Recurrent MC--Testing and beyond--Part 5 continues here

[LAF77]

Here is the list of us on the thread and where we are in our journey through RMC. Nearly 4,000 posts in a year, so mark your place for the next thread.

Part one Part one

Part two Part two

Part three Part three

Part four Part four

STARTING TESTING
LOLA78: mc1 Dec 07 (6wks), DD Oct 08 (problem free pregnancy and natural birth), mmc2 Nov 10 6wks ERPC at 10wks, mc3 Feb 11 at 7wks - suspected ectopic but mc naturally, mc4 mar 11 at 5wks (started 75mg aspirin from a week before bfp) - hospitalised for excessive bleeding and clots. Now referred for testing at local fertility clinic, we have started having blood tests and am on 5mg folic acid.
SCOOTERCHASTER: DS Oct 08 (managed for SVT heart from 35wks), mc1 Sept 10 (7wks), mc2 Dec 10 (9 wks - hb @ 8wks), mc3 April 11 (7.5 wks, hb day b4 mc).
HAIRYLIGHTS, age 42, MC1 (Jun 10, very low HCG, suspected ectopic, methotrexate), MC 2 (Nov 22 2010, MMC,ERPC, no heart beat at ten weeks, fetus 8 week size), MC3 (MMC - Medical Management, Feb 13 2011, MMC at 7 week scan). Waiting to 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 28 - 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. High dose folic acid prescribed.
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. All tests have come back clear. Going to take Aspirin and Progesterone in next pregnancy (will be on Promise trial) currently ttc.
IGGI999 - Age 40, 3 year old DS. 3 MC last year, at 6, 8 and 8 weeks. Last two had hb detected. NHS blood tests came back clear, except for presence of antinuclear antibodies. To take aspirin for this. Going to see Shehata in May as think steroids are needed.
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
HAVINGKITTENS Age 41 - MMC1 Nov 07 8wks (discovered due to bleeding at 10.5wks) ERPC, TOP1 for TS21 Aug 08, TOP2 for TS21 Feb 09, TOP incomplete, ERPC performed, Genetic Counselling & tests confirmed no chromosome problems with us, "just bad luck ", MMC2 Feb 10 5.5wks (seen at 8wk scan, no bleeding), MMC3 May 10 (as MMC2), RMC testing at UCH, no cause found - empirical 75mg asprin & vit D + early & regular scans for next pregnancy, MMC4 No fetal pole seen at 6.5 wks, follow up scan 10 days later, told of MMC, then "Something" spotted so instructed to wait another week before they would allow ERPC, ERPC a week later, waiting for NK Cell test results from Mr S on NHS, taking 75mg Asprin, Vit D, Pregnacare Plus (w/Omega 3), 5mg Folic Acid (been taking since 1st TOP to try & prevent TS21 or similar issues), NK Cells levels almost double what they should be. 25mg Prednisone from ovulation - CD1 or if BFP then 'til 12 wks and then weaned off 'til 14wks plus Progesterone pessaries from BFP - 16wks, Folic Acid, Omega3, Vit D - 12wks, Asprin - 20wks.
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
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. MC4 MMC @ 8.1 wks (discovered @ 11 wk scan) following hb seen at 6+6 wks. Consultant suggests aspirin + clexane to start at 4 weeks, plus progesterone pessaries. Management of MC tbc.
DIGITALGIRL Age 32 - DS 2.8 - 4MCs since ttc#2. MC1 Nov2009 @5wks. MC2 Apr2010 @6-7wks. MC3 Oct2010 @7-8wks. MC4 Mar2011 @8wks. All natural, except MC4 managed with ERPC for karyotyping. Clotting tests normal. DH & I genetically normal. On Metformin for mild PCOS, plus 75mg aspirin, Pregnacare Plus & 25mcg VitD3. Diagnosed with high NK Cells (1.25) after MC4. Starting TTC in May with prednisolone from ovulation and will add cyclogest once pg. Under care of Mr S.
PUREEQUEEN Age 34, MC1 (7 weeks Jan 08) MC2 (6 weeks March 08), DS born (prem) 2009, MC3 (9 weeks Oct 10). MC4 Jan 2011. First 2 natural mcs latter 2 mmc/ERPCs. Chromosome test MC4 showed she had a genetic abnormality (cri du chat). Karotyping for me and DH fine but with "increase in length on satellite of short arm 13 and 15" (??) . Also have endo &septate uterus. Now TTC and will take aspirin and progesterone.
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 . No children, First appointment with St. Mary's in April, second round of bloods in May, with results in June.

