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Sonohysterogram

Saline Sonohysterogram (SSH, saline sono, hysterosonogram, saline infusion sonogram)
by Kelly (she’s gaining on you, Carolyn! 🙂

Why would you be having a SSH?

This procedure is used to determine if there are any abnormalities (such as polyps or fibroids) of the uterine cavity that could interfere with pregnancy.

What you can expect

The physician will place a small catheter into the uterus and sterile saline will slowly be injected into the uterine cavity. This will slightly inflate the uterus so that most abnormalities (polyps or fibroids) can be visualized with ultrasound. After the procedure, the saline will slowly drain out of the uterus, so you will need to wear a pad to protect your clothing. You may experience some light spotting (bleeding) after the procedure also.

My personal tips/experiences

This procedure was worse for me than the HSG because my cervix is tilted. It was performed by the nurse who couldn’t seem to get the dye to go to the right place so they were never able to determine whether I had a polyp.

The worst part of this was that when I left I had the most horrible cramps that I have ever had – I think because she had injected so much dye (because she kept trying over and over again to no avail). I drove myself home from the appointment which was a big mistake – I would definitely suggest having someone come with you just in case yours goes anything like mine did. I almost had to pull over because the pain was making me nauseous (I only live about 10/15 minutes from my doctor’s office, but the ride felt like an eternity).

I came home from the appointment and lay down because my cramps were so bad. I think the best thing though is to walk around and let the saline drain out of you. Once it started to drain out, the cramps started to subside.

I would also suggest taking motrin or advil prior to going. They suggested this for the HSG for me but not for this procedure so I wasn’t prepared for the cramping.

Also, wearing a pad is a good idea because once the saline started to gush out (yes, mine did not slowly drain) I felt like I had peed myself (lovely picture, right?).

I did not have spotting immediately following the procedure but I did have it start a couple of days later. It was relatively heavy and lasted a good 4 days or so.

Honestly though, I think that this procedure goes pretty smoothly for the majority of women. Most women that I have heard from say that this procedure was much easier for them than the HSG so I definitely believe that experiences will vary greatly among people.

204 comments

1 tracy { 09.12.06 at 5:27 am }

I finally found a wedsite that confirmed the side effects of a sonohystogram. I had mine last Tuesday (a week ago). Absolutely no problems with the procedure. No pain during or after.I used a pad after the procedure thinking I would have discharge. None. Wednesday night I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst pain since labor. The pain was a gripping pain around my lower chest and lower back on the right side. I could not breath during the attacks. The pain would come and go in any position- better if I walked around. This pain intensified until I had a gush of red blood and water discharge. Although, I felt a lot better. I have been left with a sore, stiff back. Doctor thinks the fluid must of got stuck somehow. Don’t know why I have back pain???

2 The Town Criers { 09.12.06 at 12:12 pm }

What’s the follow-up if you still have back pain?

3 kate { 10.27.06 at 7:45 pm }

I had a sono a little over a week ago, even though there was no clinical reason to have one. My partner and I need ot use donor sperm, and the clinic requires the sono, so off we went. I took the anti-biotics like a good little girl, even though I don’t like taking such things, had the procedure, which was “uncomfortable”, to say the least, and now have a raging infection. My tubes and uterus were all clear, and are now busy being clogged up by an infection brought on by the sono. I know it is a necessary thing for many people, and that infections are rare as a side effect, but, be wary, and jump on ANY residual pain. None of it is normal and it won’t just go away.
Kate

4 Anonymous { 01.11.07 at 3:50 pm }

I am so glad I found this blog by chance today. I am having this procedure done Monday and afterwards have to work. I may need to change that plan though. I was planning to have my fiance’ drive me to it though. Great, buying pads- i’ve not done that in years… I have to say I pretty nervous about this procedure. I am having it done for reasons other than fertility at this point. I do worry however that in the future this could cause problems when I am ready for children.

5 shirley l. { 02.19.07 at 4:11 pm }

I am having this procedure done wed. the 21.Should I be concerned?Is this neccesary prior to a hysterectomy?
shirley l.

