Recurrent Buns - MC Testing and Beyond... Part 4...!!!

[Julezboo]

Gosh we can chat ladies!!!

Part one HERE

Part two HERE

Part three HERE

List

STARTING TESTING

LAF77 , Age 33, MC1 (7 weeks Apr 10) MC2 (5 weeks Sept 10) MC3 (9 weeks Dec 10). All have been natural mcs and number 1 and 3 were embryonic for sure. No children, no RMC appt, no diagnosis and not TTC.
PANDA 3MMC, no.1 (embryonic loss - empty sac) 7weeks, no.2 at 12 weeks, no.3 at 8 weeks. Awaiting raft of tests for recurrent MC
CLAIREDELOON Age 38 1st mmc, development stopped approx 5 weeks (2007), 2nd mmc development stopped at approx 6 weeks (2009), 3rd mc development stopped at 9 weeks after seeing hb at 8+3 (2010). Bicornate uterus, starting testing Feb 2011.
NOTSOBARRENBROOK Age 35. 1st mmc @ 6 weeks (Jan 2009), 2nd mmc @ 6 weeks (Jan 2010), 3rd mmc @ 11 weeks, development stopped at 6 weeks 3 days (March 2010), 4th mmc @ 5 weeks (August 2010). Possible adenomyosis, awaiting hsg and results of testing from St Mary's.
MILKYWAY2007 Age 27 - DD age 3. 1st MC Oct
2009, 6 weeks. 2nd MMC March 2010, 11 weeks (baby passed away at 7 weeks). 3rd MC July 2010, 6 weeks. 4th MMC 24 Jan 2011, 9 weeks - no amniotic sac, baby measured 7weeks 4 days, no HB, had seen a healthy HB at 7 weeks. Blood clotting, hormone, genetic karyotype and shape and health of uterus checked and all clear - although high prolactin level found. Waiting for appointment at RMC with consultant, and wanting to be referred to St Mary's.
LUCKYFOR2 Age 32 - DD age 5. DD age 3. 1st MC May 2010 found at 12 week scan passed away at 9 weeks. 2nd MC September 2010 natural at 8 weeks. 3nd MC January 2011 at 16 weeks, saw hb at 13 but no hb at 15.5. Bloods taken from me and DH at hospital at last MC and awaiting results on baby from PM.
IGGI2011 - Age 40, 3 year old DS. 3 MC last year, at 6, 8 and 8 weeks. Last two had hb detected. Having bloods taken by obs soon.

UNDERGOING TREATMENT

CRYSTAL5 Age 38 - DS age 4. 6 m/c 1 at 11 weeks, 5 at 5/6 weeks. Ok blood tests, under Endocrinologist for Hypothyroid
BANANA87 Age 30- 1mmc@7 weeks, DD (2), 1 mmc 6 weeks, 1 mc 7 weeks, currently waiting one more cycle before TTC. Going to try aspirin and progesterone as per consultant. Clotting bloods normal.

TTC

MUMMYABROAD Age 35, 1DS (2.9), 1MMC Mar 2010 (@14weeks) Ashermans diagnosis and treatment Nov 2010, Started TTC Jan 2011 Cycle 1
DIGITALGIRL Age 32 - DS 2.4 - 3MCs since ttc#2. MC1 5wks. MC2 6-7wks. MC3 7-8wks. Awaiting clotting & karyotyping results, under consultant care for rmc. Mild pcos. Currently TTC.
LOVEMYSLEEP Age 39, 1 mmc, dd born(now 5), 2nd mc (9wks, 2days), 3rd mc (9wks, 3days) and 4th mc at 5 wks. All tests on NHS came back clear. Currently undergoing treatment with Dr.Shehata for very high natural killer cells

