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...

sorry forgot to add, I too conceived really easily pre AS treatment (but ended in mmc) depending on where scar tissue is it can allow pregnancy but prevent proper placental attachement/blood flow to the baby so pregnacies often end in mc.

Sorry "havingkittens" don't know what the cramps could be, I get cramps before or during my af but not any other time really, sorry can't be much help, hope someone can.

confu3ed maybe try going to a different gp in the practice - tell them you're in agony and can't sleep, lay it on thick, maybe a male doctor, try and get more sympathy. God its so annoying that you have to suffer like this - why can't they just send you for a scan!

confused If you have pain I would definitely go to A & E tomorrow - dont wait for it to get worse. Pain is a sign of infection and absolutely needs to be checked out ASAP. Feel really frustrated on your behalf - you deserve much better care and attention than this!

Sorry for another me post but I just have to tell someone. I've had this burning pain on the inside of my knee and calf for about two weeks and I do remember feeling this in the past, its not extremely painful, just annoying and feels like sunburn but not red (very strange feeling really) anyway, thought nothing of it but started googling tonight (like you do) and there are quiet alot of people saying it can be due to B12!!! OMG, I've got to get this checked out now. Anyone else had this?

Congrats on the scan mummy must be very reassuring to be measuring correct for dates and have such a strong hb.

Thank you ladies, I am definitely going to do something else tomorrow just not sure if I can get any more time off work I have told them a huge lie about why I was in hospital about an abscess due to an ingrown hair and said that it has come back despite the op, not sure how long I can keep this going for though. That's the issue with A & E you are there all day. Might try another GP route first thing and if that doesnt work out then A & E in the afternoon or evening. I am starting to hate the NHS why will they do nothing until things are so bad that it ends up costing them more anyway?!

Apologies, rant over.

MummyAbroad I think the scan was mid cycle. They told me to come in on a certain day but can't remember what it was now. I specifically asked the sonographer about checking for scarring and AS and she said everything was fine.

I send an email to the guy you recommended so I will see if I hear back from him. Failing that I may ask the RMC at UCH. Or my lovely GP.

HavingKittens I had several 3D and 4D scans pre treatment with very good sonographers and they said everything was "fine" - it really isnt something that you can spot on normal US at all and would be especially hard if you have never seen what it looks like before. Ask any doctor how many times they have seen AS cases and the answer is most probably "none" Most of the time scar tissue is completely invisible when the uterus is in its normal non pregnant state, unless you fill the cavity with some kind of liquid - this is when you can see if part (or all) of the walls are stuck or adhered together. This is what they do in a sHG, they put saline solution in the uterus and then do a 4D scan, its more reliable for detecting AS than HSG but doesnt tell you if your tubes are open or not.

Some "baseline" scans are done on Day 3, so it might still be worth checking your notes to see your lining measurement. If its high up in the 11mm+ range you know you have nothing to worry about.

Hope Dr March is helpful.

Right, here's my poor attempt at a bit of a catch up. Feels like I've been away forever. This thread is such a busy one.

Coconuts I have everything crossed for you. I was visibly pregnant at 12 weeks too. At 14 weeks, people started asking me questions without asking me outright if I was pg, but it was obvious that I was. It's actually a bit concerning to me how big (and heavy) I am this time around, but I'm trying not to focus on that aspect of it and be grateful. HG is hideous and I really feel for both you and Mummy with the constant nausea/ sickness. I was incredibly sick in all of my pregnancies, although it was definitely worse with my DS - but never to that extent. Most often I just spent the day wretching away - unable to stop it, but not able to be sick. At least this time around, I have a different job which allows me to work from home. I'm sure the absence of a commute makes it far easier to cope with. Just realised it's your scan today. Sending positive vibes your way.

lucky Thank you for the well wishes. Oh, I am all too familar with the shortened cycles and stupid spotting. This process becomes so much harder when your AF won't bloody well behave itself. I used to have at least 4 days of brown sludge before AF kicked in for real. They never actually gave me a diagnosis - just gave me clomid and hoped for the best. Thankfully, it worked. I do think there are an awful lot of us out there who suffer with unexplained changes/ problems in our cycles as a result of mc.

Mummy Congratulations on a happy, healthy scan. The only advice I can give on the sicky front is to drink plenty, rest as much as you possibly can and be patient. With my DS I was pukey every day up until about week 17. This time around, I've had less actual sickness, but spent most days between 6 and 19 weeks heaving my head off. There was a definite turning point this time around, at about 14 weeks, when I realised I could change nappies and take out the bin without a 10 minute fit of wretching ensuing as a result! It's the toughest part, but your baby will take its nutrients from any excess fat stores you already have. I totally relate to how worrying it is though, both in terms of eating well and just getting through the day sometimes.

digi Jut sending some love your way. Hope the dizziness has subsided and you are feeling much better physically at least.

