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.

And steroids are like Pac Mac eating them up :)

So do you think there are benefits from having high NK cells then? I read somewhere that it might make you less prone to nasty diseases. I have always picked up nasty diseases quite well so I am not sure if that's the case with me. But then I won't know if I have them until the results come back. Good news on the lack of moon face though - maybe you should start measuring it every morning just in case . Realistically Mr S said the dose is too small for that. Spots and hair? Ah, there is so much to look forward to when Mr S suitably drugs me up.

Freelance glad the appointment went well and kittens I hope the steroids aren't too bad this time around.

Milky when is your scan?

Had my 9 week scan yesterday and everything was fine. It seems to be getting harder each week. Another week ticked off though. phew.

Oh Lucky that is so good. Keep racking off those weeks!
Having kittens I'm seeing him in 2 weeks (arranged before pg) so I was told to get a scan up here and then see him again around 9. I could not afford all those scans, plus the joruney costs, when I can get them here for free. Actually I'm rebelling and not having early ones - I've had two bad experiences with a 7 week scan showing a live one, gone by 8 weeks. So I think (if this continues, not even at 4 wks yet!) I will wait till 8. Have been very active today, lifted quite a lot, and convinced I've buggered it up already
Freelance, I was phoned with my nk cell result one week after the test, you won't have to wait long.

Oh Lucky that is so good. Keep racking off those weeks!
Having kittens I'm seeing him in 2 weeks (arranged before pg) so I was told to get a scan up here and then see him again around 9. I could not afford all those scans, plus the joruney costs, when I can get them here for free. Actually I'm rebelling and not having early ones - I've had two bad experiences with a 7 week scan showing a live one, gone by 8 weeks. So I think (if this continues, not even at 4 wks yet!) I will wait till 8. Have been very active today, lifted quite a lot, and convinced I've buggered it up already
Freelance, I was phoned with my nk cell result one week after the test, you won't have to wait long.

Hi all - some good news for some - am trying to catch up is it iggi? fingers crossed.

Laf - hello my fellow 34 year old and happy belated birthday. Here is to a fantastic year and happy times. Absolutely no exaggeration, I was told of 6 pregnancies yesterday - all friends or colleagues whom I see a lot of. And today I sent a congratulations card to a friend who just had a baby yesterday. She had the same "due date" as me for one of my mmc (tomorrow)

having kittens I don't know if others feel the same so I am a bit tentative about this too but I would really like to explore CVS/amnio testing etc. One mmc had a very serious genetic defect. Although it was a one off (I don't carry the gene) it did make me think seriously about testing. Apologies if people don't want to have this on this thread - just say.

I have just put in a request to drop a day at work. Quite a big deal for my employer so I find out next week what they say. I did mention what had been going on the last few months - embarassing for the senior managers but I thought oh well, might as well be honest.

HAve a relaxing weekend everyone.

Lucky very pleased for you!
My scan is on Monday - I'll be going in prepared for the worst. I will be 7 weeks. I haven't even booked-in at my surgery yet, as in the past year I have had to cancel every first midwife appointment I have booked a week before it is due. Can't go through that pain again.

milky I'm not booking in until I've hd a 12 wk scan (if I get to 12 that is)!

The last time I "booked in" I mc the next day - so no hurry to do that! I haven't told DH yet, which is strange. I just can't deal with his worries on top of my own. And the false hope. Off to stick some progesterone up my fanjo (well makes a change from a thermometer!)

