D&C -- What to expect?

LaTi07

I had my follow up u/s this morning where we found out that I did not pass the baby. In fact, the sac didn't even budge despite the 36 hours of non-stop pain and misery. So now I'm having a D&C on Friday. If you had a D&C can you please just kind of give me an overview of what I can expect? TIA.

sammer818

I've had 3 d&cs. After the first, I had bleeding (light flow) for almost 2 weeks. After the second and third, I had zero bleeding. After the 3rd, I did have some cramping for a couple of days but that was it. I've never had any problems or complications. I was always a bit drowsy after the anesthia but I got over that in a day or two. I can't speak for the 3rd, but with the first two, they always basically acted as CD1 for me and I got my first post-loss AF within 4-5 weeks after the surgery. Overall, I don't think the procedure is all that bad. Physically, it's much easier, in my opinion, than having any type of natural miscarriage. Sorry you are going through this. *HUGS*

klbowie

It is a pretty easy procedure.  They just sedated me (instead of general) but I still don't remember anything that happened.  I went to the recovery room and then home.  I was really sleepy because of the meds and crampy.  The cramps went away after a couple days the first time.  They gradually got less.  The second time my cramps were more intense but that time they went into the muscle to get everything.  It is a faster and less painful recovery then cytotec.  Sending you positive thoughts.  So sorry.   

Rachaeleigh

I've also had 3, with minimal pain and bleeing immediately after. Pain, I'm sure, was managed with meds in the hospital. I usually bleed like a normal period about 4 to 5 days following the procedure and AF has returned about 30 days after each time. I hope it goes smoothly for you

Roxycc55

For me the actual surgery was very simple. You go in for the normal post op checks of bp, etc, and get the IV. I take anesthesia well, so remember saying a few words to the anesthesiologist, and then waking up and it being over. The worst part afterward was standing up to pee, and having a lot of blood spill out. Pain wise it hurt for a few days, but they give you medication to take for any pain. It only took about 40 minutes for the procedure.

[[[HUGS]]]

ETA: I bled heavily for a couple of days after, and then spotted for 2 more weeks. And for me personally, the awful days leading up to the D&C were definitely worse than the procedure. The hardest part is almost over.

LaTi07

Thanks sammer. My doc's office said I could expect some cramping and bleeding, but then again they also told me the misoprostol would cause some "AF like cramps" and I felt like my flucking uterus was turning inside out so I don't really buy what they say anymore. I was more concerned about the cramping afterwards, but it sounds like it won't be too bad. Thanks again for the insight. I'm just ready for this to be over already.

Smash2009

I am so sorry, LaTi. As sad as it was, the procedure itself was pretty easy, physically. I got an IV, they gave me some relaxation meds, and the next thing I knew, I was awake in recovery. I didn't experience any pain after, really, except some mild cramping. I bled for a few days, but it was like a heavy period, if I'm remembering correctly. I started my period exactly 5 weeks after.

I wanted to offer you big HUGS....we are here for you before and after! xo

jenn0021

Oh hon, I'm so sorry that this process is sucking so much for you. With my first loss, I opted to try doing it naturally. My body sucked and after a ton of pain and bleeding (4 weeks of bleeding actually) I finally ended up having a D&C.

The overall process wasn't that bad. I had to wait forever but that was my hospitals fault. You will get knocked out and they will do the procedure, it's really quite quick and then you will wake up in recovery. Honestly, the worst part for me was getting an IV. Make sure you get them to write down what pain killers you can take as they told me when I was still all loopy and I couldn't remember by the time I got home. So I just cried through the bad cramps that first night.

I would recommend a heating pad, Always Infnity pads, chocolate and some good movies. Take a few days for recovery. You may feel fine right after or you may not. I felt differently after both my D&C's so you can't really tell beforehand. And it's nice to have the time to just sit at home, even if you don't need  to.

You know how to contact me if you have more questions or if you just need to vent. I am thinking of you and sending you huge ((hugs)).

