3 M/C's, told I am too old at 41 and about to see a private Gynae, anyone else in similar situation?

[Rosepip]

Hello ladies - the rollercoaster continues.... in a nutshell, I am 41, DH 45 and we have 2 DC, ages 10 and 6. 3 consecutive m/c last year, all very early (2 at 4 weeks and 1 at 8 with no fetal pole or yolk sac), they all happened literally one after the other. No problems conceiving in my 30s, text book pregnancies and deliveries. These 3 pregnancies were also all conceived easily, they just didn't stick. Had initial blood tests on NHS and saw gynae consultant this week, all bloods are normal tho my FSH slightly up with could indicate the dreaded perimenopause but he said it was so slight an increase, it wouldn't have been the cause. Basically though, he said it was our ages and no more tests available and nothing else they can do to help. Feel like I've been put on the scrapheap and I refuse to let it lie when I read on here wonderful stories of ladies having babies in their 40s. So, we hare now scheduled to see a private gynae the week after next for the a 2nd opinion. I don't feel we can start trying again until we've fully explored all our options because if I were to m/c again on the 4th attempt, I honestly feel that will be it, no more. So, before we head down the road again, I am hoping that there will be some further tests/options available to us, it really is last chance saloon. Anyone out there who has been in a similar situation? Thank you for reading! :)

[AmyHS]

Hi rosepip,

I am very sorry for your losses.

I have had 4 consecutive MC, and have no children. However, I have just turned 31, so am not quite in the same position as you.

The only advice I can give you from my experience is that I had investigations by a private clinic. The clinic I used did a lot of tests, some which the NHS don't use.

I showed up as having a high tendency for blood clotting, so I will be treated with 150mg of aspirin during my next pregnancy. We are TTC now so hopefully that will be soon.

There's is no guarantee that this will prevent another MC, as there are so many differing reasons for them.

I think you re right to get a 2nd opinion, and I they offer you testing, get as many as you can done.

Fingers crossed for you

X

[alcianblue]

Haven't posted for ages but couldn't read this and run.

Rosepip, I'm sorry for your losses.

Yes, I've been in a similar situation.

Started TTC in my late 30's: initial infertility for one year, then 1 MC at 4 weeks, then DC1.

Then tried for DC2. Had 3 consecutive MCs, two around 9 weeks and one around 7 weeks. After these recurrent miscarriages, we were investigated on NHS with nothing found. I tried (on my own, i.e. not under medical guidance) a range of possible treatments including extra vit B6 and folic acid, 75mg aspirin, pre-seed and some herbal/alternative remedies (aimed at both getting pregnant and staying pregnant). I then conceived what turned out to be DC2 :-)

Some months later, without using any of those treatments at all, I rather unexpectedly (but very happily) conceived and carried to term DC3. At 43.

So lots of extra stuff tried/used for DC2, nothing at all for DC3: both thankfully fab healthy children, after multiple miscarriages and in my early 40's.

I hope this story is of help and wish you luck with future pregnancies.

[Angelswings]

You are not alone!
I'm 43, kids aged 9 and older but longing for one more
3 MC last year, 6 weeks, 5 weeks and a MMC at 9
Had all the blood tests, waiting for FSH and LH still, but all others normal
The only advice the really nice consultant gave me was
Have low dose Pogesterone from the day you get the BFP until 12 weeks, take normal pregnancy vitamins and not to put on weight!
He also told me to get an early scan at about 7 weeks.
I'm only 10 days into this cycle so no news yet. Will try the progesterone, it is not fully understood, but for women with recurrent MC it seems to help the pregnancy stick
Don't give up hope, well that's what I'm telling myself!

[Dunnitt]

Hi Rosepip

I am 34 and have had 3 MCs. I saw a Gynae on the NHS yesterday and will be put forward for some investigations. BUT I do believe the private sector does extra tests that the NHS don't do, particularly around the area of Immunology as some of the tests/treatment don't have enough data behind them to be licensed yet. So I am going down the private route also.

The Gynae told me yesterday to start taking 75mg asprin as that prevents any potential issues around blood clotting.

[HarriedWithChildren]

It's always so interesting, and disheartening in some cases, to see the different care and advice each of us received in similar circumstances.

I'm exactly like you OP in that I am 40, 3 DC and 3 MC last year. No conception issues so far, just not sticking and MC at est. 8, 5.5. and 10.5 wks.
Following our request for referral the RMCC we were told that in view of our history there is every expectation we will go on to have a baby without further help so nothing they could do. A message I felt to be more upsetting than reassuring.

I asked the GP to be tested for infection and to have blood test for clotting thing. Are there any side effects to taking progesterone and baby aspirin? I'm tempted to take them anyway.

Maybe we should go private.

[nevergiveuphope]

Hi I am 44 and had mc last week but it can be done at my age.I'm devastated but am going to try again so don't give up

[Angelswings]

The consultant said there were no reported side effects of the progesterone. GP needs to write me a description for it
If you didn't have clotting issues I'm not sure I'd risk the aspirin, it could be you don't clot well enough?!

[Angelswings]

Sorry to hear your news nevergiveuphope

[HarriedWithChildren]

Good point Angelswing, I'll wait to get results.

To come back to you OP, I think a second opinion is the way forward if only for your peace of mind now and to avoid regret later.

While age is a factor it isn't like a tap gets switched off at x age so I hope we'll meet again in the pg after mc section in a frenzy of anxiety but happy.

[Rosepip]

Thank you to all of you lovely ladies for replying; it brought a lump to my throat reading your stories but is also comforting to know that there are lots of us in the same situation because, at times, you feel like you're the only one going through all this crap! We have our private appointment on Monday, the clinic have been amazing so far in the lead up to us attending, I guess you get what you pay for. I feel its going to be a long and expensive road ahead but as this is really our LAST chance, going private is our only option to try and get the answers we need. Good luck and hope that you all have a positive outcome in the near future xx