Monday, May 4, 2009

D&C

WARNING: Some female related business that you might not want to read about!

The option to wait and let the miscarriage happen naturally was too uncertain and hard to think about. That's why I opted to have everything cleaned out by a Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Often, when you wait for the body to do it on its own, it can take weeks. There are some risks involved with a D&C, as it is a surgery, but to me the risks were worth the piece of mind, and fresh start.

This morning we had to get up super early to head to the surgery center. We were the first ones there, and didn't have to wait long to be taken to the back. They checked my vitals, and determined I was indeed healthy enough for surgery. After changing into my lovely gown, I headed out of our little room to the bathroom. This (guy) nurse was like: Hey, how are you doing? It took me a minute to realize this guy has lived in our ward for the last year (with his wife's parents). Then he informed me he would me my nurse.

It was a little awkward, but then again, he's a professional, so who cares? Right? After asking me the usual questions about my health, last meal, etc, he left. I even told Joe that it was a little awkward, but I would be asleep anyways.... Apparently it was more awkward for him. A few minutes later he came back into the room with another nurse, to inform me that he had given my case to her. Although I was okay with him as my nurse, I have to admit I was a little relieved when I got my new nurse.

They got my IV started and then it was waiting for the doctor. I had never met Dr. Halderman before, but she works in the same office as my midwife. She was really nice, and answered all my questions. I asked her what type of D&C she was performing, and she told me it was the suction kind (versus using a scraper, which is harder on the uterus). I was especially worried, because just moments before I had pretty much signed away my uterus. They had me sign a paper, that said that, if necessary, they were allowed to take everything out. That's right! They had the permission to give me a hysterectomy. Of course they would never do that unless absolutely necessary, but still, that's a big thing!

The anesthesiologist came in a added something to my IV. The effect was pretty immediate, and I started getting a little loopy. After that, I was super tired, and slowly waking up. Everything was done, and the nurses were just waiting for me to wake up. It seemed to take Joe forever to pick up my pain meds at the pharmacy, but then again, I probably wasn't awake enough to leave anyways. I started cramping pretty bad, so they gave me some more meds. Then I was allowed to go home. I am so glad I have had medication to help with any pain.

Not too long after coming home I went to bed to take a nap, and I think I was out for about 3 hours. Now, I am just taking it easy and hoping I can get better soon.

The best thing out of all of this, is that the doctor told me I don't have to wait and try to get pregnant again. She said I just have to wait 2 weeks to heal, and after that we are good to go. That's so much better than having to wait 3-6 months

6 comments:

girlsmama said...

I'm so sorry. I've been through a D&C a couple times and it is no fun. However, like you, I never wanted to wait for nature. My prayers are with you. I wish you a speedy recovery and peace.

Wendy said...

man! I didn't know they put you out and everything. And the signing... man you are such a strong woman! I am glad you are my sister.
I am so glad you get to try again soon! My prayers are with you!

Amber said...

That sucks. Plain and simple. I am so sorry. I have only had one miscarriage, and it ended with a D&C. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It hurt pretty badly to run or do sit ups for awhile after, but besides that, no lasting side effects. I also remember how much the actual miscarriage sucked. And I hated when people would call me to tell me how sorry they were or how everything happens for a reason. I wanted to scream at them and tell them shut it, because I just needed a few days to be angry and to cry. So my advice is to cry it out. Get angry. And know that is okay. I also felt like I was over it emotionally, and then a few months later I would just start crying for no reason all over again. Take care of yourself as you recover. And know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Renee' P said...

I didn't realize you were pg? I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your baby.
My sis-in-law had a D&C a couple months ago and she didn't have to wait more than a couple weeks either.
They're expecting again.
Good luck!

Jessica said...

Thanks for all your support

Jammie said...

O Jessica, I love you. I am so sorry to her this news. What a strong person you are. I wish you the best in your future pregnancies! You are a beautiful mom! You are in our prayers.

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