3 weeks since ERPC and still bleeding

[Mung]

I had a MMC and then a ERPC 3 weeks ago. I almost stopped bleeding, although never totally. Now it seems a little stronger again and I am passing more little clots like when I originally was waiting to miscarry naturally. I have no idea if this is normal, as the hospital didn't really talk to me about what to expect.

I feel like this is going on forever. I want to move on and its a constant reminder.

Should I expect my first period about 28 days after the bleeding stops?

I have never felt so desperate to have my period, so that I can start to TTC again.

[EldonAve]

Did they give you an info after the ERPC?
It's possible you have retained tissue

Best to call EPU or see your GP

[Mung]

I got a leaflet, that I cannot find now.

I'll try and contact the EPU tomorrow morning then.

[Mung]

Thanks.

[fleischerbaum]

I'm really sorry to hear what you are going through right now. I had a MMC and consequently an ERPC just before Christmas 2008. Bleeding after my operation was 3+ weeks and then 4 days later I had my first period. Periods since the ERPC have been heavier than usual and a little irregular. My advice would be to contact your GP if you are at all worried. Just please don't dwell on anything as it makes things even worse than they already are. The heavy bleeding after your ERPC is a constant reminder of what you are going through and it's horrible but it does get better I promise.

[Mung]

Thanks Fleischerbaum. I called the EPU this morning and the nurse didn't call back until 5.15pm when I was at work and my mum took the message. They have given me an appointment for 10am Monday, although I am now wondering if it is a period rather than the bleeding (same thing really) as it just feels a bit different. How did you know it was a period? How can you distinguish between one type of bleeding and another?

I had convinced myself that it was OK this afternoon and now the phonecall and the appointment has made me worry that they think its abnormal to bleed for this long.

My problem is that I normally use a MoonCup, so it feels odd having towels and I cannot really tell what is going on. I am tempted to go back to my tried and tested and much loved MoonCup .

I just want it all over with.

[clarey2311]

Hi Mung, first of all, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Just to reassure you, it all sounds ok to me. I had a mc at almost 10 weeks on 29th Dec and didn't stop bleeding until 21st Jan, heavy in first few days and then lighter, but like you, a clot after a couple of weeks. I was worried and didn't know what to expect but after those 3 weeks bleeding stopped. I then got what I think was AF on 28th Jan, much heavier than usual. Just finished 2nd AF which was more like my usual AF although I suppose a little heavier than usual, and am now on CD9, looking forward to trying again.

I am 35 and the mc was my first pregnancy. Unfortunately I found none of the 'advice' given from the hospital very helpful, most of staff were brusque and had a 'get over it' attitude. Try not to worry and good luck with your next attempt, fingers and toes crossed for all of us on here

[clarey2311]

Sorry, I meant to add, I also had an ERPC on 31st Dec

[fleischerbaum]

Hi Mung, so sorry for the delay between notes but it's difficult to use the site at work... I went to my GP who took some swabs and ascertained that the second bout of bleeding was not an infection so she deduced that it was probably a period. I think this was largely due to the fact that I had had a few days with no bleeding at all.

I know what you mean when you say you want it all to be over with. You're upset and a lot of people want to brush over what you're going through. You hear a lot of "it happens a lot" and "it's very common". I think some people find it hard to grasp that you are grieving an empty space. I know I found (and I still struggle with this) that I wasn't even sure what I was mourning but I had felt different for such a long time - I was 11 weeks when I had first spotting that led to early scan that led to find what was happening. Do allow yourself the time and space you need to grieve this. I rushed back into normal life as quickly as possible and threw myself back into work but what had happened hit me only a few weeks ago and I was an emotional mess, crying at anything and everything.

I know everyone is different but expect the unexpected, cry a lot (it does help despite what some people say). Just be confident that you know how you should deal with all of this. Take care and take each day at a time.

By the way, I am 35 and that was my first pregnancy.