Confu3ed I've had similar problems with a uterus that likes to hold onto stuff. I had a retained placenta with DS and bled continuously for almost 3 months after my mc, despite all scans coming back completely clear and negative pregnancy tests. I doubt anyone would ever be able to tell me what had happened, but I suspect they ran out of options of what might be causing it and told me I had a womb infection (most likely to get rid of me). I was convinced I didn't have an infection! 2 lots of antibiotics later and I was still bleeding, but they wouldn't help me because of the lack of HcG in my system. Eventually, I went on the pill to get closure. I wouldn't recommend this (as it won't fix everything - as MummyA's story shows), but would insist that you fight your corner and stage a sit in until they are willing to take more interest in your problem. If your GP is any good whatsoever, they should be phoning the hospital and arranging a scan while you are there or, at the very least, doing a pg test just to rule out the obvious.

It would be most unlikely that the bleed you had 2 weeks after your mc was a period. Bleeding of any kind should be absent for almost a month in order to consider it a normal cycle, as your lining needs enough time to thicken again - just as it would in a normal month. It is not normal to be in pain and bleeding. The pill did actually stop my bleeding - eventually, but then I faced another year of infertility. I'm now pregnant, but was rather interested to note that I have a very low lying placenta. Thankfully, it's not quite covering my cervix so I'm not being forced to have a c-section, but a small part of me wonders if the placenta is there because it couldn't stick anywhere else. Despite millions of tests, I suspect my womb may be a little upset in patches and that I will most likely have another retained placenta (if I get that far) with this one. I think my womb just likes to keep hold of anything that gets in there - which is fine, until it all goes wrong and it refuses to let go. I hope you get it sorted very quickly. This is hard enough without fighting with doctors to listen to you and I'm still not convinced that they've solved whatever problem is there is there, or that I won't have issues in the future.

Little waves to kittens, LAF, Ladybee and anyone else. I will try harder to keep up, I promise!

My scan was fine. I still can't quite believe they aren't telling me there's nothing in there. The baby measures fine, everything is present and correct that should be and it looks like a girl. The only slight issue was the low lying placenta, which could explain all the bleeds I've had. I managed not to cry until I got back to my car and then I had a good old happy, disbelieving sob. I'm 21 weeks tomorrow and I can't believe I'm over halfway, or that this may actually result in a baby. I'm grateful for everyday that I'm pregnant, despite all the backache, sickness, fatigue and niggles. I truly am. I am also hopeful that, in a little while, I can go back to being a normal person again, who just lives a normal life without all of this constant worry!

Lots of love to you all.

Thanks for the good luck glittery :)

Scan went really well, little one is alive and kicking in there, measuring 11+5 (1 day ahead), strong hb, all limbs are there :) So relieved.

Hope you all are ok :)

Sorry for post in haste earlier, had to cook dinner and DD bathtime.

Glittery Great news on the scan, congratulations on having a little girl :) Girls are lovely but I am biased I know what you mean. I am truly, truly grateful for this. As awful as I feel I just know it'll all be worth it in the end. Really pleased for you :)

mummy glad you also had a positive scan. At this early stage, you can never have to many or be reassured too many times :) I had a scan at 7+2, 9+3 and 11+5 and now I have to get used to the idea that I am not going to see inside there for another two months. I do really hope things continue positively for you.

digi Hoping you are starting to feel better physically, gentle hugs for you.

confu3sed The NHS is so stretched. When I was in A&E I discovered this, and you are right, it really is an all day job, for even the smallest of problems, let alone when you need something actually investigating and dealing with. Hope that you can get this sorted once and for all.

lucky No advice re B12 or burning leg/knees. Don't google too much and worry yourself unduly.

Waves to everyone else :)

Hello everyone just wanted to update. Af arrived yesterday, still waiting for amh result and have been to an ivf clinic open night tonight. Very very cool embryologist says keep on with the mc testing and dint even think about ivf at this point .

Am cacking myself about the amh result tho.

Lovely news glittery :)

Wow lovely to hear lots of postitive news
I see my Obstetrician next week and am really going to push for something more than aspirin to help these antinuclear antibody thingys.
Today is one of my new dates; just once I'd like to be happily pregnant on one of these, with something to look forward to.

Great news on all the happy scans.

I have a follow up appt with my nhs consultant tomorrow. Fully expecting to be told there's nothing they can do and to keep trying. Am armed with a list of questions anyway.

Due dates are so sad iggi - I've never been pg on any of mine either. I now have two to look forward to - one in June and one in October.

I think I've stopped bleeding. Not a speck on my pad today. Might do a pg test tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed it's either very faint or preferably negative.

Also I think I'm back to normal, physically, apart from being incredibly unfit (and fat) from lack of exercise since February. I had my haircut today and my hairdresser kept saying how well I looked and how I'd lost weight around my face. I had to fight back the tears because I wanted to scream 'but how can i look well when I feel shit on the inside because I had a miscarriage last week'. Apart from that, I think today was quite a good day in terms of physical progress - I looked after ds by myself for most of the day, I did the most amount of walking I've done for a while and I drove the car for the first time in a few weeks.

Turns out I haven't had my thyroid checked. So hopefully will get that result early next week in time for my dr shehata appt.

Also asked for my post-ov progesterone levels to be checked. Even though they won't prescribe progesterone supplements in my next pregnancy.

