Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[bluestarlight]

yellow I'm so sorry.

 

[LindyB]

I am so very sorry yellowyamyam. It is very upsetting news and I can't imagine what you are going through. My thoughts are with you and your family. x x x

 

[lizziedripping]

Oh my goodness ladies, I am so so sorry - I have been unable to read and post for several days due to illness and haing a quick peek in here today has been a total shock.

My dearest yellow, I am so so saddened by your tragic news This is absolutely tragic and I am horrified that you were posting over several days and I didn't see or respond to a single one. It probably wouldn't have helped, but atleast I could have offered some support no matter how minimal. I cannot believe you had another loss and so early sweetie, you must be absolutely devastated

I know you were showing very early cervical changes last time, but a 13/14wk loss is so early that you might need to look into a trans abdo cerclage if and when you feel ready to try again. It is rare for stitch placement to trigger labour or prom, especially this early, but given how soon your cervix seems to change it could be that surgery stimulated an already softening cervix and it 'tipped the balance' so to speak in your case.

Having a TAC before pregnancy might be the best option now, but please forgive me if you can't even begin to contemplate another pregnancy at this stage - you probably need time to heal sweetheart.

We're all here for you if and when you need us. Pm me if you'd like more info or just a shoulder darlin' xxxxxxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Christiana - cant believe I missed your birth announcement honey when I have been keeping an eye on your impending arrival for so long!

love and congrats on the arrival of bubs chick. So so pleased you made it Hope you're recovering well and getting used to your new little lady. Knew you could do it sweetie

 

[lizziedripping]

Really sorry new ladies, I haven't got a minute to post this week so please bear with me and I'll sit down and write properly when everyone is well and less demanding lol. I'm not ignoring anyone, and hate to miss what's going on. If any new ladies need urgent answers then please PM me and I'll try to answer

Hope everyone else is ok xxx

 

[Scrooples]

Hi Everyone

I'm not sure if anyone will be able to give me any advice here. I found out last week that I'm pregnant, and by my calculations I'm just over 6 weeks. Last year I had an abnormal smear and had a loop excision but then they found that it had gone deeper into the tissue of my cervix (CIN3 + HGCGIN) and I need to have a 2nd loop done to get rid of that.

I have been told that I may need to have a stitch as I'm at risk of late miscarriage, but that it may not be an issue at all as I may have a competant enough cervix still. I'm being referred to a consultant but does anyone know when they will test me for this and when they would be putting the stitch in if I needed it?

I'm guessing that if I have to have it then I won't be able to fly, we have a holiday booked for September which I can cancel and just lose the deposit for. I'm more than happy to cancel, but also feel like it's such early days that I don't want to be making plans before even having my 12 week scan. I'd be around 23 weeks at that point. I'd need to be paying the balance of the holiday in about a month so probably before I even see a midwife let alone a consultant.

Things are all so confusing right now, I can't decide what to have for my lunch most days so any kind of big decision completely throws me!

Rachel x

 

[book.fish2011]

Really sorry new ladies, I haven't got a minute to post this week so please bear with me and I'll sit down and write properly when everyone is well and less demanding lol. I'm not ignoring anyone, and hate to miss what's going on. If any new ladies need urgent answers then please PM me and I'll try to answer

Hope everyone else is ok xxx

Lizzie: just wanted to tell you get well soon. Take care of yourself

 

[book.fish2011]

Chris: are you home now? How is baby Natalie doing?

 

[book.fish2011]

Hi Everyone

I'm not sure if anyone will be able to give me any advice here. I found out last week that I'm pregnant, and by my calculations I'm just over 6 weeks. Last year I had an abnormal smear and had a loop excision but then they found that it had gone deeper into the tissue of my cervix (CIN3 + HGCGIN) and I need to have a 2nd loop done to get rid of that.

I have been told that I may need to have a stitch as I'm at risk of late miscarriage, but that it may not be an issue at all as I may have a competant enough cervix still. I'm being referred to a consultant but does anyone know when they will test me for this and when they would be putting the stitch in if I needed it?

I'm guessing that if I have to have it then I won't be able to fly, we have a holiday booked for September which I can cancel and just lose the deposit for. I'm more than happy to cancel, but also feel like it's such early days that I don't want to be making plans before even having my 12 week scan. I'd be around 23 weeks at that point. I'd need to be paying the balance of the holiday in about a month so probably before I even see a midwife let alone a consultant.

