ERPC and infection

[Tiredtrout]

I had a miscarriage 3 weeks ago at 11 weeks, it was caused by a haematoma that was caused by an assault while I was at work, I know it is very rare. I was bleeding very heavily and was told that I had to have an ERPC on the night to remove any further tissue to stop the bleeding. I was told the next morning that the procedure was a 'success'. I was sent home with hardly any bleeding and very painful and swollen belly along with some iron tablets as I have anaemia due to the blood loss. I was given no discharge information regarding miscarriage or ERPC. I have 3 sisters who have all had miscarriages but none of them have had an ERPC. My bleeding has been increasing since I got home and is still continuing. I had continuing pregnancy symptoms. I went to the doctors on Monday and was told that I have a bad infection from the surgery but there is no point in a further scan to check that it was all removed because it's unlikely that anything was left by accident and that they wouldn't have done a scan to checked after the procedure. How much longer am I supposed to be bleeding for? I'm beginning to feel like the infection is receding but I've been poorly for 5 weeks now and its all a bit tiresome.I'm loosing handfuls of hair at a time. I also managed to go into work only to be told that the person that assaulted me is not going to have any action taken against her. I'm just so fed up with it all, I've been going to counselling but it all just seems so pointless. I would probably feel stronger if I wasn't still ill. Can anyone give me a clue on a timescale please

[toobusy999]

hi tiredtrout
so sorry for your loss - sounds like you have been through such a nightmare

i had a missed miscarriage about 5 weeks ago - i took the managed miscarriage option with the pills and the bleeding stopped after 2 weeks -

however at later check-up scan there was found to be still some 'product' left - so 2 days ago i had an erpc
the doctor assured me that the bleeding from the erpc shouldnt go on for any longer than 2-3 weeks

if you are concerned about the infection - would it be worth going through a+e - and asking for a scan that way?

take care of yourself

[minmooch]

Hello tiredout

I am so sorry for your loss and the way it happened - how very cruel.

I have had 8 miscarriages under 12 weeks and a later loss of twins at 21 weeks. Some of the mc were natural and 3 were erpcs. I bled for different lengths of times with each, some with lots of blood loss and clots and some very little. I did not have any further scans with any of them but if I had had any doubts then I would have demanded one. On one occasion I had a couple of blood tests to check hcg hormones were going down as it can stay in the body for a while therefore giving pregnancy symptoms. As long as it is going down then that is what it should be doing. My blood loss generally decreased but then I might have a day when it was a lot more. Over the weeks though it generally gradually decreasing.

With regards your infection I would be asking/demanding a scan to make sure the infection has not been causedby retained products rather then just a bug picked up. I don't believe you should still be feeling poorly 3 weeks after through infection. It is not that uncommon for a woman to require another erpc and better to check now rather than another 3 weeks down the line.

As for the assault at work I am not sure what procedures have been followed and obviously I do not know the circumstances but I would be going to the police to report the assault. You have lost a child and had to be hospitalized. I think they would take that very seriously even if your work do not.

Under no circumstances would I be returning to work In The same place as this colleague. What a horrid situation you are in.

Wishing you strength to get through this.

[Mimm11]

Hi Tiredtrout,
I am so sorry for your loss.

As you are aware my ERPC went wrong and I had plenty of retained products left behind on Monday. The hospital process was like pulling teeth, I was fobbed off when I rang the ward but found that you have to demand to be seen! I had to ask for a scan and ask for antibiotics, this took several trips back and forth to the hospital. It was a totally exhaust experience physically and emotionally.

Basically, you may have to demand the treatment you want. They don't seem very interested otherwise.

As far as your work goes and the person who assaulted you, do you have a union rep or someone else who can liaise with management and HR over this for you? It sounds like you need some external support, don't be afraid to ask for what you need, even if you have to do it loudly.

You are important and you deserve to take time to heal you first.

[Tiredtrout]

Well I finally stopped bleeding on Thursday this week, 4 weeks post ERPC. I've had another blood test and I'm still anaemic, I've only gone up 0.2 on my iron levels in 4 weeks so I've got to take more iron tablets. I'm quite fed up with it all now as I really want to ttc again but my dh doesn't want to until my blood results are sorted.

I hope that everyone else is feeling physically stronger now

[Mama5isalive]

i agree with Min and would also get the gp to sign you off with all thats going on you dont need stress or being uncomfortable to hold back your healing! can/will you press charges against this person!!!!! i believe this has been a serious assault to you and resulted to your loss!
Tiredtrout please be kind to yourself and allow yourself to heal and deal with what you have gone through with the support of your DH please!
hope to see you aboard a TTC thread real soon - conception thread!

and dont cancel out your feelings or bottle them up sharing = caring and healing x