How long to recover after D & C

Hi,

Iam really hoping someone can give me a little advice

I had the worst news 5 days ago that our baby (1st pregn) had stopped growing (no heartbeat) 1 to 2 weeks earlier. My Obs stays she will try to organise a D&C for me this week sometime.

My Obs says I should only need 1 day off work

I have a very physical job, where I treat 10 - 15 patients a day with physical therapy (ie lifting ... etc)

I just wondered what I should expect after the D&C and if I really need to organise a few more days off (my cousin said she needed a week after hers???) ... I am feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing... and Iam also worried that since I am over 10 weeks preg that just the shock to my body and hormone levels will make me feel pretty crappy??

Thanks in advance
Kellie

Kellie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I also had a missed miscarriage and a D&C. Took panadol for a day or so, felt physically OK pretty soon after the procedure but emotionally it's a different matter. Can you take a few days off work? You may find you need the time just to process what has happened. Also, I know they say you can return to work the following day but however minor a D&C is from a surgical point of view, it's still a shock for your body and you need to give yourself a chance to recover. Put your feet up and take it easy if you can.

Hi Kellie. Firstly, I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your baby. DH and I have recently been through a similar experience and it is very difficult to feel okay. After a while though, it becomes easier and you feel like yourself again, just a bit different. There are still times I feel sad for the loss of our first baby, which was almost two years ago, but that's part of who we are, and life does become managable and even enjoyable again.

In regards to the D&C, I had mine a week ago today, and physically, I was tired and sore for a day, but after that I felt fine. The only physical pain or problems I've had is that when using the toilet (for either purpose), there has been some tearing feeling pain, but that has settled down to be almost not present anymore.

Emotionally, I work a casual job and choose which days to work, and so didn't work at all last week. I'll be starting to be available for work again tomorrow, and I think it's the right thing to do to take a few days off to just adjust to life without the baby being there, and getting used to the look of the future now. I would strongly suggest a few quiet days at home, if you feel that it would be good for you.

Lisa xx

Hi Kellie
I'm so sorry for your loss...I too lost a bub and had my D&C 11 days ago (9 weeks preg) ...which was a Wednesday...and I was back at work the following Tuesday...the hardest thing for me is the crashing hormones...combined with the grief...I'm ok one minute and in tears the next...my Dr has told me this is normal and expect to feel this way for a few more weeks...great!@?! If you've got the sick leave I'd take it...I have an infection now and am off work for the rest of this week and part of me is wondering if I'd taken some more time off in the beginning if I'd be in this position now...anyways...I hope it goes ok...hang in there xxx

Hi Kellie

Im sorry too about your precious little one.

After my d and c, physically i felt fine too pretty soon after (a couple of days). Bleeding went on for a few weeks but it was only light and didn't really bother me. But emotionally I felt pretty terrible. I was so teary for weeks and weeks after that I took about a month of work (I worked with babies at the time so I couldn't face going back)..

I hope your body makes a speedy recovery, and look after yourself to heal your heart too.
Lots of Love :hugs:

Hi Kellie

it breaks my heart that someone else has had to lose her baby, i'm so sorry.

i agree with the other girls, phsically, you will probably take a couple of days to recover, but emotionally, that days following a d&c can be very hard. for me, the tears came when i was least expecting them, so i was glad to be at home. i would take maybe a week off work to give yourself time to grieve without work getting in the way. good luck.

Hi Kellie,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

I have to agree with what the other girls are saying - emotionally, you will need a break, more than physically.

I haven't had a D & C, so can't give much advice on that, but while in hospital I remember saying to DH I would be able to go back to work in a couple of days no worries, and the nurse said that I should have at least a week off. I was adamant that I wouldn't need it (I had heaps on at work that needed to be done), but she said 'I'll give you a med certificate for 10 days off anyway, just in case you need it'. I was so sure I wouldnt need it.

