D&C

After finding out that our baby was no longer with us we knew there were two options for how to proceed.  We could either wait and pass the baby at home on our own.  Or, we could have a surgical procedure called a D&C (Dilation and Curettage).  We talked with both of our physicians (Dr. Oakes, and Dr. Friesen) and spoke about the pro's and con's for each with our specific situation.  We decided that a D&C would be the best option for us.  This whole topic is a bit rough and I really don't want to offend anyone when I talk about this.  I know that some of you might be very against this procedure and would rather pass the baby naturally, and that is 100% okay, which ever you decide just as I have said before make sure you make an informed choice.

Mayo Clinic- D&C

I called and made an appointment for surgery with Dr. Friesen for Friday January 6th.  We decided to do the surgery in Lincoln as it is much cheaper with insurance.

Friday morning we got up bright and early at 4:15AM and went to the hospital and got checked in around 5:00AM.  The nurse went through some questions on my medical history, medication history, and did her absolute best to be sympathetic to the reason we were there.  The nurse came in to start my IV, and lab came in to draw 3 tubes of blood, thank goodness I have great veins.

Both the anesthesiologist and Dr. Friesen stopped in to talk and go over some questions and hear our history.  Then around 6:45AM they wheeled me back to the OR.  I hated this part because I had to take out my contacts and I am blind as a bat, and couldn't make out a single persons face.  Once we got into the OR my nurse introduced me to the other surgical nurses and personnel in the room.  I slid over to the OR bed and laid back as they hooked me up to monitors, and put some "feel good" medication through my IV.  At that time the anesthesiologist put a mask over my face and out I went.

I woke up maybe 30-40 minutes later to the PACU nurse rubbing my shoulder saying "how are you feeling Stephanie".  I thankfully didn't have any nausea and no pain (Thanks to some zofran and toradol through my IV).  After waking up a tiny bit more in the PACU they wheeled me back into my outpatient surgery room where Derrick was waiting.  I continued to drift in and out of sleep while the nurse came in to monitor my blood pressure and any bleeding I was having along with any pain.

After about 90 minutes I felt a little more awake.  I still wasn't having any pain, or nausea and minimal bleeding.  Once I felt a little better I was asked to get up to try to use the bathroom, once I could urinate I was able to get dressed and ready to head home.  The nurse again came in to go over dismissal instructions, medications, follow up appointments, and what to expect.

Overall the staff did a wonderful job of allowing us space to breathe and process together, but yet were available to answer questions and let us know that we were being cared for.  We went home and spent the rest of the day resting, sleeping, and watching movies.

Emotionally during my time at the hospital I tried my hardest to keep it together, to not show the hurt and scared side of my heart.  It wasn't until close before we went back for surgery that I broke down.  Derrick and I yet again found ourselves tangled together holding each other, crying, praying, and sharing one of the worst two days of our lives.