Have to wait a week for ERPC

[Erica21]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post and sadly not a positive one. My dating scan at 12 wks this morning showed no heart beat (2nd pregnancy) but Tunbridge Wells hospital won't offer me an ERPC until next Wednesday (6 days away) I am obviously distraught about what's happened but can't believe they cannot offer an ERPC tomorrow (they perform 2 a day as all budget allows) I cannot face waiting for Mother Nature to take its course but only option is to wait or go private. Does anyone know how long MC might take as I am bleeding a little already. Any advice would really help as am feeling alone and can't get hold of midwife, thanks x

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I lost my first very early on and had to wait three weeks for the ERPC (partly because it started when I was abroad so had to start tests and measurements when I got home all over again). In that time, I had constant, very light bleeding that was still going when I finally got to the ERPC.

I had another mc a couple of years later and bled heavily for three weeks and then it was all over on its own.

Both of mine were earlier (4-6 weeks) and I think everyone and every mc is different.

I had to wait two weeks so they could do comparative tests over time (measuring hcg levels) to ensure it definitely was a mc before they operated. For my first one, the miscarriage lasted longer than the pregnancy, which was very difficult to cope with.

Can you ask for the reason for making you wait? It might be that they want to be extra sure you're miscarrying; if not, you might be able to find ground to challenge them.

Please feel free to pm me if you'd like. It's a horrible time but you are not alone.

Thank you for your lovely message, this is my first time on forums and great to have a message back :) I did ask twice and all they could say is that they only offer two per day due to their budget/staffing levels, which tbh is appalling. I physically can't face the thought of what I might see if I MC at home and feel the ERPC will help me move on, I am considering alternative hospitals and privately too. I am shocked that if someone knows what they want it should be offered to them. Unfortunately I've had a previous bad experience of TW hospital and would rather be somewhere else.

After many phone calls this morning, to both other local nhs hospitals and private ones, no-one could offer me an earlier apt than weds, until I got back to EGAU at TW hospital and really shared my worries with them, they have now moved my ERCP to Monday. If anyone feels that they are being ignored it seems worth it to call back and make them understand, as they were not very sympathetic at the management meeting. I am very worried that it will happen naturally this weekend and am in fear of what will happen being 12 weeks along in my pregnancy but I guess it's the journey I have to endure x

Hi Madrigals,

Yes it was an mmc, and I am desperate to get to Monday without mc happening naturally. I have bleeding, it's heavier since yesterday, bright red but not more than the first day of a normal period for me. I have mild cramps now that ibuprofen are sort of covering. I wonder that as my body hasn't rejected the baby and it passed at 9-10 wks, maybe it will wait until I can have the ERPC as I feel like it is the best way I can deal with the situation. I am sorry for your loss, it's so incredibly hard to explain to anyone what it feels like x

I agree; mine was singularly the worst time of my life. Whatever happens before Monday, you WILL get through it and I promise there are brighter days ahead.

Be kind to yourself.

Hi Madrigals,

Just posted this on ToriB34's thread about miscarriage progression as wasn't sure where to write it. Sorry if there's tmi, but I hope it can help other people know what to expect.

I started cramping this morning like early labour pains and then my waters broke which I didn't think would happen, but delivered a tiny foetus before bleeding heavily with contractions and there was a lot of placental type tissue.
I had horrible back pain during all of it, but now just feeling sick, dizzy and exhausted. I am still wondering if there will be more pain and cramps and heavy bleeding but have a scan on Monday morning followed by ERPC if I still need it.

Thank you for your kind thoughts, I can't believe how amazing this forum has been for keeping me sane and helping me to understand such a roller coaster of emotions. Feeling sad and deflated but feel I can start to grieve now x

Hi ladies,
I'm doing ok today, not left the house but had family over for brothers birthday so quite distracted. Am dealing with physical pain of cramps and bleeding but think the emotional side of it will rear it's ugly head soon. I think yesterday was so traumatic I've tried to block the emotions whilst I deal with the pain. Very tired, light headed and aching but scan tomorrow and maybe ERPC if needed but would rather not now if I can help it.
Tori how are you doing? X

How have you been, Erica?

Hello NeopreneMermaid thank you for your message
Went to hospital this morning for scan and confirmed there was some retained tissue so off I went for ERPC anyway. Emergency Gynae team were great, my nurse was very compassionate. Did the paper work and within about 20 mins was wheeled down to surgery. Amazing team of people in surgery went off to sleep (only bit I got nervous about was feeling the anaesthetic) and came back up to room within the hour. Have backed up pain meds but I must say I am comfortable, bleeding isn't terrible but feeling very tired. Physically I can see wood for the trees but not sure mentally how it's going to hit in the next few days/weeks. Trying to be strong for hubbie, he seems ok and we've talked but he's tired I think, and have 2yr old DS to think of too as he's tuned into mummy being poorly.
I hope if any one else is going through this I can offer a hand to hold or offer advice as this has forum has truly got me though a dark and difficult week xx

I think you're right to not make assumptions about how the next few days and weeks will feel. Allow yourself to feel however you feel.