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.

Evening lovely ladies...

Hope your all having a decent / fair B holiday....
Kittens sorry for AF arrival.. Grr to her!

igggi I really hope the pain is getting eaiser.. and hope your appointment with Dr S goes well...

I'm still slightly hanging my head in shame... I know nothing will come of it but I live in hope....

digi Long cycles suck... This month I OV on Day 21/22... but normally I'm day 25... last month was day 18 which was a nice surprice but I never know where I am... So I am a POAS addict! Hope you dont mind me asking but how long have you been on the Metformin for? I used to take it when I was first Diagnoised with PCOS as that was the only thing the GP's had to offer back then.... but I'm wondering if I should push for it again to help with my cycles and I've read how it can help with MC too.....

I'm off for a bath in a bit as I was up at 6am this morning to take my DS (Aged 14) to school for his PGL trip... His school in down in Kent so a 2 hour drive from us (He boards at a specialist Dyslexia school as he is SEN) so hes off for half term..... then bed... as I'm nearly falling asleep writing this...

Hugs to all and positive vides to the baby makers....

steph been on metformin for about 9 weeks now, started two weeks after the erpc for my last mc. I was hoping it would shave a few days off my cycle, but I have also been told it can take up to 6 months before you see any effects. Definitely ask your gp for it as I'm of the philosophy that if it can't do any harm and there's evidence to say it can help prevent a miscarriage in those with pcos then I'll take it. My cycles are usually around 40 days. It's very frustrating, but I've learnt to recognise my fertile signs now so even when I get a positive opk or a rogue high temp I know not to get too excited. When we first started ttc I was convinced the cramping I used to get around day 24 was implantation. Took me three (looooong) cycles to work out that it was ovulation.
I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about trying to catch the egg this month. I did the same when waiting for tests after my third mc - found out I was pg the same day I got the all clear! Unfortunately that didn't work out either, but I have a diagnosis now so just looking forward to seeing if steroids will help the next pg.

Lucky the steroids were a lot more bearable this time. Hardly any side effects at all, I'm pleased to say.

I seem to have spent my whole weekend listening to people talking about pregnancy and having babies! One of the people I made up on Saturday was pregnant with twins and then one of my colleagues on the training yesterday was pregnant and one of the other girls had a 13 week old so there was lots of baby talk going on. I suppose that's one of the perils of working so closely with women all the time. Although I do seem to have had a rather intense month of it what with the client the other day and one of my friends giving birth, and the other one moaning on. It seems impossible to escape from it sometimes!

Back from one of those awful loo trips when, yes, this time there was blood. I cannot lose four babies this is just too much.
Havingkittens I saw a scan photo on my computer the other day and got angry and annoyed as usual - and this was a photo of my own DS . The mcs have taken away any pleasure at anyone's pregnancy.

Oh Igggi I'm so sorry. Can you get yourself to an EPU for a scan just so you know where you stand?

I so know what you mean about scan pictures. Sorry it was your own one that made you feel that way though. I HATE seeing scan pictures. I can't watch scenes on TV that involve scans and I want to kill anyone who puts scan pictures up on Facebook!

Are you at work? Is there anyone you can talk to for support there? Or maybe go home? I really feel for you, I'm so sorry. x

I just have two classes to go so going to try to stick it out. Thank you for replying, it does help. Still not conclusive of course, but a very bad sign.
I don't want to go to epu, my experience is that it's always inconclusive anyway and I just have to go back again.
Can't remember what it is I'm supposed to do now..? Try again?

I just have two classes to go so going to try to stick it out. Thank you for replying, it does help. Still not conclusive of course, but a very bad sign.
I don't want to go to epu, my experience is that it's always inconclusive anyway and I just have to go back again.
Can't remember what it is I'm supposed to do now..? Try again?

Oh Iggi how awful! Can you ring Dr. S's office for advice?

Thing is I can play out all the conversations in my head as I've heard it so often. I'm only 5 weeks, they would just tell me to wait.
I remember bleeding with my one successful pg too - funny how all my luck went out the window after that one!
It's so predictable. Helps to hear from you guys though.

Thing is I can play out all the conversations in my head as I've heard it so often. I'm only 5 weeks, they would just tell me to wait.
I remember bleeding with my one successful pg too - funny how all my luck went out the window after that one!
It's so predictable. Helps to hear from you guys though.

Would be good to have a chat with Mr S or his midwife. I don't want to talk as if it's the end as you just don't know that for sure yet. But, if it come to the situation of trying again it will be helpful to know how much more chance he thinks you would have if trying on the steroids from ovulation rather than BFP with regards to whether you would want to try again or not.

igggi I'm so so sorry to hear this is happening. I too had bleeding in my first pregnancy with ds and that worked out fine. Is it heavy bleeding or just spotting? Is it worth getting a scan to at least rule out an ectopic? Although completely understand you not wanting to scan at this stage though as you know your own body better than anyone. Have everything crossed for you.

