For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

I'm not sure if this is the right board to post, so forgive me in advance. Please feel free to FM if you are uncomfortable posting here

I was wondering what your experience was like post D&C, or for those who perhaps had a natural miscarriage later in your 1st trimester or early in your 2nd trimester.

What steps did your OB/GYN or RE take with you... that is, after your miscarried? Were you told a certain amount of time to wait until you got the green light to TTC again? Were you tested at your follow up appointment (blood tests, etc)? Were you given any insight into why your loss may or may not have occurred (I know that often there are no answers, I'm just curious)

I'm asking because I just had my follow-up appointment today (I am about 18 days post D&C) and I'm just curious about some things my doctor told me.. and was wondering what your experiences were.

For instance I am still bleeding...and I still have levels of HcG in my system.. which I think is odd . But the doctor did not seem concerned, and told me was due to the fact I miscarred at 12 weeks and its going to take a while to get back to normal and my levels back down to zero.

Also, did those of you who M/Cd ask for chromosonal testing on the fetus/baby? I wanted everything done, and today I got the results back from the lab and I'm not sure how I feel about the news I received.... and the steps I am about to take.

Again, I know this is very personal information so please FM me if you feel comfortable talking about your experiences

Thank you

Message edited 9/23/2005 11:59:43 AM.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

I never did...but my sister did at 24 weeks.

Her levels were up for a while after that (I can find out how long). She was told the same thing...because she was that far into the preg. it would stay up for a little while.

Being the baby was so far along she did have every test done on the fetus...she was told she had Turners Syndrome (the baby)...but honestly, I was there when everything happened and took care of most of the stuff and I felt like the hospital and Dr. really didn't have a valid reason or answer. She also had chromosonal testing done afterwards...which I would suggest maybe just for peice of mind.

She did get prego quick...(about 2 months later).

Sorry if this is TMI...but I think it's important to talk about these things...my sister never did and it affected her.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

I'm a little different because my miscarriage happened early on, at about 6 weeks, but I'll give you my perspective until you get some other responses. I miscarried naturally, and my doctor was very responsive when it happened. They had me come in and drew blood every few days until my hormone levels reached zero. Your doctor is right, the further along you are in the pregnancy, the more hormones there will be in your system, so it takes longer for them to eventually reach zero. So, if you had a missed miscarriage, your body technically thought it was pregnant up until the D&C, which means it was probably producing fairly high levels of hormones, which will have to come back down (word of warning, you're going to be TREMENDOUSLY emotional as those hormones come back down quickly...). Every woman is different - some drop back down quickly, others it takes a while, so you it's not all that unusual for the bleeding to last up to about 4-6 weeks, though it may not last quite that long.

Normally, if you've only had one miscarriage, doctors usually won't take any steps to figure out why you miscarried because the incidence of miscarriages that have absolutely no bearing on your fertility or ability to carry to full term is just so high. Something like 30% of first pregnancies end in miscarriage. It's not usually until you've had two or more that your doctor will intervene and start the testing process, but that's not to say that you can't demand it at this point. I was VERY concerned after my first m/c, especially because I suspected it was actually my second m/c, though unverified. My doctor was understanding of my concerns and took a few preventive measures, like putting me on progesterone when I got pregnant again after the m/c. But, really, he told me there wasn't much more they would do until, god forbid, something happen again.

As for trying again, I know that most offices recommend you wait 2-3 months. I'm sure you know my story - my doctor told me to wait, and I ended up getting pregnant about one week after my miscarriage, mainly because your body happens to be even more fertile in the first cycle after a miscarriage. I asked my doctor about it and he admitted that there's absolutely no statisitical evidence that getting pregnant right after a miscarriage raises your chances of miscarrying again, that's it's really just old superstition. In fact, my mom told me that when she miscarried at 5 months, her doctor at the time told her to start trying right away! If you have any doubts about the timing your doctor suggested, you should go back to him/her and press him/her for the reasons why they made that suggestion...

That's all I can think of for now... FM me if you have any questions!

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

I haven't had a m/c personally but I had a friend that had two and had to have a D&C for both. She bleed for a while afterwards too but was able to get pregnant again relatively quickly. It was her second child and her beautiful daughter turned two this past Feb.

Much and :prey: to you and Anthony.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

You girls are truly the best.. thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me.. and as always for the hugs and well wishes

Babyhopes - I am going to send you FM if that is OK. Your sister's story and my story seems uncannily similar, down to the fact that our baby girl too was diagnosed as having Turner's Syndrome. I just found today about the sex of the baby and also about the dianosis of Turners, when the doctor went over the lab reports with me. My doctor was wonderful with me and took so much time explaining it all, but I was by myself and I was on information overload I think. So I'm still not sure if I was ready to hear that news or not. She has now recommended my Dh and I get full genetic counseling and testing and I just feel overwhelmed with that news.

