GP/ Hosp wont do HCG testing

[jasmine51]

With mc #5 threatening I have been told by my GP that my local hospital (JR, Oxford) no longer do HCG level testing. This is a new restriction and she didnt know where else I could have one. Anyone know anywhere I could go...I'll pay if necessary but it has to be local (St Marys Paddington is too far away)
x

[MiasmARGGHHH]

Sorry you might be going though it for a 5th time :(

I have had 3 miscarriages (and 1 of them at the JR 10 years ago) and have never had my HCG checked. I was told because by the time it is dropping it's too late.

[jasmine51]

Thanks - at the moment I just have an instinctive feeling that mc#5 is underway but no bleeding yet and Raj Rai at St Marys recommended the HCG tests as reassurance. But I guess the NHS is not interested in reassurance. Ok, my mind it made up...I'm off to St Marys to pay for the damn things!!

[MiasmARGGHHH]

I'll be thinking of you then, Good luck :)

[banana87]

Try a fertility clinic local to you. They usually do those tests without you having to trek to London. Hope its not what you think :(

[kat2504]

Sorry to hear that, really hope it turns out to be better news though.
In fairness to the NHS, testing your HCG levels will not prevent a miscarriage from taking place. All it will do is confirm if they are not rising fast enough. Guess their logic is that since the testing makes no difference to the outcome of the pregnancy, they can't be affording to spend money on it.

On the other hand, I'd perhaps have found out about mine ten days earlier if they had tested my blood after inconclusive scan.
I'd also have paid for the reassurance if I had been more clued up about things then.

[owlshoes]

The JR are quite happy to test HCG after a mc - that's rotten that they won't do it as reassurance given what you've been through already.

I hope you are successful and that it's good news - like you, I'd pay for tests (and as I live near the JR it looks like I will have to).

Good luck & fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

[jasmine51]

owlshoes - if you find anywhere near JR that does private HCG testing without massive consultation fees as well, let me know. For the time being I am going back to St Marys, but its a long way and is a day off work so doubly expensive

[owlshoes]

I certainly will - and in the meantime I hope all goes well at St Mary's :)

[jasmine51]

Owlshoes
Spoke to St Marys on phone - they feel there are enough signs that HCG levels are going up so unless I really fancy a trip up to London there would be no reason to have HCG test now. If mc is happening there would be nothing they could do so it is down to my own peace of mind. I have some good signs today so I'm happy to leave it for the time being.
xx

[owlshoes]

Excellent, am v.pleased for you :)