My Experience with a D and C
Sometimes, after posting I do have to take a moment to step back and allow the emotions to have their way. This was a far cry from my earlier years of simply “doing” in efforts to “avoid” the realities and complexities of the current circumstance. I have been faced with having to have a D and C procedure* far too many times- I believe the “before speech” given by the Doctor performing is worst than the actual procedure itself and yet, there is no turning back once it has been identified that it is required to preserve the female anatomy structure.
So, the way this usually goes for me- “Regina, we will have to perform a procedure to get rid of the left behind tissue- PERIOD”. Now, although this is a fairly common procedure after labor/delivery for some, it is also a procedure performed to expel the remains of a pregnancy loss. Either way, the emotional and physical impact is of the same scope.
The Doctor says, “okay are you ready? I say, “Uh, of course NOT, but you’ve said this is what has to be done, SO let us just get it underway already”. The Doctor says, “Okay let us discuss the risks, which have a probability of happening in less than 1% of cases”. With such rhetoric, I try to convince myself that although the odds are stacked against me and this fairy tale I imagine- the 1% definitely does not apply to me. GULP!
My Doctor explained the risks to be:
Heavy bleeding.
Infection.
Perforation of the uterine wall or bowel.
Adhesions (scar tissue) may develop inside the uterus.
Partial/Full Hysterectomy
To the latter I say, are you kidding me! The procedure is then explained as a mild scrapping of the uterus lining- nothing “mild” about a “scrape” or usage of a surgical instrument. Further, that my uterus, which has not been successful in carrying a child to this point, will be filled with fluid to assess the “problem” {e.g. fibroids, fetal tissue and/or clots}. Again, with no guarantee of identifying the culprit of loss!
I remain grateful that each of my procedures has been a success story as measured by life- me simply still being here to live and tell you about it as with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of death.
Following the D and C procedure, I have experienced the bleeding, light cramping that comes and goes as well as bloating. The bloating being more likely attributed to the procedure itself, I found that using stool softeners, drinking plenty of water, RESTING, pelvic rest and doing mild to moderate exercise daily following the procedure made a tremendous difference! As you may recall, the uterus has to be stretched by fluid to complete the D and C procedure. Allow your body the time it needs to heal!!! I cannot stress this enough and the resonation here is self-care!
For those Moms, Moms 2 Be and Moms In Waiting, I ask that you share out about your experience with a D and C procedure- you never know, how your story may be the changing of someone’s trajectory!
*For more information on the D and C procedure, see the post from March 27, 2021.
MomE 2 MomE LLC renders postings based on research, personal experience and thought provoking articles- we are not medical professionals and advise you to consult with your Physician to ensure individualization of care.
