MM.... what next?

[Dai5yChain]

I had a MMC discovered at my dating scan on Monday, Tuesday I had the first tablet for MM, then yesterday I had the main treatment. Nothing could have prepared me for what was in store yesterday, but I feel that I made the right decision for me. Unfortunately I looked in the bed pan after passing the placenta, I have no idea why I looked and really wish I hadn't, but thank goodness I didn't look when passing the foetus, I don't think I could've coped.

So, I passed the placenta at 4.30, then they kept me in hospital to monitor bleeding etc for a few hours, then the doctor got called away to theatre so they suggested I discharge myself rather than have to potentially stay til the middle of the night (finally left at 9.15pm, 12 hours after arriving).

This meant I didn't get to ask any questions, so maybe you can help. I know everyone is different but if you can give me ideas...

-should I be checking for BFN, or will I get that anyway because of the initial tablet which blocks the hormones?

-do most people check to see when/whether they have OV? I didn't ever do this before conceiving, and don't want to do this as part of TTC, but wasn't sure whether I should now to check my body goes back to normal?

-how long did it take before you got AF?

-should I be offered a reassurance scan next time? (I don't know whether I would take it, just want to know what is reasonable to ask for)

-will they analyse the POC to check for reasons why I may have miscarried? Will they automatically tell me any results? If I don't hear anything should I assume it was just bad luck?

-I had blood tests for rubella/HIV/etc as part of my booking in, but didn't have my second appointment so haven't had the results, can I ask for them?

-how quickly does your uterus go back to pre-conception size? Does this matter?

-should I ask my GP whether I need to wait before TTC (I will wait for one cycle first) or assume it's OK to start trying again whenever I am ready if they didn't tell me not to?

-anything else I need to know?

Thanks so much

Hi Dai5y so sorry for you loss.
Don't know answers to all your qs, but a couple of thoughts...

I bled again exactly one calendar month after ERPC last time, and have just started to bleed again after a MC on March 4th. I have heard of people waiting 60 days plus for first period, so think it's impossible to guess.

No tests done until at least 3 mcs sadly.

Reassurance scans seem to vary area to area. And dependent on the EPU. Again the more MC you have had, or if you have any warning signs in any subsequent pgs will increase the chances of getting a scan. (You can of course always pay privately for one).

TTC again? Generally it's advised to wait until you have had 1st period again, for ease of dating. Some people start TTC immediately (there is a theory/urban myth that you are extra fertile after any pg, truncated or not. Others believe you need to wait for your uterine strength to build up again. There is anecdotal statistics to support both theories ). I don't know much about medical management of MC though, it may be that you need to wait a bit to let the medication work through your system? Am sure someone else can advise on this.

Blood tests - yes you should still be able to get your results. Phone up for these.

Most importantly though, look after yourself. All the best.

dai5eychain sorry that you mc'd. how far along were you?

to answer some of your questions

• i would buy a cheap test and use it in about 2 weeks. just to make sure you dont have any hormones still in your system. especially if you are going to ttc quite soon. contact your epu see if they want to scan you in 2 weeks time. my local unit ask to see you after 2 wks, they do a test if + they will scan, if - they send you home.

• i charted anyway so knew when i ov'd after mc. just be prepared that it may take a while for af and ov to return to normal. and your cycle may change for a while after. before i mc for the 1st time, my cycle was bang on 29 day an pretty much ov same every month, now i average 34 days and ov is all over the place!

*being offered a reasurrance scan will depend on where you live. where i live you will only be offered an early scan if you show signs of miscarriage. even after 4 previous mc! but i would certainly ask for one if you feel it will help.

*again the testing of poc will depend on your hospital. mine dont do it as standard and didnt even do it at my consultants request last time. give the epu or emergency gynae unit that treated you a call. they should be able to tell you.

*your gp should be able to acess those blood test results for you.

• most gp's will tell you to wait for 1st af at least before ttc again. makes dating next pg much easier. afaik there is no reason to wait any longer aslong as your happy to try again.

theres not much else i can think to add, except maybe speak to someone at the miscarriage association or your gp about councelling if you are struggling with what you saw.

hope you are getting good support in rl.

xx