Got test results back (recurrent miscarriage panel)

[NanceXToo]

Every test but one came back and they were all normal. Not even low end of normal. Just normal normal. This reinforces my OB's belief that the two recent miscarriages (June and September) were chromosomal or structural and that there's nothing to be done but try, try again.

 

Well, I'll know in like 8 days if I managed to conceive this cycle. I really hope so! The last two pregnancies were both conceived very quickly thanks to the Metformin. It's staying pregnant that's the problem!

 

Also she said if I want she'll switch me from oral progesterone to some sort of gel. She doesn't really seem to think I need it per se but understands that after three losses in a row and at 39 years of age I just want to feel like I'm doing everything I possibly can!

 

I'm 4 dpo today. The waiting to test and hoping/not knowing yet is so hard! I guess I just need to stay busy/distracted the next week!

[Caitilin]

Thinking of you, Nance! :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[momtoamiracle]

My dr had me on progesterone suppositories. Said it worked better that way since it was directly absorbed into the uterus instead of going through the digestive system.

[Forget-Me-Not]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Denisemomof4]

You know we are all keeping our fingers crossed!!!:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[delaney]

Crossing everything I can Nance!!!:grouphug:

[Jpoy85]

did they do a Chromosome test on you and DH? I know some Drs dont and some dont test DH other than an SA.

[Mommyfaithe]

My dr had me on progesterone suppositories. Said it worked better that way since it was directly absorbed into the uterus instead of going through the digestive system.

 

mine too....and we were finally able to conceive and carry to term my last 2 babies.

 

prayers, :grouphug: and good thoughts coming your way.

Faithe

[happyhomemaker25]

My dr had me on progesterone suppositories. Said it worked better that way since it was directly absorbed into the uterus instead of going through the digestive system.

 

That's what I am on. I get the worst cramps right after I take them, but baby looks great so I will do whatever I need to do!

Fingers crossed! Glad to know everything looks ok though.

[mommymilkies]

:grouphug: But yay! Fr the good test results! I'm keeping you in my thoughts!

[MariannNOVA]

I used crinone progesterone gel and progesterone injections with the twins.

 

My doctor's office would do a 'smear' every visit (every week) and see if 'clumps' of progesterone showed up. They told me if there were not clumps on the smear, then my levels were too low.

 

The first smear did not show clumping (that was at 4 weeks) and I started the gel that day. I was fine and clumps showed up almost immediately.

 

:grouphug::grouphug:

[melmichigan]

My dr had me on progesterone suppositories. Said it worked better that way since it was directly absorbed into the uterus instead of going through the digestive system.

 

My OB has the same opinion. Do you continue your glucophage through the first trimester?

[NanceXToo]

I used crinone progesterone gel and progesterone injections with the twins.

 

My doctor's office would do a 'smear' every visit (every week) and see if 'clumps' of progesterone showed up. They told me if there were not clumps on the smear, then my levels were too low.

 

The first smear did not show clumping (that was at 4 weeks) and I started the gel that day. I was fine and clumps showed up almost immediately.

 

:grouphug::grouphug:

 

That gel is what she mentioned to me, she said the suppositories are "awful." I don't know what she meant by that but since the gel is, er, inserted I guess that's still more efficient than the oral stuff, right?

 

Jpoy, she did not do genetic testing on dh and I. She said she could but that it would basically just give an indication of what percent chance there would be of something going wrong. I didn't think that was really worth knowing- I couldn't really do anything about it, either it will or won't go wrong and if it does I'll either miscarry or find out during routine pregnancy testing. I was more concerned with the recurrent m/c panel because if there was some stupid thing that turned up that WAS fixable, I wanted to know about it. Like if I had some blood clotting disorder they could put me on blood thinners or whatever. So at this point just hoping I can still conceive quickly with the Metformin and I have to hope that odds are in my favor that I won't have four losses in a row!

 

Thanks, all, for the well wishes!