6 Lori { 04.18.07 at 1:39 pm }

I had a sonohystogram two days ago and I, too, have been suffering from a raging infection ever since. I think the diagnostic procedure is worse than the actual illness. I would think twice about this if you’re considering it.

Kate, how did you get rid of the infection?

7 May { 05.14.07 at 1:43 pm }

I had one of these a few months ago and all went fine. I took 400 mg of ibuprofen an hour prior to the procedure and felt some mild cramping during, and that was it. I was pretty worried about it beforehand after hearing some horror stories, but the whole thing was quite easy for me.

8 ms. whatsit { 05.27.07 at 6:22 am }

Thank you so much for writing this! I am having one next week and I am rather nervous. Your advice is good, and I will make sure to take ibuprofen and a driver to help make it easier.

9 tri_nj { 06.09.07 at 7:45 pm }

I am going for my sonohystogram on Tuesday 12 July 07. I am pretty scared about the whole thing.I did go for a biopsy which was very uncomfortable but fortunately i had no pain,some bleeding though.I was told that my sample was not enough to derive any results.How cool is that? Why is there no procedure to bring out the dye after the sonhystogram is done? Why did Tracy need to suffer this? What about the infection? Why does Kate and Lori need to go through this?

10 tri_nj { 06.12.07 at 1:13 pm }

hi friends,
I had my sonohystogram done today. It was not too bad after all. The procedure is uncomfortable but not too much painful. It took about 1/2 hr. I had some mild to moderate cramps during the procedure and i did hv some bleeding after the procedure . I am asked to take antibiotics ,a day before ,on the day and the day after the procedure. i took 3 advils 1/2 hr before the sono was done. It is not all that bad and hopefully i wont have an infection.

11 Anonymous { 09.27.07 at 4:38 pm }

my REI called this afternoon while I was at work to tell me that I have to be in tomorrow @ 8am for a sono. He didn’t tell me anything about antibiotics or to take ibupro. Should I be worried? I had a terrible experience with the tv ultrasound, they forgot I had a latex allergy and I ended up with terrible cramping a rash and difficulty breathing for 3 days. I am sooooo scared after doing some research and finding out that there’s always more to the procedure than the docs are willing to explain..am I overreacting?

12 Ashley { 12.22.07 at 6:44 am }

Hey everyone!
I had my sono done a couple days ago. Let me tell you…i am sooo afriad of doctors and after reading what i was gettin myself into i was really concerned. I took 2 advils about an hour before i went into the office and drank a lot of water as requested. thankfully it wasnt that painful but yes it was uncomfortable. i guess the worst part was the saline injection. it jus caused really bad cramping. after it was done i put on a bad and left. the whole thing took about 15-20 minutes. i started bleeding heavily the same day and still am. i guess its my long lost period…

13 shinejil { 02.07.08 at 1:33 pm }

I’m so sorry to hear about all the folks that have had pain and infection follow this procedure.

My experience was much better, and I didn’t have to take any painkillers or antibiotics. When they put the cath in, it hurt, but otherwise, it went very smoothly and they were able to discover some polyps that hadn’t appeared on my HSG (a much less pleasant procedure). Most of the saline gushed out when I sat up, which likely reduced the cramping other women had to endure.

Bring a pad with you: You will likely spot or have some of the solution emerge after the procedure.

14 sarah { 02.15.08 at 10:18 am }

I had a sono on wed.and was very nervous b/c i have had a hsg in the past that was pure misery! i had a seizure and passed out, so going into the sono i was expecting almost the same pain. But it was quick and not that bad, alittle cramoy when they inject the saline. I did not spot that day after the procedure but yest.a.m. and today a.m. i spotted alittle very light pale? so hopefully its ok? good luck to everyone, my husband and i are starting out 1stIVF cycle this month……yeah!!!!!!