PREGNANT
MATTSMAMA Aged 41. 1st MMC November 2004. My DS (who I love with all my heart) born 2006. 2nd MMC July 2010. 2 chemical pregnancies September and October 2010. Under Dr Shehata and got BFP on first round of treatment for high thyroid antibodies and high killer cells.
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.
MUMMYABROAD Age 36, 1DS (2.9), 1MMC Mar 2010 (@14weeks) Ashermans diagnosis and treatment Nov 2010, Started TTC Jan 2011 BFP on Cycle 2 EDD 4/11/11. Heartbeat seen at 10 weeks.
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
LOVELYBUNCHOFCOCONUTS Age 23, 1 MC (13 weeks), 1 MMC (10 weeks - growth stopped at 7), 1DD born 2008, PCOS diagnosis, bi-cornuate uterus. EDD 03/10/11
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). Seen at St Mary's. clotting problem, pg #5 aspirin 150g daily. Ds1 born 9/2/11 c/s @ 35 wks
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.

Hi everyone,

I'm just marking my place and popping in to say hello really. I have been on a few different threads in the last couple of months, most recently the pregnant after miscarriage one on the conception boards.

I've had two miscarriages, one in the middle of June when I was about 6 weeks, and one which I'm going through at the moment. I conceived again straight after the first one, but miscarried again at around 6 weeks.

I'm at the point where I now know that there's a good chance the miscarriages are more than 'bad luck'. I feel like I should be doing research into possible problems, but at the same time I feel completely overwhelmed with all the information on here and elsewhere on the internet. Part of me wants to ignore all of this, try again and keep my fingers tightly crossed, but I know that's probably unrealistic and silly.

One day soon I'll put some time aside to read through this thread properly, take notes and maybe pluck up the courage to go to my GP and ask for some blood tests. I feel like I want to do everything I can before trying again, but at the same time, I want to try again as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading, I didn't mean for my first post to be so long and self indulgent! x

has anyone heard the theory that some women can't carry girls/boys??

do you think it is true or just an old wifes tale?

it is never mentioned in anything medical i have read about miscarriage but i have heard a few people mention it.

just worries me as my dh has four brothers and i assume all our children would be boys. what if i can't carry boys and dh can only produce boys!??? arrrggghhh!!!

probably isn't even true anyway!

Hi ladies just a quick snippet of info for pebspop I have a heart shaped womb. It is offically called a bi-cornuate uterus.

If yours was separated completely you would have been diagnosed with a septate uterus, two completely different things and unmistakable apparently so the chances are, in your case, the septate does not travel down the womb. Yours will just be a heart shape.

I have had 2 mcs (also have a 3yo dd and am 32 wks pg) and was concerned that my bi-cornuate uterus was the cause of my mcs. I asked my consultant about it and he reassured me that it is very highly unlikely to have caused a mc as the problems it causes are usually around implantation so you are more likely to have a chemical pregnancy than an inplanted one resulting in mc IYSWIM.

The problem comes from the womb lining being very thin on the little drop piece in the midde, therefore blood flow is thinner there, not being able to support a viable pregnancy, therefore the egg wouldn't even be able to imlpant there.

If the womb was completely septate (I'm sure there is someone else on this thread with that, poss julez ?) then it can cause different problems as the egg can successfully implant on the septum, and grow. The lining is suitable but blood flow is lower and causes problems after fertilisation, resulting in mc. It is hit and miss as the where the egg will implant unfortunately.

