There are so many things going on right now, I can't even begin to formulate coherent thoughts. Is it any wonder I've slept only a few hours the past few nights? I lie down and am consumed by so many conflicting things -- and once it is quiet and dark it is nearly impossible to shut myself down.
Things that I am going to blog about (but can't right now):
1. Moving home -- this is a definite now. Mo and I have decided we are leaving no later than June -- the question is, will we go before then? Rational discussions aren't possible in this current emotional turmoil, but suffice to say the idea of throwing caution to the wind and just LEAVING is very, very tempting.
2. Little Miss (and the MIL) are back for a very, very short visit. Tonight was the first time I've seen them since the drama that followed Mo's grandfather's passing in December, and it may very well be the last time I see Little Miss in a long while. It was both heartwrenching and wonderful to see her unwrap her Christmas presents (finally) though I can't help but add her to the list of things that are being taken from me. It sucks.
3. The RE. Our post-miscarriage consult is on Friday afternoon. We got some unexpected news from their office this week that I will share once we've had an opportunity to sit down with him and weigh our options. I do have a question for my RPL bloggy friends, though -- I am going to insist on a full RPL panel before we cycle again. I refuse to wait to have another loss before finding out if anything is wrong with me -- we are simply spending too much (both financially and emotionally) on each cycle for me to risk it. I know to ask about MTHFR -- but what else? What should he be checking for? What should we be doing differently to help reduce our chances of another miscarriage? We've already done the progesterone -- what about extra folate and/or baby aspirin? What should I be asking Dr. Optimistic? I want to appear informed, but not irrational, about our options and what we may be up against.
There's more, but frankly, I'm worn out and that's about all I can handle for now.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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I'm sorry things are so hard right now. I think about you so much. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.
ReplyDeleteThese are the tests that are recommended:
ReplyDeleteLupus Anticoagulant Antibodies
Lupus anticoagulant antibodies are one of the markers for antiphospholipid syndrome.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies
Anticardiolipin antibodies are another marker for antiphospholipid syndrome.
PT and aPTT
PT stands for Prothrombin Time, and it is a test to see how fast the blood clots. aPTT stands for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, and it is another blood clotting test. Abnormal results on either might be associated with hereditary thrombophilias.
MTHFR Gene Mutation
Mutations in the MTHFR gene can impair the body's ability to absorb folic acid. A few studies have associated MTHFR gene mutations with increased risk of miscarriages, but most have found the gene not to be a major factor in causing miscarriages.
Protein C, Factor V Leiden, Protein S deficiency, Prothrombin gene mutation and Antithrombin III deficiency
These are the hereditary thrombophilias that seem to be linked to miscarriages after 10 weeks. Some doctors test for these and others do not.
Thyroid Panel
Some evidence suggests that hypothyroidism may increase risk of second-trimester miscarriage, but the evidence is not conclusive. Some practitioners routinely test women for thyroid issues and others do not.
Progesterone
The link between progesterone and miscarriages is a matter of hot debate. When doctors do test progesterone, the test usually involves a blood draw a week after ovulation, or on day 21 of a 28-day cycle.
Karyotyping of the Parents
This test would be performed on both parents and looks for problems in the genetic structure that might boost pregnancy loss risks, such as balanced translocation.
And I am sure you have had an endometrial biopsy and a hysterosalpingogram, but those can show all sorts of issues, too.
I don't really have any advice. I just want to let you know I'm thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
I'm so sorry you're going through such a rough time. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I never thought about all those tests that Katie suggested! I feel so uninformed. It sounds like a good idea though to go through your case thoroughly to see if there's anything that could possibly explain what's going on. I know how badly you want answers and I hope they're able to find some. Hang in there!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Jo...for each day you have struggled. I really hope that the appt on Friday gives you both some answers and some direction. And I hope that if moving home before June is right that you'll just up and do that too.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you constantly...
I don't have any advice, btu wish you peace. Sounds like a lot of turmoil. Hang in there
ReplyDeleteI just saw an article about RPL on a potential RE's site, and thought of you.
ReplyDeleteIt is at the very bottom of the page:
https://secure10.inmotionhosting.com/~having5/infertility-patient-information.html
No advice here, but I've been thinking about you much these past long days and hoping that you are alright. Hugs. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt must be very difficult to spend so much time trying to get pregnant and undergo a successful IVF cycle just to miscarry. I'm very sorry for your loss and wish you all the best for the future. I will cross my fingers for your next pregnancy to be a healthy one.
ReplyDeleteICLW
I agree with Katie. My OB ran all of those after my 4th loss.
ReplyDeleteKatie covered all the tests. However, there is one little bit of info to add. Shortened ptt is still considered a "possible" cause of repeat pregnancy loss. However, there is tons of empirical evidence proving that a shortened ptt (even without other clotting issues) causes RPL and there has been one study that was published in the Journal of Sterility and Fertility that conclusively proved it to be an issue. This was the issue I had and this was treated with lovenox and that enabled me to have my youngest son.
ReplyDeleteI don't have much to add in the way of tests. But I wanted you to know that I am deeply sorry. You are not alone in your struggle, we are pulling for you! Take deep breaths and take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Jo, I'm so sorry. I hope you get the answers you are searching for on Friday. And things may brighten up with the distraction of a big move!
ReplyDeleteIt is understandable that you have so many thoughts swirling in your head right now.
ReplyDeleteYou are still in the midst of your miscarriage. Right after my miscarriage I was convinced that I wanted to quit working all together because I couldn't handle leaving the house at all.
It is normal that you feel this way.
I think it is wonderful that you are moving and that you have something to look forward to.
I would beg to get the RPL testing done. I agree...you are spending so much money that you deserve to know if anything is going on with you.
I can't wait to hear what options you are weighing.
I am thinking about you.
Best of luck as you weigh your options and figure out where you're headed next. I hope the RE consult goes well.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you as you continue to heal. Hang in there.
Katie hit the nail on the head. If you want more information, I'd recommend the book Is Your Body Baby-Friendly? by Alan Beer. It's pretty preachy and sometimes even cultishly devoted to the dead doctor, but I liked the explanations it offered.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you are going through a hard time. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Hua
Director of Bloggers
wellsphere.com
Sleep has always been so fascinating to me. So often I have found myself completely exhausted and ready to pass out and as soon as I put my head on the pillow its like the noise in my head reaches epic levels. And I don't have even a tiny fraction amount of the stuff you must have on your mind. I think it has to do with the fact that when we we are awake it is so easy to be distracted, the inner monologue is still there but muted, but once those lights go out. I find a pen and pad on the nightstand help sometimes. Not all the times, but some.
ReplyDelete