PREGNANT

LUNATIC dd1(4) 2 mmc (8 wks) dd2 stillborn (32+5), clotting problem, pg #5 section booked for 9th Feb @ 35wks. On 150mg aspirin daily.
GLITTERYBITS 1 anembryonic MC (12 weeks), unexplained infertility, 1 round of clomid, currently pg and terrified!
JUSTMEE Age 21, MC1 (7 weeks), MC2 (6weeks), MC3 (5weeks) currently pregnant with 4th pregnancy using clexane injecting 20mg a day
LADYBEE 37, MC1 (5wks), DS (2), MC2 blighted ovum discovered @ 8 wk scan, MC3 natural @ 9 wks following hb seen at 7 1/2 wk. PCOS previously diagnosed, Factor V Leiden heterozygote discovered in recent testing. Treatment with aspirin (from BFP) + clexane started at 6 weeks.
LOVELYBUNCHOFCOCONUTS Age 23, 1 MC (13 weeks), 1 MMC (10 weeks - growth stopped at 7), 1DD born 2008, PCOS diagnosis, bi-cornuate uterus.
HAIRYFAIRYLIGHTS
HAIRYCLAREYFAIRY

GRADUATES WITH BABIES!!

STILLFRAZZLED Age 35, DS1 (3.6yo), 1 mc @ 5 weeks Jan 09, 2nd mc @ 9 weeks March 09, DS2 born @ 35+3 on 04/01/11 with Intra Uterine Growth Restriction and currently in Special Care Baby Unit.
MUMATRON Age 28 2 dc then 4mc, 3 @9weeks 1@5weeks, tests showed possible free protein s ishoo. dd2 born 06/01/2011, aspirin, claxane and high dose folic acid through pg.
JULEZBOO Age 29 1 mc @ 14 wks, DS1 (8yo) 4 mc @ 5/6 wks, DS2 (3) 2 mc @7 wks... DS3 (14/01/11 @35 wks) Dx with Factor V Leiden and Septate Uterus. Clexane and Aspirin throughout pregnancy and progesterone with DS3.

Will do a catch up post now...

What on earth are you doing on the internet, woman? Get some rest!

iggi a few days wont make any difference. some consultants advice starting before bfp, so a few days before wont hurt.

don't take it before bfp without medical advice!

and lf why are you on here?? either get to bed or go and snuggle that baby.

lf great to have you back!

Can someone add me to "starting testing" please? I always cock the lists up.

STARTING TESTING

HAIRYLIGHTS
LAF77 , Age 33, MC1 (7 weeks Apr 10) MC2 (5 weeks Sept 10) MC3 (9 weeks Dec 10). All have been natural mcs and number 1 and 3 were embryonic for sure. No children, no RMC appt, no diagnosis and not TTC.
PANDA 3MMC, no.1 (embryonic loss - empty sac) 7weeks, no.2 at 12 weeks, no.3 at 8 weeks. Awaiting raft of tests for recurrent MC
CLAIREDELOON Age 38 1st mmc, development stopped approx 5 weeks (2007), 2nd mmc development stopped at approx 6 weeks (2009), 3rd mc development stopped at 9 weeks after seeing hb at 8+3 (2010). Bicornate uterus, starting testing Feb 2011.
NOTSOBARRENBROOK Age 35. 1st mmc @ 6 weeks (Jan 2009), 2nd mmc @ 6 weeks (Jan 2010), 3rd mmc @ 11 weeks, development stopped at 6 weeks 3 days (March 2010), 4th mmc @ 5 weeks (August 2010). Possible adenomyosis, awaiting hsg and results of testing from St Mary's.
MILKYWAY2007 Age 27 - DD age 3. 1st MC Oct
2009, 6 weeks. 2nd MMC March 2010, 11 weeks (baby passed away at 7 weeks). 3rd MC July 2010, 6 weeks. 4th MMC 24 Jan 2011, 9 weeks - no amniotic sac, baby measured 7weeks 4 days, no HB, had seen a healthy HB at 7 weeks. Blood clotting, hormone, genetic karyotype and shape and health of uterus checked and all clear - although high prolactin level found. Waiting for appointment at RMC with consultant, and wanting to be referred to St Mary's.
LUCKYFOR2 Age 32 - DD age 5. DD age 3. 1st MC May 2010 found at 12 week scan passed away at 9 weeks. 2nd MC September 2010 natural at 8 weeks. 3nd MC January 2011 at 16 weeks, saw hb at 13 but no hb at 15.5. Bloods taken from me and DH at hospital at last MC and awaiting results on baby from PM.
IGGI2011 - Age 40, 3 year old DS. 3 MC last year, at 6, 8 and 8 weeks. Last two had hb detected. Having bloods taken by obs soon.
CONFU3ED - Age 35 1st MC 1998 14 weeks. DD age 11. 2nd MC July 2009 5.5 weeks. ERPC Twice. No tests. 6 months Clomid 3rd MC January 2010. The foetus sent for testing - came back fine. Been referred to recurrent MC clinic at the hospital for tests, waiting for appointment. Was told I have PCOS through a scan but never diagnosed.

