cervical suture

[rhw]

I'm 20 weeks pg and had a cervical suture at 16 weeks. I had a very large area of my cervix removed (CIN 3) by loop diathermy after the normal pregnancy of ds. The thing is that the consultant seemed really worried and told me that there was only about 1cm of cervix which she could sticth and that she didn't feel there was room to put another stitch in later (before the procedure she hsd suggested this was an option).
Last time I spoke to the consultant i was still feeling groggy after the procedure and she said something about how she could sign me off work but that i should be ok as long as I 'don't over do it'. I'm working nearly full time in a school that is undergoing constant monitoring because of a dire Ofsted inspection - I have no idea what take it easy means... but suspect my job and 11 month ds mean that I'm not really doing this.
I've tried getting advice from my midwife and GP, both of whom say they don't have a clue and have spent the last 2 weeks leaving messages (As has my GP) for the consultant. I need some advice - can anyone help? What can I do to give this pregnany it's best chance? What are my chances of all being OK?

would say go back to your doc to get info on what she means - she has to respond. Does your gp have any ideas on what would be best? Is there a midwife you could see?

best wishes xxx

Thanks. I'm gonna chase the consultant again tomorrow. I've spoken to two gp's and my midwife - all of whom were really vague. I've got my 20 week scan on Friday and i think they'll scan my cervix againg then.. I'll make a nuisance of myself then, if no one offers any advice! I'm sure they all think i'm just being nuerotic... but I'd feel better if they'd tell me that.

did you get any news rhw - thinking of you.

I had to have a scan this week for bleeding (I'm due in october) also had a scan of the cervix - scary but hopefully ok. Ask them all your questions - I often write things down as I forget when faced with the doctor! Good luck for friday xxx

Sorry to hear about your bleeding, I hope everything is ok. i had a couple of bouts of bleeding with ds (before loop diathermy), it's bloody scary - but everything was fine and I went on to deliver a 8lb 13oz baby just before 40 weeks - so try not to worry.
Still no feedback from consultant but will pester in person on Friday. In the meantime I'm making dh wait on me - just to be on the safe side .
All the best.

Anyone else got experience of cervical sutures? How do I give myself the best chance of having a successful pregnancy? I'm trying really hard not to panic...

I have had two succesful pregnances after having surtures put in. I was very careful not to carry anything if I could avoid it. I also changed position at work so I didn't have to stand very much. I was told not to have sex. I also walked slowly, with DD1 becasue I was so paranoid about losing another baby and with DD2 because DD1 was only 2 so a slow walker. Make sure the buggy you have for your son is not to heavy to push. All I can think of right now.

Thanks goingfor3, I hadn't realised walking slowly was an issue. My teaching style really needs to change. I'm trying not to lift too much, but can't alawys avoid it with my very heavy and still immobile son. Let's hope this works.

2 sucessful preganancies with sutures - two wonderfuly frustartingly wonderful children.

Best advice: carry on as normal and try not to worry.

If you want to know more just ask.

Walking slowly probably isn't an issue I just was super paranoid! Lifting would be an issure though.

with second one I had ds and he was 2yrs and I could not get away with not lifting him - even had to climb up a bouncy inflatable slide and carry him down when he got stranded and was crying and my sister had gone to the ice ceream van!!!

there are things I made strict rules about - no lifting out of bath etc, in fact only in emergancies I would lift him.

Just take care and common sense. Don't use it as a reason to be too staionary either as that has it's own risks.

As you've got this far I would see what the scan shows on Friday and specifically ask if there is any sign of funnelling (or shortening) of the cervix. I was signed off for a significant proportion for the my first pg having had a suture at 12 weeks. Unfortunately no-one can say what is "too much" until it is too late, but I suspect the combination of OFSTED, and 11 month old and a job which has you standing up for a significant proportion of the day is not a good mix. I was told that I shouldn't be swimming for example.

Don't be afraid of getting signed off. The only downside is that you may be deemed to have started your maternity leave 6 weeeks before your edd.

it's good you got some help from others who've een through this. Hope your doing ok xxx Still have bleeding abit - brown. I've been told to lie down when I can - my 1yr has just started daycare so from next week I'll be able to rest some of the day.

hi rhw and maisymum

I am off on a break for a bit - but email me if you want to talk on dimpledthighs at hotmail dot co dot uk

maisymum - will nip in to see how things are going. Take it easy.

Thanks everyone. The scan went well. It seems the stitch worked and my cervix is significantly longer than it was four weeks ago. We managed to speak to a registrar who was very reassuring and pretty much goes with the advice from you guys, ie no lifting, don't go mad but try not to worry too much etc.

Maisym, It sounds like things are going better for you and you can be confident that the brown bleeding is nothing new. All the best.

Thanks again for keeping me sane (ish). hopefully I'll manage to be a bit calmer for a while...

It's good to hear it went so well.

Did you have the stitch put in under a local or general anaesthetic?

I had an epidural - which was probably the worst part of the whole procedure... apart from feeling pretty battered and bruised a few days later.
Hope i get away with gas and air for this labour...