I ended up having a total 7 days off work, and was not at all emotionally ready to go back before then. It takes a long time to emotionally heal from m/c, esp as a lot of people don't understand.

I can imagine with a physically demanding job, you may need even more time to recover before getting back into things.

Don't push yourself - give yourself all the time you need now. We are all thinking of you, and feel free to come into any of the forums if you need more support.

:hug:

Love Bun xx

Kellie,

Firstly I am so sorry for your loss. I cant tell you what to expect after a D&C as I havent had one yet.

Secondly thankyou for asking this question, I was going to do that today.

I am booked in 2morrow for a D&C and it scares the h**** out of me!! But after reading your replies I feel much more at ease.

I was given options when I was told I had a blighted Ovum, and the D&C seemed the best way for me. I couldnt' stand to sit around waiting for things to happen naturally, I think this would mess me too much.

All I can suggest is if you can get a couple of days off work to at least physically recover.

I have told my DH and close friends sorry already because I know my emotions will be stuffed for at lease a few days, they are so supportive. I felt telling them was the best for me as this seems to have helped ease my pain to no end.

Do what you think is right for you as each woman is different.

Surround yourself around people who can understand what you are going through, I was surprised at how many girls experience this - use BB as your most supportive friend

Thinking of you.:hug::hug:

I am so sorry for your loss Kelly. I think it really depends on your own body on how long it will take you to recover but it is minor surgery. I definatley would have the week off and see how you go especially with bleeding, cramps etc. Ifound I was mostly just really tired for the couple of days after but had no cramps or pains just spotted for 10 days. I hope your recovery is fast and you can begin to try again for your second pregnancy.
Good luck

Kellie,
I am so sorry for your loss - wish there was some way to make you feel better, but i know there isn't. The girls are right it only took 2-3days physically for me but emotionally it was a loooong time and i still cry from time to time. I would most definitely take some time off work you will need it - be kind to yourself - just cry sweetie get it out - i was surprised at how many tears i have - sending you :hugs:

Thankyou everyone for your support and advice.

I had the D&C late wed night and I felt fine all day yesterday (Thursday) ......(untill my husband had to leave for a conference and won't be back until sunday night and out of mobile range!!).

This morning (Friday) after nothing yesterday I have started bleeding like a heavy period .... is this normal ?? there is no pain just bleeding... did anyone else have this??

You are all right about the emotional crashing hormone thing ... I feel pretty upset today .... with my husband away i feel really alone as all my friends and family are interstate ... maybe some reatail therapy will help later this weekend..

anyway thanks again
Kellie

Kellie

I had my D&C on Wed, and I dont feel too bad, just worn out.....a BIT moody....no bleeding at all though....so I dont know if it is normal or not?

My Gyno said I shouldnt get any bleeeding just some cramping and maybe a sore back and I have that.....(always had a sore back anyway). I did have a couple of stitches tho so maybe that is why I havent bled - waiting for it tho!!

It would be hard to have no-one around you - I have all my family calling all the time (about to tell them where to go - must be the hormones kicking out!!) but remember theses forums can help vent etc when you need too!!

Good luck with shopping it does help, I am getting my hair done today which will help me feel much better.....

Take care it will all be better b4 you know it :dance::dance: I am just not thinking to much anout my loss, more about my next BFP - WOOHOO!!

Hi Kellie
I had bleeding on and off for around 2 weeks after my D&C(Heavy at the start, lighter towards the end). If you are concerned give them a call where you had the procedure done or you OB and they will let you know what to expect and when to be concerned. I am sorry you are alone I was very emotional after my D&C and needed alot of support Just take it easy shopping!
Take care

Hi Kellie

Sorry for you loss - it is a terrible thing to go through

Just take it easy - you may feel fine but it will catch up on you. I think i had 4 days off work (backing on to a weekend) - i needed it - i was exhausted, esp after a couple of days. I was around the same distance in pgncy as you. You will be emotional too (as you have displayed).