UNDERGOING TREATMENT

CRYSTAL5 Age 38 - DS age 4. 6 m/c 1 at 11 weeks, 5 at 5/6 weeks. Ok blood tests, under Endocrinologist for Hypothyroid

TTC

MUMMYABROAD Age 35, 1DS (2.9), 1MMC Mar 2010 (@14weeks) Ashermans diagnosis and treatment Nov 2010, Started TTC Jan 2011 Cycle 2
BANANA87 Age 30- 1mmc@7 weeks, DD (2), 1 mmc 6 weeks, 1 mc 7 weeks, Going to try aspirin and progesterone as per consultant. Clotting bloods normal.

PREGNANT

GLITTERYBITS 1 anembryonic MC (12 weeks), unexplained infertility, 1 round of clomid, currently pg and terrified!
JUSTMEE Age 21, MC1 (7 weeks), MC2 (6weeks), MC3 (5weeks) currently pregnant with 4th pregnancy using clexane injecting 20mg a day
LADYBEE 37, MC1 (5wks), DS (2), MC2 blighted ovum discovered @ 8 wk scan, MC3 natural @ 9 wks following hb seen at 7 1/2 wk. PCOS previously diagnosed, Factor V Leiden heterozygote discovered in recent testing. Treatment with aspirin (from BFP) + clexane started at 6 weeks.
LOVELYBUNCHOFCOCONUTS Age 23, 1 MC (13 weeks), 1 MMC (10 weeks - growth stopped at 7), 1DD born 2008, PCOS diagnosis, bi-cornuate uterus.
DIGITALGIRL Age 32 - DS 2.4 - 3MCs since ttc#2. MC1 5wks. MC2 6-7wks. MC3 7-8wks. Awaiting clotting & karyotyping results, under consultant care for rmc. Mild pcos.
LOVEMYSLEEP Age 39, 1 mmc, dd born(now 5), 2nd mc (9wks, 2days), 3rd mc (9wks, 3days) and 4th mc at 5 wks. All tests on NHS came back clear. Currently undergoing treatment with Dr.Shehata for very high natural killer cells - aspirin, progesterone, steroids, omezaprole and one intralipid infusion completed.

GRADUATES WITH BABIES!!

LUNATIC dd1(4) 2 mmc (8 wks) dd2 stillborn (32+5), clotting problem, pg #5 section booked for 9th Feb @ 35wks. On 150mg aspirin daily.
STILLFRAZZLED Age 35, DS1 (3.6yo), 1 mc @ 5 weeks Jan 09, 2nd mc @ 9 weeks March 09, DS2 born @ 35+3 on 04/01/11 with Intra Uterine Growth Restriction but currently home and doing well.
MUMATRON Age 28 2 dc then 4mc, 3 @9weeks 1@5weeks, tests showed possible free protein s ishoo. dd2 born 06/01/2011, aspirin, claxane and high dose folic acid through pg.
JULEZBOO Age 29 1 mc @ 14 wks, DS1 (8yo) 4 mc @ 5/6 wks, DS2 (3) 2 mc @7 wks... DS3 (14/01/11 @35 wks) Dx with Factor V Leiden and Septate Uterus. Clexane and Aspirin throughout pregnancy and progesterone with DS3.

hello,

I heard back from the AS doctor in the states, not good news. He is saying that I should have a diagnostic hysteroscopy to look for scar tissue or damaged basal layer. Feeling very down about it and unable to formulate a plan just yet. I am just hoping I will get a BFP and all the problems will just magically disappear.

