Question:
HONESTLY.... Does a D&C Hurt?

I'm having a Lap RNY on April 2nd, and having my tubes tied by Dr Andy Roth In Downers Grove, IL during the WLS. Dr Roth has taken it upon himself to 'Treat' my irregular menstrual periods by doing a D&C during the procedure as well. I've met this man ONE time, and he spent maybe 5 minutes talking to me about my history. My regular gyne, (a WOMAN) is treating my irregular cycles with hormone therapy because she knows that I am TERRIFIED of having a D&C done. A Vaginal ultrasound 2 months ago showed NO abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries. Question is: How bad is the cramping and bleeding AFTER a D&C? I know I'll be under anethesia for the procedure, but what degree of cramping can I expect post-op? Thanks.....    — Laurie L. (posted on March 15, 2001)

March 14, 2001
I had three D&C's to treat my very heavy, clotting periods. I never experienced ANY pain or discomfort. No cramps, no bleeding. I was a bit tired the day I had each procedure done was was fine the next day. I tried hormone treatments etc. before I was diagnosed with endometrosis. I had a partial hysterectomy and it took care of all my problems. The D&C is really not a huge deal. I hope this helps.
   — Shellie G.

March 14, 2001
I had two D&Cs in the early 1980s. It was outpatient surgery -- you went in, had it done, and went home a couple of hours later. I had absolutely no pain whatsoever -- no cramping, no bleeding, no nothing. Felt like I'd been hit by a truck, but that was the anesthetic. I was back at work within two days of having it done. Just as an aside, it's possible that you're having irregular periods because of the obesity, and this might take care of itself post-op. However, if you've been irregular for a long time, a D&C will clean out any tissue, so it's not a bad idea to have it done. But honestly, it doesn't hurt at all -- I've had pap tests done that hurt more. Good luck!
   — Cheryl Denomy

March 14, 2001
I have 3 D&C in my life and now of them caused me any cramping or bleeding after.
   — Helen C.

March 14, 2001
I had one done last September, but also had a laparoscopy so my ob/gyn could make sure I didn't have endometriosis. A vaginal sonogram won't pick endo up, I'm not 100% certain about that. I would always be cautious about letting a doctor who isn't a gyne do a D&C. Maybe I misundertood your post and your gyne is actually do the procedure. I will say that I had more pain from the carbon dioxide than I did from the D&C. My doc found two fibroids and removed several polyps in the uterine cavity. She also did a hysteroscopy to check things out thoroughly. Overall, I wasn't in a lot of pain, just discomfort from the gas they used to expand my abdominal cavity to see during the lap. They will give you some good painkillers so don't worry.
   — Diana M.

March 15, 2001
I have had 2 D&C'C w/ miscarraiges, although it was no picnic and I was very sad for losing the babies. I was up and around in 2 days no pain, I think your smart to have it done at the same time that way you'll only have pain once instead of twice if you chose another date for your D& C.
   — Cindee A.

March 15, 2001
I would consult your gyn before making a decision on this. Sounds to me like the surgeon is trying to get three surgical fees out of your insurance company (I could very well be wrong on this, maybe it's just the pessamist in me!).
   — [Anonymous]

March 15, 2001
For years, my periods were extremely heavy. I would pass huge clots and completely soak 3 of the thickest pads available every 30 minutes. I went to my gynecologist in March of 1999. He wanted to do an endometrial ablation and prevent heavy bleeding. Well, I wasn't sure about it so I just agreed to a D&C at the time. Well, 6 months later I found out that I was pregnant! I had my 5th baby boy in May of 2000. He is an absolute joy and such a blessing. If I had had the ablation at the time my Dr. wanted to do it, then my adorable baby wouldn't be here. Well, unfortuately after he was born, my periods returned heavier than ever!!! When I would shower it looked like a scene from a horror film! I could not leave my home. Anyway, in November, I agreed to have a balloon endometrial ablation and D&C. After the procedure, I was told that the DR. couldn't do the ablation because of the surface of my uterus. It was too lumpy and bumpy from extremely large fibroids. So, I was given a $1500 hormone injection to put me into temporary menopause and I went back 1 month later and had a "roller-ball" endometrial ablation. It has worked wonders!! I have not had a single episode of bleeding-NO PERIODS!! Of course, I am hormonally intact and I do have some PMS symptoms. But, I don't bleed. My husband took care of the fertility aspect. So, I can enjoy the rest of my reproductive years PERIOD-FREE!!!! I am not sure how I got into such great detail about my circumstances. But, as you can see I have had a lot of GYN procedures and I have had NO pain, cramping or anything. Even after the ablation, where my uterine lining is actually destroyed and removed. It was very easy. The doctor gave my a prescription for anaprox which I did not even get filled. I'm not sure if it is really necessary to do them at the same time since the D&C is a simple vaginal outpatient procedure. I think that I would continue to let my gyn. follow this problem.But don't be terrified of the D&C --it is really very simple.
   — Shelley.

March 15, 2001
Oh my gosh!! Please don't let this guy do a D&C on you! Just from reading your question, I can tell it makes you uncomfortable. (to say the least!) If you have your own Gyn,then it should be up to the two of you to decide together wether or not you need it done, not this guy. I know from my own experience that being obese can affect your cycles. I've gone through all kinds of stress about it, and was scared, and all for nthing. After losing my first 40#, my periods came back to my completely normal, regular cycle. I think you should wait it out and see if weight loss makes a diffrence. If not, then please only deal with your Gyn! Are you comfortable with him doing the tube thing? Good luck to you!!
   — Danielle G.

March 26, 2001
I agree with everyone who said don't do it. I've had several D and C's after miscarriages, and there wasn't any pain afterwards. But this guy sounds just a little too eager to get you under the knife if you ask me. Wait until after you lose some weight--he sounds like he's not taking into consideration everything that could be causing this. Trust your instincts.
   — marlo T.

June 17, 2002
I had a D&C once and was terrified. But, it was so easy. I had hardly any bleeding afterwards...except for some very light spotting. And the cramping afterwards was less than a normal period. No big deal!
   — Shawnie S.

June 18, 2002
Is this Dr. Roth doing the RNY and the tubal? I want to do the same thing (have RNY and tubal at the same time), but my bariatric surgeon will not be doing both procedures. He will allow a gyn to come in and do the tubal, but he realizes that the tubal is not his field of medicine. The most important thing is, if you are not comfortable with having the D&C done, then DON'T!! It is your right to choose what procedures are happening to you. Be sure and talk to your regular gyn about this- see what advice she has for you. Good luck!!
   — Wendy M.

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