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.

Iggi I am also unsure about that, that is the one thing that puts me off about it. WIll find out more and post after my consultant appointement.

Had a pelvic scan on Friday and all looks normal apart from a slightly polcystic ovary (the other one is normal though) I was not suprised given the awful acne that has plagued me since stopping the pill.

Feeling extremely depressed and tearful today, not sure why, I hate not trying as I feel like we are not even in the race. We have been TTC for 10 months now with just 2 mcs to show for it and I am beginning to wonder if we will ever be parents. And a childless life is just not something I ever ever imagined. I have a feeling my collegue is about to announce her 2nd pregnancy any day and I am really struggling to think how I will react.

I really must pull myslef together

.. Or alternatively just accept this is a crap time for you - but that it will get better.
I know you feel you're standing still, but you're not, you're getting information which will help your next pg to be successful.
I'm lucky as I have a dc, but I've been ttc #2 for 2 years with 4 mc - still, pg #6 seems to be holding on, got further than any of the rest so far.. It is an awful time, getting info/treatment and trying till it feels time to stop is all we can do.

Oh iggi, 2 years! You poor thing. I really hope this one sticks.

I know I need to be patient, I am normally a really positive person I just seem to be a total panic today, might be time for my preconception hypnotherapy CD this evening!!

Oh, I need a positive thinking cd perhaps! All I have is Paul Mckenna's weightloss one (ha ha) but he did always leave me feeling happier, if not thinner, so maybe I'll give it a whirl.
Why should you feel patient? All around us are people getting their babies whenever they want them. Why is that not us? BUT on the plus side, these threads are full of folk who,ve been trying for some time and then get a baby. There is still hope.

I highly recommend the Natal hypnotherapy one if you are in the market.

Have heard 2 very positive stories this afternoon: guy at work's wife 2nd IVF attempt has worked, they are both 43

Girl I know vaguely is pregnant first try of IUI after 5 yrs and has got to 12 weeks

Thanks iggi and I REALLY hope things continue to work out for you this time

farfalla Like you, I was in the depths of despair after my third mc. It was my blackest time in recent memory, not TTC and waiting for the appointment to try and piece together a timeline when I could be pg again. I couldn't be around pg women or babies, as it was too painful.

You will get your results back soon. You are with one of the top research clinics into RMC in the world, so you are in good hands.

I know how easy it is to feel hopeless and lost. I wasn't sure it would ever happen to me, but here I am, on the cusp of 19 weeks. I have to pinch myself to believe it is real. I think that the baby is kicking me now inside too, kicking me into shape, to tell me to start believing.

How are you iggi when is your next scan?

Waves to everyone else!

iggi wow didn't realize it stopped your period, that is a pretty major side effect. I do feel totally lost as I am not getting any advice from my doctor as he is just a GP. I am really confused now on whether to take it or not. I guess I need to weigh it up. Got a few days to think about it....

Farfalla TTC is awful, we have been trying for 2.5 years now and like you 2 miscarriages. It takes me a long time to get PG. You have to stay positive, it is all that keeps me going that and seeing success stories on here even after many miscarriages. I do have a DD she is almost 12 and from a previous relationship, but feel awful for DP as he has no children. Iggi is right, we are all gaining information which will hopefully lead us to eventually taking home a baby.

Laf 19 weeks :) totally brilliant!!!

confused there is a lady on the TTC 10 months + thread who still got her period on cyclogest. From googling it tends to vary a bit but either way I guess you just need to do a test at 12dpo and stop taking it after that if its negative, or maybe 14dpo?

Oh its so hard isn't it? You don;t want it messing up your cycles but equally some people really seem to benefit from it. Hmmmm

laf thanks for that, I am so glad your baby is making you feel its real!

Laf really pleased things are going so well for you. I have my next scan on Nov 7th. I am 9 weeks today, though who knows what is going on inside me? Finding the waiting very hard!

Farfalla looking at the instructions it says that it may make your period earlier or later. No mention of miscarriage treatment on there though. SO hard to decide, day 19 today and I reckon I should probably use ot from around day 23 if that is what I decide to do. Or could go with what the doc said and use it from day 25 but that may be too late if I am PG. So hard!

