Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to our Miscarriage Code of Practice recommendations for Alan Johnson, Lord Darzi all other UK health ministers. We've compiled into a list of 10 key recommendations here.
I've been having a bit of a long-drawn out miscarriage - 8 week scan showed no heartbeat and 6 wk foetus. All seemed to be going naturally, but it's all come to a grinding halt now, and the sac is still there. I've had a cold, and so they couldn't get me in for ERPC until my chest had cleared. Which means, unfortunately, that I'm going in on Thurs, and on Sat we're booked to go to Italy! Cons and nurses think this is ok (and I do trust the hosp - they've been brilliant over other things), but I would like some reassurance. I've already got painkillers from hosp, will take lots of pads and a hot water bottle, and we are staying in an apartment. Please reassure me - I need this holiday!
When I had a ERPC at 9 weeks I had absolutely no bleeding or pain whatsoever. However I do think this is unusual. Hope it goes well for you too though.
There was very little phsical pain after mine in Oct, even on the day. It's the emotional side which I struggled with, although I'm sure you have been dealing with this for a while now. Lots of pads would be good and paracetamol might be needed. I hope you have a lovely holiday Habbibu and the change of scenery helps you, and your family, at this time.x
Thanks. I think I could cope with crampy/emotional/bit of bleeding - we're going to Bologna, and are staying in the centre, so it can be just wandering around to cafes a bit, and DH can look after LittleHab if I need to go and lie down, I guess. I think I'm more worried about the flights. Oh bloody hell. Emotionally I'm ok - know I can get through this after losing first baby, I guess, and know that hosp is wonderful. Hope you're doing ok, expat - have been thinking of you.
So sorry for you. Of course you need this holiday. Just a word of warning, not to put you off, but something I wasn't (but should have been) told. The first week I had minimal bleeding, a bit like a light period, and hardly any pain. But a week or so later, got sudden v heavy bleeding, with clots and awful pain. Rushed off to hosp (I too was away from home) and by the time I was seen it had eased off again. Doctor who saw me said it was quite normal (as long as it wasn't prolonged). If it kept on obviously that would be a problem. Don't think, from reading these boards that it is very common, but not necessarily serious if it does happen iyswim. However since your hospital has given you the all clear, I would trust their judgement as they are specialists. HTH and that you have a well deserved holiday.
Oh, fab news, expat. With littleHab we were scanned at 6 weeks, had a bleed and emergency scan at 9 weeks, and she emerged huge, beautiful and wonderful at 40+1! Pregnancy after loss can be tough, I know, but a healthy scan is such a good sign. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Morning all. Am starting to feel nervous about tomorrow; think it's just the word "surgery" and general anaesthetic that make me nervous. And LittleHab's nursery were too full to fit her in for an extra day, so she'll have to come with us. It's a private room, so won't be too bad, but she'll be bouncing off the walls, so DH will have to take her in to town for a bit, and I'll be on my own for some of the time. I guess I'm suddenly all fed up - this has been going on for weeks now, and although I'm pretty sure that I'm coming to terms with losing another baby, it just all makes me feel so weary. Any cheering up would be most welcome...
don't know much about cheering up i'm afraid but i had erpc yesterday and all went ok so just wanted to reassure you and say good luck. take a book to read if you're going to be on your own for a while to take your mind off things.
don't know much about cheering up i'm afraid but i had erpc yesterday and all went ok so just wanted to reassure you and say good luck. take a book to read if you're going to be on your own for a while to take your mind off things.
I had an erpc at 12 weeks missed mc i just remember being bit crampy. So sorry to you and to you napa i know how you must be feeling. The holiday has come just at the right time for you. You will be fine
Thanks, all. It's good to hear other people's experiences. Have spent the day packing and buying holiday things, so that's been a distraction, as has fabulous LittleHab. Thanks in particular to napa - good to see you're MNing again so soon!
I had light bleeding and mild cramping after my ERPC (at 10 wks but blighted ovum)for a few days. A week later the bleeding got a bit heavier for a couple of days and then was light again.
Good luck for your op and hope you feel ok on your trip
Hab, I had an ERPC in Jan for a 11wk mmc and apart from period cramping pains and the turmoil of emotions felt OK physically after a couple of days. I think the holiday will be a good rest and recuperation period if a little more subdued than a normal holiday for you. Make sure you take your pain killers, a hot water bottle if you have cramps and dark glasses and a book so you can have a bubble by the pool if you need to. I mc in July 07 whilst we were on a long awaited holiday to Florida and found being in a new place helped mask a lot of the emotional turmoil we were going through.
Just a thought my day surgery unit gave me antibiotics prophylactically (SP?) after my ERPC, may be an idea to ask to try and minimise risk of infection post op, not sure if they do this everywhere.
Have a lovely time and don't drink too much vino in the sun!
Scotlass - I was given antibiotics during the op because I was found to be a GBS carrier when I had DS. The consultant told me he wouldn't give them without a particular reason.
so soory for your loss. I was in the same position early last year. Had ERPC for missed mc and then went away 3 days later. the discomfort was managed the paracetamol and i made sure i took plenty of pads with me. you might not feel up to trapsing round the shops if you run out.
take care of yourself and don't expect too much of yourself phsically or emotionally.
I am so sorry for your loss - I had erpc in similar circs and went out to football next day..parcetamol /rest and hot water bottle definitely good idea - it was more like a bad period.
the emotional side of it could be hard but tbh that is going to get you whereever you are and it may be good to get away.
And definitely think some nice food, good wine and shopping will help heal you nicely...
Thanks so much for all your messages. It all went really well - Ninewells was fab as usual (we're getting quite well known there by now!) - nurses and anaesthetist just lovely, whole procedure smooth and straightforward, and I'm generally feeling very positive. The miscarriage started about a month ago, and I'd never felt that the pregnancy was right somehow, so I think I've come to terms with much of the emotional side, tbh, though you can always expect backward steps, I know.
Your support and advice has been most helpful. I'm so sorry for all of your losses, and am grateful that you took the time to help me out.