Methotrexate vs. D&C - please come in

sarahtoledo · April 2012

I haven't been around much lately, it's been a really hard time. But I have to decide between a D&C and MTX for a possible ectopic (beta at 1600 last night, rising but not appropriately and a tiny uterine sac seen today at u/s) and I wanted to ask for your experiences.

As far as I can tell, the D&C has a quicker recovery and that offers quicker closure for me, but it has the anesthesia risk and a risk of causing uterine scarring. I've read you can TTC sooner after the D&C.

The MTX seems safer but more painful and drawn out, and you have a longer wait to TTC afterward.

Right now I'm not too keen on ever TTC again and I want this over with so I can move on. Of course, I may change my mind later. TIA

AngnShaun · April 2012

ive had both. I would do the D&C without a doubt if i had the option to chose between the two.

BzeetyD · April 2012

No advice just wanted to say I'm sorry.

delino · April 2012

With my last pregnancy they weren't sure if it was ectopic or not. They offered me the choice of a D&C or MTX. I went with the MTX because I knew that I could very well need the MTX after having a D&C itf it was ectopic. But I aslo have a history of ectopics, so it was more likely to be this.

AmCheri · April 2012

I just sent you a long-winded email

schlud01 · April 2012

First off, I am so sorry that you are even in the position to have to chose either. I had a missed miscarriage and was also sort of given the option in the beginning when they assumed it was non viable. I chose a d&c for two reasons. 1st being that the recovery is much faster, you can try again sooner, and because if offers closure as you stated. 2nd because I was in denial. I was so emotional and heartbroken that I knew I just couldnt do the shot and just wait it out. I needed something done right then and needed to learn to move on.

I am soo soo sorry. My heart goes out to you

MandaS08 · April 2012

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I have had methotrexate twice. Both losses were early and nothing could be seen on the ultrasound, so they could have been eptopic, but we weren't sure.

I never had any major side effects from the methotrexate, and I wanted to go with the least invasive and simplist procedure. Both times (the second I have to have two doses of the methotrexate) I started bleeding close to a week after and my levels fell relatively quickly after that.

good luck-hugs!

winofairy · April 2012

I chose the D&C based on some of the horror stories I've seen regarding missed m/c's. I am so sorry you have to make this decision. The whole process is heartbreaking! T&P's your way!

LaLe09 · April 2012

So sorry you are having to deal with this. There are so many differences in opinion and in experiences on methotrexate vs. D&C.

For my first m/c, we did methotrexate since we could not see anything in the uterus. I replied on IFV about my experience, but basically I miscarried the day I got the shot and then bled for about a week. The only other side effects I had from methotrexate was that I was very tired on the first day and just felt "off" for about a week.

For my second m/c, I had a blighted ovum (sac, but no embryo). I chose D&C b/c I wanted to do chromosome testing. (Unfortunately, the sample was insufficient and I got no answers on that.) Also, I fell into the smaller percentage of people who had scar tissue which I had removed by operative hysteroscopy earlier this year. So personally, I did not have as good of experience with the D&C, but I do understand why that would be a favorable choice.

Not sure if any of this helps, just my own experiences. Good luck making your decision.

rosemary&thyme · April 2012

Oh ST, I hate that you're in this position once again

I've had 2 missed m/c (and one cp) and had a D&C for both of them. I've heard horror stories of meth being really painful and/or not working and having to go in for a D&C anyway. I wanted to get it over and done with quickly. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))

Jezebell26 · April 2012

Im so sorry! I have chosen a d+c both times and would recommend that. It was easier for me to move on and because of my job (teacher) i couldnt really wait around for it to happen and did not want to be at work for that! GL and giant hugs!

BabytoV · April 2012

I have done both. Have you had a D&C before? My doctor said that he doesn't like to reccomend them normally because the more times your have your cervix dialated the greater chance you may have an incompetent cervix when the time comes for you to hold a baby.

I believe I was quiet lucky with the Methotrexate though because I had one night of cramping and bleeding and then my flow became more just like a regular period. Everyone's body is a bit different and the Methotrexate would be my suggestion. My beta numbers were around 1400 when I did the Methotrexate and when I had my D&Cs my betas were near 50,000 (and dropping).

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Lauren

inlovewithB · April 2012

I am so sorry you are going through this. I had a D&C and think I would do it again after talking to several women who did not have a D&C and had to endure the physical pain of mc. Again I am so very sorry for your loss!

Ironmom2be · April 2012

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I've had 3 d&c's they are fairly easy to recover from. That was what I needed to have closure and move on. I never had any problems with them. GL with your decision...I'm so sorry.