AIBU to think a D&C without anaesthesia would be very painful?

[Picklebump]

After having my 12 week scan I was informed that my baby has no heartbeat (no bleeding or other signs of anything wrong). I have now been told that procedures have changed because of Covid19 and the D&C ops are being performed without a general anaesthetic. Has anyone experienced this before? I'm a little concerned.

[user1471462428]

They sedated me in A&E whilst performing a emergency D&C it was painful but over quickly. I’m sorry for loss.

[mineofuselessinformation]

Are you sure there's no anaesthesia at all? I would think they would use a local anaesthetic instead.

[ForeverBubblegum]

No general anesthetic doesn't mean no anesthetic at all. Ask what they intend to use, I would guess a local anesthetic for pain, possibly combined with a sedative.

I'm sorry for your loss, and hope the procedure goes as well as it can.

[ILikeyourHairyHands]

I had an emergency D&C without any anaesthesia (not even local), it was uncomfortable but I wouldn't say it was painful. It felt very strange to have someone rummaging around inside you.

It won't be pleasant but you'll be ok OP, try using some relaxation techniques, and stay as calm and relaxed as possible. Good luck.

[CarterBeatsTheDevil]

I have just had a miscarriage, OP, and it sucks . I am really sorry. I have had two (and a baby born in between). I wanted a D&C but the first happened before I could have it and the second was medically managed due to Covid (they said it would be a local anaesthetic and that I could have one but they advised against due to Covid infection risk).

I would really think about having MM instead - they will give you codeine to take if it is painful and both of mine were very manageable with painkillers. As I say it was not what I wanted but actually in retrospect I am glad. You must do what you feel comfortable with but I just wanted share my experience as someone who really wanted surgery and couldn't have it.

[CarterBeatsTheDevil]

Sorry, it does obviously depend how far along the baby was. Mine were 6 and 8 weeks, both discovered at 11 weeks. The 8 week miscarriage was more intense and painful than the 6 week one.

[Picklebump]

Thanks, I really appreciate your replies. I knew you would all be able to help me.
Sounds like it isn't too bad, just uncomfortable which is fine, I can cope anything from uncomfortable to moderately painful if it's over with quite quickly.

I ruled out medical management because I had a miscarriage last November, took the first dose of misoprostol and within 3 hours was rushed into hospital hemorrhaging then had to go to theatre, have a general anaesthetic, D&C and blood transfusions. Needless to say I wouldn't take it again and have no memory of that particular D&C at all.
When I enquired about the no anaesthesia D&C I was told that it isn't usually done this way due to patient comfort, which obviously made me think it must bloody hurt. Also told I could take painkillers but wouldn't have a local anesthetic. I don't think I want to hang about waiting for it to happen naturally, I feel anxious at that thought although I know it's possible that it could happen at any time.

[Iris27]

Did they say they'd give you sedation instead or not?

I was given sedation instead of GA for my recent miscarriage, to me it was the same thing - knocked out completely.

[Iris27]

It seems very cruel to not offer you anything when other hospitals are

[Ranoutofgoodnames]

Will you get sedation? I know you say no anaesthetic but does that cover sedation? If you can have sedation then you won’t remember it even if it is painful - I have had that

Otherwise it will be quick and over and I am so so sorry You have to go through this - be strong and have hope for the future xx

[allotmentgardener]

So sorry for your loss I too am currently miscarriaging after we found out at the scan there was no heart beat. Devestating. I opted for medical management but it took 2 doses. The pain was bearable and I rather hope it is coming to the end. I hope you are able to get a definitive answer from your hcp. Best wishes to you.

[MrBennsshop]

Think I'd push for a spinal if they won't give you a GA. Am so sorry you're going through this, I don't think you should have to suffer the discomfort/pain on top of the distress you must be going though.

[CarterBeatsTheDevil]

I can see why you wouldn't do MM again

Can you ask about different hospitals?

[PastMyBestBeforeDate]

You might get a spinal block which is what they do for sections. If it works for a section then you won't feel a d&c
If it's sedation then I think it will be uncomfortable but OK.
Sorry for your loss though

[Iggi999]

Seriously they need to give you something. I cried the whole way down to theatre to have my ERPC and cried the whole way back up again. I'd pity the surgical staff if they hadn't been able to knock me out in between
I am really sorry for your loss OP and the added complication of these awful times

[Titsywoo]

I had a termination about 18 years ago with no sedative (I was too scared to have a GA!). It was uncomfortable with some pain when opening the cervix but not too awful.

[ChristmasCarcass]

I have had a lot of miscarriages and a lot of problems with RPOC (Asherman’s syndrome, stuff seems to stick).

I had this down under local, no pain at all:

www.northumbria.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Manual-vacuum-aspiration-of-uterus-MVA.pdf

So maybe that’s what they plan to do? Rather than a full D&C.

[AncientRainbowABC]

I’m sorry for your loss OP. I had a D&C 18 months ago (GA) but just wanted to say I too wanted it out ASAP, both to move on to grieving in my own head and because there was some sort of risk to having it in there after a while... I wish I could remember more... infection maybe? I hope it goes ok for you.

[Busybee434]

I had a d & c in a foreign.country at 16 weeks with no anaesthesia at all. It was utterly horrific. I was 24..and screamed till i thought i was going to die. I could feel the surgical instruments inside my tummy. And I will never forget the sound when the doctor plopped the baby into a bucket. im sure you will have some form of lain relief and im sorry for your loss .

[Picklebump]

Thank you all for your kind words and for sharing your experiences with me.
Sending love and positive thoughts to those of you who have in the past or are currently going through this too - it's emotional, painful, all-consuming and just shitty.

I wasn't offered sedation, I was told that I'd be awake throughout the process. Someone mentioned the sounds, that's something else that would stay with me if I were to go through it whilst fully aware/awake.

[MinnieMountain]

I had a spinal block for mine in Switzerland. Didn't feel a thing.

I hope they give you something OP.

[Quail15]

Hi I had a d&c 2 days ago after my twins stopped growing at 10 weeks. I was offered either a general anaesthesic or a spinal block.
I was told there are more risks with a general due to covid but it was my choice. I don't think they would do a D&C with no pain relief at all. It was over very quickly and I'm grateful that I didn't have to go through the physical pain of another MC.

I'm sorry for your loss and I hope all goes well with your procedure x

[LipstickTaserrr]

I had an MVA under local because I didn't want to have proper surgery and it was ok. I put headphones in with some really loud music and it was over in about 20 minutes.

[LipstickTaserrr]

Oh sorry just read you've said no local. I would ask someone else about that it doesn't seem right. Sorry OP