Pain meds after D&C?

[DJ202]

Hi all, I've just had a second miscarriage which required a D&C at 9 weeks last week. It's a heartbreaking experience and I'm off of work for two weeks. They've also removed a growth from my cervix at the same time. I'm also on really strong pain meds now (30g codeine, sleeping tablets, herbal anxiety meds and ibuprofen and paracetamol) and my codeine is coming to an end. I've been coping OK considering the situation, but now I'm worried that when I stop taking the medication I'll fall into a dark hole. Do you have any advice? I'm considering asking for a third week off work to try and deal with it better and I'm starting counselling next week as well. I'm not sure I'll be able to deal with all the physical and emotional pain without the crutch of the meds. What are your experiences? Thanks for reading! x

[Beatrix_K]

Hi DJ, I just want to say how sorry I am for you losses. I didn't see your update and was praying for positive news for you, I'm so saddened to hear things have turned out this way. Life is so cruel sometimes.

Take another week off work, you're not ready to go back and may find it too stressful trying to deal with pressure of work while grieving. You need time for yourselves. Also, if you're still in physical pain could you ask for more meds from your doc/gp? I hope counselling will provide you with more support and help you begin to heal. Big hugs xx

[DJ202 in reply to Beatrix_K]

Thanks Beatrix for your kind words! I think you're right - I do want to take a little more time off. Mind you I'll have to prep my students' materials in any case but I can do it all in my own time. I'm also booked in for more acupuncture next week, so I'm looking forward to that! I've finished the last bit of my high strength codeine now and am coping OK with just some paracetamol and herbal anxiety meds, and I'm looking to stop taking medications so we can think about trying again. I know it's a long journey and it's early but I feel like having this plan will keep me going! I hope you're well and things are going good for you! xx

[Beatrix_K in reply to DJ202]

Hey glad you’ve been feeling a little better and that coming off the meds!hasn’t been too rocky. Yes! A plan always makes me feel better- gotta keep moving forwards. I’m sure you’ll have ups and downs over the next few weeks but don’t forget to be kind to yourself (and do as little as possible work next week when you’re meant to be having time off!) xxx

[DJ202 in reply to Beatrix_K]

Thanks Beatrix, that's so kind of you! My GP is now giving me an extra 3 weeks - I don't think I'll need that long, but it's a relief to have that time! My plan is to rest and read a few books on miscarriage and fertility and to start my counselling next week! Hope you're doing well! xx

[Judy18]

I am so sorry for you. I also had a d&c at 9 weeks in December. I took 3 weeks off as i needed the time. It is still really raw for you lovely. Counselling really helped me. Sometime it feels like you are in a dark hole but we are strong people and you will get out again. Just be super kind to yourself and do what you need to do.

Sending so much love xxx

[DJ202 in reply to Judy18]

Hi Judy, thanks so much for your response! I'm so sorry to hear about your loss too! How did you manage to cope with it? I'm looking forward to starting my counselling next week. I have no doubt it will be a bumpy road, but I feel it's necessary as I don't think I've dealt with my first miscarriage very well. I'm planning to rest a lot and to buy a big house plant tomorrow to commemorate my angel babies! I hope you're doing OK!! xx

[Judy18 in reply to DJ202]

I think i mainly coped by letting what ever emotion i was feeling out! I found counselling beneficial. We got a blossom tree to commemorate ours. It just takes time lovely (i know it is annoying) but it does get easier. You will never forget but you learn to live with this as part of you. Sending love xxx

[DJ202 in reply to Judy18]

A blossom tree is such a beautiful idea! The memory will live on forever, that's wonderful. And yes, I'm trying to let the emotions out and am now journaling on a regular basis plus starting counselling next week! xx

[EasterChick]

I’m so sorry for you x what a sad situation. I had to have a missed miscarriage surgically removed after a loss at 7/8w. I went straight into the 3rd & last round of our IVF without waiting for my cycle to regulate. We were successful and I have a daughter. My fibroid caused some issues with the delivery, but otherwise it was fine (the way I looked at it was if the baby came out with a cs, I didn’t need my cervix to be available!). Good luck with your recovery and wishing you all the very best when you are ready to try again xxx

[DJ202 in reply to EasterChick]

Hi EasterChick, thanks for your message! It's great to hear success stories after loss as this gives me hope! I really like your pragmatic approach with the Cs! I've had to have part of my cervix removed with a previous surgery and Cs might have to be the way I go too. There are ways of how people like us can be helped and I'll try and look into the future from this perspective more as it's really helpful! x