incomplete miscarriage?

[Anonymous]

I miscarried somewhere between 4.5 and 6 weeks (started bleeding at 6 weeks). Around when I stopped bleeding, my hcg level was 22. I had an ultrasound 4 days after the bleeding stopped, which according to the radiologist's report, showed a "tiny" endogenic focus that could be "possible product of conception." (Frustrating in part because the radiologist told me that she didn't see any problems and if didn't know my history, would not have known I'd had a miscarriage). The report also said that I should get another ultrasound. The next day (this past Friday), I had a very confusing appointment where the doctor first suggested a d&c or pills and then said I could get my hcg tested, get another ultrasound, and then decide from there. She said if my hcg was less than 2, I would get my period -- I *think* she was suggesting if my hcg dropped, I wouldn't need a d&c. She also said the focus on the u/s could be a blood clot, but didn't say what this would mean. (The doctor's bedside manner was awful, as an aside, so I will not be going back to that doctor.)

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Do you know if it's possible that I can get my period and the 'focus' will pass with my next period.

I thought I had my miscarriage behind me and was upset to find that that might not be the case. Not to mention that I think I will have to wait longer to ttc if I have a d&c rather than a natural miscarriage.

[Anonymous]

OP - I am so sorry that this has happend. I had 'retained tissue' and needed both a D&C and a more specific procedure after that later on. I was much further along though - into 2nd trimester. I think you need to call a physician you ahve a good relatinship with an have them explain what the US showed and your options.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. It seemed to me that she was suggesting something unnecessary, esp because (as you said) I was so early. I think I definitely will talk with another doctor.

[Anonymous]

Please do talk to another doctor. And my heart goes out to you. I miscarried earlier this year and understand the heartbreak. Be well.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry you are going through this, and would second the idea of getting another opinion, or at least calling someone who can give you a more thorough explanation of your situation. And it is my understanding of natural miscarriages that tracking HCG levels can give the best sense of whether things were complete or not, so could tell you if the 'focus' was fooling your body into continuing to produce pregnancy hormones or not. If it is, that could delay the return of normal ovulation, but if not, then I would imagine your next menstrual cycle would take care of it.

And on the waiting front - when I miscarried earlier this year (missed m/c at 8.5 weeks, D&C at 10+), different Drs had different recommendations on wait time, but I found no information from either online sources or medical personnel that could provide evidence based reasons for a lengthy wait - or really any wait - to resume TTC after a 1T miscarriage. For primarily emotional reasons we chose to wait out one potential ovulation, and then conceived on the cycle right after my first period post D&C (which came 4 weeks after). And I am now about midway through what appears to be a healthy pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

OP HERE: When I went in for the ultrasound on Tuesday, there were 2 tiny spots, but they were labeled calcifications, which I was told are totally normal. Then I found out that my blood results from Monday showed that my HCG levels were less than 2.

I cannot believe that if I would have listened to the doctor and not questioned anything, I would have unnecessarily taken cytotec on the Friday before I got these results. Or scheduled a D&C without doing the ultrasound or potentially waiting for my blood results.

[Anonymous]

Also, thank you to everyone for your advice and kind words.