[NanceXToo]

My OB has the same opinion. Do you continue your glucophage through the first trimester?

 

The Metformin? She will prob keep me on it the whole time because I was already on 1,000 mg a day for high blood sugar through my medical doctor. The OB bumped it up to 2,000 mg a day to help me conceive. So far it seems to help me ovulate earlier in my cycle and since being on it, I've conceived within 1-2 cycles of trying, twice!

[melmichigan]

The Metformin? She will prob keep me on it the whole time because I was already on 1,000 mg a day for high blood sugar through my medical doctor. The OB bumped it up to 2,000 mg a day to help me conceive. So far it seems to help me ovulate earlier in my cycle and since being on it, I've conceived within 1-2 cycles of trying, twice!

 

I couldn't remember if you were diabetic or not. Many of the fertility specialists that prescribe it for ovulation are now keeping patients on it until the mid to end of the first trimester where before they stopped it as soon as you had a positive pregnancy test. I can only manage on it until about 8 weeks and then I have to switch to an insulin pump. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you! :grouphug:

[Catwoman]

I hope everything works out for you, Nance! :grouphug:

[momtoamiracle]

That gel is what she mentioned to me, she said the suppositories are "awful." I don't know what she meant by that but since the gel is, er, inserted I guess that's still more efficient than the oral stuff, right?

 

Jpoy, she did not do genetic testing on dh and I. She said she could but that it would basically just give an indication of what percent chance there would be of something going wrong. I didn't think that was really worth knowing- I couldn't really do anything about it, either it will or won't go wrong and if it does I'll either miscarry or find out during routine pregnancy testing. I was more concerned with the recurrent m/c panel because if there was some stupid thing that turned up that WAS fixable, I wanted to know about it. Like if I had some blood clotting disorder they could put me on blood thinners or whatever. So at this point just hoping I can still conceive quickly with the Metformin and I have to hope that odds are in my favor that I won't have four losses in a row!

 

Thanks, all, for the well wishes!

 

 

The pills are inserted as well. Not sure if she meant the cone shaped ones that compounding pharmacies make sometimes, those weren't too good, but the prometrium I used wasn't too bad. Is the gel in an applicator? I used to insert mine at night. They helped me to sleep and controlled cramping for me. For a long time I used them even when not Ttc because they helped my cycles. I had no side effects from them.

[cindergretta]

:grouphug: Crossing everything I can for you and praying!!!! It is *your* turn!!!!!!!!!!!!! :grouphug:

[TGHEALTHYMOM]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

I do not know what you are going through.

 

You will be in my prayers, I would gladly give my fertility away!!! Not kidding. Endometriosis is my problem now. Breastfeeding is staving it off...

 

I have wondered about the hormone creams ( in case I end up losing my ovaries) and read about them being better than oral.

 

I am very Sorry for your losses.

[Cassy]

:grouphug: Thinking of you and wishing you a successful, happy pregnancy very soon.

[MariannNOVA]

I stayed on progesterone injections and gel till 20 weeks. I took blood thinner (heparin injections) twice a day until 32 weeks....I had done the heparin with dd13 as well.

 

My daughter, who is 33, suffered two late miscarriages in a row in 2010 and 2011. She took wayfarin Injections (spelling?.....a blood thinner) her most recent pregnancy until 36 weeks and she delivered a healthy wonderful baby girl the beginning of September.

 

Best best wishes!:grouphug:

[chickenpatty]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[southcarolinamom]

:grouphug::grouphug: Hang in there! I'm so glad you have good news from the doctors!

 

Here's to making another pretty baby. :D

[kwickimom]

I stayed on progesterone injections and gel till 20 weeks. I took blood thinner (heparin injections) twice a day until 32 weeks....I had done the heparin with dd13 as well.

 

My daughter, who is 33, suffered two late miscarriages in a row in 2010 and 2011. She took wayfarin Injections (spelling?.....a blood thinner) her most recent pregnancy until 36 weeks and she delivered a healthy wonderful baby girl the beginning of September.

