Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[book.fish2011]

Lizzie, can't thank you enough for sharing this knowledge with me which you may have given to many women here before.

I will hope meanwhile things stay where they are now; and don't get worse. Thrush and abscess are still okay to deal with as long as babies are unharmed.

 

[LaRockera]

LR: yeah, how nice if all of us lagging behind here could time travel and catch up with where you are now? Will I too one day have a ticker like yours? I desperately want to.

You will. I promise. And so will JJ.

I know it, because I was thinking the exact same thing at your gestational age. How I envied tickers that were reaching the end, and wished I didn't have that long ahead. Well, guess what? Time flew by, as it always does.

Additionally, don't think I'm too confident. I never stopped being nervous in my pregnancy, and even now, every little moment when my baby goes quiet or I think about all the things that could go wrong worries my like crazy. Worrying, I think, is something inherent in pregnancy and motherhood, especially in cases like ours.

Christiana - good idea, hon. Looking forward to it.

Lizzy - I'd just like to say how amazing you are, once more. You, and Helen, the amount of support I got from you and the other ladies in this thread make me want to help as much as I can myself.

Kate - I'm SO glad you're finally relaxed, babe. Sorry about the nausea returning, it may not last though. Important thing is, you're in your third trimester.

Finally,

Jimmy - Well, not much to say, hon, except maybe how sorry I am for reading you're having to go through all this s***. I could patronise you endlessly about not to worry and blah blah, but it would be fruitless. There's not really much I can add to all the brilliant advice Lizzie and Helen offered, I will repeat though, that the stitch is there to hold an amazing amount of weight, so at least don't see it in conjunction to the your fluid issue. I'm positive the stitch is there to do its job, and as far as this part of your pregnancy is concerned, it will.

As for the amniotic fluid, this is something that just happens sometimes, and it may have nothing to do with the baby. It's just how the sac works sometimes. Mine has been on the lowest side of normal throughout the latest part of the second and so far the third trimester, I was paranoid about leaking, turned out, this is just how it works in this particular pregnancy. I think the fact that you're approaching viability, as well as the fact that something can be done, are very, very important parameters to consider. Like the other ladies said, 10% risk means 90% success, which is a huge percentage if you think about it. If you had the exact opposite problem, ie. a torn sac that wouldn't reseal, there would be very little to nothing they could do (although there are many, many positive stories out there), as the baby cannot survive without the fluid. But in your case, they have a way of taking the excess fluid out, and the chances of it working are actually 9 in 10.

The most important thing is that you are being monitored and taken care of. Don't fight your feelings, and you will probably be an emotional wreck throughout this pregnancy, but seeing how you could very well have a happy ending, I think you're doing well and being very brave, gritting your teeth and fighting. We're all thinking of you and sending positive vibes. Please keep updating, we're all positive this will have a happy ending, as there are good, scientific reasons to point likewise.

 

[chistiana]

Bookfish- hey hun just wanted to tell you that both with ds and now i went through more than 1 course of antibiotics (2 this time round and probably will start third soon as i suspect i have thrush toi- waiting for swab results to come back soon). My doc keeps telling me that as long as it is treated there is nothing to worry about so keep that if you want.xx

Jj- thinking of you hun, will try and see whether i can find any info or stories on your condition in any of the greek sites and traslate.xx

 

[JimmyJam]

You are all totally amazing, thank you.

Lizzie, Helen, Kate, LaRock - thanks for all your advice & encouragement, you've taken both time & care to support me & it means a lot. . And Bookfish, Christiana & Olga thank you too for your kind, kind words. You are all special ladies.

I'm not in a position to write proper replies or to share my experiences with those of you looking for advice as I've been a total wreck all day (and night) but I just want you all to know how grateful I am - and hopefully I'll be back in action soon and able to contribute back. I hope you're all doing ok.

I am seeing a specialist consultant privately tmrw evening who will hopefully be able to provide us with some answers regarding my condition.

Will check in after that.

Thanks.

Jj xxx

 

[LaRockera]

Jimmy, heaven help us if we only helped and supported people quid pro quo. There was a time when each and every one of us could only ask for advice, and in due course, we were able to offer our two cents for others, too. Please don't ever think you are here under some sort of clause or conditionally. All we want from you is to be strong and make it through this sane and, eventually, happy. We want you and your bubba to reach the end safely- and I'm sure that that's what will happen, even if it has to drive you insane with worry.

