Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[Mommy's Angel]

hi ladies!

Well, Amelia gained just 3 ounces in a two weeks. Not exactly a good weight gain but since she was still in the same percentile and didn't drop, they didn't freak out. She DID grow 1 and 3/4inches long to 21 3/4 inches tall now. Maybe it's all evening out because of that?!

At any rate she had one shot and another oral antiviral. She'll have the others over the next few weeks. I'm doing an alternative schedule because I don't want her having too many side effects from 5 different shots.

 

[kateqpr]

Just spoken to my hospital and been told I have a bloody infection!

There's enterococcus feacalis in my urine, so have to go to my GP this afternoon to get antibiotics.

Any one know - is this just a normal UTI? I've been so worried about getting an infection, so its sods law i have.

So upset!

 

[truthbtold]

MA, Im with you, we do no more than two shots a visit.

 

[helsurf]

Hi all! Thankyou all for the well wishes!

I am at home now, the procedure went well, the worst part was I was meant to go in at 9am but didn't get seen untill 1:30 pm so was waiting around a lot, then took a long time to get the feeling back in my legs, but got to hear the baby's heartbeat quite a few times which was great

Today I feel quite crampy and sore and tired, so am enjoying some rest time while my husband runs around after our 1 year old

Thanks again to you all, u were so reassuring, so glad to have found this thread!

 

[LaRockera]

Kate - I'm not a doctor but: enterococcus feacalis: entero=intestine in Greek, cokos=grain, feacalis, well that's not Greek but you can guess. I'm presuming it's something out of a number 2 that went the wrong way. In that respect, I'd think it is a type of UTI, and don't worry, you'll get treated and be fine. I was on antibiotics a couple of weeks ago for possible UTI, it's cleared up now. It needs to be there for weeks to cause trouble. Just make sure you take your vits and eat a pot of yogurt a day to prevent the antibiotics from bringing you thrush.

Helsurf- I'm so glad it all went smooth, honey. Little pains and aches are totally normal after the cerclage. Soon enough you won't even know it's there.

MA- So glad to hear Amelia is doing great. She's a brave, strong, perfect baby and she'll grow big and even stronger as time passes.

to all.

 

[kateqpr]

La Rockera - good word analysis! Yup, i assumed my bottom was the culprit! And i've been so careful to be clean and hygenic. I'm seeing my GP later today so will start antibiotics today. I just heard the word 'infection' and the palpitations started. Shall breathe, relax and take my medicine like a good girl.

Helsurf - well done you! You must feel so relieved to be home and everything went ok. Just take it easy for a bit, then hopefully you'll be back on your feet for a normal pregnancy in no time xx

 

[LaRockera]

La Rockera - good word analysis! Yup, i assumed my bottom was the culprit! And i've been so careful to be clean and hygenic. I'm seeing my GP later today so will start antibiotics today. I just heard the word 'infection' and the palpitations started. Shall breathe, relax and take my medicine like a good girl.

I know what you mean. I'm a nutter with my personal hygiene too. Washing, drinking cranberry from concentrated, changing 1,234 times a day. And I still got an infection. You're more susceptible when you're pregnant though, which I suppose they tend to keep a close eye on you. And I know what you mean about infections. I think I may have had thrush this week (had some external itching and a somewhat thicker discharge) and went ahead and put my suppositories in there without a swab- it's such hard work to persuade them to do a swab where I am!

I'm sure you know that already, but make sure you drink loads and loads of water, it can actually flash UTI bugs out.

It'll all be fine.

 

[Jadi87]

I'm freaking out right now. It's been a month since my stitch was placed. I've been feeling pressure like period cramps so like what happened last time I felt up to see and I think I felt the tape and it feels like its 4cm from my opening. Someone please tell me this is normal for the tape to be so low or should I go to the hospital ASAP. I'm in no immidate pain just this cramping like a period right now and discomfort.

 

[kateqpr]

I know that when they place a stitch they leave a longer thread hanging off it , so that js probably what you can feel. It's so they can find and remove the stitch easily when the time for removal comes, as the rest of the thread becomes imbedded in the cervix.

I have avoided touching myself inside as don't want to put any germs in there, but my consultant looked at the stitch and confirmed the thread is as it should be, with a longer thread hanging down. I can feel it when I move at certain angles.

I'm sure you're fine and all is as it should Be. But I tend to go see my midwife to get checked out, often just for my own peace of mind to stop me worrying so maybe call your midwife for a bit of reassurance x

 

[Jadi87]

I know that when they place a stitch they leave a longer thread hanging off it , so that js probably what you can feel. It's so they can find and remove the stitch easily when the time for removal comes, as the rest of the thread becomes imbedded in the cervix.

I have avoided touching myself inside as don't want to put any germs in there, but my consultant looked at the stitch and confirmed the thread is as it should be, with a longer thread hanging down. I can feel it when I move at certain angles.

I'm sure you're fine and all is as it should Be. But I tend to go see my midwife to get checked out, often just for my own peace of mind to stop me worrying so maybe call your midwife for a bit of reassurance x

Yeah ok I'll do that. I'm just nearing my week I last mced so paranoia is setting in. I have found I can't sit upright anymore as I places pressure on me. I'm sure that's normal, not good for my back though.

 

[kateqpr]

Sorry, but I just need to vent for a minute - hope thats okay (or else i won't sleep tonight...)