Have also been referred to st mary's fwiw. Am not expecting st mary's to find anything either, but if they can do extra clotting tests then at least I can get those done thoroughly. Seemed silly to say no to the referral even though I'm going to dr shehata next week.

hi digi

Hopefully that pregnancy test will be negative and you can move on now (sounds easy - putting it like that and I sooooooo know how it is NOT). But you are going in the right direction now and you did right by accepting the referral to St Mary's - why not? That way you know you are covering everything you can. If Mr Shehata puts you on his plan after your results come through - progesterone supplements are part of the plan also. I'm currently putting one up my derriere each night before bed!! The things we have to do eh?

Have a good weekend

Thanks mattsmama - it was still a faint positive, but at least it's heading the right direction. Progesterone suppositories, eh? The glamour of pregnancy. What kind of monitoring are you having? Will you have your hormones blood tested at some point? And are you going to have weekly scans? And how's it going? Are you feeling any side effects from the steroids yet?

Rather boringly I am still spotting after having a completely spotting-free day yesterday.. Oh well, no massive rush right now I suppose.

Hi digi shame about that positive but like you say at least it's going the right way.

As for me - no side effects whatsoever - bit tired but to be expected I suppose! My BP has to be monitored every two weeks whilst on the pred and I had that done at my GP's on Wednesday and it was fine. Rather surprisingly my GP was very supportive and said it was great we now have a plan of action and he will support me all the way! I wasn't expecting that to be honest - quite the opposite as there is still a lot of debate about this sort of treatment in NHS circles but he was great. I was told to make a booking in appt with midwife and she was great about it too. Maybe more people than we think are having this treatment? I think after the scan on 30th March (all being well) I will have another 2 weeks after that and then another a fortnight later. I also have to have my thyroid levels checked regularly but not hormones as far as I am aware. Just keep taking the progesterone up until 16 weeks . That is one thing I won't miss doing - but fingers crossed it will all be worth it (and to be honest it really isn't that bad - sounds worse than what it is!)

Annoying that you started spotting but hopefully it will be getting to the end of it and you have that appointment with Mr Shehata to focus on now! Keep us posted and have a good weekend!

I found you! This thread was hidden, I had to do a search!

Glittery Yay for a girl! Your pregnancy is flying!

Coconuts Great news on your scan! :)

mattsmama I am supposed to take progesterone suppositories next time too. How do you find them? I hope they work!

Digi Well done getting an appointment with Dr. Shehata. I hope he gives you some answers. Thinking of you.

Well, ladies, I appear to be pregnant. Only 11 DPO but cheapie test has a definite line this morning. I am in complete denial until Tuesday comes and my period doesn't (fingers crossed). I will call my consultant first thing Monday to get the Cytologest prescribed. Should I start baby aspirin today? Or should I wait until I've missed my period?

banana Whispers Congratulations Great news!

Hi girls

glittery congrats on the scan and your baby girl measuring to dates, everything sounds perfect. I realy do hope that everything works out for you completely understand you wanting to feel like a normal person again.

coconuts so pleased for you too, it sounds like everything is going well with your little baby . When do you have your next scan?

iggi sorry its a sad time for you. I know how you feel about wanting to be pregnant on these sad days. I was pregnant on one of my due dates in December and it did make it easier but unfortunately we lost our baby and now have another date to dread...its so tough isn't it.

digi sorry you feel so sad inside. Its unbelieveably hard when everyone thinks your fine because you look "normal" on the outside, we all know how you feel and I'm so sorry. I hope the spotting stops soon and you get a BFN, I've had constant worry about my af and spotting over the last couple of months and unfortunately only time will sort it out (its still driving me mad). I think its good that you've been referred to St Marys and if they don't find anything at least you can rule things out.

lunatic sorry your little boy has a reflux problem, my nephew had it bad (I think its more common in boys), hardly kept any milk down though he still seemed to grow. It did get better when he started solids.

Had my appointment with Prof Quenby yesterday. She was really good very understanding. She looked at my history but mainly the pm results of our baby. She was quiet positive from looking at the placenta results that our baby did not die of nk cells, blood clotting or anything actually. If a baby is attacked by nk cells it is normally around 5/6 weeks and if the baby does go on it is always obvious from looking at the placenta. She thinks, unfortunately that we have just had the worse luck in the world and to try again and is confident it wont happen again. It is very hard to believe this but she did say that by finding nothing it does mean you have a better chance the next time round? Also, she is doing a new trial at the moment, testing progesterone and whether it helps. digi if this is something you want to try you could go on the trial? She doesn't think it is something I need to take but I think its worth a try and it doesn't cause mc so I'd like to help people in the future if I can. I asked about vitamins and she said the pregnacare plus (that includes the omega 3) is definately the best one for me to take. GP is going to test B12 and D next week.

We managed to change our appointment to see Mr Shehata to Monday (a cancelation) but have decided not to go after seeing Quenby. Have decided to try the aspirin and progesterone and see what happens, I know its a risk but I don't want to give my body more problems by taking steroids if I don't need them.

Waves to everyeone else. If anyone wants to know the details of the trial, let me know. x

banana congrats! I know its early but fingers crossed xxxxx

Wow - congratulations banana!!!