[snsgirl336]

I know the process of the HSG (Speculum, catheter, dye etc), but I'm not sure about what happens before and afterwards. Well I probably know (from reading all your experiences) but have forgotten

I know my Dr said to take some pain meds before just to make sure I'm comfortable (I'll check his handy-dandy notes from our consult on how much)

What else should I know that they might not tell me?
What should I wear?
Should I bring pads for after?
Can I see what they're doing (I actually want to see it)?
Do I have to lay low afterward, and how long?
Do I have to refrain from BDing for a certain amount of time before or after?

Stuff like that would be really helpful for me! I love to be prepared. Give up the goods ladies! I wanna know! Everyone's info is welcome- good or bad experiences! Thanks!

[~*Jackie*~]

I'll try to help out- but these are only my opinions.. first, I promise that it is QUICK and EASY and you will be done within 10-15 minutes from the time you are taken back.

What else should I know that they might not tell me?
What should I wear? It doesn't matter- I only had to take off from the waste down.
Should I bring pads for after? I'd take one with you- they will probably provide one of those huge hospital ones, but I'm always more comfy in my own! You'll probably have some dye come out or spotting- I spotted for a day or so afterwards.
Can I see what they're doing (I actually want to see it)? I wanted to see it too- but the monitors were up above my head- so they were facing my doctors down there. I got to see pictures they took afterwards, but I didn't get to see it in action.
Do I have to lay low afterward, and how long? I laid for maybe 5 minutes afterward, but that was only because I got a bit woozy and didn't want to sit up really quickly.
Do I have to refrain from BDing for a certain amount of time before or after? Nope- it's just like a pap, I can't stress that enough.

Beforehand, my nurse sat down with me and went through the risks, and then the doctor that performed the HSG came in and did the same and had little diagrams on paper and went through the whole thing with me. Afterwards, they waited til I wasn't as woozy (no idea why, but my head does weird things) and then I could leave. I had light cramping (just like regular AF cramps) for a little while afterwards, but that's it!! It's a breeze, I promise. My biggest issue was with the darn speculum!!

[SavaAngel]

It is really quick. I was pulled back for prior history (births, miscarriages, why you are there, etc) and then I had to wait a little longer in the waiting room cause they were waiting on the pregnancy test results. Once I was back there for the procedure it was very quick.

What else should I know that they might not tell me? Do you know lamaze? JK - my nurse just kept telling me to take deep breaths if I was in any pain. I had to "help" the dye by leaning on my sides.
What should I wear? I would say comfy clothes if you can. I came home and didn't move except to change AJ's diaper and make lunch for him for a good 2-4 hours. I was still sore from the cramping later that day.
Should I bring pads for after? I didn't - no one told me to. They gave me a hospital one and I had very minimal spotting and leakage. They gave me a towel to put between my legs for the trip to the bathroom and then told me to sit on the toilet a few minutes so any dye can come out. Then I washed up with a washcloth the nurse gave me.
Can I see what they're doing (I actually want to see it)? Like Jackie said - the monitors are high up. They said they would try to make it so I could see it but I couldn't really. They showed me after wards.
Do I have to lay low afterward, and how long? Depends, some have no problems. Like I said earlier I didn't move from laying on the couch for a few hours. I was having some major duty cramping (worse than my AF cramps). So bad that I almost pulled over on the way home (I drove myself so DH could stay home and watch AJ). I would put it up there with labor pains.
Do I have to refrain from BDing for a certain amount of time before or after? I couldn't BD for a few days before I think. I agree it is like a pap!

[MommaLee]

My procedure, waiting and all took about 45 minutes. Of course, I pre-registered and the lady did not complete my file AND I found out that even though I had an appointment time, that didn't matter, they took whoever was registered first....and then went down the line from there.

What else should I know that they might not tell me? I would bring everything just in case your stuff gets lost or someone failed to do the paperwork, like in my case. Maybe get there alittle earlier if possible....so you can get at the front of the line.

What should I wear? I just went in my work clothes...it really doesn't matter but I would agree something comfy and not your street hooker clothes!!!

Should I bring pads for after? I didn't but I don't wear pads either....I had a gush of fluid come out of me about an hour later...but it was clear and didn't ruin my light colored work pants! A pantiliner wouldn't be a bad idea. Also, my hospital did not offer a pad to me at all....but I wouldn't have taken it either. The nurse did give me lots of towels to wipe myself down after the procedure and the radiologist told me to go home and shower and the dye should run out as I'm showering.

Can I see what they're doing (I actually want to see it)? At my visit, I got to see everything. They had the monitors at eye level and were on a moveable platform, so they turned them towards me so that I could watch and the radiologist was pointing out the dye as it followed the path, my ovaries, uterus, etc. It was such a relief to know right there everything was normal...uterus and open tubes.

Do I have to lay low afterward, and how long? I only had cramps when they put the dye in. I was fine afterwards...if I hadn't been there myself to experience it, I may not have known it happened.

Do I have to refrain from BDing for a certain amount of time before or after? As long as you are feeling up to it, shouldn't be a problem!

Best of luck!!!

[Ash]

I don't have anything to add....I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK!!

[~* Liss *~]

Good luck Cris!!

[yarngirl]

Hi Cris, I'm sorry you have to have an hsg, but I found it a lot less miserable that some people. I took two extra strength rapid release tylenols about 45 minutes before the procedure. Because I get super nervous about things like this, I also took a valium a half hour before. I felt mild cramping during it, it seemed awful for five seconds, but in retrospect it really wasn't that bad.
After, I did wear a pad -- I think they gave me one. I had some weird spotting, not blood, but like brown cm. I felt fine after, except for being floopy from the valium.

Best of luck! The test is so quick and I hope all your results are great!

[snsgirl336]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate your taking the time to write all that stuff out for me! I feel pretty prepared for it now!

They did call me yesterday to change the time, it's now at 11am and it might change again being as my Dr's schedule is a crazy next week, so hopefully Monday I'll have a concrete time, otherwise I'll be camping out at the hospital! Thanks again guys!

[downunderchick]

sending you lots of luck Cris!! ill be thinking of you
XXX