Miscarriage clinic tests

[MollySxx]

So, I have posted multiple threads. About my 3rd miscarriage and being referred to the miscarriage clinic and then founding out I was pregnant 3 days after my first appointment. Was given progesterone, aspirin and higher dose folic acid in that pregnancy. But I had a silent miscarriage at 9 weeks and miscarried for a 4th time in March.

I have since had 2 periods since that miscarriage and me and my partner aren't actively trying. Personally because I don't want to. I'm now in full swing with the miscarriage clinic tests. I had 8 tubes of blood taken last week. One for my thyroid (which I had done last year and it came back clear) I was in 4th day of my period and they took bloods to test my hormones, also the Liverpool lab requested a test for my kidney function. And they didn't really explain why they requested or needed that. My miscarriage tissue from my 4th miscarriage was tested also and came back inconclusive because the tissue was to dried out I was informed.

What I'm trying to say is, I'm very confused by this testing and what the outcome will be. I feel at a lost now and it's like I'm almost starting to expect having kids isn't going to happen for me. No matter how many tests they do🤦🏼‍♀️ has anyone been through this?

Big hugs, you've been through so much.
I think you're right not trying again until you've had all the testing. If everything comes back normal, as upsetting as that is at least you can try again knowing you've done everything you can to prepare yourself for this.

Before I tried again I cut out caffeine, was doing lots of exercise and eating really well. This is more to make me feel I had an element of control, I was doing the best for my body sort of thing.

I was referred to recurrent mc clinic last year but ended up going private as I didn't want to wait. The tests I had were for thrombophillia, anti phospholipid, anti nuclear antibodies, thyroid and hormones as well as general full blood count, anaemia etc. I also had been to a gynaecologist a year or so before for something completely different and she had scanned my uterus and ovaries so I had that report to take with me. In the end I did have a problem found which was my thyroid which has been treated and I am now 18 weeks. First trimester I was given the progestrogen and clexane injections. Also asprin and thyroxine which I'm still taking but that doesn't apply. Double check your TSH results though because I kept being told mine was fine at 4.9 but it does need to be below 3, ideally below 2.5. Only the private consultant agreed with this so jsut another thing to tick off your list.

It's really important that you advocate for yourself - ask the doctors what they're testing for and why, read online about different causes and tell them to test you for it. Find out what the next steps are if they don't find a problem etc.

Its a horrible time but try to keep moving forward. By having all these tests you're doing everything you can. It's unfortunately not an easy journey for all women but don't give up hope on getting your baby xx

@Knock123 so amazing to hear you're 18 weeks, congratulations🥰

I honestly do feel I'm fighting a losing battle. And like you say, if all tests come back clear me and my partner have agreed to start trying again at the end of this year/start of next. Give ourselves a break mentally together and definitely physically for me. 4 miscarriages in 12 months has drained me. Even my 2 periods since my 4th loss haven't been pleasant. I admit I have become lazy with taking my multi vits as I've thought what's the point. But that's a mindset I need to overcome. If any positive out of this, I'm thankful we've come across these problems now as 25 year olds and not when we were in our late 30's. Everything crossed we get our happy ending x

Ugh its absolutely soul destroying isn't it, I really feel for you.
My periods were not the same after mc and I mentioned it to the Dr, he said that was normal and they should eventually settle and it was nothing to worry about and won't affect other pregnancies.

You've got a few things you can be doing, firstly take your multi vits, have all the tests and see what come out of them, focus on being as healthy as you can - physically and mentally. I have been having therapy which has been a HUGE help, just to have someone impartial to talk to. If you can afford private I would recommend, otherwise you can usually self refer via the NHS. You may also be able to access some resources through the mc clinic. Doing meditation/mindfulness or even yoga are also good at just calming the mind. You have been through a great deal and you need to look after yourself.
I read a book I can recommend called 'coming to term', it's a sort of science based book about mc and helped me make a lot of sense of what was happening. Not for everyone but just throwing it out there. Would also recommend the author Zoe Clark Coates, her books are more the emotional side.

It is good to take the positive that you're only 25, I'm about to turn 33 and miscarriage does make that ticking clock a bit louder in your head!! For you it does mean you don't need to rush to try again until you're 100% ready.