Sorry for not catching up with you all, I will sleep on this news and hopefully will be back tomorrow feeling better about it all. xxx

Big hugs MummyA, sorry to read your news. But he is just recommending that investigation and that could show that you don't have those problems.

I've got my first rmc appointment this afternoon. Feel very nervous about it and a bit teary which is not a good thing when I'm at work.

Milkyway - Just to update you - I did another HPT today - still very positive. I called the EPU who told me to come in. They scanned me and said it's all clear, but they did think the test was pretty strong considering it was 3 and a half weeks since the ERPC. Anyway, They've taken bloods to rule out possible ectopic. I've got to go back in 48 hours. If you're worried, you could call your EPU just to put your mind at rest.

Good luck today Clairedeloon. I'm waiting for my RMC appt to come through. I'd be interested to hear how you get on and what they did.

Mummyabroad - Sorry you're feeling so down. Would not be a good thing to have the test done to see whether there is a problem (sorry - I don't know your backstory.)

mummya :( Hope you are feeling better today, and looking at everything in a more positive light x

coconut I have just been to my lovely GP - I am having an hcg test done tomorrow along with my prolactin and thyroid. She said if the hcg is high then she will order a scan. I just took another hpt when I got home and it was negative - and am taking another one later to be sure.

clairedeloon Hope everything goes well for you today - I am sure it will be fine x

Forgot to mention - for Iggi - I have been prescribed 5mg folic acid - 84 tablets which is about 3 months worth - better than a bottle of 400ug ones a day!! lol. Ask your GP to prescribe it for you, as I can't find 5mg anywhere in a shop.
I have also been told to ask my pre-pregnancy counsellor next week about aspirin.

Another thing my GP mentioned was a Vitamin D supplement. She told me that vitamin D deficiency is also related to miscarriage - I dont know how, and she didn't really go into any detail. Has anyone heard of this? She's told me to get a 10ug supplement from Holland and Barratt, as its easier on the stomach as its not combined with calcium . I am also getting my Vitamin D level checked tomorrow with all the other bloods...Not too sure about this, but I do get very depressed in the winter...
I am happy that at least she is being proactive and trying to help in some way - She is the first doctor who has actually tried to help me since this nightmare began.

Sorry to hear you're feeling fed up MummyAbroad. Does that mean you have to go to the US for the tests or can you have them in Costa Rica? (that is where you live isn't it? I seem to remember, as my Dad lives there too) I guess you must just feel like you are going round and round in circles.

Clairedeloon, good luck today. If you haven't done it yet, it's a good idea to write down any questions you want to ask and all the things you want covered in the tests. It's very emotional, overwhelming and frustrating and can be even more so if you come out of the appointment thinking "Oh damn, I forgot to ask......" which I did after my first appointment.

Sorry to hear of those of you who are still getting unexplained +ve tests and strange hormonal things happening. It does feel like a kick in the teeth, especially when you want everything to get back to normal so you can feel in control and start trying again. I have had to go back in for a 2nd ERPC with my 3rd loss after some "products" (god, I hate that term!) were left behind the first time and you just feel like you are having to go through the whole turmoil again. I hope things settle naturally for you.

Coconutfeet, fingers crossed for you that it's not an ectopic.

It's a good sign that you've got a negative test today Milkyway. And also good that you've got a helpful GP. I'd be interested to hear about the vitamin D if you do unearth any further information. I'm a big sun avoider, as I've had skin cancer so I might add vit d to my list of tests, when I finally get to see my GP.