The last time I "booked in" I mc the next day - so no hurry to do that! I haven't told DH yet, which is strange. I just can't deal with his worries on top of my own. And the false hope. Off to stick some progesterone up my fanjo (well makes a change from a thermometer!)

iggi I really get that you haven't told hubby yet ... I have considered sneaking a private scan alone ... My dp is hugely supportive , but I'd almost rather be told bad news alone than us cry together at a scan again.

milky my consultants are covering my care - I don't think I'll even see a midwife - and don't want to to be honest after all the bad experiences! Try to think positive (I know impossible) but if you've had all the tests there is no reason that anything should be wrong this time, will be thinking of you x

pureequeen its so hard hearing of people's good news and gives an overwhelming feeling of why not me everytime. Let's hope all of us will be lucky this year. Hope your bosses give you a day off, it's hard coping with all of this.

iggi lifting wont harm a thing as I know you already know but try and keep chilled - again not easy. Good idea about having the scans nearby, seems silly to travel and pay when you can have them on NHS.

Hairy hope everything is okay with you.

Had a phone call with an appointment for my nuchal scan today for 9 June feels too early to organise and already feeling its going to jinx everything!

Hope everyone has a stressfree weekend x

Pureequeen - I think they can usually see any markers for genetic problems in the Nuchal Scan (gosh, those two words almost make my blood run cold! I've only got to that stage twice but instead of it being a "great, we've got to the 12 week scan" moment it was a big hideous mess) but may offer you a CVS if you request it. I am generally offered an early one at 11 weeks before even having a nuchal scan because I've had two bad experiences in a row, even though it was apparently random bad luck rather than anything to do with our genetic make up. The scary thing is the risk of miscarriage which after I'd had the second one I didn't think I would think twice about because I didn't have any problems on the two occasions I had them. Now that I've had a further 3 miscarriages since then, on top of miscarrying my first pregnancy that risk is quite frightening. BUT, then so is the risk of having a baby who will at best grow into a handicapped and dependent adult that, by then, myself and partner are too old to properly care for the needs of. The best piece of advice I can give you is to make sure you book the next couple of days off if you have a CVS so that you can take it as easy as possible. Stay at home, watch DVDs/read etc, stay in bed and get your other half to cook or do any running around that needs doing. Hope that helps. If you have any questions do PM me if you want. Also, you can go on the Antenatal Tests and Choices part of MN if you want to ask about your specific karyotyping results.

The last time I booked in was probably my second pregnancy about 3 and half years ago and I've only just managed to take the childrens' centre where my midwife was based to take me off their text and mailing list informing me to various fun groups to bring my baby to! Mind you, I'm glad I did book in then as I met my lovely midwife who suggested I self refer to her straight away when I get pregnant. It's really helpful to have that continuity of care and she is always very good about answering my neurotic emails as well as organising early scans etc.

Hooray for good scan lucky

How are the 'roids treating you this time kittens?

I am confused. Have had no positive opk's this week, which is not unusual, but have had a massive temp hike this morning which I can't explain with anything other than maybe I ovulated yesterday. I didn't have any of my usual bloating/cramping yesterday that I normally get on ovulation day - although I have had a few on/off days of ewcm and cervix has been open. So I'm not totally convinced I've ovulated yet. I'd expect tomorrow's temp to be higher if I have. I hope I have. But I don't think I have. Won't take the prednisolone till I'm sure I have.

This cycle has been trickier than I thought it would be.

Forgot to mention that I'm only cd17 today. Normally don't ov till cd23-25. But I have been taking metformin so wondered if that might have had an effect. But I definitely had a positive opk last cycle, so didn't think I wouldn't get one this cycle. I've always got them before.

Oh well. Suppose I'll know one way or t'other in the next few days.

Hi Digitalgirl, gosh, how confusing for you. I don't really know anything about temping but was under the impression that temps fall after ovulation rather than rise. Could well be wrong though so I'm not the best person to offer opinion. I guess just keep peeing on them sticks! I was surprised a couple of days early this month as I've been ov'ing around day 16 after 2 days of double lines on the OPKs but this month I only had one surge day and Ov'd on day 14 so gawd knows! It's not really an exact science I guess. I don't get EWCM anymore (I'm guessing that's something to do with age ) but did get really bad pains on my right hand side the day after my surge.

