I was 14 weeks when the EPU nurse confirmed what I already knew... I was 11.5 weeks when i first started bleeding and my husband sped me into A&E, I had read it was common to spot or bleed in early pregnancy. The gynae on duty checked me over and baby was there, heartbeat and all. She couldn't rule out a threatened miscarriage though but said she couldn't find the where the bleeding was coming from. I think from then on i knew this wasn't going to end well... Unfortunately since then I have spent the last 4 weeks living in my own nightmare as after my ERPC i spent the next 2 weeks in pain and generally unwell. So 2 weeks on from that ERPC I have been in for another ERPC to remove leftover placenta...This is one of the risks, I don't blame the previous surgeons, these things happen and i agreed to this risk. I am only disappointed that I didnt get checked out sooner as I wouldn't have suffered as much as I have. I can only hope in 2 weeks time I will be me again! Some of the things i have learnt from this experience:
When the bleeding starts and you cant get to a GP go straight to A&E - its your health first and foremost!
Spotting they dont seem to panic about but dark red blood and clotting needs to be checked out... I didnt have any cramps!
At 14 weeks an ERPC seemed like the best option as i didnt want to spend a night in hospital going through a mini, bloody labour. I dont regret my ERPC even though it comes with a variety of risks.
If you don't feel well soon after your ERPC - nausea, pain around lower abdomin and lower back, feeling bloated, more bleeding and clotting and in discomfort GET Checked out straight away! Go to A&E, if they suspect something is wrong and take blood they will admit you to the Gynae ward asap.
I spent a week feeling poorly and again hubby took me to an out of hours GP after i rang 111. This in turn referred me to A&E and thus the gynae ward...
I spent 2 nights in the ward on an IV drip of antibiotics - I didn't want to be there but it was the best place for me. It was hard because you have ladies going through all sorts of gynae issues - some pregnant , others going through miscarriage. Its not easy but you can lean on and support those women even if it is sharing a magazine.
Miscarrying is not something any women should go through alone - I wish there had been more sites or books i could find that could have prepared me for what I have felt.
My actual miscarriage started after my 12.5 week scan - the bleeding had stopped, and then 3 days later my 'waters broke' i knew then that this was amniotic fluid as it was watery brown.
My A&E gynae confirmed that we were more then likely heading for a miscarriage.
Your fertility is important as is the rest of your health, so make sure you look after yourself - the NHS and any other health service provider are there to support you, don't be afraid to ring 111 or go to A&E if something isn't right.
Keep an eye on any changes in bodily fluids, discharge, spotting etc.
I am now spending my first night back at home after my 2nd ERPC with a few more antibiotics and hoping that I will be back to me soon!
And yes my hubby and I will try again but for now we are both just looking forward to getting back to normal and being with each other.
x