[Michaela3333]

Hi I have had 5 miscarriages (including 2 D&Cs) in the last 14 months. I have a 2 1/2 year old and had no problems conceiving her. My OBs only advice has been to take low dose aspirin (after MC#3). No other tests or treatment. Because I am 43, it's assumedg that they are due to chromosomal abnormalities. But I have read that at my age, there is a 50% chromosomal abnormality rate, not 100%. I just can't believe that there is nothing else to be done. Can anyone offer advice, recommend a specialist or clinic in Melbourne please?

[minidiamond]

I'm so sorry Michaela.

I'd be considering changing OBs, at worst he should've referred you to recurrent miscarriage clinic, assuming you haven't had any other testing. I know there is one in Melb, I think attached to one of the universities.

Did you have testing on any of you D & Cs ? I had two and neither showed chromosome issues. You're right, though, it's the case in about 50% of m/cs.

I'm sure you know the stats on older women being more likely to m/c but it sounds like you need at least a second opinion.

Good luck.

[Spring Chickadee]

so your OB has done no tests? That is totally negligent IMO, especially given you age you need to be sorting out the issue asap.

There are a number of issues that can arise after your first child so it is definately worth testing. After the 3rd Loss the OB should have ordered a full panel of MC tests. my OB does this after only 2 losses.

Also, you previous losses from the 3rd onwards should have been tests to see if it was infact a chomosonal issue.

also, treating with asprin without any testing has been shown to cause implatantion issues. Aprin is only one treatment specific to one possible cause of MC. You may need thyroxine, progesterone, metformin, clexane or another medication instead which can be prescribed once you actually know what the issue is.

I would get a referral from a GP to see a Fertility Specialist asap. It can take around 4 weeks to do and get back all the tests, some are medicare rebatable and quite a few are out of pocket.

It may actually be something as simple as your thyroid. If it went out of whack after you first birth it may not be producing the hormones required to sustain a pregnancy.

I'm still a little shocked that your OB has allowed 5 losses to occur without testing.

This post has been edited by Freckles: 09/04/2012, 09:14 AM

Reason for edit: Sig removed by Moderator

[TwiceTheWoman]

So Sorry Michaela.
I encourage you to please contact the Royal Women's Hospital information service for further guidance.....

http://www.thewomens.org.au/AskaNurseorMidwife

[Michaela3333]

thanks for the replies. Extra info to add is that the 4th MC (i.e. 2nd D&C) was chromosomal. Currently I am in limbo because I am supposed to be 7 weeks pg but at 6 weeks nothing showed up on US not even a sac. My HCGs were 1000 and 1200 two days later. Just had message from OB to have another HCG today. I know that 1000 at 6 weeks is way too low and not doubling so the PG has failed. But I have no cramping, bleeding, anything. So I don't know how long it will take to MC naturally, if I will need a D & C, if its ectopic. Going crazy! Rang the Royal womens this morning, thanks for tip!

[Michaela3333]

Hi more developments!. My Ob rang today to say the levels are rising as they should! However it is only around 10000 and I am supposed to be 7 weeks 2 days. I have to have another U/S next week. OB was very non committal about what this may mean. Any ideas? Do I have any hope? Any experiences of slow to double/low HCGs that turned out Ok??

[Libster]

I was in the same situation as you - my HCG levels were rising but not at the rate they should have been. My OB said that sometimes HCG can rise slowly and everything be fine however it is not very common. I unfortunately had a miscarriage, fingers crossed for you.

[Duechristmasday]

Good luck and I hope this pregnancy works out for you.

I had 6 misscarriages in between baby number 3 and 4, it was awful. No one in mainstream, medicine could figure out what was happening. I went to the recurring misscarriage clinic at the womens hospital in Melbourne. They just did a whole load of blood tests. To be honest its such an awful clinic to go to. It is set up in the pregnancy clinic area so when you are waiting to see the specialists you are sitting with all the pregnant ladies.... its not really very good.

Anyway, I had 4 D&C's during this time, and 3 of the 4 were chromosomal. Strange given I was 37 at the time and had 3 healthy kids.....

went to a naturopath after trying everything else, and turns out I had toxins in my system that was affecting my vitamin B levels (we live on an old orchard where they sprayed loads of pesticides before banning them - and moved in there about 6 months before I started misscarrying). Also my progesterone was being affected because of the low vitamin B levels. i took some drops, got rid of the crap in my system (1 month), and dosed up on Vitamin B and Voila 2 healthy pregnancies later.........

Happy to forward info to you, seriously this lady is fantastic and it does not involve a large $$ outlay and heaps of visits.

Anyway good luck and I hope it works out for you. Dont lose hope ! Start eating heaps of bananas and take vitamin B in the meantime.....

[Michaela3333]

Started light bleeding on Good Friday - now having full on bleeding and cramping - at least I won't have to have a D&C (I hope). Have appointment next Fri with
OB - DH ready to grill about what else can be done. Would appreciate if Liltuss if you could PM me with details of the person you saw. Thanks everyone

[lilsunniegirl]

Michaela3333, Im so sorry. just read your last post..

I agree with the PP, in that you should definitely seek further investigation and assistance.. after my 3rd MC, I had the full workup of BT to investigate why i might be mc'ing, hycosy, ovulation/progesterone levels monitoring via BT and US to view folicles, and plans in place for IUI should the next cycle fail. My DH also had his sperm tested as well..

I did go on the aspirin too, as well as TCM and acupuncture, higher dose folate..

Whilst age more than likely plays a role, there could be something else that is easily fixed via additional medication or intervention.

Be kind to yourself this easter and wish you all the best for your ttc journey