advice following erpc

[Mrsm14]

Hi all,

I started to miscarry while on holiday on thurs and was admitted to hospital here in Croatia. They found the foetus had died a week to ten days previously and said I needed a erpc so we went ahead with that several hours later. I am now flying home early and just feeling quite scared about everything that happened. The doctor spoke English but was very clinical and I was in shock and didn't really understand what was happening. When I called my gp in the UK they just said miscarriage at this stage is very common and they don't need to see me and they won't check anything at all unless I have 3 miscarriages. I can't believe no one gives you a general check up after? Do they not check it all went ok, or if everything is gone? Do I need vitamins or anything? The doctor here prescribed 4 days of ergometrine and 5 days of antibiotics but I felt so ill after 3 days - nauseous and dizzy - I just stopped. Feeling quote lost and gp didn't seem bothered at all. Let along the fact I can't stop crying, I feel totally depressed and have been having panic attacks. If anyone can help me understand post - erpc stuff I'd appreciate it.

One tmi question - I am having really sharp painful sensations when I need to do a poo or sometimes with gas even. Is this normal and how long does it last for?

[Mrsm14]

Sorry one other thing - I am still craving same foods as when I was pregnant and off of same foods I didn't like which is really upsetting. Is this at all normal after miscarriage?

[Igggi]

You poor thing
Go and see a different GP when you return, to talk through what has happened if nothing else. They need to update your notes, the miscarriage should be on your records and the fact you have had surgery.
I had one erpc, I don't think I had follow-up with hospital but I did see my GP. It's unlikely there would be complications but if you think your bleeding or pain is extreme then seem further advice about it on here - and of course, call a doctor! Your local EPU might have advice about post-erpc as well.
Right now your hormones must be all over the place. I don't know if the pg hormones go away immediately, if not might be reason for your symptoms.
Take some time off work to process what's happened.
Very sorry for your loss

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I'm so sorry, miscarriage is so hard. Unfortunately what you describe isn't unusual. Post-miscarriage care isn't great and can vary considerably.

In terms of physical symptoms, I felt similar to you and was found to have a infection - I'd go back to your gp explaining you symptoms and insist on some form of tests.

In terms of still having pregnancy symptoms I have also experienced this, but been told its just a hormonal thing and nothing to be given for it. In the end I went for acupuncture which sorted it out somehow (not on nhs though!).

I hope you have support from your gp , family etc

[RiverRocks]

I'm sorry you're going through this.

I felt light-headed for weeks after I had surgery, but other than seeing a GP to get signed back fit for work, I didn't get any follow up.

The pregnancy hormone is still in your system, which is why you are still getting symptoms. It's cruel, but it will stop when you start getting negative tests (mine was about 2 weeks after surgery, a week after I stopped bleeding).

I don't know about the stabbing pains you describe - I have had something similar previously but nothing to do with the surgery; I have a 4.5cm abdominal cyst, which is completely unrelated and this sometimes causes me nausea/stabbing pains.

You need to take some time to look after yourself. Miscarriage is quite common, something like 1 in 5 pregnancies, and so I think the medical profession sometimes forget how devastating it is. Take some time to yourself, you will be better for it

[Mrsm14]

Thanks for your replies. I just felt like the doctor talked about it like I should bounce back immediately. instead I am sore, tender and crampy. No chills or fever so don't think I have an infection, fingers crossed. Managed to get a gp appointment tomorrow so will talk through it properly then, which will be a relief. Just been thrown by how utterly devastated my husband and I have been and how overwhelming this has been. Feel full of fear about trying again and even about going back to work. Every time I have seen a pregnant person or people with babies I feel actual pain and even anger. It's horrible but support on here is so appreciated x

[jbee1979]

Hi MrsM. I had a really bad "come down" after the anaesthetic and morphine. Pains all over and oh my goodness, the depression! It was more than the grief of the loss - I read up on general anaesthetics and things - it described how I was feeling. That said, if we were unlucky enough to need an ERPC again, I'd still go for it. I understand how you're feeling - I didn't get followed up after, GP is unhelpful/insensitive. I'm sorry for your loss. It's still very early days - look after yourself :-)

[Mrsm14]

Thank you. I honestly felt unhinged on Sunday, 3 days after. Became hysterical and never felt so low. It did pass within 24 hours and now back to feeling sad but not so out of control. It's a relief to know maybe it's not just me not coping properly and it could partly be all the drugs too...