15 Anonymous { 05.20.08 at 8:36 pm }

Hello all, I had a sonohystogram about a week ago and i was freaking out when they described the procedure to me. It turned out not to be so bad at all. It was basically like getting a pap and i did not feel anything the whole time. I was told that i may cramp afterwards and to take something but there was no need. I say that if you go in there and relax and breath deeply (I did alot of that) then things will move smoothly.
Also, I hear people on this post talking about infections, how do you know if you have an infection or not. I have noticed that i have been cramping latly but not sure if my cramps are just coming waaaayy late from the procedure or something.

16 Anonymous { 06.02.08 at 8:51 am }

one sign of infection is fever & another is burning…i’m not sure what else you need to look for

17 Anonymous { 06.07.08 at 8:52 pm }

I had the sono and let me tell you for a minor procedure, I have never felt so much pain afterwards. I had the worse cramping ever. I keiled over in pain while driving I went home and took two T3 with absolute no effect the pain never deminished at all. A few hours later I couldnt even walk. I was hunched over grasping my stomach. The pain was so severe I ended up in the hospital

18 SAHW { 06.25.08 at 1:07 pm }

I thought I had prepared well for this beforehand by reading all about it online, but I guess the after-effect I had is so uncommon, that I couldn’t have prepared myself for it. The procedure itself wasn’t awful – the worst part was the speculum (I hate speculums!) and the cramping at the insertion of the saline – even that wasn’t too bad. Afterward, I was told to wait in the waiting area for 15 min to make sure I was okay. During that time, but shoulders were hurting, but my husband thought it was likely b/c I was tensing up during the procedure. I dismissed it and went home. As soon as I got out of the car I realized something was really wrong. I was having sharp, shooting pain in my right shoulder and through my right side – more intense than anything I’ve felt before. I went home and tried to google what was going on, but found no link between SHG and shoulder pain. The doctor’s office said sometimes gas escapes into the body and moves upwards, causing pain until it dissipates. My mom (also a physician) thought possibly the gas bubble was pushing on a nerve in my diaphragm that is connected to my shoulder – hence the severe pain in both places. The only solution the clinic offered was to lie flat on my back until it disappeared – it was awful – I was bedridden for three days. Hot water bottles helped, but the minute I got upright, the pain would come right back. After three days, it subsided, thank God. Then, I got a UTI! The clinic insisted it had nothing to do with the procedure, but I’m inclined to think it did.

At least after all that suffering, we got the green light that everything is 100% clear and looks good in there. 🙂

19 Anonymous { 08.19.08 at 9:37 pm }

I had my sonohystogram today. I was not told anything about taking any motrin beforehand, nor was I told to take any antibiotics. I arrived, had a vaginal ultrasound then the doctor came in and inserted the balloon and catheter to inflate me the size of being 6 weeks pregnant in like 4 seconds…talk about horrible. They said that it is easier on women who have ever delivered children vaginally, which I did deliver a 21 week baby who had died 13 years ago, but no pregnancies since then. I went to work, thought I would be ok but everytime I would get up and have to sit down I would have horrible cramps. I finally was having such horrible cramps that I left work early to go home and lay down, even though the fluid they injected kept draining out of me and causing me to go to the bathroom every so often because even with a pad on I hated feeling like I was leaking. After I rested a few hours, I began to feel much better and hope that this was the worst of it and that I don’t have any linger pain after tomorrow. If so, I will call my doctor because I fear infection. But, they did swab my cervix with 3 swabs of betadine…maybe that will keep the germs out well enough. Good luck to those who are going to have it done, be on the safe side and just take that day off and go home and rest after even if you don’t feel that bad during or after, better to be safe than get to work and be miserable and have to drive yourself home in agony.

20 bri { 09.14.08 at 11:42 pm }

I agree that it must be easier on women who have given birth. I had this procedure done about two weeks ago and I’m glad I didn’t read here first! It was no different from a pap smear to me except the gush of saline afterwards. I decided not to just let it trickle and forcefully pushed to make the saline and any air that could be in there come out as quickly as possible, and it mostly worked. Luckily, because I had to get on a plane to go back across the country directly afterwards by myself and would’ve been up shit’s creek if any of these complications had occurred! I was prescribed abx but did not take them because I felt the abx were more likely to wipe out my immune system leaving me more vulnerable to infection, and I knew I could always take them in case one did develop. But that’s a personal decision.