ETA: I had bleeding for approximately 2 weeks after each D&C. The bleeding got lighter and was spotting by the end of the 2 weeks but it was still there. After my first, AF came exactly 4 weeks later. The second time it took closer to 5.

dandywarhol

Blue raspberry popsicles are what I remember.  I've had 3 d&cs and a popsicle upon waking each time. I was out for all of them because I didn't want to remember a thing. Other than emotionally the procedures weren't bad. I think I had a couple days of bleeding following each procedure. I took a few days off from work two of the times just in case and to deal emotionally.

Good luck.  {{hugs}}

ravenclaw1

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. Mine was super easy, physically. We spent several hours just hanging around, getting vitals taken, talking to doctors, etc. Went up to the OR, hung out there for a bit with an IV and some meds, went to anesthesia, then woke up a bit later and it was all done. They made me eat some crackers and drink some juice, go to the bathroom, and just make sure I was ok.

Once I got home, I was totally fine. No pain, just a little sleepy. I didn't bleed until 8 days later and only had minimal cramping.

LaTi07

Thank you ladies for the quick feed back. Sounds like I can expect it to be nothing like the med from hell so that's good news.

Jenn, already on the heating pad and inifity pads routine. Both pretty much saved my sanity this weekend, although I loathe pads with every fiber of my being. Oh I was also eating a disgusting amount of Reese's peanut butter cups.

jenn0021

LaTi07:

Thank you ladies for the quick feed back. Sounds like I can expect it to be nothing like the med from hell so that's good news.

Jenn, already on the heating pad and inifity pads routine. Both pretty much saved my sanity this weekend, although I loathe pads with every fiber of my being. Oh I was also eating a disgusting amount of Reese's peanut butter cups.

Pads suck but if you have to use them, the Infinity ones are awesome. And yum to the Reese's. I wish I was there to sit on the couch with you. ((hugs))

nrcross

I think I was in a similar situation as you. I took the medicine first and was in horrible pain, but it did not work at all. I had a D&C a week later and was surprised that the worst part was getting the IV put in. I was tired and a little week for a few days but it was much easier than I was expecting. Thoughts and prayers are going out to you.

uneek1323

I don't have D&C advice but I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're still going through this. Many hugs to you.

MsAmandaPants

Ugh. I am so sorry you are going through this. MMCs are the absolute worst. I've had two very, very different D&C  experiences. My first was just sedated, but I was fully awake. The second they put me into twilight sleep. Sometimes they put you under full anesthesia.  Has your doctor shared any information on how he will be conducting the procedure? If not, it might be worth a call to the doc?

anitaflora

I'm so sorry you're going to have to go through this. I just had my first one Thu and I don't really have anything to add to what other posters have said.

For me it was much easier than my natural m/c in terms of physically but emotionally it was actually worse for me. But I think I am learning I have some anxiety issues in operating rooms.

Wishing you all the best for a quick recovery and smooth procedure. Lots of hugs your way.

LaTi07

MsAmandaPants:

Has your doctor shared any information on how he will be conducting the procedure? If not, it might be worth a call to the doc?

I'm waiting for the schedule lady to call me back. Once they have all the information finalized they are going to call me with all the details of what meds they are using, etc. They already asked me about alergies to anesthesia so I'm assuming they will knock me out, but I will find out for sure later today.

MsAmandaPants

I didn't have much pain beyond light cramping until nearly a week after, when the cramping kicked into overdrive and I was pretty miserable for one night.  My one piece of advice is don't leave without a prescription for a good painkiller. You will likely not need one, but needing one and not having it sucks. I spotted for a few days after the procedure, then after the night of bad cramping started to bleed for about a week (just like a regular period flow). Be extra kind to yourself and stock up on DVDs and chocolate and things you generally find comforting. (((hugs)))

Rachaeleigh

Bump burp

Not sure why the bump posted my response again...

BootsOrHearts

I hope it goes ok LaTi.

For me it was pretty easy because it was after 3 days of labor (on day 3 I finally gave in and got the epi) but of course the placenta didn't detach so I had to have a D&C for THAT. So after all that crap it was pretty easy. I had bleeding for about 3 days but then the dude punctured my uterus so that probably added to the bleeding.

