Has Anyone Had a D&C and Been Awake for It?

First of all, if they only suggested Motrin and didn't prescribe a stronger pain med, it couldn't be that bad could it? I have been awake for several procedures and although they can be uncomfortable they are certainly bearable. Some people have a problem with sights and sounds more than discomfort. If you're okay with that, you should be fine.

I'm just back from my D&C so it is very fresh in my mind. I was given Valium 10 mg & Motrin 800 mg before procedure. The procedure was very painful! Worst pain I have felt since labor! My first 2 D&C were under sedation. I went to sleep & woke up when everything was over. This one was terrible & very painful. It's now 2 hrs later & I have very little pain and or bleeding. Thank God! A D&C no matter how it's done is not pleasant, but being awake was not a good choice for me!! Hopefully I never have to deal with this again!

Hi Sarah,
I am so sorry about your loss. I am an OR nurse, my husband is an anesthesiologist, my sister an OB/GYN and I have had one D&C awake, and one sedated. If you plan to stay awake, your MD most likely will give you a cervical block to ease the discomfort of dilation. The suction and curettage portion can be uncomfortable and the noise can be disconcerting. I wasn't prepared for that part, and it was very upsetting. I respect your wishes, but strongly suggest sedation. The medication given relaxes you and tends to have an amnesic affect. If you have a history of nausea and vomiting, let your anesthesiologist know, and he/she will give you an anti-emetic IV to prevent these symptoms. The sedation given is short-acting and you should be on your way home after a short stay in the PACU. Good luck.

I'm not quite sure why you would want to be awake for this I have had 2 and was knocked out for them and I'm not sure why they would tell you take motrin when motrin and advil increase bleeding I was told I could go to work the next day but my employer gave me the week off and good thing because had terrible cramps with the first one and when I returned to work they had to send me to the ER because I started bleeding very heavily so I would say take it easy for 2 weeks after because it seems just like after giving birth the more you do the heavier the bleeding. With my second one which was done by a different doctor I wasn't aloud to work for 2 weeks and that made a huge difference my recovery went much better and didn't have nearly as much cramping didn't take motrin that time I stuck w/ tylenol I think the first time the doctor did something wrong because the pain I was in following the first procedure was about 10x worse then labor and delivery but if the recovery was that bad I can only imagine what it would have felt like to be awake for it.

Hi R.,

I have had a D&C while awake. Not the most pleasant experience. It was uncomfortable pain wise but I was surprised at how traumatic is was emotionally for me. I would recommend being put asleep for it.

Good luck!

J.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss - I know how difficult it is. Prior to my 3 successful pregnancies, I had 3 miscarriages (which we suspect was due to undiagnosed thyroid problems). I actually had a D&C botrh ways, as well as letting my body handle it on its own (which I don't recommend, b/c I bled for many, many weeks). I was not knocked out for the first one and not for the 3rd one. I don't tend to be terribly sensitive in that area (ie paps aren't painful for me), and it wasn't that bad. In a way I think it might have been a little less traumatic because it wasn't such an intense process (ie checking in, IV, coming to, feeling drugged up, etc.). You'll do fine and it will be over quickly. The motrin is a great idea. Hang in there! This too shall pass.

Hi R.,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please be good to yourself while you heal emotionally and physically.

I understand that general anesthesia has risks but I would consider some light sedation so that you miss most or all of this sensation. Not sure what "anti-anxiety" prescription they have suggested - if it will make you very foggy and then wear off, it's possible it would be enough, but I would ask some more questions of the anesthesiologist. You don't need to be unaware for very long so you don't need to be put "under" with anything very strong or long-lasting.

Also, I would absolutely question the Motrin! It can be associated with increased bleeding, like aspirin, and I would get another opinion or two on that. I can't imagine why they would think it was a good idea.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Hi,
Sorry to hear that you need a D&C. I am not sure why you would choose to be awake for it? I had to have one and they put me out for it (it is not general anethesia it is a "lighter" version of that). Honestly, I don't see any reason to be awake for that if you don't have to. If you are committed to being awake then I would strongly suggest you go with the doc's advice on what to take before hand!
Best of luck.

Do you mind sharing which OB is willing do the procedure without anasthesia. I am thinking of having one but would prefer not to be completely knocked out. Thank you!