21 Anonymous { 10.05.08 at 4:11 pm }

Had a Sonohystogram 5 days ago. I had a Leep 15 years ago and really don’t remember it being a big deal. I have a tilt which maybe made it even worse, but it was pretty bad for me. I would not consider myself “sensitive” but…after 800 mg of advil the night before and 800 mg of advil 2 hours before…It was not enough by a longshot. No mention of antibotics by my dr. During the procedure the dr had some issue with Leep scaring making it difficult somehow and Ouch! I had moderate pain the whole procedure and nothing easy about it. Glad when it was over…after a few minutes the cramping stopped but… a couple of hours later, I had huge pain and sitting was not easy – I could only lie down. I told endless amounts of advil and it didn’t help to finally it was my stomach that couldn’t take the advil but the pain remained. The next day was better but still sore. It took 3 days to feel ok, but still I have bloating after all these days. After everything I read online, I’m calling the dr. tomorrow because I still have faint pain and it is uncomfortable to sit and bloating…Has anyone else felt bloated by this procedure????

22 Anonymous { 12.04.08 at 3:14 pm }

I had been very nervous about having either a HSG or a SHG … My dr told me that the HSG is way more painful than a SHG. I went in feeling brave .. inserting the cathetar was mildly painful for me but when it came to the ultrasound bit .. that was very painful .. I was crying. After the shock of it all .. I sat and waited to get the instant results from my DR who confirmed that my tubes were blocked and now they are unblocked … but the pain ….. so severe I became nauseas and fainted. I was given an injection for the pain immediatley and it subsided .. however when I got home i was still cramping and could hardly move. Its now about10 hrs later I am just starting to feel a bit better. My advice to anyone .. be ready to have the whole day off just in cases cos everyone reacts differently. And have somone a home to help you with making a cup of tea etc .. i couldnt move .. and dont plan to drive home!!! Good luck ladies .. I hate to think of the pain of HSG if thats worse??

23 Amy B { 12.16.08 at 12:27 pm }

I had this procedure done and it wasn’t all that bad. There is about a 10 second burst of extreme pain that occurs, and then it’s not bad. I did have some minor cramping, but nothing too bad and I was able to go to work right after the procedure. Be sure to take some tylenol or advil prior to having this done.

24 Anonymous { 12.17.08 at 7:10 pm }

I have had the procedure done twice exactly a year apart. My first experience was horrible b/c I did not know what to expect. I do remember it being very uncomfortable and painful. However, the second procedure (one week ago) was painfull and uncomfortable as well b/c the doctor could not get my uterus to come down and had to use some type of instrument to grab hold of it and insert the cathera.(ouch) I think mentally it was not as bad the second time because I knew what was going to happen so deep breaths was my partner while having the procedure. There were cramps afterwards and light bleeding. Oh yeah the doctor had to use more saline than normal which increased the cramping. I did not return to work that day but went home, took so tylenol and went to bed. The next day occassional cramping and no spotting. I think my biggest issues with this test (SHG) is that its so evasive.

25 Anonymous { 01.02.09 at 4:18 pm }

Hello all! Just wanted to share my experience. I am 30 years old and I have had three sonohysterograms. They did not turn out to be horrible so I think that it just depends on the person. The first time, I took advil before I went. The next two times of having this procedure done, I didn’t take anything and did not feel anything either. The only think that I noticed is that I got a yeast infection after the last two times which is irritation.

26 Anonymous { 01.07.09 at 10:53 am }

I am having a very hard time hearing how some women endure these tests more then once. how do you do it? I received a not so lovely present from a gyno when he insisted on performing an endo biopsy and I will never, I repeat, never let anyone back in there unless it’s a surgery and I am out. Out like a light that is. Why do you allow them to do these painful tests once you realize the lies they tell us on the pain and infection rates? If we all stood up and said, that’s enough, maybe insurance wouldn’t make us go through this with only advil. Wonder if they make the men go through this stuff with nothing for pain? I bet not.