Just spotting Digi. My appt with Mr S is on Saturday, so not long to wait (ha ha - hours feel like weeks!) I hate having to break the news to DH again too.
(Still thinking, if I accept it's all gone maybe there will be a miracle?)

Oh igggi so sorry you are going through this I truly hope that it is nothing bad but know exactly how you feel at the moment. The hours do feel like days and weeks, time is so painful when this happens. I can understand you not wanting a scan at this point, scans are very hard when you've been through what we have, and we all understand. It's good that you're seeing Mr S on Saturday and I know what you mean about conversations going through your head. Midwife basically saying if it gets heavier or if you're in any pain blah blah blah. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that by Saturday the bleeding has stopped and Mr S can put your mind at rest. Thinking of you x

Shuffling in red-faced and apologetic for my continued absence.

I haven't had chance to catch up, but I think of you all often and wanted to send good luck vibes to everyone at their various stages on this rollercoaster journey.

igggi I know it isn't helpful at all and no reassuring words really help at times like this in the absence of a scan, but I bled on and off up to week 23/ 24 of this pregnancy for no apparent reason. As has been said time and again on this thread, bleeding isn't always a bad thing, but you know all that anyway. I have everything crossed for you that it is just an annoying blip and nothing more.

Has anyone heard from MummyA lately? If you're lurking, I hope all is well and the pregnancy is going well for you.

All well at this end, although sometimes I still have to remind myself, out loud, that I'm pregnant and it hasn't all gone horribly wrong...yet. Still in huge amounts of denial at 32 weeks. I'm not used to being optimistic about any of this, so I can't relax without MY baby in my arms. I STILL can't be happy for RL pregnant friends, RL friends who have just given birth and STILL find it genuinely difficult to be around pregnant ladies. I look at them and think, they'll be fine, but totally doubt my own ability to get to term. It's as though I'm almost expecting things to go wrong because I don't deserve them. Positively mental.

But, every day I wake up and I'm that bit closer - and I'm beginning to tell myself that this can happen now. Hopefully, in a week or two, I might actually start to listen. DH and I had a conversation last night about the fact that we probably need to start entertaining the idea that a baby might come out soon. Neither of us have made that leap of faith yet, but time is ticking by.

Anyway, enough rambling. Just wanted to send a message of almost positivity! A year ago, I had no chance of even getting, let alone staying pregnant and I remmeber how hopeless I felt. I know it's easy for me to look back from a position of relative hopefulness and make positive comments, but it did occasionally help me to hear almost good news stories from other people - particularly when things seemed very bleak.

Lots of love and continued good luck vibes to you all. xxx

I'm so sorry this is happening again igggi :( Like others have said bleeding doesn't always mean its the end. Just hope you're okay. Fingers crossed that everything works out fine.

Just wanted to pop on and say hi. iggi so sad for you. I am hoping everything is OK but my heart goes out to you, I know how you feel, i really do.

I'm seeing Mr S next week. If only he knew that he had a fan club (well he probably does actually).

Best wishes to everyone else, sorry I have been so quiet.

Hello ladies. I was hoping I could join in - I recognise some names here - MummyA and DigiGirl... I've been knocking around on MN since September 2010, and have mostly ended up on the conception pages. Am pregnant for the third time (2 natural mc's), and am now FREAKING OUT and was hoping you ladies may have some thoughts which may help to calm me down somewhat.

My first pregnancy (Sep 2009) ended at about 7-9 weeks - the gestational sac had a yolk and embryo inside, sized at about 5-6 weeks.

My second pregnancy (Oct 2010) ended at about 8-10 weeks - the gestational sac had a yolk and embryo inside, sized at about 6 weeks.

I am now at 6+0 weeks, and managed to get a scan at St Mary's yesterday using a "don't accept no" attitude. I was hoping for reassurance... but no. The gestational sac was 10mm (a bit small), the yolk was there, but they couldn't measure it as there was a blood clot in the way. There was an active bleed too. Have another scan next week to see where it's at. So, I know am not really going to know what's happening until then.

Luckily, I was able to take a couple of weeks off work for the 5-6 week "danger zone" and was hoping that chilling out would help this one stick. I have also been taking aspirin 75mg for the past couple of weeks. I priced out going to see Mr Shehata after the last mc, but decided that I would "wait and see". If this one fails, I'll be referred to St Mary's recurrent miscarriage clinic anyway. But I really don't want this one to fail. Am beside myself with upset and anxiousness and I know this does not help. I am 36, have no children, and my sense of humour has failed me.

I know you all have been through the mill and back and I was hoping that you may have some thoughts for me. Given that I have bleeding in my uterus, is it perhaps foolish to continue to take the aspirin?

