Experiences of ERPC

[ronconcoke]

Hello, I'm booked in for an ERPC on Thursday - although it may not have to go ahead if I successfully passed everything (I had a mc 2 weeks ago at 6w) and I'm a bit apprehensive about
what it involves. I'm due to go in for 12.30pm - how long am I likely to be in hospital for and how long does it take to recover from? I am supposed to be going away this w/e (it's my birthday) but am worried I might overdo it and maybe I just need the time to recuperate?

Hi Ronconcoke,

So sorry to hear you're going through this
I've been through an ERPC with each of my 2 miscarriages, both times after failed attempts at taking tablets to manage the MC's at home.

The first time I opted to go for it under local anaesthetic which was a pretty full on experience and not one for the faint hearted - I was only in for about half an hour at most, and the procedure lasted for around 15mins. It is painful but didn't last long and gas and air helped. I had a few very mild pains for a couple of days after which I took paracetamol and ibuprofen for.

The second time I opted for a general anaesthetic, went in to hospital at 7.30am and was out before lunchtime. I had stronger pains afterwards (I don't think they're quite as gentle with you when you're under!) but again just took painkillers.

Everyone is different but for me it was the emotional side of things which took it's toll afterwards - the feeling of getting used to 'it all being over' and coping with that. For me I took a week off after each one before going back to work, but it really depends on how you're feeling and coping with it all. I would say take it easy on yourself and take as much time as you need!! xxx

Same as above, I had 2 erpc (out of 4 mc). You are only under for about 15 mins, its very quick. One time I felt fine afterward, pretty much no pain at all, no effects from the GA and only a little bleeding. I was home within a few hours, didn't even need a paracetemol.

The other one was later on in the pregnancy (13w) and I was much sorer that time with longer bleeding after, I don't know if the 2 facts are related. But it didn't last long really.

RE the w/e away, I would say it depends on what you were doing. Lying around in a luxury hotel I could have done either time, something a bit livelier I could have done the easier time, but def not with the slightly harder one. It's hard to know whether you'll feel like it or not.

Really sorry to hear that you are having to go through this.
I had a mmc almost two years ago. I was 10 weeks.
I was scheduled in for early morning but was there for most of the day. I had a GA and was generally ok afterwards. A bit of cramping and some bleeding but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

I also took a week off afterwards . You just have to really look after yourself and take each day at a time. Some days will be worse emotionally than others but like pp have said, take as much time as you need.

Thanks for your replies. I'm hoping, if I have to have it, that it won't be too bad as I've stopped bleeding now and it was fairly early on in the pg. I am also coping better than I have been as it's been 2 weeks now. The w/e away is to stay with a close friend who's very good in a crisis so it shouldn't be too taxing. I'll have 4yo DS with me but he'd be with me wherever I was. Of course I'd much rather not have it, but am trying to be positive!

Sorry to hear about all your losses too, and thanks for the kind words.