27 Anonymous { 01.13.09 at 12:44 pm }

I just wanted to share my experience with my sonohystagram yesterday. I read these posts previous to going in and it really helped to know what to expect. I took the equivalent of 2 alleve before going in and I only felt pressure, when they inserted the balloon and then the saline. It did not hurt, just a bit of pressure. I have only had mild discomfort since then, 24 hours ago, and with just advil it has kept me pretty comfortable. The only thing I have felt is like mild gas pain in my body. The doctor also put me on a strong anti-biotic in case of infection after the procedure. Had I not read these posts, I would not have had a “clue”, because my doctor told me nothing of what to expect! I hope this helps women are seeking some info. about this experience. Apparently it is truly different for each person. Keep the faith and remember to breath!

28 stacy { 01.19.09 at 11:18 pm }

I had an SHG today and I was very nervous. I took 600mg ibuprofen 45 minutes before. The ultrasound tech told me that it was easier than the HSG (great! the HSG was a piece of cake for me, virtually painless), so I was pretty relaxed when the doc came in and got started. It was excruciating from the moment she inflated the balloon all the way through until the saline started to drain out, my uterus was protesting big time. The only good thing was that as soon as the saline drained, my pain was gone. I did bleed lightly the entire day. I could probably endure it again if I had to, but I’d prefer to never do it again if at all possible.

29 Jenbabe { 01.22.09 at 9:30 am }

I’m so glad I found this. I thought maybe something was wrong with me. After getting the sono done, I never want to have another test again! I had the sono done last week and it was horrible. The doc said it was hard because I had never been pregnant. He had to use a device to bring down my cervix, and then he had trouble getting the catheter through it. That was enough to take my breath away. Once they inserted the saline, I thought I was going to die! I’m scared to death that I may eventually have to get an HSG done.

I’m also a little worried, because I’ve noticed that now it is slightly painful to have sex. I feels like my cervix is sore. Is this normal? I go in for my annual soon, so I’m bringing it up with my doc.

30 Anonymous { 02.11.09 at 7:48 pm }

Thanks to SAHW for talking about your experience with your shoulder pain. I have been having shoulder and shoulder blade paion all day since coming home fomr the test (which was crampy and irritable but tolerable) but the pain in my shoulder is intense and although it comes in waves, each time it comes back it doesn’t lessen. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to make sure there isn’t something more serious, but it’s good to know i am not the only one! Also i look forward (read sarcasm)to the yeast infection i will get shortly because i get them because of everything else, so why not this too!!!!!!

31 Anonymous { 02.17.09 at 2:31 pm }

signs they infected you with these tests:

Burning Cervix, burning painful sex, terrible abdominal pain going from mild to severe to doubled up excruciating. Fever, could be mild, could be high, could not be at all.

get thee back in to the doc with any of these sings, they most likely infected you like they infected me. Good luck getting any pain control..

never again will I let these quacks do me like that. Never.

32 Lisa { 02.20.09 at 3:09 am }

Well, I had read all these comments before I went for my saline sonogram yesterday… I took the two ibuprofen before leaving for the office. Note, that my doctor NEVER told me anything about taking painkillers beforehand, nor was I ever told the risks of the procedure….

Anyway, I would rate the cramping that I experienced at about a 6 or 7 on a scale of 10. Then, suddenly, the entire front of my abdomen felt like it was on fire! The sweat was pouring off me so badly, I soaked my shirt clean through. Soaked! The worst pain of my life! 10+++ on the scale.

Now, I have never been pregnant and I tend to have bad cramps with my periods too. I’m sure this affects the experience.

The pain subsided immediately after she removed all the crap from my body and the fluid gushed out. However, now, in the middle of the night, I have a continuing low-level burning sensation and am wondering what kind of infection has been introduced.

The whole procedure was performed under conditions that would hardly be rated as sterile. The saline itself came from a little bottle that was kept, unrefrigerated, in a drawer! The ultrasound probe was covered with a latex glove by the nurse who did not wash her hands before putting in on the probe. Gawd!