Havingkittens - I was really worried about having to have another ERPC, so I'm really glad that there was nothing left. How horrible for you having to go through the whole thing again. As if it isn't bad enough! I hope to god this isn't an ectopic though. I don't understand how it could be as it was in my uterus when they originally scanned me when pregnant.

Regarding the Vitamin D, that was one of the things the hematologist recommended after my RMC tests. She said my levels were a bit low. Not alarmingly so but she thought it would be best to get them up to the ideal level. I am a sun dodger too. Why not get some anyway. Can't do any harm.

Hi all, appointment went well, we were in ages but doc was very nice. Already having the genetic test results for us both shortens timescale. Plus they're skipping scan as I had my scan report and they've booked me in for a hysteroscopy on April 4th. I couldn't get my bloods done as they had closed by the time we got out but I can be late for work in Thursday and do it on my way in.

Big relief that genetic test results were ok for us both, also she wasn't worried about DP's diabetes (now under control anyway). We had an early (diet/diabetic friendly) dinner at Pizza Express to celebrate.

Coconut - Great that you can refer yourself to EPU and that you had a scan. I am still worried that I have retained products as I did the last time and only found out months later when AF didn't show and my stomach swelled up like a balloon and I was in agony.

Milky - Great that you have had a great doctor it does make such a difference. I have got my bloods tomorrow too. Re the vitamin D in my last pregnancy the doctor prescribed it, and it was summer, I still has a mc though. Great if it works for some people though and this time round I was definitely deficient as its winter! This surgery didn't offer it to me though. I guess it varies from place to place.

Claire - Are they all the routine tests that everyone gets? I am still waiting for an appointment at RMC

Hi everyone - for what its worth - I am due to start a course of prednisolone, and the programme I am on also involves taking vitamin D, (although I take mine with calcium as I have osteopaenia in my hips) omega oil capsule, 5mg folic acid and 75 mg aspirin. Wasn't told the full reason for the vitamin D but was told it also thins the blood as does the aspirin and the omega oil. I also take a prenatal vitamin.

Regarding retained products - I had this problem after ERPC last July. I DEMANDED a scan and got one. I didn't stop bleeding completely after the op and had pain. My GP said first step was to take antibiotics as it might be infection which I did for one week (very strong antibiotics) but it wasn't an infection as a scan later showed! So taking antibiotics was unnecessary. I demanded the scan saying I had been through enough trauma with the miscarriage in the first place and its the least they could do as the last thing I wanted was complications from the retained products! An old saying is the squeeky wheel gets the oil and sometimes you have just got to speak up for yourself and push for things such as scans. I am saying this because I had such an horrendous experience with my first miscarriage 4 years prior (another story completely!) and I vowed I wouldn't let that happen again. So even though anyone who has had the pain of miscarriage may feel physically and emotionally drained make sure you get the care you deserve. A scan is the least they can do!

Hi, thanks for your comments everyone.

Clare I would love to dismiss this doctors opinion, but I contacted him because he is the worlds best authority on Ashermans, so if he feels I still have scar tissue/damaged basal layer and need another hyst its very hard to ignore! For the moment though, that is all I can do. I am 11DPO and just praying that I am pregnant this month so I dont have to think about organising more treatment!

matsmama re: "taking antibiotics was unnecessary" I am glad they gave them to you and would recommend that anyone with suspected retained products gets preventative antibiotics immediately because if you do develop an infection (from having retained products) it can lead to infertility and in rare cases where it is left untreated for a very long time, even death! Infections of this kind are one of the causes of AS. I am so terrified of getting one that I demanded antibiotics for my HSG (and when I had my hysteroscopy they gave them to me intravenously during the procedure), ANY kind of invasive procedure puts you at risk of getting an interuterine infection, so in my opinion they should be prescribing them a lot more often.

sorry for not doing more personals, my head is all over the place at the moment.

confu3ed these seem to be the standard tests from a link that mumatron posted:

Pelvic ultrasound - Mid pregnancy losses can sometimes be due to abnormalities of the shape of the uterine cavity , fibroids or synechiae (adhesions) which can be identified on a pelvic ultrasound scan.