I hope I haven't comfused or worried you and if anyone thinks I have this completely wrong please correct me! But I am confident that a bi-cornuate uterus did not cause my mcs. (I also have PCOS).

If you have any more qus please ask away. I may not post here very often but always read and try to keep up as much as possible.

Hello everyone I haven't been on for quite a while, just been trying to get on with it which is still very difficult. We told our children the baby news while on holiday two weeks ago who have now told the grandparents and I'm also venturing out with my very tight maternity clothes on so quite a few people know. Its quite a strange situation because I don't feel like I can really tell people (it being obvious and all) and people don't really know what to say but its been nice to be able to get out and enjoy the summer with the girls which is something I haven't been able to do for quite some time. We had our 20 week scan yesterday (I am 21 weeks) and everything is fine. We were told at 18 weeks at my last miscarriage clinic scan that the sonographer thought it was a little girl, but yesterday at my 20 week scan the sonographer showed us that actually we are having a little boy which came as a major shock! I have two little girls and our last baby who died at 16 weeks was a boy. I was convinced I couldn't carry boys even though our consultant told us straight that it is a complete myth and explained with some medical explanation that it was rubbish, but I felt a little safer knowing that it was another girl. Now I'm a little bit scared which I know is silly but having not had a boy its al very new. We are both very happy of course and I would be happy with either as long as this baby is well and everything goes how it should. Don't know what I'm going to do with the sweet pink baby grow I bought in Cornwall! Anyway, everything is going as it should for me and I'm hoping that the next 19 weeks goes as well as the first 21.

I just wanted to say a gentle congratulations to LAF I'm so pleased your scan has gone well. It does go very slowly at the beginning but I found the weekly scans helped me count down the weeks. I was on the Promise trial and had the exact same problems with the discharge (it was never suggested to use them at the back). I wore panty liners and changed them every time I went to the toilet. I tried to stay in bed for about half an hour before I got up on a morning but I don't think it really made much difference because the amount of discharge I got on a morning was ridiculous! I also had thrush a few times but this went very quickly with canesten cream. I have to admit it wasn't nice but I just kept with it because I felt like I was helping my baby grow and I didn't dare change anything once I'd started with them. When I spoke to the hospital about the trial the midwife did say that the ladies she had on the Promise trial did seem to be doing well which is very promising.

I haven't had time to read through everything but I've noticed there are quite a few new ladies on the thread. This thread is amazing and has been a major support for me over the last six months. Its unfair that anybody should have to go through any of the things we all have but by sharing the journey it somehow makes life a little more bearable.

Milky I can't remember how many weeks you are (I think 4 behind me?) but I'm so glad you're well and everything is going well. I also have a doppler and before the baby started moving as much as it does now I used it all the time. It definitely helped me do more and stopped me worrying when I would have been a complete mess and just like you I've also had the thoughts that something was going to be wrong at the 20 week scan. I guess its understandable after what we've been through. I don't think anything is going to ever stop me worrying not until the baby is here. Your counselling sessions sound really positive and I wish I had been offered something like that. Keep me informed how you're getting on. Have you seen the new Grads thread? I'm hoping I'll be able to post there properly soon but feel I've got abit too far to go to feel like a graduate just yet.

Hi to igggi, Hairy, Kittens, Knitter, Freelance and Purequeen. I hope you're all well.

Oh and hi to Coconuts and to anyone else I have missed xxx

Hello, nice to hear from some people (how shall I put it?) experiencing on-going success!
Hello Twitwoo, sorry you find yourself here, but if you need to be here, it's a good place to be. Iyswim!

Hello, nice to hear from some people (how shall I put it?) experiencing on-going success!
Hello Twitwoo, sorry you find yourself here, but if you need to be here, it's a good place to be. Iyswim!