I swear–medical care for women borders on the barbaric. I can’t wait until they tell men that they need to inflate their scrotums with saline in order to diagnose testicular cancer. Or squash their precious packages between flat plastic plates and shoot them with radiation. NOT!

The older I get, the more militant I become…..

33 Anonymous { 03.03.09 at 8:54 pm }

I am having this procedure done tomorrow and after reading all the blogs am extremely scared and now worried that I will get an infection. Should there be need for concern?

34 Anonymous { 03.07.09 at 8:12 am }

I had this procedure done 2 days ago. During the procedure I experienced cramping which I was told would go away in 20 minutes to a half hour. It has been 2 days and I am still having cramping, soometimes pretty severe. I called the doc and she said she’d perscribe a pain med. However, would that just be masking the problem?

35 Stephanie { 03.12.09 at 1:26 pm }

I just had my first Saline Sonohystogram and it wasn’t bad at all. There was some cramping, but nothing horrible. Most of the saline leaked out as the procedure ended (while I was still on the table), but I did leak a little for 30 minutes afterwards. I took the advice listed here and took some Advil beforehand, I’m sure that helped dull the cramps. I’m still experiencing some cramping (5 hours later), but it’s very minor, just like after an IUI.

I’m glad I had the procedure, because they found at least three polyps.

36 Shell { 04.13.09 at 4:27 pm }

I just had a sonohystogram – I was also not given any prior advice about taking Advil or antibiotics. My doctor told me that it might be painful, that I would experience cramping and that I may have shoulder and neck pain afterwards. I have had all of the above and find that the pain is quite uncomfortable when I walk around but I am fine laying in bed. I definitely wasn’t planning on spending the day in bed! I am glad to have read the other posts and will go to work prepared with pads and advil and be on the look-out for signs of infection.

37 Anonymous { 04.18.09 at 8:35 am }

I had a SHG yesterday afternoon. I was told about the entire procedure at my prior appt, and right before the actual procedure. Everything was very sterile. The doctor even yelled at the nurse to unwrap the tools the correct way, and instead he just took over handling the tools himself. I was impressed. I wasn’t instructed to take any antibiotics or ibuprofen before. He explained everything he was doing. At first they interested the speculum, but he said it’s a larger one and it may be more informtable than a normal PAP. Then he said he was sterilizing the cervix, which took a few minutes. Then he said he was insterting the cathiter and I may experience some mild cramping, or nothing at all and that it’s different for all women. A few seconds later —EXTREME PAIN. I screamed and started crying. He seemed shocked and told me to tell him when the pain stops. It did after a few seconds. He had repositioned the cathiter. He then asked if I was okay to continue the procedure and I said yes. He then inserted the vaginal untrasound wand, and then said he was intersting the saline through the cathiter. Immediately it began pouring, but he was able to to get some good screen shots. He said the reason the saline came out so fast is that he didn’t blow up the balloon, because it would be very painful for me, and he didn’t want to do that to me. He said at that point the SHG wouldn’t be able to be 100% complete, because of all the pain I was experiencing. He actually didn’t want to continue – I thanked him because it was awful. He did ask me if it was okay to just do a comprehensive vaginal ultrasound instead, since I was tolerating the wand inside me. I did have some light bleeding after, and my belly is sore and tender today.

Good luck to everyone!

38 Anonymous { 04.27.09 at 8:23 am }

I just got back from my appointment. It was nothing! I’ve had pap smears worse than this appointment. It is unfortunate that other posters had adverse side effects, but I just wanted to say don’t stress!!
I took 600 mg of advil an hour before and had no cramping during and only minor cramping a few hours after the procedure.

39 Anonymous { 05.07.09 at 6:41 pm }

Just had mine this morning. It was done by a nurse — is it normal not to have a doctor do such an invasive procedure? She used the jumbo speculum at first, until I screamed for her to stop (it was so incredibly painful – like tearing me inside). She said she couldn’t, but the technician suggested she just use a regular speculum, which she then did, and it was a lot more tolerable (like a regular, uncomfortable procedure). There was some cramping when the saline went in, but mild in comparison to the sharp pain of the speculum. Hours later and I still have a lot of abdominal pain (not cramping, just pain). There was no mention of antibiotics. I hope there’s no infection. I would never agree to this procedure again.

