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Miscarriage/pregnancy loss

Experiences of medical management.

11 replies

bluelighthouse · 29/08/2013 13:47

I lost my baby at 7 weeks. No sign of a natural misc so now trying to decide on what management would be best. I'm very aware there is no right answer.

The majority of friends are recommending an d&d to get it over with bit I'm petrified of the ga and possible complications.

What are your experiences of medical management? Why did you choose this option?

Thanks in advance for any experiences or advice.

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butterfly86 · 29/08/2013 16:47

Hi bluelighthouse so sorry you are going through this it really is a shitty situation to be in :( I've had 4 mc 2 I had a erpc (d&c) and 2 natural. I was the same as you frightened of the surgery but I was also frightened of miscarrying at home I didn't know what to expect and if I would see anything, surgery was definately the right option for me at the time. It gets it over with a bit quicker which is what I needed it's bad enough as it is without it going on for weeks, there really isn't anything to be scared about you go in to hospital early in the morning they insert some tablets to soften your cervix (it's no worse than using a tampon) then a while later they wheel you down you are given the anaesthetic and the next thing you know you are waking up in recovery. I had period type cramp for a day or so and light watery bleeding for about a week afterwards. Of course there's the risk of complications as with any surgery but it is very rare. I hope this helps little, you do what you feel is right for you at this time. Take care x

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bluelighthouse · 29/08/2013 19:00

Thank you for your experience and sorry to hear about your mc's. I think surgery is the best route for my recovery. I just need to focus in it just being one day in my life.

It's so unfair that any woman has to go through this. Wishing those luck who are in the same situation.

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Bakingtins · 30/08/2013 08:06

blue I'm v sorry you've lost your baby. I've had natural and one medically managed miscarriage, and effectively an ERPC ( removal of placenta under GA) after the birth of my son. I have not usually had the choice as I've not been in the MMC situation, but the GA is nothing to be scared of and you are likely to have less bleeding afterwards. Medical management involves taking a tablet to soften the cervix then going into hospital the following day and inserting a vaginal pessary of prostaglandin that causes uterine contractions. I was allowed to go home and do the second dose myself, some people have to stay in until the hospital are satisfied the sac has been passed. I had quite painful contractions and wasn't told at the time I could have had much stronger painkillers than the paracetamol I had at home. You will have to deal with heavy bleeding, clots and passing the sac if you choose the natural or medical route.
All three choices have similar (low) complication rates so it really does come down to what you feel you can best cope with.
There is more information on the Miscarriage Association website, and a useful thread on here about the practicalities.
In your shoes I'd opt for ERPC, but it's a v personal choice.

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bluelighthouse · 30/08/2013 09:13

Thanks for your help baking. I also found out at 12 scan. I would now be about 14-15 weeks and still nothing has happened. I just don't think my body has realised sadly. I think ERPC is the best option, i just need to go for it and try not to worry about it now. I prefer the thought of medical management, it's just seems a bit more uncertain in terms if time scales.

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Bakingtins · 30/08/2013 19:23

I'm not sure what you mean about uncertainty of time scales? Day 1 you take an oral tablet, day 2 you or the hospital insert the pessaries, it works over the next 4-6 hrs. If you don't pass the sac day 3 they repeat the pessaries, if it doesn't work that day then you have the option of proceeding to ERPC.
For me advantages of the ERPC would be less painful, and less distressing not having to pass the sac, likely to be much lighter bleeding over the next days/ weeks as most of the lining removed in the op. Main disadvantage would be the GA and small risk of damage during surgery.
I think medical management is slightly less likely to work in a MMC if your body is not recognising the pregnancy has ended (I had it for an incomplete MC) but that's a Q to put to a doctor.

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bluelighthouse · 02/09/2013 23:24

Thanks for your reply. I suppose it's the length if time that the medical management can take that puts me off. With the ERPC you are in and out (fingers x) relatively quickly. Medical management could be days. I have an ERPC booked now. Wish me luck, I'm very scared about the risks but hoping to get things over and i can move on sooner.

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Happydust · 03/09/2013 05:37

Hi Bluelighthouse, I am very sorry for your loss.
I have very recently ( 2 weeks ago)had medical management for a mmc . For me the process was harrowing but manageable and I wanted to be at home rather than in hospital. The pain was a lot more bearable than I thought it would be and was like a very heavy period for three days and then reduced to lighter bleeding. I got an infection so was put on antibiotics which made me sick and now I have a horrible case of thrush :( but that could have happened no matter which method I chose. I think go with your gut instinct about which method is best for you.
I wish you all the best with your ERPC and for the future xxx