 

[book.fish2011]

Thanks LR and Christiana for your kind kind words.

JJ, wish you all the very best for the appointment with the specialist. Will be thinking about you.

 

[kateqpr]

Good luck today Larockera! Is it your removal today? X

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi all

LR - is it your stitch removal today hun? Can't believe you're here already. Thoughts and love coming your way

JJ - you never have to feel obliged to reply to us here - we're here for you and not the other way around. I know that in the midst of my battle to remain pregnant I didn't want to talk to anyone, and certainly didn't want to discuss my predicament - somehow it focused me too much on every little twinge, and that only scared me more.

Good luck with your appt tonight, and I hope this specialist can bring you some peace. It certainly always helped me to feel I was doing something, no matter how small, because most of the time I felt so helpless. It's important to be realistic about the facts, but at the same time to maintain some hope. After all, no one knows for certain how this pregnancy is going to pan out, and ultimately there is still a good chance you'll make it to at least 30wks. Love and hugs xxx

 

[olga2424]

Hi Olga, am sorry about your last pregnancy. Am sorry I didnt have a chance to go through your posts. Of you don't mind can you tell me if you has infections then, and if they caused the problem? Only if you don't mind.

How are you doing otherwise today? What are the doctors saying? Can you feel your bubba's kicks?

My h went to the hospital to collect my new antibiotic pills, he also had a word with my high risk OB about my worries on infection affecting babies. OB told him that pills won't affect the babies but need to take them to avoid kidney stones. She assured him nothing will happen to cerclage or babies. I just hope she's right. There's nothing more I can do, apart from taking antibiotics and drinking water , correct?

Hi Book.fish, so sorry about the late response hun.... Yes, bubba is kicking loads and mostly in my 'lady bits'. Little bit about my story. when I found out I was pregnant @ round 8w I had really bad thrush on/off. my next hospital visit @ 12w again I reported the discomfort I was experiencing and was informed that it was quite a normal occurrence in pregnant women due to the increase of hormones in the body. I was administered with vaginal pessaries which relieved it for a couple of days or so but it kept reoccurring.

@16w it had gotten worse and by then I think I also had contracted bv and again I informed the midwife and all I was given was more vag pessaries, no swabs.
I started to experience loads of extra greenish discharge and leaking some fluid. being my 1st pregnancy I didn't no if this was normal or not.
The next day i self refereed my self to the maternal assessment unit were they examined me with a speculum and they noticed my membranes had already bulged and I was told that the infection could have traveled right up to my cervix causing it to soften and opened up prematurely (don't know how true this was tho!). As with this pregnancy they've truly discovered and confirmed I have IC.

Finally my waters broke @ 20+5 and i was induced at 21w due to infection. Am still not sure whether my cervix also played part but as Lizzie said it could have been my cervix had opened up already and the infection got the opportunity to travel up and cause more havoc.
However with this current pregnancy I have been treated with antibiotics prophetically frm 8-24w as I also tested positive for GBS and also when i got thrush this time round after my stitch, it was treated with a dose of fluconazle(flagyl) as i didn't want to take any chances.The good news is at least they have caught it in time and treating it appropriately!

AM currently still on strict hospital bed rest and it appears like am staring to loose my my mind due to luck of sleep and boredom just don't know what to do with my self.
Lizziehun and any one who can help, These are my scan pics and just wanted your opinion on what you think as I don't seem to be getting a clear answer from my doctors, when I ask them how big and wide/bad the funneling is the response is doom and gloom.....I have uploaded some of my scan pics so you can have a look and give your opinion, I know your not Drs. and not trained to interpret scans but may have your own experiences and some rough ideas.

My hospital report states the length of the cervix is about 23mm bellow the stitch with cervical funneling that measures 11mm in diameter and 10mm in length (TVS) and with the TAS the cervix measures 30mm. Whats your opinion or take on this? I don't know if I have funneled through the stitch, but at least it appears the external os is still closed. All in all, am still hanging in there and also experiencing on/off lower back ache( and hoping this is not a cause for concern..??)Any one experiencing or experienced it whilst on strict bed rest?

