Covid-19 cancelled elective surgery - has anyone been allowed an ERPC (D&C)?

[Doughnut100]

On Friday I was diagnosed with MMC @ 12weeks, baby measured 8-9weeks. Devastating, this is my third loss. I chose expectant management without really understanding what it would entail as the doctor said it would be like a heavy period. I went home and had excruciating mind-bending contractions which stopped when I self medicated with diazepam. I've been prescribed naproxen and codeine but have chosen to continue self-medicating with diazepam as it seems to totally stop the contractions whereas codeine just makes them less painful. I am only bleeding light-medium and quite watery blood, not thick.

I now really want an ERPC which I have had before, but the EPU is closed over the weekend. I'm going to call first thing tomorrow and beg for surgical management. But I'm worried they will not offer it because of covid-19 having cancelled elective surgeries.

Has anyone else been offered surgical management as emergency/urgent surgery rather than elective surgery? I know different trusts will be different (I'm at the Whittington London). I am hoping if I let them know I've been in so much pain and am self medicating with illegal diazepam they might consider it urgent. I don't know whether the fact I'm not bleeding heavily will count for or against my request? Does anyone have an opinion about that?

Any experiences or opinions gratefully received. And my heart goes out to you if you have been in this position. xx

[tryingtimes20]

Hey Hama, I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. It's especially awful with the wider global situation meaning that not all options around MC are necessary available to everyone.

Firstly, to give you some a little bit of hope - I was able to get an ERPC about two weeks' ago, but as you've said, every Trust is different, and I don't know how your specific situation would be weighted. BPAS also seems to still be offering surgical management at this time, and you can be referred from the NHS, although that hasn't been 100% confirmed. If you have private healthcare insurance, then that could also be an option worth exploring.

Come on over to this thread - there's lots of us there, with ladies in exactly the same position as yourself in terms of the options that are currently available. If you have a read through some of the older posts, I think they sum up the spectrum of options I've described above and that people are currently going through, plus there's plenty of support xx

[ivfgottostaypositive]

D&C are still going ahead I believe but it's very much a last minute confirmation of day/time. I know people however who had to go via BPAS or private for termination for medical reasons as the delay on the NHS was the difference between surgical management or actually giving birth which understandably they didn't feel like they go go through it x

[tryingtimes20]

Sorry Doughnut - I called you by another person's user! I think another thread I had just seen. I obviously meant to respond to you

[amyspames]

I got surgical removal (but not general, spinal block) on Friday afternoon, but only when I said I couldn't do at home because of my daughter and the 7 weeks where I didn't know hadn't done anything, and 2 rounds of medical management (the last of which broke me).

I didn't want spinal block and to be awake, but didn't actually know they weren't doing general until I was outside theatre, so just had to get on with it to put an end to it all.

Hope you manage to get what you need.
X

[Doughnut100]

@tryingtimes20 thank you for directing me to that thread and for telling me about BPAS - I didn't know it existed. Glad you got your ERPC.

@ivfgottostaypositive thanks I am going to see what the EPU day and definitely try to get a BPAS referral if necessary- as I just started bleeding heavier I feel like I can't wait.

@amyspames sorry for your experience it sounds difficult to be awake...

Solidarity to you all x

[tryingtimes20]

@Doughnut100 You're more than welcome. Here is the BPAS page specifically around MC care btw. I've seen you've posted in the other thread, and hope you find it helpful - lots of ladies in a similar position to yourself atm xx

[Doughnut100]

I have posted this in the other thread but just updating here in case any other women are looking for answers. After I broke down on the phone an amazing doctor advocated for me to be put on the emergency surgery list even though they are not supposed to be doing ERPCs under general anaesthetic because of covid. I go in tomorrow morning. I am beyond grateful.