40 Anonymous { 05.18.09 at 1:29 pm }

Hello there, I just had my sonohysterogram done this morning and I have to say, I wasn’t expecting for it to hurt as much as it did. It’s for a reason, that when you get pregnant the baby grows so slowly, so you don’t have to experience the pain of a sonohysterogram when your uterus goes from small to the size of a 10 week pregnant woman in about 30 seconds!
Well, I had a Endometrial Biopsy last Thursday, and it hurt less than this procedure. Anyway, I came back to work right after, and about two hours after everything was over, I started cramping like never before. I took two Advils and went to the bathroom to push whatever else I could out of me! nothing but a bit of blood came out, still really sore although the advil helped A LOT.
I wasn’t told to take or my doctor didn’t prescribed any antibiotics. Neither for the biopsy. I guess I’ll just watch for signs of infection. Hopefully this is all over soon. Good luck to the ones that are going to get it done. You’ll be fine, remember to breath like you are giving birth during the saline injection, and relax; it’s really all you can do. Wishing you the best results possible. Think of it this way, after all, it’s better to get this done and know that you are healthy, than be afraid of the procedure and end up with bigger problems later on.

Take care

41 Anonymous { 05.18.09 at 5:37 pm }

i had my 4th sono last week. None of my sono’s were bad at all,until my app. last week. My doc. put me on antibiotics the day before sono
just in case of infection. The day after my sono i woke up with terrible pain on my left side.I couldn’t even walk and was trembling with a fever.When the pain sub-sided i drove my self to my dr.’s office. He did blood work
and told me that my white blood cell count was rising,which is not good!!!Needless to say i was admitted to the hospital and put on iv for 3 days. I was told the my fallopian tube on my left side was infected.After this horrible expierence i will never have this test done again unless it is absolutly necessary.Has anyone gone through this before?

42 Sky { 06.21.09 at 2:28 pm }

I've had 2 of these. The first was fine, not too painful – just a little crampy.

The second one was a f****** nightmare! The doctor screwed up and the balloon fell out of my uterus and water was coming out of me from her pumping it in so my uterus started to contract and spasm. I started to cry. She pulled it out and said she had to start over again with a new one. Lord! So she starts again, my uterus is far less happy and I just started to cry and wince.

When she was done I sat up and she was telling me it went fine, blah, blah, blah but I heard nothing because I was still in such agony that I just wanted her to get the hell out of the room. When she left, I sat on the table and actually cried like a little girl. I felt like I'd been friggen raped – the pain was still intense. Probably ten minutes before I could stand. I was bleeding plenty with water fluid. They said it was "normal."

Holy smokes!

(Incidentally, I had an endo biopsy that was a piece of cake by comparison – though I was medicated)

43 Anonymous { 07.13.09 at 9:52 am }

I just had my first sono 6 days ago, and while I haven't had as horrible an experience as some, it definitely wasn't a walk in the park. I had some pretty bad cramping throughout the procedure and afterwards for about 24 hours. It seemed to be better when I was sitting or laying down (I curled up on the couch with ice cream and Seasons 1-3 of Supernatural). I had some medium bleeding for about 4 days afterwards as well. The part that freaked me out was the intense right shoulder/neck pain that didn't let up for 2 days. It felt better when I stretched and I slept with a heating pad on it for the first night. Luckily I haven't had a fever or any burning or extreme pain, but I am having some bad cramping right now, six days later.
My technician and doc were great, I was told about the advil/tylenol and infection possibility ahead of time, and the doc actually deflated the balloon a bit to reduce some of the cramping. When I went and saw my GP, she said it would have been worse for me because I've never had kids and my cervix was more closed than women who've given birth.
All in all…it sucked. But at least I know my tubes aren't blocked now.