JimmyJ, am really thinking and praying for you loads sweet and good luck for today! You will be just fine hun.
Larockera, how are you and when is stitch removal day?....so excited for you babes!
Christiana hun, how is it going? kateqpr, hi dear not long and you will soon be joining Larokera too Hi to all the ladies I have missed, @midnight tonight will be VIABILITY

 

[book.fish2011]

Thanks Olga. Being on hospital bedrest is hard, I can imagine. I use my iPad (am at home, lying on my bed most time), it's giving me some company.

Am so so sorry for the lost of your first baby. I know the pain, I've been there. Dono if you read my old posts; my son died in nicu when he was 11 days old. He was born at 30 weeks due to unexplained Pprom.

I wish all goes well and you bring your baby home this time. Congrats for making it to viability.

I never remember having thrush before. I strongly suspect I got it this time bcoz of taking antibiotics for UTI. I don't know if I have BV (what is BV btw?). My doc took a swab from vagina during my 14th week and last week. I think they found no infection.

At what week did you get cerclage this time? Can you tell me why did the funneling occur?

Pls hang in there. You are getting closer and closer to the goal.

P.s. I m no good reading ultrasounds. But am trying to look at them carefully. Will tell you if I see anything.

 

[olga2424]

Thanks Olga. Being on hospital bedrest is hard, I can imagine. I use my iPad (am at home, lying on my bed most time), it's giving me some company.

Am so so sorry for the lost of your first baby. I know the pain, I've been there. Dono if you read my old posts; my son died in nicu when he was 11 days old. He was born at 30 weeks due to unexplained Pprom.

I wish all goes well and you bring your baby home this time. Congrats for making it to viability.

I never remember having thrush before. I strongly suspect I got it this time bcoz of taking antibiotics for UTI. I don't know if I have BV (what is BV btw?). My doc took a swab from vagina during my 14th week and last week. I think they found no infection.

At what week did you get cerclage this time? Can you tell me why did the funneling occur?

Pls hang in there. You are getting closer and closer to the goal.

P.s. I m no good reading ultrasounds. But am trying to look at them carefully. Will tell you if I see anything.

Hi hun, am so sorry about your loss too dear and also routing for you. BV is bacteria vaginosis - and its caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacterial flora (the usual bacteria found in a woman's vagina). And apparently having BV when you're pregnant is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and having a low-birth-weight baby, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), <> and uterine infection after delivery. A few studies show a connection between BV and second-trimester miscarriage.

I had my stitch placed in at 17w+3 days and at this time my cervical length had shortened to 21mm with no funneling and after the stitch it grew back to 31mm , I think I started to funnel around 19w+5 and when I had my scan on Tue at 23w+4 days, my funneling had got worse and I was immediately admitted into hospital on strict bed rest....All Ive got is my laptop to keep me company. The good thing is Ive had my steroid shots and a drug called nifedipine to calm my uterus down in case I go into labor and also hoping I can at least bake my lo for another 3w (Praying if i get there!).

 

[selina22]

Hi everyone sorry im not commenting much but i am reading all your stories and having faith through them, i am nearly 8 weeks on sunday.... and i was told at my midwife appointment yesterday that i will have the stitch around week 14.... with my daughter i was on strict bedrest, not that i was told to go on it, but i just did it anything to get her here after my loss... and she was born full term.. now im told there really is no need for bedrest and i should just carry on as normal, they wont write me a letter for hubby to get leave from work, so he can help take my 4 yr old daughter to nursery etc, and be around to help. Im worried if i dont do what i did last time, my baby wont make it again advice please, is strict bedrest nessesary?? or am i just over reacting, xxx

 

[JimmyJam]

Hi All,

So I've seen Sailesh Kumar, sub-specialist in fetal care, at Queen Charlottes, and he was great. He's also an obstetrician & I would recommend him any time. He had a lovely manner, intelligent and neither patronising nor smarmy.

I am being admitted tonight, my water levels are dangerously high & could break any minute.

It is rare to have such high levels at this gestational age so, as I thought, it is likely that there is a problem: chromosomal, genetic or neurological. They just can't tell. And they can't tell me if it might be ok either. But it doesn't look good.

