Termination at 13 weeks due to fetal anomaly

[Anonymous]

I am very sorry OP, and am surprised to hear what you are going through. I also terminated a pregnancy for medical reasons at WHC in 2010, but was put totally under. I can't imagine why they would not let you do that, could it be an insurance issue? Does it have anything to do with the specific doctor? The doctor I went through had a practice at the hospital, maybe that made a difference?

I will tell you that the doctors and nurses I dealt with were all extremely kind and sympathetic and made an otherwise horrible day slightly better. They all gave me hugs and told me I was doing the right thing, which at the time was very helpful.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks PP. Not sure if it has anything to do with a particular doctor or whether it is the new policy! Can I ask you which doctor you saw?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks PP. Not sure if it has anything to do with a particular doctor or whether it is the new policy! Can I ask you which doctor you saw?

Dr. Downing. We never even discussed not using general anesthesia. My only memories are sitting on the table and then waking up in the recovery room.

[Anonymous]

You could also try to get an appointment with Dr. Pinckert at GWMFM. I don't know if they do terminations, but I would imagine they do. Dr. Pinckert is the most kind and caring doctor I've met, and I'm sure he would offer you anesthesia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could also try to get an appointment with Dr. Pinckert at GWMFM. I don't know if they do terminations, but I would imagine they do. Dr. Pinckert is the most kind and caring doctor I've met, and I'm sure he would offer you anesthesia.

I believe they will just refer you to someone else. I went to Dr. Gallagher at GWMFM and they referred me to Dr. Downing.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP at 10.28 with a D&C for miscarriage at 11 weeks. I also saw Dr. Downing and he was wonderful. He definitely helped me feel more relaxed and if I ever need to go back to hospital (am planning a home birth) I would want him to be my OB. But as I said having that procedure without anesthesia is extremely painful - I highly recommend Dr. Downing though, he's very caring.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry OP. I just had a D&C at 10 weeks (baby had died) and they put me under complete general anesthesia. It was a huge relief. Can you do it at another hospital? I was at GW, btw...

[Anonymous]

First, OP, I'm sorry you even have to go through this situation. My thoughts go out to you.

I had a D&C after a missed miscarriage at 9 weeks. It was at an outpatient clinic affiliated with Holy Cross. I was put under "twilight sleep" - between laughing gas and full blown general anesthesia. I honestly cannot imagine having to go through the (albeit quick) procedure without it. If you are feeling nervous I would definitely press for some kind of sedative or go to a different clinic, if possible.

[Anonymous]

I had a D&C at 11 weeks at GW Hospital and was put under, which was presented as the routine procedure. The experience is traumatic enough without being awake for it.

[Anonymous]

I also had a D&C after miscarrying at 8 weeks and I had general anesthesia. I remember entering the surgical room, then waking up in recovery, nothing in between. Perhaps ask if you have options -- that sounds a bit extreme. Good wishes to you -- I'm so sorry.

[Anonymous]

HELLS no, you should have the option to be knocked out. I have never heard of being awake for the procedure.

OP sorry for your situation.

[Anonymous]

OP, this is 11:09 again. I will just add that I know this is a very hard time but it WILL get better. It is difficult and will take time, but you will be ready to try again. I took 6 months before even considering it, and when I did get pregnant it was hard to be excited until we were done with testing. We now have a beautiful 1-year old. We have never once regretted our decision.

[Anonymous]

I had a D&C at 11 weeks after a missed miscarriage and I was fully under. I would definitely see if you can switch OBs if yours won't offer you this. My doctor also gave me medication before the procedure to help open up my cervix to minimize the damage to it. I can't remember what it was but I took it that morning. Had my procedure at Sibley.

[Anonymous]

OP - please let us know which doctor is telling you that you must have it done this way, so people can avoid this person.

For anyone who has had to go through a medical termination and knowing that there is such a person out there, it would be best to avoid such a doctor.

[Anonymous]

I had a termination for a fatal fetal defect at Sibley. I was knocked out. I would insist on going somewhere else in the area. I am so sorry for your loss. I understand the pain and it is awful.