had this done yesterday, thought I would share my story (milton keynes hospital) for anyone who may be reading the board looking for what to expect.
To be honest, i was absolutely petrified as I had never had an operation before, but the anticipation and waiting was much worse than the procedure itself.
I arrived at the hospital at 7.45. By 8 I was out of the waiting room and in a room of my own (thought this was very sympathetic, expected to be on a ward tbh. Had to change into gown so need to take dressing gown or pj bottoms to preserve dignity. Everyone who was going to be dealing with me (nurse, consultant, anaesthetist) came to explain to me. By just after 9 was taken along to theatre.
They didn't let boyfriend go into anaesthetic room with me and sent him back to daycare ward. I was petrified and they tried to distract me with inane hairdresser style conversation which I could have done without really. They took my bp for the billionth time and inserted canula into the back of my hand. That was quite painful but then they give you a strong painkiller, felt very woozy and don't remember much after that. The drifting off happened so fast.
The bit I didn't like was waking up in the recovery area. i hadn't been told I would be there, i had hoped I'd wake up back in daycare with the boyfriend by my side, and I was quite upset, naturally, but it was ok after a while.
Was wheeled back to the room I started off in fairly soon after. Cleverly, I asked for pain relief straight away as I had cramps. They asked me if it was just period style pain but i said it was worse and got some really decent tramadol This zonked me right out and was much better than crying more. I was given water and eventually a cup of tea. I had a little telly to watch too.
The main criticism I would have of my treatment was the lack of personal hygiene care after the op. I had a big maxi pad stuffed against me and was lying on an absorbent pad. I presume they smear your whole fanjo with some sort of stuff prior to the op. I did not know this and was given no help or equipment to clean myself up and had to make do with paper towels by the sink. I really think a nurse could have come round with a bowl of soap and water and a washcloth and given me a little bit of help, since I was a bit zonked. It was all over my pubes and thighs and really a bit gross mixed with blood. My advice is to pack some wipes for yourself, or perhaps ask permission to use a shower.
I was discharged by one o clock which was quite nice. I had cramps and felt drained, but much better than i expected.
A day later I only have lightish bleeding and very little pain (except when I try to go to the loo). Although it was unpleasant, I am glad I had the erpc rather than waiting it out. It's all over now and I can try to move on. However, I'm glad I had to wait 5 days to have it after finding out about the mmc. It would have been much worse when I was still dealing with the raw shock and grief. As for pain, I'm doing ok with co-codamol and those period pain stick on pads.
I hope anyone reading this finds it a little useful. For me it was the best thing to do, both physically and emotionally. My advice is ask for painkillers if you need them, be prepared to wake up in a strange room, take some toiletries to clean yourself up. It's a hard experience, but that was more because of why i was there than the op itself.