Terrified of a D&C....

mrsscook · September 2011

New to this site but seemed helpful.... I was just informed @ 8 weeks that there is only a sac and no fetus growing. This is my first pregnancy. I was told that I will have a miscarriage and my options are to do it naturally or have a d&c. Everything I have heard/read of this procedure scared the death out of me. I am hoping someone can give me some advice and reassurance about having one of these done. Emotionally, I am unable to wait for this to happen naturally. My sympathies to all of you who are in the same situation as myself and thank you for any resposes.

- Heartbroken in NJ

blindvictory · September 2011

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I miscarried at 8w6d, and was given the same options as you. I chose to miscarry naturally, because I, too, was terrified of a D&C. I had contractions all day Saturday. They were pretty painful, but a heating pad and taking it easy helped some. I could've probably taken some ibuprofen or something but some twisted little part of my brain wanted to experience the pain. On Sunday, I started passing large pieces of tissue. (Two pieces that day.) On Monday I passed another, and then passed the final one on Wednesday. The bleeding stopped completely on Thursday, and here I am Friday feeling physically pretty normal.

The downside to allowing your body to miscarry naturally is that, unless you have really good willpower not to look, you'll probably see a lot of scary stuff come out. For me, it was really heartbreaking to pass the baby, but at the same time, I wanted to be able to bury him/her instead of them being disposed of at the hospital. Keep in mind that with a D&C, you don't have to see anything.

Sorry this is so long. You really just have to do whatever you think will be best for you in the long run. I'm so sorry for your loss...we're all here if you need us.

sarahnwill · September 2011

Honestly, I strongly preferred having a D&C because there was no way in hell I was going to wait it out then go through the torture of seeing 'things'. The D&C itself was super easy, and super fast. Although I had an allergic reaction to the stuff they disinfect the vagina with (seriously sucked. If it happens to you, take 2 benadryl and that will fix it). Also, take stool softener. That sucked too. Overall, it the emotional part of a D&C or natural miscarriage that is by far the hardest. Honestly, there is no need to be terrified. Unfortunately, it happens all the time :-(

orangegoggles · September 2011

I just posted about this a couple of days ago so I copied and pasted it here for you. Sorry for your loss and good luck with your decision.

After waiting for a natural m/c I ended up needing a D&C. I wanted to share my story as I know some of you are deciding between a natural m/c, medicine, or a D&C. I go back to work on Thursday so I didn't think I could wait any longer for a natural m/c and I have heard with blighted ovums, it could take a long time.

I had to be to the hospital at 7:30 and the actual procedure was scheduled at 9. I was a little nervous as I haven't ever had surgery before. After a lot of questions, blood work, and the IV inserted my husband was able to come back into the room. He waited with me until the anesthesiologist came in and discussed that he would be giving a general anesthesia through the IV.

I got a little teary eyed when I had to leave my husband and be wheeled into the operating room. I remember talking to the nurse but then nothing else. Apparently the surgery was over in about 25 minutes but I was rolled into a waiting area where a nurse woke me up and monitored me for a half hour before wheeling into my recovery room where my husband was. I was in the recovery room for another half hour. I had to eat some crackers, drink something, and go to the bathroom before I could leave.

Overall I felt very little pain. They did give me vicodin before I left and I ended up throwing up on the ride home. My husband was surprised they gave it to me without eating anything (you can't eat after 12 the night before) so I think that is the reason why. After that I felt ok, a little cramping and some bleeding right after the surgery.

I was also prescribed some hydrocodon so I took that when I got back and that helped with the cramps and I was able to nap. When I woke up I didn't have any cramping or bleeding. Today I feel fine, just a little tired. Just wanted to share my experience.

hopefulheart211 · September 2011

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I too was very nervous and scared of my D&C but it all went as smoothly as it could go. Never had one before either, it was my first. The hardest part for me, was when I woke up in the recovery room and realized that it was all truly over. Those emotions were more difficult to handle than prepping for the actual procedure. Sending you a big hug and a lot of healing dust.

sbphotos · September 2011

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's just heartbreaking.

My D&C was as good an experience as one could have I suppose.

I was given cytotec pills to insert vaginally to soften my cervix before the procedure and some antibiotics as well. I was completely asleep during the procedure and woke up in the recovery area. I felt a little nauseous when I woke up and they immediately gave me medicine for that (I HATE throwing up, so feeling nauseous was my biggest fear). I was given ginger ale and crackers and within an hour or so I was able to pee, get changed and go home.

I had very little bleeding. Some minor cramping that evening, but just took advil like I do for AF cramps.

A couple days later I had a 20 minute episode of cramping that was pretty intense. The day after that, I passed a tiny clot (about dime size). That was pretty much the extent of my bleeding.

I ended up being very constipated in the days following. I thought that because I wasn't taking vicodin or any other "major" pain killer that I'd be ok. Not so much. I had forgotten about all the pain meds and anesthesia they pumped me with at the hospital. I was REALLY backed up and it caused terrible bloating and uncomfortable-ness. I ended up seeing my Dr. after a week (instead of 2 weeks) because I thought something was really wrong. I found out everything had gone perfectly with the d&c and in fact I was just constipated Embarrassed She did mention that my cervix had "clamped tight like a button" so I imagine this is why I had no bleeding. Even she was surprised when I said I had never even filled a pad.

I am glad I chose to do the D&C. Unfortunately, many times they need to do a d&c if you don't manage to pass everything naturally. It's always scary to go through something like this when you don't know what to expect. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide.