Apparently it's also likely that my cervical shortening isn't down to IC but to the fact I will have had excess fluid early, causing the problem.

I am devastated but calm & I believe I will lose the baby. I've been right all along. I've read between the lines on Dr Google.

I don't want to go into hospital - I feel like it's a prison sentence - & they'll put me on the antenatal ward where people are having babies. I just want to stay at home with Pyjama & Matt. I'm so scared.

Part of me wishes I could just have the stitch removed & let nature take it's course, rather than fighting against it. This isn't a mechanical problem caused by the cone biopsy I had, it's a serious & intrinsic problem with my pregnancy.

Life is very cruel. We have suffered so mucn over the last few years.

I know some of you have suffered multiple losses so you can empathise with how I feel. I'm 40 next week & my chances of having a family are gradually fading into the ether.

I'm not being negative, I'm a realist. Unfortunately life has taught me only too well that it's not all Hollywood.

Don't know what reception will be like in hospital but will try & log in.

LaRock - darling your dreams are so close to being realised. Good luck with stitch removal.
Olga & BF - I hope your worries are unfounded & everything resolves ok.
Christina - you'll get there babe, your attitude is fab.

Lizzie, Helen, Kate. Thank you you've been fantastic. Kate - you are sooo close now!!

Cheers Girls.

JimmyJam xx

 

[HelenGee]

Hi All,

So I've seen Sailesh Kumar, sub-specialist in fetal care, at Queen Charlottes, and he was great. He's also an obstetrician & I would recommend him any time. He had a lovely manner, intelligent and neither patronising nor smarmy.

I am being admitted tonight, my water levels are dangerously high & could break any minute.

It is rare to have such high levels at this gestational age so, as I thought, it is likely that there is a problem: chromosomal, genetic or neurological. They just can't tell. And they can't tell me if it might be ok either. But it doesn't look good.

Apparently it's also likely that my cervical shortening isn't down to IC but to the fact I will have had excess fluid early, causing the problem.

I am devastated but calm & I believe I will lose the baby. I've been right all along. I've read between the lines on Dr Google.

I don't want to go into hospital - I feel like it's a prison sentence - & they'll put me on the antenatal ward where people are having babies. I just want to stay at home with Pyjama & Matt. I'm so scared.

Part of me wishes I could just have the stitch removed & let nature take it's course, rather than fighting against it. This isn't a mechanical problem caused by the cone biopsy I had, it's a serious & intrinsic problem with my pregnancy.

Life is very cruel. We have suffered so mucn over the last few years.

I know some of you have suffered multiple losses so you can empathise with how I feel. I'm 40 next week & my chances of having a family are gradually fading into the ether.

I'm not being negative, I'm a realist. Unfortunately life has taught me only too well that it's not all Hollywood.

Don't know what reception will be like in hospital but will try & log in.

LaRock - darling your dreams are so close to being realised. Good luck with stitch removal.
Olga & BF - I hope your worries are unfounded & everything resolves ok.
Christina - you'll get there babe, your attitude is fab.

Lizzie, Helen, Kate. Thank you you've been fantastic. Kate - you are sooo close now!!

Cheers Girls.

JimmyJam xx

JJ- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx my sweet to you, your precious baby, Matt and Pyjama xxxxxxxxxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Darling, brave sweet JJ, I am so so sorry

I am sorry beyond words that this baby might have something fundamentally wrong with him or her - that is cruel, and I cannot make that right in my head It could still be ok against the odds, but your instincts as a woman are telling otherwise - that in itself means more than the statistics. I will however keep hoping and praying for you all

As for IC being caused by this and not genuine IC - that is wholly possible. There are lots of twin ladies who have 'twin induced IC' and deliver prematurely, but then go on to have singletons with no trouble. This does happen, but as with those ladies the stitch can still prevent dilation and keep the pregnancy going - I stand by that hun, and feel pretty sure the stitch won't let you down.

Obviously tho, there are the PROM and baby issues to consider - neither of which are as certain. The upshot being of course that you are left heartbroken and devastated

Have they said how they're going to manage you JJ? Do they still plan to do fluid reduction to make things physically better for you?