Oh lucky it's so good to hear from you and I am so happy your scan went well yesterday! Wow, a little boy! I agree with your doctor, there is no reason why a woman would not be able to hold one gender as opposed to another, but I guess it turns into second nature for us to worry all the time after the rmc's. Your girls must be excited to be big sisters :)

I still haven't told anyone in my family yet, and don't plan to unless they notice. The thing is, I still feel like a fraud and it is hard to believe that I am actually pregnant. I've made it to 17+5 today, and I have my scan in just over 2 weeks, which I am trying not to think about.

twitttwo I am glad you made it to this thread. There is a wealth of information here, that (when you are ready) will really help you. I know it's all overwhelming, but I've found alot of us who have suffered rmc's need to self help to get the right treatment. I hope you are okay x

coconuts thanks for the info on heart shaped womb. i seem to be worrying about a different possible cause everyday at the moment! Lesley regans book says she doesn't like to treat heart shaped wombs as women do seem to be able to carry babies with them.

milkyways i think i would be the same and not want to tell anyone until it is very obvious i am pg next time. i hate having to untell everyone. this time i had told random people at work and i am still avoiding some of them so they don't ask me how it's going. i did get to 20 weeks though so i suppose most 'normal' pg women do tell everyone by then. unfortunatly i don't feel like i will be a 'normal' pg woman again :(. mc really spoils that for us doesn't it?

And just so you preg ladies feel better - I am 32 weeks and have still told nobody. No announcements at all. Unless I see someone I know, of course they will be able to tell, but I am always on the look out for people and have been known to turn around and go in an opposite direction to avoid the conversation. I haven't even told my grandparents. Only parents and siblings know officially.

Unfortunately, mc has ruined being able to be excited and happy and has turned me into a gibbering wreck.

I think that is why I keep going despite ever-reducing odds of success - if I finish now then I feel like pregnancy and babies are ruined for me forever - even seeing photos of myself when pg with my ds pisses me off now!
I just want a happy ending. (not asking much am I). Had another playground trip today where everyone had two kids, or one and a bump.

Quiet in here. Hope everyone's ok

i am here!

not much to report really. been feeling a bit down today. usually feel ok but today i am really feeling broody aaarrrghh!!!

it drives you mad doesn't it when you can't have what you want.

i have another counselling appointment tomorrow.

Does your counsellor seem to have a good understanding of mc, in your opinion? I think when I finally give all this up I will have to look for one. Sorry you're having a bad day. I found it helpful just to acknowledge that "today I feel awful" - it seems to help me remember that tomorrow might feel a bit better!

Hi all.

Been away for weeks and weeks as my father passed away so have been wrapped up in that and not thinking about babies at all.

But was so delighted to hear the snippts of good news on this board - especially I just saw about LAF. So pleased and sending all the newly pregnant (and 2nd trimester!) ladies all the very best.

iggii my counsellor is the one work gave me. she isn't a miscarriage specialist but seems to have seen other people who have had miscarriages. i think it's useful to have someone to speak to as i feel like i can't keep going on about my problems to friends/family etc. the sympathy seems to run out pretty quickly.

puree sorry to hear about your father.

i am feeling better today, got my blood test next wedneday and am going to ring the consultants office to see when my results will be ready.

Pureequeen - so sorry to hear about your father. You have had more than your fair share of grief, I would say. Hope you are ok.
Pepsbob, I think you are right about needing someone to talk to, sometimes when I talk to friends I almost dismiss how I'm feeling so as not to make them feel bad.

i have just ordered some more pregnacare plus. these seem really expensive compared to normal pregnacare as you only get 28 days supply in them. does anyone know if you can buy the omega three separatley. i have had a look at a few different omega three supplements but they seem to have more things in them than just the 400mg of dha stated on the pregnacare pack. i wasn't sure so stuck to pregnacare.

i have also ordered the vitamin d3 25mg as well. might as well make a head start on the vits before i see the consultant.