I've just found out a friend (and my toddlers best friend) may have slap cheek (a mutual friends little one has just had a confirmed case and they all play together).

I didn't think anything of it (its sounds harmless enough) but having googled it (aggghhh!) i'm now terrified. There's a risk of miscarriage and it can affect your baby and its growth.

I just feel so unlucky, like everything that could happen to me is happening to me. First i had unexplained bleeding for the first 16 weeks, then the emergency stitch, now i have a quite painful UTI (which is worrying me anyway). I'm concerned i'll get thrush from my antibiotics (which happened when i last had a UTI a few months ago) and that the thrush will effect my stitch etc. Bed rest is also driving me mad - the lack of feeling in control is just horrible.

And now i'm terrified of bloody slap cheek.

I just don't know how much more worrying i can do. I'm exhausted, mentally and physically, and find it really hard to just shrug these worries off.

There - just needed to say it. I just feel like i'm going slightly mad with worry, and feel like my poor OH is always having to deal with my anxieties.

 

[LaRockera]

Kate- perhaps we need to get our OHs together and have them support each other, as I'm exactly like you.

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine, although do share your worries with your midwife, if only to put your mind at ease. You're 20 weeks, which means you're no longer in danger of miscarriage anyway. Sure enough there are other things to go cuckoo about, but your baby is big enough to protect herself decently.

But yeah, call your midwife, and it will all be fine.

 

[mpg1502]

I'm freaking out right now. It's been a month since my stitch was placed. I've been feeling pressure like period cramps so like what happened last time I felt up to see and I think I felt the tape and it feels like its 4cm from my opening. Someone please tell me this is normal for the tape to be so low or should I go to the hospital ASAP. I'm in no immidate pain just this cramping like a period right now and discomfort.

Hi Jadi87,

I just wanted to let you know not to worry, i felt exactly the same thing and dashed to see my consultant in a panic. Apparently they often leave the tape a little longer as it will be easier to undo later. I know we can't help but worry but I hope this reassures you. I also often had the cramps and pulling sensation and this can also be quite normal. I got to 38 weeks with my stitch and they only had 1cm of cervix at the front to work with!!

So ffingers and legs crossed for you but if you really feel worried always go and check, they'd much rather see you and send you away than have anything happen.

Hope all is ok for you, mpg x

 

[JadeyB]

Hi girls,

I've not posted in here for a while but check in every now and again to see if I can help in anyway.

Kateqpr - I think we are the same gestation. Are you due on the 18th April? Xx

 

[Susanah]

Kate - I would take a one of dose of oral fluconazole 150mg or a few doses of canestan vaginal pessaries to cover your stitch from thrush infection. I lost my boy after taking antibiotics and getting an candida/thrush infected stitch and fungal chorioamnionitis. The baby died due to overwhelming thrush. I have read quite a lot about the subject and the risk/benefit for anti-fungals is low - meaning anti-fungals wont do much harm but the small chance of thrush causing problems with your pregnancy could be devastating. Candida likes living on stitches and whilst immunocompromised (secondary to pregnancy and antibiotics), it flourishes.
Im not trying to scare you. Just wish someone had told me the potential risks of taking a course of antibiotics with a stitch.
Most women will be fine, and can cope with thrush etc with a stitch but some get it really bad and it can cause massive problems.
And on an emotional level - i'd be equally stressed ! Trust me ... it gets easier ...

Update from us: - Made it to 32 weeks !! only 6 weeks now til section day if it all goes ok. Very excited. Having a few problems with my back from Charlie's intense desire to walk at 8 months.. spending the days bent double holding two small hands its gorgeous but my pelvis is so painful. Still having my canestan pessaries and am still exhausted... but very happy.
Hope everyone is doing ok.
Helen, Lizzie, MA, think about you often... just can't seem to find any time in the day to get on the computer!

Bye for now

Susie x

 

[kateqpr]

Hi all. Thanks for the advice. I'm on day three of antibiotics for a uti. Can I just check then that it's ok to place a canestan pessary to prevent thrush? It won't effect the stitch? Obviously it means using incredibly clean hands to prevent bacteria. I might call my hospital to get advice but it's so hard to speak to the right person on weekends.

Writing this from my iPhone so taking me forever! I'll respond properly from my computer later. And Larockera - have started stalking your journal as suggested!

 

[apsara.m]

hi kate
i used cantesten pessary while treating my uti after placing the stitch(i got uti 1 month after the stitch was placed) and i didn't have ant problems with that. i am now using cantesten cream for treating another bout of thrush and my doc told me to use it for three weeks. so i assume it is safe to use cantesten pessary while taking antibiotics. as you mentioned throughly wash your hands before inserting. don't worry

 

[LaRockera]

Kate - I used three vaginal suppositories on my own initiative after suspected thrush and they had to be inserted with my fingers. I just washed them really well before hand, including the area around the nail. I'm now using the refresh vaginal gel. About once a week or ten days. It comes with an applicator and helps renew the cells in your vagina. Both recommended by my doctor.

Susanah- you're almost there, baby. Eight weeks will fly by, you've made it hon.

 

[DMJ]

Hi ladies,

Just to say that i lost the baby at 5 weeks. Thankyou for all your help before hand.
We want to try again soon so fingers crossed it wont be too long till im back.

xxx

 

[kateqpr]

So sorry to hear that.

Give yourself a little break and get back here soon.

Good luck x