Update-?s about stuff

leamop · 05-06-2005, 04:32 AM

So it has now been at least 30 days since this pregnancy stopped progressing. I had an app't with my OB and he is wanting to get this over with soon, as do I. The difference is that I am still so scared to have a d&c, and he is wanting me to have one next week. I did discuss with him my fears of IC because of the whole forced dilation. He said he would be willing to use some kind of seaweed things that umbrella out gradually and dilate the cervix. what should I know about these?
Also this a.m I had some 'discharge' that I thought was some mucous and old blood, but my cervix is still closed and I didn't bleed anything else today. Could this be a sign of infection or just normal?

I will have all of you in my heart throughout Mothers Day weekend. This will be so bittersweet for me. It'll be the first Mothers Day that I've ever had as a mother. But it is also a huge reminder that I will never hold my first baby. I'm sure you all know what I mean, so I won't go any further. Anyways we need to take care of ourselves and eachother. God bless you all.
~Leah~

~Traci~ · 05-06-2005, 04:06 PM

If it's been 30 days and nothing's happening, I would definately get the D&C done. I was terrified to get mine done but my OB & DH put me at ease. You could very well have an infection starting if it's been this long. Please call your dr and let them know about the discharge.

{{{{HUGS}}}}
Traci

VivC · 05-06-2005, 04:41 PM

Leah,

I don't know anything about seaweed things during a D&C, since I've never had one. A D&C is a risk factor for IC, so I'm glad you discussed it with your doc. But that doesn't mean that every woman who gets a D&C will have IC - in fact, most DON'T!

Don't let worries about IC keep you from getting the D&C - I think that after 30 days your body needs help letting go, for your own health.

Even with a D&C, you could just be watched closely during your next pregnancy, and have regular cervical checks (ultrasound, not manual). The receptionist at my OB/GYN's office was at risk of IC because of a prior LEEP procedure, so they did biweekly cervical ultrasounds starting at 9 weeks. At 13 weeks, they found that her cervix had shortened enough to concern them, so they put in a cerclage. She's back at work and doing fine (23 weeks now).

You could also bring up getting a preventative cerclage for peace of mind, but I doubt your doc would go with that idea. I think that close watching next pregnancy should prevent problems. But stay on top of the docs, lay down as much as possible, and watch for the warning signs.

SheriKCMO · 05-06-2005, 05:13 PM

It sounds like you should probably go ahead with a d&c, but the decision is entirely your own. They aren't a party, but they are safe. Almost no one responds to the extremely small dilation during that procedure by developing IC. In fact, I've never heard of one case from that, though I am only one person. It's true that you can be watched for it during your next pregnancy. I'd take the doctor up on the offer to dilate more slowly, but I don't know about the particular technique he's mentioning.
Good luck with the decision. (((Hugs)))
And have a peaceful Mother's Day... thank you for your good wishes, too. It can be meaningful and reflective even if it's not very "happy" for some of us who've been through too much.
Hang in there,
Sheri

leamop · 05-07-2005, 01:24 PM

Thanks ladies! I am slowly starting to bleed. I talked to my doc about the blood/mucous. He figures that because I've been expelling mucous for a while now, it was likely the end of my mucous plug. He said I would know if there was infection as it would almost certainly smell foul (ick!!) and I would likely be experiencing some discomfort. If I don't finish miscarrying by Wednesday, then I'll have to have a d&c. For the record, I appreciate that d&cs don't cause IC very often, but it would be just my luck to add another issue to the pile, kwim! What I've gathered about the seaweed things is that they are very small, and are inserted about 8 hours prior to d&c. They swell up slowly dilating the cervix. There is a small risk of infection with them as well, I guess there are risks to EVERYTHING!
Thanks again, you ladies are great!!

Cassidy1 · 05-07-2005, 01:52 PM

Hi there,
I'm reading the messages and wondering "What is IC?" I had a D&C, am I at risk? I had wrote in another message that I don't know all the short hand. I think I need "PCOS for Dummies". Could someone please shed some light.

saluki_fan · 05-08-2005, 10:37 PM

Cassidy1 - "IC" means "incompetent cervix." It's a not-very-tactful medical term (Don't get this "habitual aborter" started on untactful medical terms.) And no, I've never had an abortion and never would, but because I've had 3 miscarriages in a row, the medical term for me is "habitual aborter." Ok, grrr...I'll get off my soapbox and stop hijacking this thread.

Leah, I know 2 people who had miscarriages, had D&Cs, and had healthy, at-term deliveries during their next pregnancies. I had a D&C as well, and had no complications and the hysteroscopy I had on 4/12 showed no damage whatsoever. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

VivC · 05-09-2005, 11:50 AM

Cassidy,

Just make sure your cervix is checked often during your next pregnancy (between 12-28 weeks). ANY trauma to the cervix, including a D&C, a biopsy, a cerclage, etc., can raise the risk of IC in future pregnancies. I've read this in several places, and my friend was warned of this recently when she had a biopsy. In most cases, though, women go on with no problems in their next pregnancy. You should be fine.

I don't mean to scare everyone. It's just that I would rather we be paranoid during pregnancy (like that's not going to happen anyway) than miss something important. If you have a decent doc who checks your cervix, a cerclage could be placed early with few problems.

Viv

destin2BaMOM · 05-12-2005, 02:43 AM

leamop -
just wanted to say i was and am still thinking of you! I had my D&C 3 weeks and some odd days ago. That made the 7th D&C for me.. and by far was the worst but i would do it again. I actually had pitcocin induction to pass the sac and all before.. and that was horrid. Im so glad i went the D&C route. I couldnt have handled natural passing! I am starting my gonal-f again in 6 days for IVF #4 and wouldnt know what to do not TTC.
I truely pray that you find the strength to get through this and that you will be blessed in good time.
HUGS- Hang in there.

April

leamop · 05-13-2005, 02:47 AM

Hi everyone. Thought I'd update y'all. I began actually bleeding on mother's day with some mild cramping (could feel it start at the top of my uterus and like squeeze down to cervix, then start over again 10 mins or so later). Then on monday I had a lot more bright red bleeding and cramps of increasing frequency and intensity. It got so bad at one point in the afternoon that I was sitting on the floor spitting in the toilet REALLY feeling like I was about to throw up while my uterus was contracting so hard and so fast that I was moaning and couldn't catch my breath. Then it stopped when I made it to the couch and laid down. I laid there for about 15 mins with nothing going on. Then I felt like I had to pee so I went to the toilet and out came a gush of blood and everything followed. I had to collect it and bring it to the lab, so luckily I had felt it coming and actually caught it. I've been bleeding lighter than a period since and cramping mildly, but seem to be okay. I have to go for a u/s june 3rd to make sure that was it, then I can start to prepare for the baby I will conceive and carry to term.
Thanks for all your support again, you ladies are wonderful.

saluki_fan · 05-13-2005, 11:25 AM

Leah, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am SO sorry for what you have been through. Although it must have been very upsetting, I'm glad you were able to "catch" it, so it can go to the lab. I hope it's all over now, and that you can TTC again as soon as you are ready. I'm SO sorry for your loss, and you'll be in my thoughts.

Meghan