Array CGH advice - I have genetic chromosome disorder :-(

[kt123smith]

Hi, I wonder if anyone has any previous experience and can help advise us. We are looking at array cgh ivf at the Bridge Centre in London. I have a genetic chromosomal disorder- Robertsonian Translocation. I suffered 2 miscarriages before having my little boy who is now 3. Since then we have had 3 more miscarriages and I am now 39. I understand that Array CGH is the best way forward but I am scared in case it doesn't work. My fear is that they may not get enough 'good' eggs due to my condition/age as it looks like they only take 8 unless we pay for more. We are looking to book a consultation in the New Year. Has anyone any experience of The Bridge Centre? or of Array CGH? Would really appreciate some advice... Thank u xxx

I too have a Robertsonian Translocation on 13/14 we looked into having preimplantation diagnosis... oh forgotten what it was called anyway but decided it wasn't for us...had 7 miscarriages in total but now have two children 7 and 3 when I was 36 and 40. I just wanted to post because I remember feeling so alone and so desperate to have another baby. Don't give up and you are not alone. Very best of luck.

Hi shouldbeelswhere - thank you so much for your reply. It gives me hope to hear from someone who has been in my situation and who has been lucky to have another child. I am feeling really low at the mo but trying to be thankful for what I have - unfortunately it just eats away at me sometimes and I think it will never happen. Part of me wants to just keep trying naturally but then I am petrified of getting pregnant again and going through another m/c. Am feeling really confused - hopefully we will feel better once we go for the consultation - at least then if they tell us what our chances are we can make an informed decision on how we move forward. Thanks again for your positive story - it does give me hope. x

It is odd you know, but I gave up. I was just too tired and emotionally drained by the whole thing. I decided that as much as I desperately wanted another child I just couldn't go through another MC, all that hope and then nothing. Our story was complicated by Downs (age related not anything to do with the translocation). A while after I "gave up" we also "gave up" contraception and opps I was pregnant again. This time all was well and at 13weeks had the all clear that yes a girl and yes chromosomes all ok. I can't tell you the relief but I can tell you that now the other side of all that pain it's hard even to remember the intensity of all that desire and loss.

I remember keep meeting people who would say that they had their first child when they were 40, 41, 42 even 45 and that helped me have hope though they didn't have the problems we have, that's why we didn't go the IVF route plus the cost - we couldn't get funding as we already had one child.

Like you say seeing the consultant and talking it through so you know your chances will help in the decision making.

I know what you mean about it eating away at you. It isn't anything to do with your first child I think it's just some kind of mental madness that you can't explain, that deep desire to complete your family. You may find that will go when you have your next healthy child, which you will. Be gentle with yourself. x

no experience of the bridge centre but we had our pgs screening done at Hammersmith hospital whose general ivf stats I think are better
CRGH also do it.
If you don't need IVF I would be worried about having it as for me the overnight wait for the results was the most stressful part of the whole process.

Good luck on assisted conception thread I think it was black treacle had ccg with good result diff reason though v