I would scroll through the pages upon pages of stories on this board. That's exactly what I did when I found out I needed a d&c and I was able to be pretty calm about it by the time I went after reading everyone's stories. Unfortunately, there are plenty to read.

The most important thing to remember is that everyone is different. Some people bleed, some don't, some feel pain, others nothing. All in all, the basic story is pretty much the same. For me, it was absolutely the best thing. I just wanted to be able to start moving on and since my loss was at 9 weeks with no signs of m/c happening, I didn't want to wait it out.

Good Luck. HUG

maankn36 · September 2011

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this too. I miscarried Friday. I had started bleeding and cramping, went to the ER and the doctor said I had miscarried and everything had passed by Wednesday. It was really hard emotionally and painful to do it that way. Had I known sooner I probably would have done the D&C.

gwiazdka2 · September 2011

I am so sorry for your loss, missed misscariages are cruel and emotionally draining. I couldn't bear the thought that while I was feeling perfectly well and normal, there was a dead baby inside of me.. We decided with our doctor to schedule D&E for a week after the discovery. I was scared of D&E, but the alternative was unthinkable either... All in all, on the day of D&E all went well. We went into the clinic, they took all the history etc, then took me into the surgery room. Everybody was really nice but I was a mess. Anesthesiologist came in, put in the IV, assistant surgeon came in and that is when I remember the anesthesiologist putting on me the oxygen mask, adjusting the IV and saying "It's time. This might sting a little......'. Next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Physical recovery was really quick, painless and unremarkable. I went to work the following day. I guess D&E was the best option for me, but you need to find what works for you. Hope my story helps you. I am sending thoughts and prayers your way...

Diananicole7 · September 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. I found out at 9wk6d that my baby stopped growing and scheduled a D&C because I just wanted to "move on". Physically the surgery was not painful at all. I was put under general anesthesia and woke up with just a little bit of cramping for a few days. I hope everything goes well for you. Let us know how you are doing afterwards.

mrsscook · September 2011

Thank you all for you kind words and input. I will decide what I am going to do by my next doctors appointment but from what you all have said, Im thinking a D&C might be in my near future. Thank you again for all your responses. Its so nice to see the kindness of strangers.....

RN3180 · September 2011

I am so sorry that you're going through this! Maybe my story will help. . .

I just lost my first pregnancy on Tuesday. I calculated I was at about 8 weeks and went in for US expecting to see a heartbeat. . .nothing. . .like you, just a sac. I opted for the D&C and I have to say, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

My doctor had me take 4 Advil (800mg) and 2 Vicodin about an hour before the start of the procedure in office. They numbed my cervix with anesthetic before dilation to reduce the pain. The sac was removed quickly with suction. Other than being a little freaked out by the sounds, it was okay.

I will not say that it doesn't hurt, because it does. But with some good deep breathing and a hand to squeeze, you will get through it. I think it took about a minute. My doctor told me that the D & C was more reliable than the home medication and would be less disruptive to my life.

I can tell you that three days post, I feel pretty good and dh and I are getting ready to go on a camping trip tomorrow. All I've taken at home is some Advil for inflammation, mainly after a full and active day I'm a little sore by evening. Feel free to ask more questions. . .this seems like a very supportive board.

Good luck!

mrsscook · September 2011

Thank you RN3180... IM sorry for your loss as well. I am loving the feedback from everyone on here and it is putting my mind at ease somewhat. I just hate that NO ONE can explain why this happened but apparently it seems very common. I am so scared that this will happen again but I refuse to give up having a baby in the future. Good luck to you as well

and thank you for sharing.

RN3180 · September 2011

It is very common. In fact, my doctor told me that the chances of having a "missed abortion" with just a sac is about 25% before the 12th week. In addition, she added that there was nothing that I could have done to prevent it. I'm overweight and was concerned that maybe my size had something to do with it. . .but she said these things happen and that the chances of having a "normal" pregnancy next time are excellent. So, dh and I have talked and we're going to try again around December.

Don't give up hope--you'll be okay. *hugs*

Smiley2626 · September 2011

I'm sorry for your loss. I was 9 weeks pregnant and I went for my 2nd sonogram yesterday and their was no heartbeat. I was heartbroken because just 2 weeks ago my husband and I saw a heartbeat. So yesterday I went to the hospital and had a D@C done. I think having a D@C is much better emotionally because you don't have to wait until your body expels the embryo on its own. My D@C procedure went well. I was out of the hospital after 3 hours. They put me under ansthesia and when I woke up I had some bleeding and little cramping. This morning I still have a little cramping and slight bleeding. I am very sad but I am glad I did the D@C because I can now focus on healing and not waiting for the pregnancy to miscarry. Its up to you and what you think you can handle. I wish the best for you.

Holly325 · September 2011

Sat to say, I have had 3 D&C's. They all went just fine. I had no complications with any of them. I just had my last D&C 2 days ago. I think its better to have the D&C then go through passing things at home alone.

Millis mom · September 2011

I am so sorry for your loss.

I bled for two weeks before we discovered we had miscarried. I told the doctor that I wanted a d&c so that I could go ahead and get it over with. I was sick and tired of bleeding and wondering when I would ever get finished.

My procedure was easy and painless. I was put under general anesthesia and was in and out in about 45 minutes. In recovery, the nurse gave me something to drink and they sent me out to go home and rest for the day.

T&P's sent your way.