I was diagnosed with cervical insufficiency about sixteen years ago. I am currently on my third pregnancy, and I had a cervical cerclage placed almost two weeks ago at about 12 ½ weeks of pregnancy. A cervical cerclage is basically a stitch that holds the cervix together during pregnancy. This is my personal experience of what happened to me on my surgery day. Hopefully, it will encourage those facing the same procedure and help them know what they can expect.
Presurgery
First of all, I had a pre-op appointment one week before my surgery. The doctor checked my cervix at that time, had me sign some papers, gave me some post op instructions, and had me give blood for some blood tests. I was also given instructions not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure, and I was told what time to be at the hospital on surgery day.
Day of Cerclage Surgery
The day of my cerclage placement came, and I was at the hospital bright and early. I was taken back into an area, told to put on a hospital gown, and given an IV. I then waited until my turn for surgery.
About an hour or so later an anesthesiologist came in to discuss the anesthesia with me. I was told that I would receive a spinal block which would numb the lower portion of my body. I was then taken back to the operating room. I had to sit up on the operating table while the numbing medication was put into my back. It was painful, but I made it through, and the end result was that my lower body was completely numb and temporarily paralyzed.
My legs were put into some contraption, my arms were tied down, and the head portion of the table was lowered. I was given oxygen, and had my oxygen and blood pressure levels monitored during the procedure. Also, a blue sheet was placed over my legs so I could see nothing. I felt no pain during the cerclage placement, and the surgery lasted about 20 minutes.
After surgery I was taken to recovery, where I stayed until I was stabilized. I was then taken back to the room I was taken to originally. There I was allowed to eat, watch TV, rest, and talk with family while I waited for my lower body to regain feeling.
Once I could walk and go to the restroom I was allowed to leave. I was taken out of the hospital in a wheelchair. My husband drove to the front of the hospital to pick me up. I was given ibuprofen to take for pain in the weeks following the procedure. Also, I was to take it very easy for about 3 days after the surgery.
About two weeks later, the pain is minimal, especially when I take the ibuprofen. The doctor has told me the cerclage is doing well. It is to be removed at 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Angel Chavis - Angel Chavis lives in NC with her husband, daughter, and various pets. She is a Christian, wife, homeschool mom, writer, student, and ...
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