don’t think I even sat in the waiting room for one minute. The nurse collected me, asked me to pee, confirmed my period dates, and then I got gowned up and went straight into the X-ray room. We went through the consent because I’d given it over the phone, and it needed my signature. Before I knew it, I was lying flat on my back. A quick alcohol swab of my vagina (so the tube doesn’t take any outside germs in), and then she popped the catheter in. It was pretty uncomfortable, but it was very brief, and then it was in! IT WAS IN! It was uncomfortable again as she pushed the contrast fluid in. It was pushed in slowly as X-rays were being taken at regular intervals. At the very end, it was painful for a few moments before it was over, as she tried to push in more contrast to get a better image. It just felt like intense menstrual cramps. Then she sucked some of the contrast back out which released the pressure and the pain disappeared.

She let me look at the last image that was taken, but honestly, I couldn’t see a f**king thing.

Talking of bad menstrual cramps, the period that followed the HSG was a really painful and heavy one. I thought the HSG may have had something to do with it, but of course, I couldn’t be sure either way. Then the period after was also painful, heavy, and long, so I figured it probably hadn’t been HSG-related.

We received a follow-up appointment for March 20^th 2023. A whole three months away. I didn’t manage to get my blood tests done before then. It turned out there was a phlebotomist out on maternity. I have no idea why the surgery didn’t get someone to provide cover – god forbid they have some organisation and common sense.