"Miscarriage care"

I attended the early pregnancy unit in causeway hospital for a scan at seven weeks following a scare. The nurse Nicola scanned me and everything was fine. We could see a heartbeat. I was so relieved.  I was advised to attend again for a further scan in a couple of weeks. 

Fast forward two weeks. I had been so sick so not thinking anything was wrong, I skipped back into the early pregnancy unit to see my baby again. I was so excited!

I hopped on to the couch and could see my wee baby on the scanner. Shauna the nurse started to look and look. She kept trying different angles but neither of us could see that wee flicker of my baby's heartbeat. 

Shauna called for the doctor. Dr white proceeded to scan me again. In my head I was desperately hoping we had just missed it. But then I just remember Dr White's words... "I'm so sorry." I just cried. I couldn't believe it! The baby measured perfectly but no heartbeat. Shock set in. Shauna was so reassuring and compassionate. My options were given to me and I was advised to call back the following day to arrange what to do next. 

The end of the week came and I was taken in for surgical management.  Nurses Terri and Marian were so attentive. They kept me regularly informed about getting to theatre. The three student nurses were lovely. Caitlin, Carla and Chloe from Ulster University and Queens. It was great to see them teaching and supporting each other's learning. They kept asking me if I needed anything and popping in to check if I was okay. 

Dr Yazmin explained the procedure to me. I was obviously upset but she was very caring.

The end of the day came. Theatres had been so busy that day that I had to return the following day for my procedure.

I attended the next day as planned. I was seen by Dr Shafalika and the anaesthetist Dr Maha fairly promptly. I was advised that my procedure would be done under spinal which I was quite nervous about but again, they reassured me.

I was wheeled to theatre by a nurse called Margaret and Dr Yazmin. In the anaesthetic room, I was met by a nurse called Natalie. I was so nervous and obviously upset but she was so reassuring. 

Into theatre I go to be met by Dr Shafalika, Dr Maha and a team of nurses. I just remember crying. Pure devastation set in. But a nurse called Helen said the kindest words to me that I will never forget. Her compassion and care was amazing. She made me feel like I wasn't alone, even though it is the most lonely of experiences. 

Following my spinal, Nurse Natalie stood by my side the whole time. Reassuring me constantly. The masks and visors didn't make a difference because I could see their smiles and kindness by their eyes. 

Once the procedure was completed, I went to recovery to be met by a lovely nurse called Esther. Again, Esther fully reassured me and made me laugh even. Natalie and Helen also came to see how I was doing. These three nurses provided me with such comfort and support.

Helen and Esther wheeled me back to the ward, where Nurses Orla and Margaret proceeded to provide me with great care and such kindness. Mandy the HCA brought me tea and toast and chatted away to me. I was so thankful for her company and cheerfulness. 

I guess I am writing this to help me come to terms with all that has happened.  Despite my misfortune I wanted to acknowledge the staff that cared for me.  From my trauma, I have experienced the true kindness, compassion, empathy and great care from a whole team of doctors and nursing staff.  Even during such difficult times, they are still providing a service which is invaluable to women experiencing this heart ache. 

I hope that they get to see this and that they know how truly thankful I am for their comfort and support at such a difficult time.