 

Best best wishes!:grouphug:

 

My friend who suffered 6 miscarriages with no known reason did this and she is currently 16 weeks preggo.

 

I am glad that everything is normal and I will pray that this time you get a healthy one.

[HelenNotOfTroy]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you :grouphug:

[Mom25girls]

That's promising news! :grouphug: and looking forward to some wonderful news. :grouphug:

[SproutMamaK]

Ok, I am really upset and kind of angry after reading this thread.

 

All of you who take progesterone or other injections during pregnancy - HOW did they diagnose these issues? I have now lost 4 babies (2 health pregnancies, lost twins, 1 health pregnancy, then two more losses in a row - all losses between 14-19 weeks). They've mentioned all kinda of possibilities. Genetic problems (though the babies I've lost have been tested and nothing's been found), possible scarring in my uterus, etc.

 

Not ONCE has ANYONE - midwives, OBs, family doctor - mentioned the possibility to a hormone imbalance! This sounds SO common, and yet not a single one of them has even considered it or broached the subject?! What. the. heck. I am NOT amused.

 

So. I want to get more information on this. Possibly get some testing done, etc... where do I start? What should I be asking for specifically? I want all the information you guys have on anything even remotely resembling this, because apparently my doctors aren't exactly overflowing with info.

Edited November 14, 2012 by SproutMamaK

[NanceXToo]

Ok, I am really upset and kind of angry after reading this thread.

 

All of you who take progesterone or other injections during pregnancy - HOW did they diagnose these issues? I have now lost 4 babies (2 health pregnancies, lost twins, 1 health pregnancy, then two more losses in a row - all losses between 14-19 weeks). They've mentioned all kinda of possibilities. Genetic problems (though the babies I've lost have been tested and nothing's been found), possible scarring in my uterus, etc.

 

Not ONCE has ANYONE - midwives, OBs, family doctor - mentioned the possibility to a hormone imbalance! This sounds SO common, and yet not a single one of them has even considered it or broached the subject?! What. the. heck. I am NOT amused.

 

So. I want to get more information on this. Possibly get some testing done, etc... where do I start? What should I be asking for specifically? I want all the information you guys have on anything even remotely resembling this, because apparently my doctors aren't exactly overflowing with info.

 

I'm so sorry. :( Checking progesterone levels is just a simple blood test. Insist your doctor send you for one, and ask them to send you for a "recurrent miscarriage" panel of blood tests, including for a blood clotting disorder. That way they will know if you need progesterone, blood thinners, etc.

[SproutMamaK]

TY. :) Are those panels something that should be done when I'm pregnant, not pregnant, etc? (Currently 7 weeks pg and hoping that no one who knows me from real life and recognizes my identity on here reads this, lol.)

[NanceXToo]

TY. :) Are those panels something that should be done when I'm pregnant, not pregnant, etc? (Currently 7 weeks pg and hoping that no one who knows me from real life and recognizes my identity on here reads this, lol.)

 

Not sure, mine was done after my most recent loss but they can definitely test your progesterone now and I don't see why they can't do the other stuff too, it's just bloodwork!

[happyhomemaker25]

TY. :) Are those panels something that should be done when I'm pregnant, not pregnant, etc? (Currently 7 weeks pg and hoping that no one who knows me from real life and recognizes my identity on here reads this, lol.)

 

I had an ectopic last year and two early losses this year. When I called the day after the positive test they sent me for bloodwork. They tested my progesterone levels at the same time they tested my HCG. She called the progesterone prescription in that day because I was low.

Call tomorrow and ask for the test.

[mumto2]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[NanceXToo]

7 days til testing! :D

[momtoamiracle]

Ok, I am really upset and kind of angry after reading this thread.