44 Anonymous { 09.01.09 at 12:04 am }

My gyn just told me that I need to have this done today while I was at an appointment. Now since reading some of these post, I am very scared. I had the endo biopsy done 2 weeks ago, and my doctor thinks that I have some polyps. So she says I need to have the sono to see the polyps, then set up a D&C. Since she already knows I need a D&C and with that they scrape everything out, I don't understand why I need this extra procedure. I really hope I don't have as bad an expierence as some of you ladies…I'll just have to remember, I am doing all of this so I can have a baby. Thank you all for your advice.
-Angie

45 Anonymous { 09.05.09 at 12:45 pm }

My experience with the sonohystogram was much better than with the endometrial biopsy. This procedure was a million times faster and easier. I took a mild pain killer before I went and although I felt a pinch when they entered the cervix, it was not unbearable. I just concentrated on breathing and it was over pretty quickly. Definitely take some pain meds as a preventative measure! Glad I had this done because my dr. was able to see some uterine polyps and I finally have some useful info after years of blood testing.

46 Anonymous { 09.08.09 at 5:56 pm }

I had my SHG done 6 days ago and I am still bleeding as if I was on my period. My period ended 3 days before I went in so I am not sure why this is going on. I am making an appt. to get checked tomorrow but has anyone had this experience?

47 Anonymous { 09.16.09 at 8:49 am }

I had a sonohysterogram this morning … I was so worried and nervous about it after reading about some people's experience, but it was NOTHING. I literally almost felt nothing except a tinyyyyyy little pinch when the catethader passed through my cervix. It was over in no time and I wish I hadn't been so nervous and worked up. It was a breeze. I DID take 3 200mg ibuprofen before hand and was fine!

48 Heather { 09.16.09 at 9:54 am }

OMG. The. worst. pain. ever.

I don't want to scare anyone, but I was expecting this to be much easier than the HSG, which I only found mildly uncomfortable. It was HORRIBLE. It hurt from start to finish and by the time he was done I was shaking from the pain.

I took 4 advil an hour before the procedure, but I don't know if it made a difference. The worst of it felt like a crippling AF cramp–the kind that make you want to assume the fetal position, which of course you can't do while spread eagle with feet in stirrups.

I have a retroverted uterus, so even a regular ultrasound is painful for me. He didn't have any problems getting the catheter through my cervix (although it was pretty painful). The balloon was also painful, but the saline was where it really got bad. I felt so bad 15 minutes after it was done that I was still catching my breath in the parking lot. I would take a HSG, or hell even a cystoscopy, which I didn't think anything could touch, over this any day of the week.

It's been two hours and my uterus is still screaming at me, especially when I stand up.

49 Anonymous { 09.18.09 at 3:17 pm }

Wow I am so sorry all of you went through this. I went to the dr's to get one and agree even though this was a very nice dr. office I didn't think the prep work was too sanitary. Same thing all the cath. and clamps in a drawer. Granted they were in plastic but still didn't seem very organized. Yes they used gloves. They tried 3 different sizes of clamps and after literally having a doctor and the nurse both facing in there with large swabs tell me my cervix is too closed to do the procedure…even after they tried with some kind of medicine. Maybe my cervix is clairvoyant to all the pain you guys witnessed! I told them to stop trying after the third attempts with the clamps. I was headed in there to check for a endometrial polyp that was there two years ago and mysteriously disappeared but I am still not getting pregnant after 2 artificial insems, and two ivfs so need to check and see if that is still causing some havoc. Going to try a different dr. office. Not thrilled with this dr. group anyway! Maybe they can knock me out for the procedure…ugg.

50 Anonymous { 09.26.09 at 7:51 pm }

I just had a sonohystergram on Thurday and it felt like I was giving birth. I took 800mg of IB an hr before and took the antibiotics before and after like they told me. They gave me a pad to wear and said I may leak and bleed. Well I had it at 4:30 and was in bed by 9 in pain. It's now Sat night and I am still bleeding like full flow and I just stopped my period on Tuesday????

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