Sounds like you have a brilliant and supportive partner, make sure you keep talking to him so he knows how you're feeling.

I understand it is INCREDIBLY rare for women with recurrent mc to never have a baby even if a cause is never found. I used to like googling happy ending stories to give me hope. I really, really hope you get your happy ending but in the meantime, get yourself a plan of things you CAN be doing, this will give you a sense of purpose and help you feel a bit more in control. You've got this girl! Xxx

@Knock123 if I could jump through this screen right now and hug you, I honestly would! Thank you for your words🥰

I'm going to search for that book now and give it a read.

Also have another appointment with my consultant from the mc clinic in 3 weeks time, so I shall ask I all can. Also was informed won't get any of the blood results back until 6 weeks time. Which is fine, I can live with that x

Hi @MollySxx firstly I am so so sorry for your losses. I’ve had 4 recurrent miscarriages and all the blood work done at a private clinic came back as normal. I was quite annoyed as I just wanted answers and wanted a reason for why I’d had so many miscarriages. I’m currently 17 weeks pregnant. I was given progesterone, asprin, high dose folic acid and clexane injections to “try” during this pregnancy. Basically as they couldn’t find anything wrong it was “trial and error”. I just had to have faith in our consultant, which was very hard to do. I also took antibiotics for 2 weeks from the first day of my period to reduce inflammation of the womb and I had acupuncture. I don’t know if it was anything specific that worked or just “luck”. I’d definitely recommend having blood clotting tests done if you haven’t already. I can give you more information about the antibiotics if you would like? There’s a trial going on at Warwick uni hospital at the moment with them, although I didn’t get them from that x

@StarDust17 I didn't go to a clinic, I just paid as a private patient to jump the queue at my local hospital (Royal Free in NW London) but was able to pick my consultant. Instead of a 3 month wait for the recurrent miscarriage clinic I was seen in person the next week and it was just so easy.
I went to the Dr with all my test results and within 10 minutes he had a theory on the problem and had written me out a treatment plan.

I spent in total around £2500 which included the consultations, a couple of blood tests, scans and medication in first trimester and Harmony testing. I was discharged to normal NHS care at 10 weeks. It would have cost more but I was able to have most of the blood tests done on the NHS as the EPU was running a trial and my GP was amazing, so ask if there's anything your GP can test.

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and would spend double the money again tomorrow if I needed to.

I'm so sorry you're also going through this, it really is horrendous. I hope my story is inspiring rather than upsetting and I really hope everyone struggling gets some answers very soon. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be happy to try to help x

@StarDust17 I live in South Wales so we went to CRGW. They’re an ivf clinic but there are consultants there who specialise in miscarriage xxx

Hi ladies,

Just to add to this thread. I have just got off the phone to my consultant at the miscarriage clinic. I had 8 blood tests about 5 weeks ago now, which call came back normal and in line. So those results along with the tissue testing of my most recent miscarriage, it's all compatible.

So draw up plan is paying £95 for my partner to be have his swimmers checked, for example to the shape, how many he produces ect ect. And then once we have that result because of our age, our 4 miscarriages. We've been granted NHS funded IVF. And I truly feel like I've been given a life line here

I would try NK cells testing in Coventry or London privately first before going down the IVF route. This is because the problem isn't to get pregnant from what you're saying, but for the pregnancy to continue. NHS doesn't offer these tests despite significant evidence immune system issues are a major contributor to mcs.

I'm a recurrent mc patient myself and same as you, my tests came back fine. DH's private ones were also fine. I haventhad NK cells tests because I got pregnant and currently 34 weeks with my little boy, on aspirin and Cyclogest (the latter only for the first 12 weeks).

Have you had karyotype tests too, you and your partner?

