Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[Susanah]

Kate - bit late again but here is my 2 cents

dipstick measures in 0,1+,2++ or 3+++
white cell count (wcc) - Marker of infection
protein
nitrates - Marker of bacterial infection
blood
glucose
ketones
pH
and some have other things.
They then send the sample off and see what grows on a petri dish in the lab.

I frequently have had two ++ of white cells and the result came back clear. However I have taken antibiotics a few times as precaution - but i am group B strep positive and this can cause problems when combined with UTI. I always cover any antibiotic use with thrush prophylaxis also.

You can buy test strips - which I do - saves me going in everytime i feel the frequency/urge/stinging etc.
I test a couple of times a month, more if necessary.

I was exactly the same as you last year. I was consumed by nerves and anxiety. There are many of us here who know how difficult it is and I hope we can offer that support. You will get through this !!

 

[LaRockera]

I've bought the test strips too. My midwife has agreed to use them with me, so I will be dipping when she's here to make sure I don't cause myself unnecessary panic.

 

[Alisa F]

Larockera - I think I read earlier that you have a TAC, am I right? If yes, did you have it done in the UK and are did they give you any info to take away with you regarding the procedure? Finally, how soon after it was placed did you get pregnant?

I saw mr nick Wales and he suggested I have one but the hospital didn't have any info for me to read and his next available surgery date is 21 march, but we have our IVF consultation 18 jan. Oh pickle!

Originally I saw prof regan and she suggested modified TVC but I'm prone to unexplained urinary and genital tract infections. I am group b strep carrier too. So tvc doesn't appeal to me with my history of infections even without a stitch.

A x

 

[LaRockera]

Larockera - I think I read earlier that you have a TAC, am I right? If yes, did you have it done in the UK and are did they give you any info to take away with you regarding the procedure? Finally, how soon after it was placed did you get pregnant?

I saw mr nick Wales and he suggested I have one but the hospital didn't have any info for me to read and his next available surgery date is 21 march, but we have our IVF consultation 18 jan. Oh pickle!

Originally I saw prof regan and she suggested modified TVC but I'm prone to unexplained urinary and genital tract infections. I am group b strep carrier too. So tvc doesn't appeal to me with my history of infections even without a stitch.

A x

Hi Alisa,

does TAC mean transabdominal cerclage? If so then no, I had mine under general anesthesia but it was done the traditional way, TVC? I think what I have is a Shirodkar because it's quite low on the cervix, but I'm not sure. I had mine in Greece by a private obstetrician that has a PhD in cervical treatment. I had it done when I was 13w3d pregnant, as the doctor noticed funneling at 12 weeks. It was elective, and the doctor said its chances of success would be 99,5%. I was told that the funneling was minimal, but he didn't want to take any chances. Its necessity has been questioned many a time here in the UK, and I was told that Greece has a tradition of putting way too many sutures in, but I trust my doctor with my life and I know he wouldn't have done it if he didn't think it was necessary. Just think I got pregnant by a last-minute decided IUI as he wanted to spare me the cost and trouble of a laparoscopy (my HSG had failed due to suspected IC, later confirmed by the funneling, and the only way to check my tubes was a lap then. He could have put me through a much more expensive surgery and he didn't).

Sorry I can't help more.

 

[x-amy-x]

Just a little update from me... Went to DAU yesterday and had a speculum exam. They couldnt see my cervix for my bulging membranes. Not in labour or anything though, so stitch is still holding out relatively pain free.

xxx

 

[Alisa F]

Larockera - thanks. TAC is transabdominal cerclage placed laparoscopically at the highest most interal part of the cervix closest to the uterus (thats how the consultant explained it to me anyway). It can be done up to 12 wks (?) but is safest and generally ony done pre-pregnancy. It cannot be removed during labour as it can only be removed laparoscopically again, therfore you must always have cesarean. Is that what you have?

I think the reason docs over here dont do it is that its a very specialised skill so maybe arent so confident. I've also found that over here they take a very conservative, almost "wait and see" type approach which I completely disagree with because it can have tragic outcomes. Mr Nick Wales is very experienced and has confidence in doing TAC and recommended it to me.

 

[Alisa F]

p.s. the wait and see comment is based on my own experience and i realise there all docs dont take the same approach, i'm just bitter about my treatment...

 

[apsara.m]

x-amy-x... lets pray stitch hold all of us to term.