I will have you firmly in my thoughts over the next few days honey for what it's worth. again, I am So, so sorry

 

[chistiana]

Jj there s nothing i can say...only that at this extremely difficult time for you when you can see no hope at all i will try and hope faith for you. I will sincerely be thinking and praying a miracle happens and you are out of there with bubs in your belly happy and healthy asap.lots of love xx

 

[book.fish2011]

JJ, I really hope this specialist can do a miracle for you. Pls have hope. I know exactly what you mean when you say you want a family and you deserve one so much. Sorry, am so bad at conforting someone through words. If I met you today, I'd give you a tight hug.

 

[kateqpr]

Oh JJ my love. That is not the news anyone wanted to hear. My heart breaks for you - because the uncertainty continues for you, which must be agonising. Are they still planning on the original plan of action for you (amniocentesis etc)?

Hospitals are rough to stay at - i spent five days on the labour ward when i was 23 weeks and bleeding, terrified that i was about to lose my baby. Whatever the outcome, even just being in hospital is tough. But you are in the best place to manage your situation and get the best possible outcome for you. I remember crying a lot, especially when Andy went home each evening. My only advice is try and block out the sound sof labour ward with a lap top, DVD's, and a small radio with headphones to listen to. Create your own bubble to exist in to get you through.

If they do do an amnio, will it give you more information on the health of your baby?

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Of course, things may still work out okay (complicated but okay), but even just this process is mentally and emotionally cruel for both you and Matt.

If there is anything i can do, truly, then do please let me know. I am not far away and more than happy to visit you if (fingers crossed) your time in hospital turns into weeks.

I check on B&B alot at night, as i have severe insomnia at the moment, so if you need to talk in the wee small hours (hospital life has that effect....) then send me a message and i'll get back as soon as i can.

Be strong, sweetpea.

XX

 

[chistiana]

Bookfish-just a little update with some relevant info for you too...i went into the hospital tonight cause i was having cramps all day long and i thought id rather be safe than sorry. Good things first..bubs is fine and very very active which accounts for the pain.the downside is my doc came in and told me my swab results have come back and i do have another infection so i will have to go on my 3rd 10 day antibiotics course. I fistly asked why i was getting all these infections and he told me that the stitch is probably causing them. I then asked him if the antibiotics could by any chance hurt my baby and he was very reassuring in that there is no risk at all. He told me that about 3 days ago a patient gave birth. She fous she had toxoplasmosis at 8 weeks pg but didnt want to terminate so she went on antibiotics from week 12 to week 40!!EVERY SINGLE DAY!!the baby came out just fine. So i guess i d rather i didnt have to have antibiotics again (as i ll probably need another kidney after so much of it-i only have one anyway!!) BUT they WILL NOT harm my baby. So pls dont worry about infections and antibiotics, as long as you catch it early you re fine! Xx

 

[liven1980]

Hi everyone,
jj: I lack words. It is soulbreaking and one just want to pass away and wake up when there is a solution or answer to what will happen. the wait is so hard to carry. I cant do much, just say that i really do think that you will have a family one day. I just believe it. i also have questions like the other ladies here-will you still take out the extra fluid? What is the plan? You are in my thoughts.

LaR: how did the removal of the stich go?

bookfish: As other ladies said-take the antibotics, drink water, empty your bladder when at toilet (i stand at the end and often a bit more gets out), keep your feet warm (dont know why, but midwife told me), drink one big glass of water with squeesed lemon every day (the acid kills bacteria). but most of all-chech the urine often- its a non-invasive procedure so why not? I have used antibiotics during pregnancy because suspected infection (not uti) and its not dangerous for the baby. I also got a lot of antibiotics before and ten days after cerclage. So antibiotics is something we can use in pregnancy (not all kinds of course, but doc knows).

bookfish i have a question, but dont know if it is okay to ask, and please dont ansewer if its not. I totally understand and apologize if it hurts you. I read what you said about losing youre son in week 30. As you know i lost Jacob during birth...midwifes thought the babys head was coming, but it was his shoulder and it took to long time for them to realise. Me being 30 weeks next friday (hopefully,..dont believe it before im there...) thought week 30 was relatively "safe". can i ask why he died? Just thought i might relaxec a bit in week 30, but I read so many different things you know... Once again im sorry if the question is unsensitive.

I am 29 weeks today, hoping for a couple a weeks more.

lots of love to everone