Beth .. you are always so helpful, THANK YOU

Message edited 9/23/2005 12:39:37 PM.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia --

I had a mis at 8 weeks...I started spotting and 4 and my OB had me in every week for a sono, and had me on bed rest. I don't think there was anything else he could have done, it was just nature.

After my mis, I had a D&C 2 days after we found no heartbeat. I did not spot afterwards. I did not have cramps or pains, just a sense of loss. My Dr. did not do blood tests on me, and told me to wait 3 cycles (which took forever -- but was really only 3 months) before ttcing again. He also said that they ran tests and did not perceive any abnormalities.

I did not see my Dr. again until my wellness visit about a month ago -- 4 months after the d&c. He says I look fine and should conceive quickly and without any problems.

I have heard mixed ideas about the wait time after a d&c. I think Drs. are being cautious and want to be sure the uterus lining is built up, and we are strong enough internally to hold onto a pg. Although you will hear success stories from plenty of people about ttcing right away, I was not ready to take that risk. I have found my Dr. to be knowledgable, caring and empathetic. So I follow his instructions, ask what I think needs to be asked, and he spends the time to go over everything with me.

Felicia I truly think our bodies take care of themselves and when we mis it is nature's way of taking care of something that may not have been right. I am actually thankful that I was not put in the position of having to make a difficult decision had they found some abnormalities with the fetus....

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Kara thank you for sharing your story with me. I know I recalled a lot of it from when you had miscarried earlier this year, but it helps to hear your perspective again ...

While I was prepared for anything at the doctor's this morning, when my OBGYN went over my lab reports (the reports regarding the chromonsonal makeup of the fetus) and started telling me about the abnormalities they found, I just really lost it. My doctor is wonderful, took the time to explain to me eveyrthing about what they found.. and assured me that what happened was like 1 in a million and that chances of it happening agai was unlikely. And that yes, the baby passed because there would have been so so many problems with her, she would have been so sick if she'd made it to term that in a way it is a blessing it happened this way

I know that this information only helps me in a way, in order to proceed with more testing and having full testing done on both me and DH (to make sure that there isn't something in our genetics, etc that is the problem) but at the same time it scares the heck out of me

In the end, I know that things did happen the way they were supposed to happen, but just really 'identifying' with this pregnancy and recongizing that she was a baby girl just threw me for a loop is all

THank you all again for sharing with me and hepling me along

Message edited 9/23/2005 1:22:30 PM.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia...we were told that you have a better shot of getting hit by lighting before this happens again.

My advice to you would be TALK about it...read about Turners, understand it, embrace it, and try to be strong. Do not let it consume you.

Please understand that when this happened to my sister she TOTALLY shut herself down...and still (4 years later) does not talk about it to anyone but me. It is not healthy...

Do not be scared...she had a healthy baby boy 11 months after this.

Please FM me with ANY questions...or even if you just want to vent, talk...I personally wasn't the one who had it happen to me...but me and my sister are as one. I understand your feelings.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Flee, I don't have any information or advice to give you, I know a little about TS and difficulties girls with TS have. I'm so sorry you had to hear all of this new alone. It must have been a shock for you.

I'm so sorry about the news that your doctor gave you. But I am glad that you have a chance to get the genetic testing and counseling done. It will really put your mind at ease. They did the same for me because of my family's history with problems and it made me feel much better to know the results.

I know this isn't an easy time for you and Anthony. I hope getting the information and answers you need will ease your pain and ease your mind.

I'm for you.
Kathy

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Flee-

I also had a M/C at 12 weeks - no heartbeat on sono. I had a D&C two days later. Bleeding was very light from that point on - I think I spotted for maybe 5-7 days. My doctor told us to wait 2 months before TTC again. We also had the chromosome studies done and found out our baby boy had Down's Syndrome. My doctor did not send us for chromosomal studies because this is not an inherited thing. My husband and I both felt better knowing the cause, because deep down we both felt maybe we could have prevented it, like maybe I should have slowed down and taken better care of myself or something. It also helped knowing the sex, and being able to refer to our little guy as "him" insted of "it".
Our concern is knowing that this can happen again and a successful pregnancy is all dependent of the health of my eggs, which aren't getting any younger.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Flee- Im so sorry to hear this news, because sometimes it just feels like no news is better. With my 10 week M/C all my tests afterwards came back normal so I have no advice. I was also not TTC right away again so the DR did not discuss it with me.

My Late Term Stillborn was different, mainly because I actually delivered. HCG remained in my system for a while, I do believe it was at least a few weeks and I bled for about 2 weeks on and on afterwards, heavily for at least 7-9 days. So much so I went to the ER at one point scared but it was normal.

As far as Turners Syndrome. A friend of mine had a M/C and found out it was a girl w/ Turners about 4 years ago... her Dr told her it was NOT likly to be genetic. IT happens when the cells divide, leaving one of the X chromosones damaged or missing. She now has a healthy boy and GIRL by the way..

