Do I need a D&C? What should I do?

[K_Red]

I have had a miscarriage about 10 days ago.  Bleeding started 3 days before that and U/S showing no heartbeat was 1 day before bleeding. The miscarriage continued over about 3 or 4 days and I am still bleeding.  I have just had another U/S and it says "Overall appearances are highly suggestive of retained products of conception".  It does not say that any were actually seen.

My doctor said to go to the hospital with the U/S 10 days after bleeding if still bleeding.  That would have been Monday but the U/S was to be 10 days after the miscarriage, so I had it today, Thursday.

I really really don't want a D&C because the last one left me very ill for about 3 weeks.  It was horrible!  And my cycle didn't return for 2 months - longer than after the natural miscarriage I had a few years ago.

What should I do??

[K_Red]

Thank you both.  I had lost faith in my doctor due to the conflicting information she gave me and the conservative attitude.  However, I did take her advice and go to hospital emergency.  There I explained my position on the D & C, so the emergency doctor tested my HCG and consulted a specialist.  The HCG was suitably low and the specialist felt that the miscarriage could still complete naturally.  They gave me some anti-biotics and said I would get an emergency appointment with the gynie early this week.  They still haven't called so I don't know what's going on yet.  It's now 14 days since the M/C and all sources indicate trouble with retained products by this stage.

[adgal]

I am so sorry for your loss.  I too have been through this and I understand how painful  a time this is for you.  I think you should probably follow Dr.'s advice if he suggests a D&C.  I know your experience last time wasn't a good one, however most Dr.'s won't suggest it if they don't believe it necessary.  Bleeding too heavily or for an extended period of time can cause a dangerous situation for you.  I am not trying to scare you, but the reality is the body can only handle so much blood loss.  My first miscarriage was like that.  I took cypotec and tried to miscarry at home. I bled for a few weeks and at the end it got exceedingly heavy.  I wound up in the ER, my body was going into shock and I had to have an emergency D&C.  Also, retaining products of conception can eventually lead to infection causing problems.  Should you start to bleed to the point you are filling a pad an hour, you need to go directly to the ER and let them know.  Stay in touch with your Dr. and follow his/her advice.  Again, I am sorry for your loss, and I wish you well.  

[slippinandsliddin]

Sorry for you loss. I have had two "natural" miscarriages in the past year and also a D & E (as I was 18 weeks) a few yrs back.( I bled for 9 weeks after that- and they wanted to do a D n C- but I didn't do it ...)

Talk to your doctor, but I think they can give you a blood test to check your HCG levels (to see if you have retained anything). I believe less than 5 is what they are looking for. BUT ALSO_ I think they can give you some kind of medication- so you can be at home- to help pass anything retained.