So far I think I'm ok on the 'roids. Did have a stroppy day on Friday but that may have just been inspired by my OH! Last month I was ok for the first 5 days and then it got a bit shakey so time will tell. I hope I don't get the shakes and concentration problems this time because I'm doing an HD Brows course next weekend which involves threading, waxing, plucking, trimming and dying brows - not really the best time to have the shakes or a concentration problem!

Hello. Interesting to see how many people think the making dates/scans is a way to jinx things! I am seeing my GP tomorrow, and I really don't want her to even tell me the "due" date (avoiding fertiltyfriend for the same reason).

I need something engrossing to take my mind of the days ahead. Or the chance to hibernate perhaps.
HK, I've been on steroids for 4 days now so maybe my side effects will arrive tomorrow! Good luck with your threading

Glad to see that there is some good news on the board with iggi moving through the ranks and kittens and lucky going strong too. Hoping you are doing well too hairy

I have my second appointment at St. Mary's this week. I'm not really sure what to think other than worrying a bit about being told that there's something wrong with my uterus and I'll need to have surgery and wait before trying again. It seems like a long time ago that I was pregnant. If I have the chance to ask anyone about the unfussy uterus study at Imperial College (what a dreadful name!) I will do so.

Evening ladies... Newby here..

after 4 MC I'm awaiting my results from RMC testing at St Marys on the 7th June.. the last 6months have dragged since my last loss and I'm hoping that after the 7th we will be back to TTC....

Any ideas on what to expext as all early indications show "all normal"

Thanks Igggi. I have mixed feelings about scans. I've been through the early scan, seeing heartbeat and then loosing the pregnancy anyway but then on the other hand all my MCs have been MMCs so I would rather know if things weren't working out than finding out at 12 weeks that things haven't been right for weeks. Anyway, as my OH says, first catch your rabbit....

I'm not pregnant yet LAF77. Not as far as I know anyway. Just on steroids from ovulation so far. Sorry to hear about the findings that your uterus is not as it should be. You're right, that is a strange name! I hope you get a date for the surgery really soon so that you can start TTC again. I can understand how frustrating it is having to wait longer still though. I think we both had our last MC around the same time. I don't mean to sound flippant, but you are lucky to have a little time on your side, at 34, at least. I suspect that's not much consolation at the moment though.

Welcome Suffolksteph. After I had my initial RMC testing which came back all normal I was recommended to take asprin during my next pregnancy but that was just at UCH. I don't have experience of the testing they do at St Mary's so couldn't say what they will suggest. Hopefully others may be able to shed more light. I just didn't want to post without saying hello and wishing you the best of luck.

Hi kittens sorry for my mistake! I've been confused about you and you are confused about me! I haven't been told I have to have surgery yet, I'm just worried that I might be. I know that I have one fibroid and not sure about what Wednesday will bring. I hope that you get on the pg train soon!

Steph I'm a few weeks behind you as I'm also at St. Mary's. I don't have my final consultation until 21st June. Like you, none of the tests by my local GP showed anything that they could treat. I'm not sure if STM will find anything. The statistics are that 50% of women who are recurrent miscarriers will find a reason for it and the others will not. It doesn't mean that you will have an unsuccessful pg if they can't find anything. Good luck, we are here supporting you from the sidelines.

Hi all, not much time for a catch up just wanted to pop my head in and let you know I'm still about.

Please don't think it's insensitive of me, but just wanted you all to know, after being such a great support to me, that I have reached 21 weeks and am having a little boy.

Have to dash as my fridge repair man is on the way

Not to worry LAF77, sorry for my confusion too. Sometimes it's easy to loose track or get the wrong end of the stick with so many of us to keep up with!

Ahh, Coconuts I thought you'd been quiet recently. That's lovely news, congratulations! Don't feel it's insensitive. It's great to read of good news, it's inspiring and gives us all something to hope for.

kittens - the book! I'd forgotten. Now I've remebered....

Ha ha, don't worry. Whenever you have time! I was thinking the other day that I hoped you hadn't sent it as you'd think I was very rude for having not mentioned it!