This is from online, I hope it helps

"While Turner syndrome is genetic in that it involves the loss or abnormal expression of X-chromosome genes, it is not usually hereditary in the conventional sense. That is, it does not typically "run in families." The one exception to this observation are families with a X-chromosome deletion which is stable enough to be passed down through the generations and which also allows fertility.

Turner syndrome affects all races, nationalities and regions of the world equally, and parents who have produced many unaffected children may still have a child with Turner syndrome. There are no known toxins or environmental hazards that increase the chances of Turner syndrome.
"

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia...I sent you FM about my loss. I had a blighted ovum aka missed pregnancy which means the fetus never really develops. After spotting, a sonogram around 10 weeks showed I was measuring only 7 w 2 d.

I miscarried naturally after that Sono and it took 6 weeks for my levels to go down.

Love you! Keep the faith! May you be blessed through this rough time.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you had miscarried until now. I must have missed your earlier post. I'm so so sorry.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Just wanted to send

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia

As you know I miscarried at almost 10 weeks. Post DNC I had bleeding for 3 weeks. At my follow up, we went over chromosomal testing that I insisted on once we found out we were miscarrying. We were also going to have a girl. Everything turned out fine, there was no chromosomal disorders, but that didn't make me feel any better, so the doctor sent me for a full bloodwork to test for thyroid issues, autoimmune issues etc. All test came back normal. Bottomline is that we did not find out what caused our baby's heart to stop beating.:(

I never had any of my betas tested during my pregnancy. No Hcgs or anything. Now I know better. I will ask for that to be taken next time.

My doctor is okay. I am not to thrilled with his front desk, but he is very kind.

We were told we could TTC after my first period. Well, today after taking progesterone, I finally got AF. 10 weeks after the DNC. So, we have the green light to try in October.

October is pregnancy and infant loss rememberence month. There is a good support group held at St. Kilians in Farmingdale. FM if you want the address and date.

Message edited 9/23/2005 11:30:28 PM.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Flee, I sent u FM.

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Hi felicia,
I miscarried at almost 3 months. I had began bleeding at work and went to my doctor the next day and they said I had begun to miscarry I decided to do it naturally which was horible and wish i didnt do it that way now but thats in the past. my doctor had no explanation as to why i miscarried and my levels were still up afterwards he said that that happens sometimes and it didnt mean anything. I actuatly was told not to try and get preganant until atleast one cycle later but i didnt listen and concieved my son a week after my miscariage. I was lucky he was a good pregnancy. I had him way of emergency c-section and when they opened me up there was a biopsy they had to do seeing how i didnt have a d&c I had stuff still in there frm the previos baby but all and all I came out with a clean bill of health. I would not reccomend though ttc until atleast one cycle later what i did was dangerous but it worked out.

btw I know the doctors couldnt find why i miscarried but i pretty much figured it out at the time I was an asst manager at walmart over the photo dept. I was working with the chemicals and 11 people in my district who were pregnant had miscarried within that month due to the change in chemicals we had just done. so when i got pregnant with my son I didnt touch any of it and he was ok. I was only 18 when pregnant the 1st time there is no other reason why i should have miscarried. hope this all help you

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

Felicia - Although we experienced different losses, we were told to wait 6 months before TTC again. I hated hearing that I had to wait so long, but I know I'm not feeling many pains I was experiencing and mentally the time has helped a bit

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions

HI Felicia,
I don't really fit the criteria since I miscarried(really am still in the process) about 5 1/2 weeks. I just switched Dr's because I was not happy with the service I was receiving with my original Dr. My DH and I are so fired up right now about the insensitivity of most Dr's towards MC and the fears and anxieties surrounding it. The ONLY reason Dr's do not do a complete work up after 1 MC is because insurance wil often decline to pay for it. Thats a whole other post though. I was told to wait one cycle meaning after I get my period in Oct I can try when I ovulate(in October) I have heard of a LOT of people who have had normal healthy pregnancies not waiting but it seems more advisable to wait 1 cycle until your unterine lining has become clean again. I have started reading up on luteal and follicular phase defects which you may be interested in. In a way I would feel a little more comfortable as you knowing that this was a problem with the division of original cells and was kind of a "fluke" thing. I feel like I ovulated late the month I got pregnant(about day 16 or 17) which could have caused a pregesterone problem. It is anxiety provoking that this is such a guessing game but I am going for more bloodwork Tuesday and I am going to insist they check my progesterone and test it again the next time I get pregnant. Realize that you did get pregnant once nd it will most likely happen again. You helped me a lot last week and I hope this helps somewhat. Trust me I know you can drive yourself crazy with all of these different thoughts. I'll be thinking of you. Just remember you are not alone!

Re: For those who've had a D&C or a loss, I have a few questions