 

All of you who take progesterone or other injections during pregnancy - HOW did they diagnose these issues? I have now lost 4 babies (2 health pregnancies, lost twins, 1 health pregnancy, then two more losses in a row - all losses between 14-19 weeks). They've mentioned all kinda of possibilities. Genetic problems (though the babies I've lost have been tested and nothing's been found), possible scarring in my uterus, etc.

 

Not ONCE has ANYONE - midwives, OBs, family doctor - mentioned the possibility to a hormone imbalance! This sounds SO common, and yet not a single one of them has even considered it or broached the subject?! What. the. heck. I am NOT amused.

 

So. I want to get more information on this. Possibly get some testing done, etc... where do I start? What should I be asking for specifically? I want all the information you guys have on anything even remotely resembling this, because apparently my doctors aren't exactly overflowing with info.

 

 

 

 

After my third loss, 2nd ectopic, my dr did a 7 dpo blood test. My progesterone level came back lowered than she liked. So after that I started with progesterone at 2dpo.

 

 

Have you had any blood clotting or immune testing done?

 

 

So sorry for your losses. :grouphug:

[melmichigan]

TY. :) Are those panels something that should be done when I'm pregnant, not pregnant, etc? (Currently 7 weeks pg and hoping that no one who knows me from real life and recognizes my identity on here reads this, lol.)

 

While you are pregnant they can certainly check your progesterone levels to make sure they are where they need to be. I would call tomorrow, you should be able to have your blood drawn the same day with another day for results. After about 10 weeks the placenta normally takes over production of progesterone, although many people remain on it a little longer. Most of my pregnancies it was until 12 weeks, 18 weeks with my multiples. With fertility treatments women often begin progesterone at ovulation until they have a negative pregnancy test or are far enough along in a pregnancy to have adequate levels.

 

Clotting factors are a little more complicated, because there are many, some acquired and some genetic so that should be discussed with your OB. Estrogen therapy can also increase your risk of clotting problems. I spent a week in a monitored bed on heparin with my last pregnancy before they could rule out a blood clot in my lung.

Edited November 14, 2012 by melmichigan

[wapiti]

So. I want to get more information on this. Possibly get some testing done, etc... where do I start? What should I be asking for specifically? I want all the information you guys have on anything even remotely resembling this, because apparently my doctors aren't exactly overflowing with info.

 

I'd start reading at the following linksd and strongly consider having a consultation with one of the few reproductive immunologists. They specialize in recurrent pregnancy loss. Most of them conduct consultations long-distance (on the phone). Reproductive immunology is controversial and not particularly well-known outside of a small subset of specialists.

 

this yahoo support group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/immunologysupport/

Dr. Carolyn Coulam http://www.illinoisivf.com/physicians.html

her lab, Millenova http://www.millenova.com/tests/preglosspan.cfm

The Sher Institute http://haveababy.com/causes-of-infer...e-factors.html

the clinic of the late Dr. Beer http://www.repro-med.net/repro-med-s...d=34&Itemid=11

[MariannNOVA]

I'd start reading at the following linksd and strongly consider having a consultation with one of the few reproductive immunologists. They specialize in recurrent pregnancy loss. Most of them conduct consultations long-distance (on the phone). Reproductive immunology is controversial and not particularly well-known outside of a small subset of specialists.

 

this yahoo support group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/immunologysupport/

Dr. Carolyn Coulam http://www.illinoisivf.com/physicians.html

her lab, Millenova http://www.millenova.com/tests/preglosspan.cfm

The Sher Institute http://haveababy.com/causes-of-infer...e-factors.html

the clinic of the late Dr. Beer http://www.repro-med.net/repro-med-s...d=34&Itemid=11

 

This. I was a patient of the late dr. Beer and then became a patient of dr. Check in marlton, nj. The tests for hormone levels were essentially routine in both practices. I had blood drawn at least three times a week, received results the same day and protocol adjusted accordingly. I also saw the reproductive endocrinologist until twenty weeks and then was released to the perinatologist.