QuestionQUESTION: "On Feb 15th my Dr. told me that we had lost the baby and she wanted me to get a D&C so I wouldn't have to wait to have a miscarriage. So on Feb 25th I had the D&C. It wasn't that bad I had some bleeding for a few days and that's all. Then on March 12th I had to go to the emergency room. They had missed some of the placenta during the D&C and now was actually having a miscarriage. During this time It was very heavy for five days with some clots as big as a fist. then on march 18th it stopped. I went back to the doctor to get a check up because I was still in a lot of pain and she said that was normal. My HCG level was followed down to 45 and then a neg urine preg. test. Then on April 13th I started a very heavy period with small clots it got lighter but it never stopped it is now May 8th and I am still bleeding only now its very heavy again and today I have some cramps with small clots. Is this normal??? "
ANSWER: Hi there
I'm not a medical professional, but it's very concerning that you're still bleeding.
It's not unusual for tissue to remain after a D&C, this surgical proceedure is done 'blind' so the surgeon is unable to see if they've missed anything.
I'm suprised that, owing to the severe bleeding you had during march, you weren't admitted for another D&C. It sounds like as your body had already started to shed the tissue, so they allowed nature to do it's job.
It's quite normal to feel pain or cramps after a D&C. This is due to your uterus shrinking down to it's normal size & the healing process. As you're still having prolonged bleeding, I would say you may need further investigation.
Your period after the miscarraiage can be slightly heavier than normal & clotty, but as you've been constantly bleeding for almost a month & considering the complications you've had, you need to be checked out.
If you're not happy with the opinion of your usual doctor, then you're entitled to a 2nd opinion from another doctor. When I bled heavily from having retained tissue, I was given an ultrasound scan to see what was going on. Prolonged bleeding, particularly if it's heavy, can cause problems.
I hope this has helped, please come back if you've any more questions.
Kindest Regards
Sarah
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sarah,
This is Amy again. I called the Dr. and she has called me in Provera to take for 10days and has me coming in for an U/S on the 20th. I am just mostly worried that if there is tissue still left behind can this cause damage and make it hard for me to become pregnant again. I don't have any children yet and this would be very detramental to me.
thanks
AnswerHello Amy
That's great news! The Provera should calm down the bleeding, if not completely stop it. The ultrasound will show the consultant what's going on and if there's any remaining tissue.
It's very unlikely that the retained tissue has caused any damage. Lots of women have this problem and go on to have successful pregnancies. I can understand why you're worried, it's the thought that it may cause scarring but it simply means that your body is holding on to what's left!
Remaining tissue can cause infection which might cause problems, so do watch out for a high temperature, feeling unwell, foul smelling blood/discharge. If you have any of these then call for medical advice as soon as you can.
I do hope I've put your mind at rest. Miscarriage is awful & it makes you wonder if you'll be able to have children, but most miscarriages seem to happen on the womans first pregnancy. I've gone on to fall pregnant very quickly & am now 23wks with a very healthy boy. Please do look to that for hope & inspiration........especially as I was told 8yrs ago that due to severe endometriosis scarring, it'd be unlikely I'd have children!
I wish you a speedy recovery. Do give your body some time to heal before you try again & I hope that this time next year, you'll be looking forward to becoming a parent yourself.
Once again, do come back if you have any questions.
Kindest Regards
Sarah