Iggi are you on steroids as well as progesterone? I bet the wait is awful, days feel like months when waiting for a scan.

Hi confu3ed, yes I'm on steroids, aspirin and progesterone - and about a million vitamins and intravenous chocolate

Karotyping back normal as are all the clotting results so looks like it is a hormonal/thyroid problem or indeed just one of those things.

I have not gone down the immune route as yet though.

Waiting for the appointment next Thurs to discuss plan of action (!)

confused like you I am a bit wary of taking hormones if I am not pregnant but I think its very common in the US for example?

iggi you are 9 weeks already? Is this the furthest you have got so far that is great!

I am also on the most ridiculous round of vits:

B100
vit c
Zita west pre conception
fish oils
Agnus castus
Burdock root

I am rattling!!!!

Burdock root? That's a new one to me!

Hi all, hope you're all well. Lovely to see some good scans and the start of treatment for some of you. Fingers crossed and good luck to you all!

farfalla - I've just seen your post about the vitamins you're taking and had to say something about the Agnus castus. Have you discussed taking it with your doctor? Incase you haven't, I would really recommend discussing with a doctor how to wean yourself off it, when (hopefully) you get a BFP. As vitex regulates hormones, stopping it suddenly may cause big hormonal changes, which can affect the pregnancy. I don't want to sound patronising, incase your already know, but I just feel I need to say something.

I can imagine how hard that must have been iggi, when is your next scan? In a few days I think?

Burdock root is for the acne, not the TTC bit so don;t worry you are not missing out

milky thanks for this, I have been really reluctant to take agnus castus because I have read mixed reviews about it and as you say it does seem pretty powerful. I am only going to take it pre ovulation and in the lowest dose available. Have you had a bad experience of it?

I took agnus castus for 2-3 months prior to my third miscarriage. I had read that you must take it for around 3 months for it to work, so I started taking it straight after my second mc. I stopped as soon as I got my BFP without weaning myself off. Ofcourse, I have no idea if that miscarriage was due to agnus castus (most probably wasn't as I went on to miscarry again), but it's something I still do think about.

Hormone-wise, it made my periods less heavy more regular and made pre-menstrual signs like spots less obvious.

I think also, as it's something that regulates the hormones in your body, it's of utmost importance you tell your doctor you're taking it if they prescribe you something like progesterone as it could act as a counter-balance IYSWIM.

I don't know how effective it is to take it from pre-ovulation, but I have heard alot of women carry on taking it in lower doses for the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy until the placenta takes over.

Thanks milky that is very helpful indeed. I am so sorry to hear of all your MCs

What is your plan of action now, just high dose folic acid?

Thanks Farfall, glad I don't have something else to take! My next scan isn't till Monday week unfortunately, seems like an eternity!

Farfalla - I am so unsure on what to do re the progesterone. Day 21 today so I need to decide fairly quickly what to do.

What do you guys take the Agnus Castus for, I thought it was to ease menopause symptoms?

In turmoil at the mo as having the wait to see if BFP or AF rears its ugly head, so tough it never gets any easier does it?

Its meant to healp with progesterone production and lengthen luteal phase but having taken it for a few days I am actually going ot stop.
On day 12 and I normally start to get EWCM and highs on my clear blue monitor and have had neither so it seems to be delaying ovulation! Could of course just be coincence but I am going to just stick with the B Vits for now I think!

So hard on progesterone, what does your consultant say?

Farfalla - I do not have a consultant at the moment, my GP prescribed it but told me that I should not take it until a couple of days prior to AF is due in case I am not PG.
On day 24 and usually have a 27 day cycle so thought I should probably start using it today but a bit wary. I guess as I am so close to AF That it should not affect it coming if it is. Do not feel PG so wonder if I am just wasting my time.

Strange morning as day 25 thought I would do an early test so I would know what to do re progesterone and I swear there was a very faded positive line so feint that I am not reading anything into it as probably imagined it but used progesterone just in case.

!! What type of test did you use?

Clearblue, the one where you get a cross if pg and a line if not. Really faint cross, maybe it was a faulty test?!

confused I think those clear blue tests are notorious for false positives, something about the way the dye leaks through.

Can you get a first response? I think they are the best to be honest.
FX for you!!