ERPC/ MVA

[CaptainHoratioWragge]

Just got my third MMC diagnosis today, 11+1 weeks, showing 7 weeks and no heartbeat.

I've had an ERPC before, but have been offered this or an alternative called Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) which sound like an ERPC under local (i'm symplifiying, obviously)

Has anyone had an MVA? Would you recomend it over an ERPC? Not recommend?

Any experience greatly appreciated. Thanks

[CaptainHoratioWragge]

bump!

[BlackberryandNettle]

Hi, I have just had what I think is the same thing done yesterday. My hospital called it a 'local erpc' but the technique is different from the erpc under general - they apply negative pressure/vacuum using a hand held syringe rather than suction tube/machine. It is meant to be more gentle and also better controlled. Also, they do it looking at the scan so they should be able to make sure they take it all.

I will say that psychologically having this done under local anaestheitc was harder for me (I had erpc under general 2 weeks ago but needed it repeated so yesterday had another under local). It took all my courage to see it through and it was physically painful but not too bad. For me the op took 25 mins but this is unusual and the surgeon said it is normally very quick and easy. Worse bit was the dilator insert in the morning but this only takes a second. It was good to have the reassurance of knowing what was happening. Good luck with whichever option you choose.

[CaptainHoratioWragge]

thanks for replying, I hope you are feeling better after yesterday.

I was also worried about the psychological effects of having it done

In the end the decision was taken out of my hands because the consultant decided they didn't think they could do it effectively under local after all, so erpc under general tomorrow.

Thanks x

[BlackberryandNettle]

I hope today has gone well for you, once it's over you can move forwards and recover. I'm feeling okay today thanks, going back to work tomorrow :-)

[CaptainHoratioWragge]

It went ok, thanks. I'm now back at home having a rest

I'm glad you are feeling better, I'm missing work tomorrow as it was going to be a long trip for a meeting, going in on monday

(post op bit really bad this am, no food, water or painkillers so i decided i'd be better off at home and asked the nurse to take the iv out of my arm so i could go. 'Oh, have you got young children at home you've got to get back for?' 'No, i've just had an erpc for my third MC this year, but thanks for asking that' Grrrr.

[LeoLemur]

This thread is still coming up in searches - at least it did for me - so I thought you'd appreciate hearing my 2016 experiences. I'm unfortunate enough to have had my 3rd consecutive mmc this year, making me an official member of the recurrent miscarriage club. Disappointing. Anyway getting to the point, I've tried all the options my hospital offers- first EPRC under general, then medical mgmt, then MVA under local. Based on my experience, my order of preference is (surprisingly to me) MVA, EPRC then MM. I was very nervous about MVA and nearly pulled out but it really wasn't half as bad as I expected and a really quick recovery. It did take me a bit to relax, they gave me gas and air, which was really helpful, and honestly it was more uncomfortable than painful once I relaxed. Lasted about 20 mins - that's how far I got into a programme i downloaded on my phone to distract myself! (Definitely recommend taking something in to semi-focus on). I've also hardly bled since (compared to 40 days on MM - hence it's low rating). I know not all hospitals offer MVA and of course it has to be a very personal choice, but I hope this is helpful.

[Nednoodle]

Thanks so much for posting this. I am having to make the difficult decision of how to manage my MMC. I went for a viability scan today which was supposed to be for reassurance as I had had an emergency scan on Friday due to a huge bleed on Wed (due to a subchorionic hematoma). Amazingly on Friday they picked up a heartbeat but today it was gone. I would have been 7 weeks and 1 day. 😩 Feeling devastated obviously. I am 43 so feel like time is running out. This is my second miscarriage in 7 months. The first being prolonged torture -weeks of scans as initially it was too early to tell if it was a MMC, then a molar pregnancy scare and nearly 2 months waiting for results. Then they discovered that there was still some retained placenta so further surgery - hysteroscopy. So all in all last time I lost nearly 6 months (and all the while the clock is ticking). I had such hope this time but sadly it wasn't to be. I am just grateful this time that it will be quick. I am sorry for the verbal diahorrea, I just wanted to thank you for the patient's POV as I need to make a decision. I think this time I will opt for MVA (last time I didn't have the option and had to have a ERPC under a general).