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Antenatal tests

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Original poster

Con fusing Nuchal Scan but low bloods -really worried

9 replies

emomummie · 12/02/2010 08:34

Hi,I'm new to this so please bear with me (this is going to be a long one) I am 39 and 13+2 by LMP or 13+4 by NHS dating scan. I went for a private combined Nuchal Test 8 days ago as its not provided on NHS in our area and I had it with DD when I was 36 (and then I had no problems/issues raised) .
The consultant was the same I had last time and he has been doing them for years so he's good at them. The NT was 2.4mm which worried me as it was just on the top borderline of normal range for the CRL.He tried to reassure me that the vast majority of women with readings like this have no problems.As I'd had the scan before I asked him about the nasal bone as he'd not mentioned it. He said he couldn't definitely tell me he'd seen it and I'd get a call from the private nurse in 3 working days with blood results and my combined risk.He did say if necessary I could go back to check for nasal bone again as could be gestational.
I was a wreck for those 5 days as it included a weekend and I got call to say low risk of 1:442 following blood. I was shocked as compared to last time its a lot higher risk (1:3000) and it floored me as I was all set for CVS as expecting high risk regardless following scan.
I got back in for follow up scan again this week and still no definite nasal bone shining out although he wants second opinion as he thinks it could be there just very faint and he can't meet the nuchal scan criteria so risk remains the same.
I am now awaiting call regarding another scan at the NHS hospital he works at too to get a scan on a slightly more powerful machine and a second opinion. I'm really worrying which is in my nature anyway but ever since conceiving I've been worrying. I told the MW I wanted to be happy but was feeling anxious for some reason.
I know from reading the threads in here there are lots of women would love my result but I can't help but worry that the raised NT and no nasal bone would hold more weight than ggod blood results. I will be 14+1 or 14+3 next week and he did say if I wanted CVS same day I could but I am waiting until the day to decide as if it is a better scan result maybe I'm better waiting for amnio? I am going insane with worry. Has anyone else had similar situation?

OP posts:

sarah293 · 12/02/2010 08:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster

emomummie · 12/02/2010 08:51

Thanks for your reply Riven- I know it sounds like I'm being ungrateful for what should be looked at as good results ( my age risk was 1:147)its just that now I know too much I've gone into overdrive. I did try to ring ARC last week when I was waiting and I kept getting engaged tone so I sent an email and they did say the scan is only part of it and to wait until full result. I tried to join this site yest but they weren't accepting until this morning.I think you are probably right in trying to speak to them again as I can't have another weekend like last week as its not fair on anyone esp the baby to send so many stress hormones.

OP posts:

sarah293 · 12/02/2010 08:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

fifitot · 12/02/2010 13:02

I am suprised he didn't routinely include the nasal bone in his assessment along with the bloods plus another marker they use - tricupsid valve. Is this consultant affiliated to the Fetal Medicine Foundation in his private ultrasounds?

i am not doubting his credentials of course. Just that if FMF approved they have to check the things mentioned and they include them in the risk assessment. Check out their website for more info.

However, as Riven says, your odds are still good and if you just got bloods at that risk, the hospital would have put you as screen negative and not even suggested diagnostic testing.

I would second ARC. They have been brill with me as have the women on this forum as I have been posting alot recently on a similar theme.

Where do you live? You could pay and go to the FMF which is basically the mecca of nuchal screening for a second opinion? Or find another Ultrasound clinic affiliated to the FMF for the full screen - IF that's not what you've had already.

Other people may suggest other things and I am not the fountain of all knowledge but that's what I might do.

Don't worry about worrying though! It is natural and tbh the more we know the more we worry!

Original poster

emomummie · 12/02/2010 14:24

Hi Fifitot,I must admit, I was a bit confused as last time he mentioned the nasal bone. Maybe he was just trying not to worry me this time. It wasn't listed on the report as not present and I've just had the paper work re results and it doesn't mention it as being included in the calculation.It did mention it on DD's scan report from same place. That worries me again. I'm going to speak to ARC this aft and see what they say. I did check him and he is FMF accredited and he is a lovely bloke who did try again to find it for me. He did say he thinks it could be there but still on its way and he'd like 2nd opininion, I know this can also be a bad sign though.I've had a call from the screening nurse to advise I'll be able to have a scan next Wed to check heart etc and see if there is a clear nasal bone then and "see what that does to the risk" before taking further steps if at all. I'm more worried now that they seem to be worried. I did think about going to FMF after reading other posts but I won't have time as I'll be 14 wk by either Mon or Weds depending on which EDD I go by, the LMP date or the NHS dating scan.
I would have gone to FMC if I'd realised even though I live up North after reading how thorough their scans are and all the factors they include.I doubt they'll work over the weekend on private nuchal scans and it would be a long journey but if it gave me peace of mind I'd do it..
I just wish I didn't know anything and was oblivious but I suppose that is the whole idea of why screening was introduced in the first place.

OP posts:

fifitot · 12/02/2010 14:35

Well it doesn't necessarily sound as if he is worried, just trying to be thorough. I guess there is not much more to do than wait for the scan - which I know is easier said than done!

Bear in mind though - your stats are still pretty good despite not including the nasal bone, so try and hold onto that.

Original poster

emomummie · 12/02/2010 14:54

Thanks Fifitot. You are right, I guess at least they are taking any steps they can to help and I need to just wait now and speak to ARC just to talk it through a bit and get some of it off my chest while DD sleeps.

OP posts:

vanloadtovenice · 13/02/2010 16:33

Just to say; if you go on to the FMC website, there is a geographical list of Docs who have trained with them. It may well be that there is one nearer you than London, in which case if only for peace of mind it might be worth you seeing them?

Swami23 · 13/02/2010 22:37

Emomummie - I'm sorry to hear you are in such an uncertain situation. There was a another thread on this site several months ago (Sept or Oct 09) by someone in the exact same situation. She went back for a re-scan a week or two later and the nasal bone had appeared. They subsequently revised her risk way down.

Hoping for the best for you, too.

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