 

[apsara.m]

all the very best alisa f i don't have any advice to offer

 

[LaRockera]

Larockera - thanks. TAC is transabdominal cerclage placed laparoscopically at the highest most interal part of the cervix closest to the uterus (thats how the consultant explained it to me anyway). It can be done up to 12 wks (?) but is safest and generally ony done pre-pregnancy. It cannot be removed during labour as it can only be removed laparoscopically again, therfore you must always have cesarean. Is that what you have?

I think the reason docs over here dont do it is that its a very specialised skill so maybe arent so confident. I've also found that over here they take a very conservative, almost "wait and see" type approach which I completely disagree with because it can have tragic outcomes. Mr Nick Wales is very experienced and has confidence in doing TAC and recommended it to me.

Hey hon,

no I don't have a TAC, mine is a TVC, just low on the cervix. I had it done at 13 weeks and will be removing it around 37 weeks.

Amy hon, stay strong and think positively! You're almost third trimester, hon. xx

 

[may12]

La Rockera

Yet again I want to thank you for the info with regards to the litmus strips. I worried myself sick yesterday, convinced myself I was leaking but when I got home my strips has arrived and a quick check showed it was normal discharge (although rather a lot for my liking!!! - sorry if thats TMI).

Anyhow thank you - you dont know how much of a relief that was and to know I can do my own check at anytime is a god send.



May12 x x x

 

[LaRockera]

La Rockera

Yet again I want to thank you for the info with regards to the litmus strips. I worried myself sick yesterday, convinced myself I was leaking but when I got home my strips has arrived and a quick check showed it was normal discharge (although rather a lot for my liking!!! - sorry if thats TMI).

Anyhow thank you - you dont know how much of a relief that was and to know I can do my own check at anytime is a god send.



May12 x x x

I'm so glad I was able to help a teeny weeny bit, hon.

I was told the amniotic fluid is more likely to be mistaken for urine than discharge, but sometimes the darn thing can be so watery it drives you mad. Always give your midwife a call if in doubt anyway, esp. if you feel constant proper wetness.

But yeah, those strips can help.

 

[Irielioness]

Had my cerclage placed yesterday. Everything went really well my cervix is still long closed and no funneling!!!! The only thing that hurts is my back from the spinal We also found out our rainbow baby is a BOY!!!! We are so excited....now its time for shopping once Im ok to move around again, but a little online shopping wont hurt

 

[LaRockera]

Irielioness - glad it all went great. You may be uncomfortable with this or that for two-three days but it will not last. Are you on modified bed rest, what did the doctor say?

And yes, online shopping is the way to go. I used to do that before I got pregnant anyway, can't stand being smothered and stepped over and elbowed in the shops during the holidays. It's as if the end of the world is coming and everyone's on a stampede!

 

[truthbtold]

Good morning ladies. Im at the hospital about to have my cerclage removed. I will let you ladies know how it goes.

 

[LaRockera]

Good morning ladies. Im at the hospital about to have my cerclage removed. I will let you ladies know how it goes.

Good luck!

 

[kateqpr]

Hi all. Sorry, just a quick one as no Internet, just on my phone!

Two things. I think xx Amy xx has had her baby Connie based on responses in her journal. Has anyone heard anything? Sending her and Connie love and luck.

Also, I wiped myself earlier and had some pink discharge / spotting. Nothing else since but now very nervous! Anyone else had this ? I had an ffn test yesterday which came back negative, which is great and very reassuring. But now this pink discharge has thrown me!

Will post properly when I'm back on line! X

 

[truthbtold]

Im done and it hurt pretty bad too me. They decided to do it without any pain meds. Now the waiting begins.

 

[LaRockera]

Hi all. Sorry, just a quick one as no Internet, just on my phone!

Two things. I think xx Amy xx has had her baby Connie based on responses in her journal. Has anyone heard anything? Sending her and Connie love and luck.

Also, I wiped myself earlier and had some pink discharge / spotting. Nothing else since but now very nervous! Anyone else had this ? I had an ffn test yesterday which came back negative, which is great and very reassuring. But now this pink discharge has thrown me!

Will post properly when I'm back on line! X

Could the discharge be erosion from the repeated swabs? Did they put a speculum in you every time? Give your midwife a call if you're worried, hon.

Going to check Amy's journal I think. x

 

[LaRockera]

Im done and it hurt pretty bad too me. They decided to do it without any pain meds. Now the waiting begins.

Gah- well, at least the cerclage nightmare is over. It worked, you've had it in, you've had it out, time for the LO to make a flamboyant appearance I think.