?Day 2-6 FSH and LH to exclude Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
?HbA1C to exclude diabetes
?Thyroid function tests
?Chromosomes (patient and partner)
?DRVVT to exclude Lupus Anticoagulant (repeated twice at least 6 weeks apart)
?Anticardiolipin Antibodies (repeated twice at least 6 weeks apart)

Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin Mutation Analysis, Protein S, Protein C, Activated Protein C Resistance (APCR), Anti-Thrombin III.

As far as I could tell the RMC at the Royal Free do all of those.

DP and I have had the chromosonal analysis done already at local hospital and that is the test that takes the longest to come back. I've got a bicornuate uterus and I got a copy of my scan report from the private hospital that diagnose that so they were happy to skip the ultrasound and move straight to a hysteroscopy (looking with a camera) so that they could have a proper look to see the extent of the divide, rule out a misdiagnosed septate uterus etc.

Re retained products I had that last time, was re-admitted to hospital 6am on the Sunday after Friday's ERPC with severe pain and bleeding (soaking pad and jeans in 20 mins it took to get to hospital) and was given a repeat ERPC on the Monday. I have to admit I was very stroppy after the second ERPC and demanded a follow up scan to check again and they agreed as I was due to go on holiday 3 days later. I think if anyone is ever concerned then you're perfectly within your rghts to demand a scan and refuse to go away until they give it to you. As MummyA says it can be very serious.

Just came back from the phlebotomist - She was brilliant! Anyone who takes my blood out without poking around is an angel in my eyes! I will know the results by Monday, so hoping everything is fine - although a part of me is hoping for an anomaly so I can at least focus on something that is wrong and needs to be fixed - if that makes sense?

I took another hpt yesterday evening and it came up with a very very faint line - so I think there's still some hcg in me - will know for sure next Monday. Bleeding has completely stopped since yesterday.

clairedeloon Glad your appointment went well:)

confu3ed Hope your bloods went well today.

Thanks to everyone about the vitamin D info. Will go out and get some when it stops raining :)

Had a good cry last night - I think it helped as I feel like some weight has been lifted off my heart.

Hope everyone else is okay xx

Milkway, glad you had a good experience!
Sorry I have not caught up on the thread.
Just looking through my diary and it struck me it has been 3 weeks since I had my bloods screened by the obstetrician. Am I being over-impatient to have hoped I'd have one or two results by now? Scared of letting it drag on. No-one asked me to return, but I notice from Clairedeloon's very handy list you should have bloods taken at over 6 weeks apart from one of the tests. So fed up with this!
I live in Scotland so am definitely getting the vitamin D habit - thought to be one reason why so many people up her suffer from multiple sclerosis.

Sorry to be not catching up again it is ever so busy here. Had a terrible day yesterday and kept zero food and drink down. Hopefully today will be better as I have to go out to an appointment this evening so must get dressed for the first time in 5 days. DH is back at work and the flat is a tip so really need to do some manner of cleaning up.

Big waves to everyone.

Hope glittery is ok, she hasn't been on in ages.

Hope all the new mums and babies are doing well :)

Actually Iggi looking at that list makes me realise that the Royal Free do not do the tests twice six weeks apart. They do them once, if there is a slight abnormality they repeat, if there is a significant abnormality they refer you to the haemathingy department.

Have you got a follow up appointment booked?

Waves to lovelybunch sorry you're still feeling grotty!

I am getting feint lines on cheapie internet tests !

coconuts sorry you are still feeling rough, are you still on medication for it?

good luck to all those waiting test results, waiting is so horribly tormenting. Hope they come in fast.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Oh Mummyabroad! Hooray!
It doesn't matter how cheap it is, a line is a line surely?