[Igggi]

What is "coping properly" though? You are not meant to shrug this off. The pain will lessen, of course, but it does take time. This is a very recent loss for you.

[Mrsm14]

Just had a bit of a freak out. Had no bleeding since Sunday and even then it was dark brown. Just seen bright red blood again. Is this normal too? Don't really know what coping is but feel like I'm suddenly scared of everything and get angry with myself for not being stronger. I know that's probably silly. Just feel like I've got to get on top of it all by Monday so I can go back to work and get back to normal. Ugh.

[rascalrae]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I have had very similar symptoms. My ERPC was over a week ago & I still feel I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. Some hours I feel stronger then something will set me off. I banged my elbow earlier which resulted in me crying buckets for an hour. My husband asked me whether I need counselling but surely I'm just grieving and this is normal. Just when I think my bleeding has stopped I get much heavier, fresh bleeding. Today I've had an awful headache which I think is the hormones. It's all really shitty but people get through this & much worse so I'm trying to tell myself that it will get easier. I hope your GP helps a bit but if not Mumsnet seems to be the best source of advice & support. Wishing you all the best x

[Mrsm14]

I've had the worst headaches the last two days! Been taking paracetamol as worried ibuprofen will irritate tummy even more but might have to resort to it. Here's hoping we both feel a bit better soon x

[Mrsm14]

Been to gp today who was actually lovely and spent over half an hour with me. They are concerned though and so I have been started on (another) course of antibiotics, referred for a scan on Friday and signed off work for all of next week. Terrified about scan. I can't face another surgery and scared they'll say I need one :(

[Itscurtainsforyou]

So pleased the the GP was good today. Hopefully the antibiotics will sort out any infection that's present.
The scan will tell them if you have any remaining tissue etc (sorry, can't think of a better way of describing it) such as small piece of placenta still there - unfortunately it can happen. In cases like this they often do an internal scan as it's better at picking up things than an abdominal scan. There's decent chance you won't need more surgery, they can give you pills to clear the uterus, but there's no way of knowing until you've had the scan.
I'm sorry you're going through this, miscarriage itself is bad enough.

[ilovechops]

Hi Mrsm14,

Just seen your post and wanted to reply. I had an ERPC 10 days ago and now feel almost 100 % back to normal (there is hope). I am still bleeding a tiny bit bit it's not heavy at all. The pain stopped maybe 2-3 days ago. I did however suffer those sharp stabbing pains you refer to, I was really quite worried about them but remember I had them after the birth of my DD too so it's possibly something to do with the cervix having dilated. I had it if I really needed the loo (and then went) and also with gas / actually going to the loo it was really painful. It's stopped since about 2 days ago so there was no infection to worry about.

Good luck to you, it is so hard I know. Take care of yourself.

[Mrsm14]

Thanks so much for your messages. I am still a bit scared about another hospital visit but being back at home, with a supportive gp, plus friends, family and support on here, has made me feel much more able to cope. Fingers crossed there's nothing to worry about tomorrow x

[RiverRocks]

Morning Mrs, just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you today.

Hope it goes as well as it can

[Mrsm14]

Difficult afternoon but all clear. No more treatment, just the antibiotics to finish. I really do wish you didn't have to sit waiting for the scan and consultation surrounded by women with their bumps and yellow folders, but the staff were lovely and we are pretty relieved. Thanks for the kind thoughts x