1st visit to epu for ''reassurance''...hmm..long rant! - updated end of pg 1

[doddy0402]

So after my 3rd mc the consultant at the epu at my hospital suggested as soon as I was pregnant again, to get referred back to epu for regular blood tests and eventually an early scan. This was mostly for reassurance, but also if this pregnancy also ended in miscarriage, they would have some data to go on for further testing etc.
So now Im pregnant again, I get myself referred for my 1st blood test. After waiting 20 mins in the waiting room I was taken through and asked if my bladder was 'bursting'? I said it wasn't as I was here for bloods not a scan. They then said that their procedure was to do a scan first and then if they didn't see anything they would do bloods.
I thought this was a bit backwards and said that I didn't expect to see anything on a scan this early. I was ushered in to the u/s room after being told they would most likely do it transvaginally and so wouldn't need a full bladder. But once I was there the u/s tech saidshe never did t/v scans and proceeded to do a normal over the tummy scan.
Surprise suprise they didn't see anything but a thickened lining, which I would have found encouraging if she didn't then say 'it looks as if you are about to have a period'! Reassuring??? I don't think so!
So then I went for my bloods which have come out as 966, which is not as high as I would like for 5ish weeks, but I know I have to wait for the second set before I start to panic!
Sorry for the rant but really needed to get it off my chest! thanks for listening!xx

 

[Starry Night]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I wonder why the health system likes to throw a monkey wrench at people sometimes. It does seem really weird that they would suddenly say that they would do an u/s first then bloods and then they only did the pelvic when it's still so early! It's really backwards! Aren't u/s expensive for the hospitals to do? My experience has always been they only do them if other tests (bloods, dopplers) aren't conclusive or there might be a complication.

Hopefully, when you go for more bloods you get a more sensible staff. And congrats on your pregnancy!

 

[Persephone]

Wow that is uncaring! It never ceases to amaze me how flippant people can be about things like this.

A thickened lining is a good sign (I had a TV scan done at 5+4 with this pregnancy and they saw a gestational sac and commented on the thickened lining) and your bloods don't sound low enough to be worrying. It could just be that you ovulated a couple of days later than you thought, or that the bean took a little longer to implant or get started growing.

I can totally understand why you must be worried, but try not to be disheartened because of a crappy experience with some unfeeling people

When are you back for more bloods?

 

[hb1]

You'd think in EPU they'd be a little more sensitive and maybe ensure they are aware of history etc and the advice of your consultant for just blood tests initially.

Your numbers seem fab by the way - as you already know it's the next blood test that means everything anyway but 966 isn't by any means bad for 5 weeks.

Good luck for your next test - fxd this little bean is super sticky and totally snug in there

hx

 

[doddy0402]

Thanks for replying ladies! Next bloods are Thursday morning so should know by late afternoon if they are doubling. I was just so disappointed that they were supposed to be helping me feel less stressed but instead just the opposite happened! Will keep you updated on Thursday results.x

 

[Robiloo]

Thats so weird because I've had 4 miscarriage and go through this same procedure and although I have always had scans first then bloods, what I find really odd is.. they always tell you to empty your bladder?!

 

[doddy0402]

Thats so weird because I've had 4 miscarriage and go through this same procedure and although I have always had scans first then bloods, what I find really odd is.. they always tell you to empty your bladder?!

do they do vaginal scans on you? because I think you need an empty bladder for an internal one and a full bladder for the one that goes over your belly. So they did an over the belly scan on me while I had an almost empty bladder, after I had advised them I was 6weeks preg according to the doctor, but closer to 5 weeks according to my dates.
Have they ever given you a reason for why they do a scan before bloods on you? They didn't have a answer for me except to say it was 'procedure'!

 

[doddy0402]

Just a quick update. Just got my second blood levels back and they are 2600!! More than doubled in 48 hours, in fact nearly tripled so I am happy with that for now...helped my pma for the next day or so anyway!!
next stop another scan on the 21st jan!xx

 

[Starry Night]

Congrats! Good luck for your next scan

 

[hb1]

Wow - fab news!!!!

hx