What I'm about to post might have some bearing on your question, BrownB.
I've had some advice back from S about my spotting, basically he is advising to discontinue taking aspirin, but to continue with the steroids etc. I feel worried about doing this as taking aspirin was the one thing the NHS & Private doctors both agreed on! Oh well.

Try not to worry about that igggi, if your blood clotting tests came back clear then the asprin is pretty much empirical. I was prescribed asprin on this basis before my 6th pregnancy and it didn't make any difference so I think the steroids are the more important things to be taking as they are specifically to combat something that you have tested positive for.

Fingers crossed that stopping the asprin will help. x

brownb it sounds as though igggi has had the most recent medical advice on this so I would be tempted to stop taking aspirin. I'm really sorry that your scan didn't provide the reassurance you wanted. Are you going back in a week's time?
I'm not sure how small 10mm is for a 6 week sac - is it just a few days? If so then it could very well be fine - I was told a couple of days out is ok, a week is worrying. Fwiw I had a slow growing pregnancy with my third pregnancy after ds - I miscarried the day after the scan showed a slow heartbeat.
I'm afraid I don't know what having clots and active bleeds while pregnant means. Is it possible the clot is a fibroid? And is the active bleed anywhere near the pregnancy site?
Hugs to you - it's horrible having to go through this all again, just so very unfair. But am hoping that somehow it will work out for you.

igggi glad you've had some advice. Agree that Mr S prescribes aspirin to everyone based on empirical evidence - so it's not necessarily the one thing that's keeping you pg. It's the steroids that will stop your nk cells from telling your blood to clot in the first place, aspirin keeps your blood thin.

Thinking of both of you ladies. It brings it all back how difficult those first few weeks are.

glittery good to hear from you. Can't believe you're in your final trimester already! Get nesting lady before it's too late, 35 weeks seems to be the norm for us lot.

Well I know I shouldn't be complaining when some of you are going through the mill at the moment but I am thoroughly fed up - cd27 and still no egg . Have booked acupuncture tomorrow as I've not had any this cycle and wonder if that could be a reason. Still enjoying daily 'relations' but my god I think we'll deserve a medal once this cycle is over.

Thanks guys.. everyone is going through it here. What a hellish nightmare all round.

The sonographer put the following on the report, "A small clot is noted within the gestation sack. It measures 6x7 mm. Area of active bleed is noted around the sac and within the right wall resulting in area of clot."

Fuckit. I was starting to relax again and now am feeling as if my hopes are dashed. Again. She did say that these things can right themselves, but that really doesn't sound good.

Hello Brown and welcome to the thread sorry you find yourself on here! I had a clot in my last pregnancy when I mc at 15 weeks (mc was nothing to do with the clot) and it was thought to be an implantation bleed and caused spotting up to around 10 weeks. I can't remember the size but it did eventually go at around 12 weeks. I had a scan this time at 5 weeks where there was just a sac and at 6 weeks when there was a tiny growth with heartbeat but if your dates are even slightly out there is not much time between the two. Its hell waiting to see what happens but I do hope everything turns out okay for you. x

igggi I never even thought about the aspirin which definately causes spotting. When I was taking it before my bfp I was spotting all the time. I asked my consultant about this and they did say that some women in pregnancy spot with aspirin but it wouldn't cause you to mc. It wasn't actually the case for me it was just a coincidence that I had cervical erosion which started right at the same time of me starting the aspirin but it definately makes sense that that could be causing the bleeding. Like digi says even though I am on it I was found to have nothing wrong with blood clotting so its more of a "see if it helps" rather than a treatment. I hope you feel slightly relieved that Mr S has found the answer. Hope the pain has eased - did he say anything about that?

Digi you and DH are doing so well! There is no way I could have lasted this long - but it will definately be worth it when everything turns out right.

I cannot believe you're 32 weeks glittery. I can't imagine getting that far it is such hard work to get through each day and the mentalling is constant. Let us know how you get on over the coming weeks, so pleased everything is working out for you.

Another scan tomorrow and it is definately getting harder especially as over the past few days my symptoms aren't as noticeable and can't help but think that everything has gone wrong.

Hope everyone is doing okay - glad the steroids were better for you this time kittens rubbish about AF though!

Milky when is your scan this week? Or is it next week sorry if I'm jumping the gun.

Glittery - as you said, it is nice to read a positive story. It's a relief to read some good news when it all seems so bleak...

In regards to the aspirin discussion, my consultant told me last week that if I should start bleeding, then I must stop taking the aspirin straightaway. So I think it is normal procedure to stop aspirin if bleeding starts. Also, I wasn't diagnosed with any blood clotting problems so it's not really a method of treatment for me.

lucky My scan is next Monday. I've been meaning to ask you, do you have a scan every week? I will be getting a scan every 2 weeks, and it is like slow torture having to wait.