New & terrified of D&C (long)

MMAdvisor

First, I'm sad that we are all here, but hope I can join the board.  I'm not sure where to start.  I was diagnosed with a blighted ovum at my second ultrasound on Friday.  It was quite a shock since I had many pregnancy symptoms.  Well, actually, I guess my body is pregnant even though there is no baby.

The doctor gave me the option of miscarrying naturally, or having a D/C.  At first, I thought I'd go the natural.  But after reading so many horror stories online, I don't think I can do it.  I should say that I pass out extremely easily when I'm sick (vaso vagal) or see lots of blood.  In fact, I got myself so worked about the idea of it all that I blacked out getting out of the shower today.  Thank God H was there to help me to the bed.

So given all this, I think I need to go with a D/C.  I can't risk passing out in the bathroom of Wal-mart or work or who knows where.  However, the idea of having a D&C is also terrifying.  The only surgery I have ever had is wisdom teeth removal, and I wasn't completely "under" for that procedure.  I've never been in the hospital for anything.  So the fear of the unknown (and the thought of what is happening) is giving me major anxiety attacks.

I know this probably sounds pathetic since millions of women have been able to get through this.  I am just a wreck right now emotionally and the fear of this is not helping.  Any words of wisdom or comfort? Advice?  Thanks for listening.

janastep73

I had a d&c about 2 weeks ago, and I have had 2 prior surgeries, wisdom teeth removal and gall bladder removal.  The anxiety and nerves I experienced waiting at the hospital for the d&c to start (I had to get there 2 hours before my procedure was scheduled to start) to me was worse than the actual procedure itself. I was put under shortly after getting into the operating room and I have no recollection of anything that happened.  I woke up in the recovery room a bit sore but nothing too bad.  I cramped for a few days and had some bleeding (not as bad as a period), and am still going through a bit of bleeding now.  I know everyone is different but that's what I experienced. 

For me my doctor suggested the d&c over miscarrying naturally.  I was 10 weeks along and he said that at that gestational age things can get pretty painful and that I would probably end up in the ER, but it was ultimately my decision.  I honestly wanted to get it over with--I had a missed miscarriage so it may have been weeks before anything would have started to happen.

I am so sorry for your loss--of course you can be a part of our group.    I hope you don't have to stay long! 

Rachaeleigh

So sorry for your loss, I know it's scary. Ultimately, as everyone said, you have to decide. I've had 1 natural miscarriage and 2 d&c. I chose mt most recent d&c on Thursday bc I'm in grad school, I work, and I also emotionally did not want to wait for it to happen. The natural 1 was when I was much younger and I wasn't given any info but it was scary and painful. Honestly, I'm shocked at how easy recovery has been this time (physically of course). I have had barely any bleeding and no cramping since first waking up from procedure, which was taken away by pain meds quickly in hospital. I'm all for all natural stuff, but like I said, didn't want to wait it out. Although emotional for us, the procedure is fairly routine. of course the dr tell you about risks but then my dr followed up with, "now let's get this done and get you fat and pregnant soon!" I hope you make peace w your decision

jayhawk25

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I can't give any advice about choosing natural over a D&C, as I had a missed miscarriage at 13 weeks and was advised by my doc to have the d&c.  Like you though, I was scared at the thought of going completely under anesthesia.  I've had 2 prior surgeries that went fine, but the thought of being completely under makes me uncomfortable.

My OB was very understanding and reassuring, and said I had the choice to have a para cervical block instead of general anes.  I was going to go that route, but changd my mind once I got to the hospital.  I decided it would be to emotionally difficult to be aware of any part of the procedure, so I chose to go completely under.  The procedure itself was simple, and I was glad to wake up in the recovery room with no recollection of it.  Like a pp said, the worst part was the anticipation and time in the hospital pre-op.

Good luck with your decision and I hope you are reassured no matter which route you decide to go.  I kept reminding myself that while this was a traumatic and life-changing experience for me, that the actual d&c was a very safe and routine procedure that unfortunately lots of women have and come through just fine.

kat530_528

I had a D&C and I didn't have any complications.  The only discomfort I had was a couple of days later when my intestines were "waking up" (as the Dr. told me).  This produces a lot of gas pains but it is not something everyone experiences.  You might be able to get something prior to surgery to prevent this.  Keep in mind that with any surgery you need to give yourself time to recover and heal so you might not be back on your feet right after but give yourself a few days to deal with it all.  Good luck and I hope all goes well for you.

geminiways

i know exactly how you feel...i have a d&c scheduled for tuesday. i've had one natural and this will be my first (and hopefully last!) d&c. i've never even had my wisdom teeth out so i was freaked about the anesthesia, then my dr said he would be using propofol, which is what michael jackson was taking when he died!! which i then decided was hilarious...

i've found i'm also worried about sitting around for 2 hours in the hospital before the procedure but in the end, i think it's the best and gives you closure faster than waiting for it to happen naturally...i've been in limbo for 3 weeks! good luck to you...

MMAdvisor

Thank you everyone for the responses.  It's nice to know I'm not alone.

@Gemini- I haven't scheduled yet, but I'm hoping for Tuesday too just to get it over with.  I will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

PPL2011

I've had both and a natural miscarriage and a D&C. The D&C was less painful and less traumatic. My ob/gyn is awesome and took me right away.

Sorry for you loss.

MWoodside

I'm sorry for your loss.

I can honestly say my D&C was a very quick, easy procedure & recovery.  I, like you, was terrified & had only been put under for wisdom teeth surgery.  The D&C was fast, 15 min from start to finish.  I was in pre-op for just under 2 hours & post op for 45 min then we were headed home.

I stayed mostly in bed for that day & the next day.  That wasn't really physically necessary, but my heart was broken & it just felt better to lay there & sleep.

 

Sarahkoch1587

I am having my D&C tomorrow morning. I'm so very scared too. I've never been to the hospital for anything other than blood work. I'm not sure what to expect and I am very nervous, but I feel like at least tomorrow I will get closure and can start living again. I really feel for you because there is no easy choice here. I just know we would like to try again so waiting for a natural m/c only prolongs this endeavor and I just want to move on! Hugs and prayers to you!