i am getting impatient waiting for my period to return after the mc. it has been 6 weeks since i delivered the baby and three weeks since the post mc bleeding stopped. i was hoping my period would have returned by now but have just realised maybe i am expecting it too soon (hadn't counted down the actual weeks before now - doh!!). i have booked another holiday for next month so i will see if it turns up before then otherwise i am off to the doctors! just worked out it was seven weeks after the first mc when my period came, not sure if this will be the same as the second mc was a late one and the first was at 11 weeks and had erpc that time.

going for my blood tests on wednesday to see if i have increased risk of blood clotting. still not sure when i will be getting all my results for all of the tests/post mortem etc, think i will ring the consultants secretary on wednesday after the tests and see if they can give me an idea of when my appointment will be. i will be asking you ladies for loads of advice of what to ask/say etc when i know when my appointment is. i want to make sure i get the best out of it as this is an nhs gynae consultant rather than a miscarriage specialist. i will probably know more than them with all the reading up i had been doing!

i am not ttc at the moment as i want to make sure i am doing everything i can to achieve a successful pregnancy next time so i need to wait for the results of all the tests first. feel like screaming as i really want to have a baby but i don't want to risk another mc. it's really frustrating isn't it????

Sending my condolences to pureequeen. Sad times. I hope you are bearing up ok.

Pebspop Pregnacare with Omega 3 are on offer from Amazon at the moment. A fair bit cheaper than normal but still not that cheap. Mr S did say you could take other Omega 3. I asked him as I am a vegetarian and the ones that come with Pregnacare have gelatine in them.

thanks kittens. i was looking on amazon but felt a bit miffed that 28 pregnancare plus was £8-odd whilst a 90 pack of normal pregnacare was £10-odd.

feels like they are trying to rip us off!!!

Hmm, I didn't realise the price difference was that extreme. I paid about £6 for 60 Omega 3.6.9. Not sure if I'm meant to take Omega 6 and 9 or not but those were the only gelatine free. Sounds like a cheaper option though!

Well today is another due date for me (#3), also basically the anniversary of losing no.2. But I've had an ok day, hardly thinking about it, and I wonder if it will hit me more on another, competely random day!
Hope everyone is ok.

I hope you are still doing ok iggii. Due dates affect everyone differently and I think for some of us who have been through multiple losses we become detatched from these markers for the sake of self preservation. The due dates for my first 3 pregnancies did affect me somewhat for varying reasons, but with my last 3 pregnancies I kind of stopped expecting a due date, so I didn't pay any attention to when it would've been. I have since even forgotten all of my due dates, for which I am quite relieved.

i went for my blood tests today to test for clotting factors. i am not sure if they have done them correctly as in the lesley regan book it says they should be done without a cuff and the blood should be free flowing. they put the strap around my arm which i am assuming is the cuff? i am also not sure if the blood test lesley regan is talking about is the same as they did today.

is this going to be a problem?

i have to wait six weeks for the results. i suppose it gives me a break from ttc and as my periods haven't started again yet i am not feeling in any rush. when my periods start again i will probably get more impatient!

Hi pebs I had the same worries when they took my bloods at the local GP. When I went to St. Mary's, they did take the sample with the cuff on, so perhaps things have evolved since that issue of the book was released.

I do recommend trying to see a specialist if they can't find anything wrong as a result of the blood tests. St. Mary's did check me again in a pregnant state and found that I have high TEG when pregnant. I think TEG is responsible for early losses though, not necessarily later losses, after speaking with the consultant nurse. But I'm 8+6 today as a result of the high does aspirin and possibly believing that I could have a baby this time around. I had the scan at STM this morning and the baby is 4 days ahead of my actual dates. I've never had 2 scans where things continue to head in the right direction, so it is a bit overwhelming to me.

pureequeen thanks for your kind wishes and I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Was he ill for some time?

iggi I know how hard the dates can be. I remember EDDs and the days that I lost the pgs. I have several friends whose children just remind me of what I could have had. Hope you are OK.

How are you kittens?