*Hugs*

PS I prescribe wine and all the peanut butter cups you can eat afterwards to help your recovery. ;-)

jenohouston

All the PPs have given great advice.  I was out of work for 2 days.  My heating pad was my best friend!  They gave me pain pills but Advil did the trick mostly.  I watched a ton of movies, had lots of pampering from my mom and DH, soup and ice cream were key!   Lots of hugs and good luck

hungryhippo

LaTi07:

MsAmandaPants:

Has your doctor shared any information on how he will be conducting the procedure? If not, it might be worth a call to the doc?

I'm waiting for the schedule lady to call me back. Once they have all the information finalized they are going to call me with all the details of what meds they are using, etc. They already asked me about alergies to anesthesia so I'm assuming they will knock me out, but I will find out for sure later today.

If they don't automatically tell you that you will be knocked out, maybe ask just to be sure. I was awake with a drug similar to Valium. I'd recommend full anesthesia instead.

I'm sorry you have to go through this.

kr_ry

I am sorry for your loss and that this process is so drawn out for you. I also had a missed miscarriage. For me I was under full anesthesia and did not have any pain or cramping. I did bleed for a few day after with spotting on and off for abou 2 weeks. My AF returned 4 weeks after the procedure. Good luck to you. 

psychmajormom

I have had 2 d&c's my first one was scheduled but I started naturally m/c the night before, so they had to admit me and my second on wasn't planned, I had was already on hospital bedrest for a SCH but my baby's heart stopped beating so I had a d&c. The procedures both lasted roughly 30-45 mins. I remember telling the anesthesia people not to strap me down until after I was completely asleep (I have Tourette's syndrome and didnt want to go into a bad fit). I already had an IV in for both times so they just gave me like 4 different drugs and told me to count back from 1000, I didnt make it very far before I was passed out. I remember waking up in recovery crying. They made me eat soup, drink sprite, have a bowel movement and wait 6 hours before they let me go home. As for bleeding I bled pretty heavily both times but only cramped very minimal the first time, now the second time was pretty intense, loratab 10s were my best friends. My 1st surgery I took 2 days from work, big mistake. Second surgery I took a whole week from work which seemed to do better for me. I hope this helps and I will be thinking of you on Friday, I wish I could be there to comfort you! ((((huge hugs))))

JennOH85

PPs have pretty much summed up my experience, too, for the most part. I just wanted to say I'm so sorry you're going through this and that I hope things go as well as can be expected. Thinking of you and sending ((hugs)) your way. 

a&aw12707

My experience on Friday was pretty similar to everyone else's. I went into the surgical center, where they did the pre-op stuff. I went under general anesthesia, then woke up about an hour later. I've had minimal cramping and very little bleeding. Huge hugs that you are having to go through this.

Avion22

Similar story from me.  

The pre-op stuff was easy, and the nursing staff did a good job of being compassionate toward what I was going through, while trying to take my mind off of the actual procedure (you know, a million different people asking me what the last time was that I ate, if I had any allergies, or whatever).   Then they put me to sleep.  They called it heavy sedation, but I couldn't tell you the difference between that and general anesthesia.  I was asleep for the procedure and they woke me up in recovery.  I was crying when I woke up.   I ate some cracker and drank juice, then I peed and they let me go home.  

They gave me three prescriptions -- one for methargine (I think?) to control the bleeding, one for percocet for pain, and another for 800mg Motrin.    I took the methargine and percocet for 24 hours, and after that the Motrin was enough.  I had heavy bleeding for a few hours until the methargine kicked in, then just spotting.  Cramps for maybe 48 hours.    It's been almost two weeks and I think the spotting is just about done.

I hope your procedure goes well, and I'm so sorry that you are going through this. 

nbcarlson

I have not had a DnC but just wanted to give you hugs and some thoughts and prayers that everything goes as smoothly as possible and that you have a speedy recovery.