How long were you out from work after a D&C?

klbowie

I may have to do a D&C this week.  I am still waiting to hear from the doctor but I'm pretty sure they will say it is needed.  I was wondering how long I should expect to be out of work?  I already took a week off for the initial start (and I thought end of the miscarriage).  I would just like a heads up.  Hopefully my boss will continue to be awesome and let me work a little from home.

klbowie

Oh and if any one can tell me what to expect for the D&C that would be awesome too!

Laurakat81

I've had two D&Cs and they really weren't a big deal looking back. I was terrified before my first one simply because I'd never been put under before (other than when I was too young to remember). But it really was a smooth process. Both times they gave me some meds through the IV to relax me before the surgery so I was pretty calm before hand.

After surgery there was no pain. But I hate the feeling of waking up after anesthesia. Its a really groggy, almost out of body feeling. The room is usually freezing and while the nurses were really  nice the first time and gave me warm blankets, I remember the second time no one seemed to notice so I had to ask! So don't be afraid to speak up and ask for a blanket! 

They probably won't release you until you prove you can pee...at least that is what they wanted from me. So I had to walk to the bathroom with a nurse and pee. I mean she didn't stay in there and watch me but apparently they just want to make sure your kidneys are functioning after the anesthesia. I remember feeling extremely weak and walking was a chore...not painful though..just exhausting.

I came home and slept the entire day after my first one. The second one I came home and laid in bed all day but wasn't really able to sleep. I had no cramps the first time and I had light bleeding for about 10 days. The second time I had mild cramps for about 2 days (I never even needed an advil) and bled for about a week. It was still light but heavier than the first time.

I honestly felt 99% normal the following day and could have gone right back to work if I had to. I think I took 3 days off the first time and the second time was on a Friday so I don't think I took off more than 1 day. BUT if you're able to take off as much time as you want to. Some people find it better to stay busy but some want to take the time to begin working through the grieving process.

((hugs))

 

klbowie

Thank you so much for comment.  I had knee surgery in October so I think I will be less anxious this time since I have a better idea of what to expect for the general surgery proccedures.  I will probably just take two days off. The surgery day and day after just to be safe.  I am sorry you had to go through it twice.  

nkemp

I m/c last Mon. at 12 weeks (my 2nd mc) and had a D&C on Wed. and returned to work today.  I took a week off in total but 2 days after the D&C but I also had the weekend.  I felt fine physically after 24 hours but honestly I think emotionally I'm still not ready to be back at work.  I'm so sorry that you are going through this.  I'm just wondering around in a fog and I'm still in shock and disbelief.  I should still be pregnant.

 

MMAdvisor

I had my D&C last Friday evening, so luckily I was already off Saturday and Sunday.  I returned to work on Monday, but was slightly uncomfortable sitting in my chair all day, and probably should've stayed home.  So, 3 days?  I definitely would take at least 2 days to just lay on the couch.

The pain actually wasn't too bad and I'm a huge wuss.  As long as I was laying still and taking my Ibuprofen 800s, I was fine.  I've had PMS cramps there were much worse.

GL

BravoBravo

I have had 3 d&c's over the last month.  The only "pain" I had was from the antibacterial soap they used the clean the area and use for the straight-cath.  I took about three trips to the bathroom before it was all flushed out.  I had pretty much zero cramping and minimal bleeding.  I felt fine physically the later in the day/the next day depending on the time of surgery.  I do not get the anti-nausea medication with the anesthesia as that makes me sick.  So when I wake up I feel ready to go, you know.

MWoodside

The D&C was really easy from a physical standpoint.  So quick (15 min procedure) with about 2 hours in pre-op & 40ish min in post-op.  Not a painful recovery, just had to take it easy 2 days or so.  Emotionally, well that's a different story- for me anyway.

I found out the baby died on a Wed, D&C was the followinig Mon & I took the rest of that week off.  I work M/W/Th/F so it was 7 days total off work.  I went back the following Monday.

I'm sorry for your loss.

carrie7180

I had a D&C on the 13th- Friday. I returned to work on Wednesday. The Dr asked me what day I wanted to go back for his note to my employer and I randomly chose Wednesday. Luckily, my job is amazing and I learned in their bereavement policy, I could use 3 days for a miscarriage. That I thought was wonderful because I didn't have to stress about using sick or vacation time that I may or may not have had.

The procedure itself was physically painless. I cried hysterically as I walked into the room and I woke up in recovery crying hysterically. It made me wonder if I ever stopped while I was under anesthesia. When I woke up, the nurse gave me a vicodin to help me calm down and relax.

The next four days I was a zombie- but that was due to the emotional pain.

I had minimal cramps and very minimal bleeding. I didn't need a pad after I left the hospital, and even at the hospital I barely needed it. The cramps I did have were higher in my abdomen.

I purchased a heating pad which also helped. I would recommend having one available to you. Along with  a comfy blanket and some mindless TV.

I am sorry you are going through this and that all of the other women on this board have had to go through this experience. My condolences to all of you. 

Mmm79

I am so sorry for your loss.  

I had my D&C in December on a Monday.  I was out of work that day, but worked from home the next day.  My boss was great about it and honestly, I needed something to occupy my mind the next day rather than sitting around the house with nothing to think about but my loss.  I returned to work on Wednesday.

My d&c experience was very good.  I didn't have much bleeding after the procedure and by the fourth day I was just using a liner.  What I think was best about it was how quickly it dropped my hormone levels, which helped me with feeling like a weepy mess all the time.  Post-d&c I was able to move forward through the stages of grief and emotionally heal, too.