I have had 3 D&Cs - I was awake for the first, and under heavy sedatives (not anasthesia, but enough sedative to put me out and wake up when it's over) for the second two. My first was in the doctors office and the other two in the hospital. For the first, I had a pain reliever by IV and experienced enough cramping that I asked the nurse for more. As I recall, the cramping really only lasted during the procedure. I would agree the sound is the worst part. The only "good" thing is that the procedure is pretty quick - probably about 15 minutes.

I am sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss. I experienced the same thing. I was awake for the procedure, with the anti anxiety medication. It was a bit uncomfortable but not painful at all. My husband was with me the entire time and I think by focusing on him while it was happening helped alot. Good luck!

I have had two D&C's, one last year and one last month. Both times the baby had stopped developing around 7-8 weeks, yet I had not begun to expel anything by 9-10. These were both done at a hospital. The first time they put something in my IV, and I was out before even rolling into the operating room. I 'woke up' back where I'd started, and had almost no pain, then or in the weeks after. I did fall asleep later that afternoon for a couple of hours, though. The second time they used something else, which they didn't give me until after I'd moved myself from the rolling bed to the table in the operating room, and scooted down to the edge, feet up, etc. They told me I might be aware of what was going on, but that it shouldn't bother me, and that most people had no memory of the procedure. They were right - I was out and again 'woke up' back in the recovery room. I didn't feel as tired this time around, but I had some discomfort for over a week - booo. If I have to do it again, I'd opt for the first version, it was a WAY less depressing and unpleasant experience. Best wishes- L.

Hi R.,

I've not heard of anyone having a D+C without at least concious sedation. A simple D+E is uncomfortable, but quick enough to be down with just a little sedation, but I think you should have a little light anesthesia or conscious sedation for this procedure. I am a RN and have experience with these procedures.

J. L.

R.,
I'm sorry about your pregnany loss.I know it's tough.

I've had 2 D & Cs. Both times knocked out, with mild anesthesia, I believe. It is not a pleasant procedure and involves pain and discomfort. Personally, I would get knocked out, why suffer, any more than you already have?

To be honest, if that dr has that opinion about an D&C, I would find another doctor, especially if he is a fan of motrin which can increase bleeding, which you don't want happening in this procedure. I hope all goes well.
Nikki

Hi R.,

sorry you have to go through this, I this done two years ago and was surprised at how upsetting it was for me.

I have a fear of general anesthesia so I wanted to be awake. They gave me a little bit of fentanyl (which is a strong pain killer) IV and some local. I found it quite bearable and was able to to relax enough for the doctor to do the procedure. I remembered the whole thing.

They might give you "conscious sedation" which is versed (midazolam) and propofol IV. You won't really be under general (like you could talk and respond to them) but if they give you those drugs you won't remember anything.

I didn't find the thing too painful and didn't have to take anything after. I took the rest of the day off work to rest and recup. Be kind to yourself, its a sad thing.

Best of luck

E.

Hi R., I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just miscarried and had a D&C 12 days ago. I was knocked out for it and was very glad for that. About 15 years ago I had an abortion that I was awake for and it was a very emotional experience. I cried through the whole procedure. I was imagining the D&C would be the same way and was terrified I would be sobbing the entire time. I was so relieved to know that I would be knocked out. I was wheeled into the OR and the last thing I remember is being given an oxygen mask. After that, I remember dreaming and then a gentle voice telling me to wake up. It was all over but I don't have any memory of it and for that I am grateful. The healing has also gone well and I am just about done bleeding now. Good luck with everything.

I have had 2 D&Cs and have been awake for both. The first was just as you are describing, the doctor gave me some Motrin and an antibiotic. The second D&C I was given an IV of pain medication that made me a bit loopy, although I was awake and knew what was happening. I would suggest asking for that type of medication, if it's possible. By the time I was through with the procedure, I was completely coherent and able to leave the hospital myself.

I remember it being uncomfortable with what I would describe as moderate cramping. I would also agree that the sound was worse than anything else. The doctors allowed my husband in the room which helped a lot in calming and relaxing me. . .making the procedure easier on everyone. I'm sorry you need to be going through this.