Also regarding private clinics, I would be very careful to choose the specialist recurrent miscarriage ones. Clinics that are primarily IVF-focused offer advice that isn't necessarily helpful or right for RMC patients because they don't know enough about it - I've fallen for that in one of the clinics mentioned above. Unless, of course, you choose to go down the IVF route. Whatever you decide, very best of luck, it's an extremely tough journey

@PurplePansy05

Also regarding private clinics, I would be very careful to choose the specialist recurrent miscarriage ones. Clinics that are primarily IVF-focused offer advice that isn't necessarily helpful or right for RMC patients because they don't know enough about it - I've fallen for that in one of the clinics mentioned above. Unless, of course, you choose to go down the IVF route. Whatever you decide, very best of luck, it's an extremely tough journey

Thank you so much for your advise, and congratulations on your pregnancy🥰

I have heard so much about people getting tested for NK cells, but in my personal view I feel like it's just throwing money at something for an answer that you might not get. I'm really lucky that I've been given the help, the guidance and now this outcome from the NHS recurrent miscarriage clinic. We have agreed we can try traditionally once my partner has had the speed tests and then we will explore IVF. But I'm glad we are hot on it so we are very lucky to have either option

Entirely your choice, OP. However, the NK tests (two biopsies) cost over £500 which isn't prohibitive in a grand scheme of things and judging on the hundreds of threads on MN and hundreds of ladies who were diagnosed and helped this way and ended up with their rainbows, I disagree regarding NK. Tommy's clinics are very informative in that regard.

@MollySxx I'm so pleased all your NHS tests came back okay ❤️
I looked in the NK testing when I was going through this period and came to the conclusion that it was too much of a grey area for me to persue personally. I think you have to take what you see online with a pinch of salt as its easy to gravitate towards information that agrees with your mindset, no disrespect to @PurplePansy05!
If you've made a decision and you're happy with that, go with it. Stay positive and healthy and fingers crossed you'll have a nice boring pregnancy soon! Xx

[quote Knock123]@MollySxx I'm so pleased all your NHS tests came back okay ❤️
I looked in the NK testing when I was going through this period and came to the conclusion that it was too much of a grey area for me to persue personally. I think you have to take what you see online with a pinch of salt as its easy to gravitate towards information that agrees with your mindset, no disrespect to @PurplePansy05!
If you've made a decision and you're happy with that, go with it. Stay positive and healthy and fingers crossed you'll have a nice boring pregnancy soon! Xx[/quote]
I couldn't of put it better myself! What works for others, might not work for everyone else and that's okay❣️ and nice and boring is what I hope for😂 thank you for your kind words x

Has anybody had the thrombophilia screen, thyroid function test and antiphspholipid blood tests with the NHS. How long did your results take to come back?

I jusr had my first consultation and the gynae said that she's not sure how long it could take. But gave me a follow up after 3 months???

I've also had a private consultation and could just go ahead with that. I wanted to know if it took any quicker for anybody else's test to come back on NHS.

Hi There,
I'm so sorry to hear your story, I've had 4 MCs too and it's awful. (Currently pregnant with 5th fingers crossed)

I was referred to the reoccurrent miscarriage clinic and went through the basic tests. They couldn't find anything and told me to keep trying. I was satisfied with that and my doctor referred me to st Mary's in London via Tommy's.

Under Prof Lesley Regan, they found I had a uterine septum and I had surgery to remove it AND a blood clotting disorder AND low vitamin D! So never trust the NHS tests alone and if you can, get a Tommy's referral.

Now I'm on:
Clexane injections until 36 weeks
800mg progesterone
Low dose aspirin
2mg estrogen from ovulation
High dose vitamin D

Wishing you all the best xx

*I wasn't satisfied

Hi ladies, this is my thread and I did find my NHS miscarriage clinic helpful and the tests they ran and the calls I had with the consultant who rang me after tests to break down the results and he always had a plan of action. I had all the tests the NHS could offer and all came back fine and normal, within range and again that did feel like a lost because I didn't have a reason why I had 4 early losses. The last call I had with my consultant was me and my partner were granted a free round of NHS funded IVF as we fell into the correct category. We were also just about to go through the process of the recommend sperm testing for me partner just to rule that out. And I mean just as we were about to do that, I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant.

And I am now writing this reply as I'm 18+4 weeks pregnant with our little angel girl. A true blessing I never thought I would be experiencing and I sort of came to terms with the fact u night now experience it. But don't lose hope anyone in this situation and reading this thread be it now or years to come x