D&C Experience

RuthRose92384

Hi there- for those who have had an experience with D&C, can you give me some advice on what to expect? Mine is scheduled for tomorrow morning

MissRachel621

I'm so sorry Ruth.  The hardest part of the D&C, for me, was the emotional part.  I had to get there like 2 hours early and was put in a bed right away. They started an IV and gave me something to relax. Then they do vitals and paperwork, etc., no big deal.  My DH was with me right until they wheeled me into the OR.  In the OR, I got a bigger dose of the sedatives and feel right asleep.  The next thing I remember I was in recovery asking for ice chips. They brought DH in right after.  The nurses and my doctor were so SO sweet and gentle and understanding.  I was given some pain meds for after but barely needed them.  Then we drove home and I slept on and off for two days, partly b/c of being drowsy from meds, and partly from grief.  I barely had any bleeding after, and the D&C was almost 2 weeks ago.  The procedure itself is really no big deal, it's just your heart that hurts.  Please let me know if you have any more questions at all!

MWoodside

I'm sorry for your loss.

I found my D&C to be very physically easy.  I was terrified prior.  I was in pre-op for about 2 hours.  Everyone was kind & said they were sorry for my loss.  The actual D&C took 15 min max.  I woke & was taken to post-op where DH was waiting.  I was released about 45 min after that.

I had barely any spotting for 2 days afterward.  Heavy bleeding began day 3. 

I hope your D&C goes smoothly. 

annalisel

My experience was a bit different the first reply, but like for her, my emotions were the worst part. 

I had two appointments. First in the morning to get the cytotec put in to soften my cervix and then 3 hours later the procedure itself. I had to wait in the prep bed area for awhile. I wish I had a sedative during the waiting, but did not. Maybe you could ask for something if they don't give it to you. The procedure itself was quick. I was conscious but sedated enough that I wasn't distressed. (I suspect that because they used the cytotec, they didn't need to fully knock me out.) Afterwards they gave me a couple of disposable heat packs that were very handy for the cramping along with ibuprofen. I had soreness and bleeding/spotting for a couple of weeks, but nothing physically distressing.

Good luck tomorrow. I'm sorry for your loss. 

Atleighdan

I am so sorry for your loss. (((hugs))) to you. I, too, found the procedure to be pretty physically easy. I had begun bleeding already and the doctor was concerned with how much I was bleeding, so I had an 'emergency' D&C. My Dr appointment was at 1:30 in the afternoon, so it was not decided until then to do the procedure. Since I had eaten a light lunch (I didn't have much of an appetite since finding out about the mmc), I had to wait until 8 to do the procedure. The cramps I was having with the bleeding were MUCH worse than anything associated with the D&C. Because my D&C was so late, they gave me the option of staying the night. I wanted to sleep in my own bed (and get something good to eat!), so I opted to go home, eventhough it was almost midnight before I was discharged. Good luck tomorrow. Sending lots of prayers your way.

kygirlie113

I don't have any d&c experience, but wanted to say that I will be thinking about you tomorrow.

((hugs))

MandaJo9

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I had my second D&C this afternoon.  Both were pretty painless and I was feeling physically fine right away.  The bleeding with my first was like a very light period, panty liners were all I needed, and it lasted just under a week.  So far, the bleeding with this one has also been minimal.  I have slight cramps right now but they aren't as bad as AF cramps.  

The emotional part is the most challenging.  Sadly, I've gotten a bit desensitized to all of it.  I'd recommend you take a day or two and do something for yourself - get a manicure or pedicure, new hair cut, new outfit, etc.  Do something that will make you feel good.  I hope you have a quick recovery.

RuthRose92384

Wow- thank you everyone for your response and support. You've definitely helped me to relax and feel reassured that everything will be OK. I'm also sorry for all of your losses this is such a tough thing to go through and I'm so grateful there are communities like this to help us all get through this together.

mhubbar5

Mine was absolutely the easiest part of the whole experience. I was out before they even got me on to the table and I woke up feeling fine. I bled for two days and was back to work on the third day. I took those two days and just sit around and watch Grey's Anatomy. It was nice to have some me time after. So, like others have said, make sure to do something for yourself. You deserve it.

RuthRose92384

I got home a few hours ago and I absolutely agree, the D&C was absolutely the easiest part of this whole experience. The only problem I had was this morning after I inserted the pill to soften my cervix. I started bleeding very heavily within an hour and it did not stop. I actually broke down and started crying at one point because that was the exact reason I decided to have a D&C, so that I didn't have to go through the trauma of a natural MC. Once I got to the hospital, the waiting around was very tough but, as soon as I got the sedative, everything was smooth sailing. I remember being wheeled into the operating room and being in there for just a few moments, and the next thing I knew they were calling my name to wake up and I was being wheeled to recovery. So far, I've had some bleeding, but it's starting to slow down and I haven't had any cramping yet. I'm finally starting to feel normal again...

MissRachel621

I'm so glad that things went as well as possible for you.  One positive of a D&C is that you know that part is pretty much over.  Take it nice and easy and try to enjoy some relaxation time.