No pessary given b4 ERPC - terrified of damage

[carlitamurray32]

Hi ladies,

I've just had an ERPC and I won't go into detail but the hospital have been utter crap so after the surgery I was googling notes on recovery. I found loads of pamphlets from other NHS trust and they all say that you are to be given a pessary before the procedure to soften and open the cervix. I haven't had this and I'm terrified that they'll have damage it.

The miscarriage association website says it's done to try and minimise damage. And now I've read loads of things online saying the procedure can cause a weakened cervix causing pre-terms birth if the cervix is forcibly opened.

I'm literally laid in the hospital bedding sobbing, I am so frightened now I'm IVF so it's even a struggle to get pregnant now I feel that my chances of ever being able to carrying a baby to term have been dashed.

[rider1975]

Hi Carlita - I don't have the answer to your question but can confirm that I had the pesseries before my ERPC in October 2014. I don't know if the procedure has changed since then.
It's horrible being in the situation of being alone and vulnerable in hospital - I clearly remember my experience. However, whilst you are there you have rights to see a doctor and have your questions answered. It's your body and you have the right to clarification - there might be a good explanation from the hospital which will put your mind at ease. I would demand answers now and not leave it until you are discharged.
You've obviously put everything into this and are in distress and I feel for you and I hope you have the strength to ask what you have the right to know xxx

[movingforwardagain]

Hi love, I wasn't given any pessaries. No damage here.

[Waitingformiracles]

Sorry you are going through this.

I wasn't given any pessaries either although I was given misoprostol to take orally before hand. I would do as rider1975 says and ask before you leave hospital to put your mind at ease.

[ChewyGiraffe]

I'm sorry - a loss is bad enough without additional worry .

As pp said, hope you manage to discuss any implications from your ERPC before you leave hospital? If you've already been discharged without discussing it, perhaps ring up and ask for a follow up appointment?

I must admit, I thought that whether or not you needed pessaries to open/soften the cervix might depend on what the gestation of the pregnancy was prior to the miscarriage? And if it was a missed miscarriage, the pregnancy might be much smaller than the dates would otherwise suggest.

Lets hope you'll be fine - just like movingforwardagain says.

I honestly can't imagine for a moment that it would apply to you, but for anyone who did have cervical damage, there's lots that can be done in a future pregnancy: cervical U/S scans to monitor cervical length, cervical cerclage (a stitch) etc - doesn't mean it stops a person carrying to term.

[Swearwolf]

I didn't have pessaries either when I had an erpc in March 2015, and have since had another baby with no issues. I assumed they dilated you once you're in theatre.

One thing I did experience after my erpc was a lot of anxiety, my hormones were all over the place. Could you give the gynae ward a ring to ask them and put your mind at rest?

Sorry you're having such a crap time

[FindingNormal]

I didn't have a less art for mine in May 2014 and I am holding my daughter born May 2015 in my arms as I type this. I'm so sorry about your baby. Hugs X