Things are all so confusing right now, I can't decide what to have for my lunch most days so any kind of big decision completely throws me!

Rachel x

Hi Scrooples

Let me try to answer your query although I'm clearly no expert. I just have a cerclage placed electively at 16 weeks.

Usually, an elective cerclage is done around 13 weeks, after they check at 12 weeks and confirm if you need one. I don't think all ladies with a cerclage are advised against flying. There is no harm in resting amply, but if the cervix behaves well and exhibits no symptoms of shortening or funneling, one is allowed to lead a normal life. Presently I know two friends with cerclage going to work etc. and living their usual lives. Their cerclage is holding up well. In fact, one just delivered at 34 weeks due to low amintiotic fluid. Other one looks like will go all the way to term.

 

[ChovieGirl]

Also, another question...

Has anyone used progesterone gel instead of the 17p shots? I have been using for a few days now and I am finding it to be irritating me somewhat and not sure if I should ask for the shots.

Yellow - I am so sorry. I pray that you will have comfort and peace during this really difficult time.

 

[DMJ]

Hi ladies, just a few questions to anyone that can help me out please..

I had my cerclage placed when I was 13 weeks before any changes to my cervix after having two previous losses at 22 and 23 weeks.

I'm now 16+4 weeks and have had a slight increase in discharge and a pressure feeling down below the last couple of days (my urine has been sent off to check for any infection) and I only feel this pressure if iv been up and walking about.
I see the consultant for a cervix check every 3 weeks. I also have no restrictions and was told to act like a 'normal' pregnant lady although I didn't feel 100% comfortable with that and so I have been on modified bed rest with the occasional outing.
I do have pelvic pain but I think that may be from spending abit too much time in bed (ooops)

Would appreciate anyone's advice .. Just hope that this is normal and something to expect with a cerclage?

Thankyou xxx

 

[danielita]

yellow, I am so sorry for your lost!
my words can not express enough the sadness!
take care of you!

 

[danielita]

dmj, i had emergency cerclage placed at 17 wks of pg, as my cervix funneled and shortened to 1.3 cm without any warning.
after cerclage, i stayed in bed (i get up only when i go to the toilet or to see my doctor), i take a.n.t.i.s.p.a.s.t.i.c.s, progesterone suppositories (vaginally) and since week 25 when my contractions gave me hard times, the doctor added t.o.c.o.l.i.t.i.c.s. in my daily treatment.

today i have 29 wks of pg (i have twins) and my cervix showed at tvu 2.2 cm and closed, although baby1 stays from many weeks with his head right besides cervix.

when i get up from bed and walk, i always feel pressure in my lower abdomen. i had this pressure after cerclage and i hoped it will go away, but it did not. actually, even to walk to the bathroom (5 meters to my bed) became painful to me. therefore, i try to limit as much as possible spending any time outside of the bed. the most comfortable i feel when i stay in bed.
i do not know what to say about your increased discharged, as i did not had problems with this part.
anyway, in my situation, the bed rest was and is very, very important. without it, i do not think today i would still be pregnant.
take care of you

 

[danielita]

lizzie, i wish you health

chistiana, congrats!!!!

 

[DMJ]

dmj, i had emergency cerclage placed at 17 wks of pg, as my cervix funneled and shortened to 1.3 cm without any warning.
after cerclage, i stayed in bed (i get up only when i go to the toilet or to see my doctor), i take a.n.t.i.s.p.a.s.t.i.c.s, progesterone suppositories (vaginally) and since week 25 when my contractions gave me hard times, the doctor added t.o.c.o.l.i.t.i.c.s. in my daily treatment.

today i have 29 wks of pg (i have twins) and my cervix showed at tvu 2.2 cm and closed, although baby1 stays from many weeks with his head right besides cervix.

when i get up from bed and walk, i always feel pressure in my lower abdomen. i had this pressure after cerclage and i hoped it will go away, but it did not. actually, even to walk to the bathroom (5 meters to my bed) became painful to me. therefore, i try to limit as much as possible spending any time outside of the bed. the most comfortable i feel when i stay in bed.
i do not know what to say about your increased discharged, as i did not had problems with this part.
anyway, in my situation, the bed rest was and is very, very important. without it, i do not think today i would still be pregnant.
take care of you

Thankyou for your reply

 

[ChovieGirl]

dmj, i had emergency cerclage placed at 17 wks of pg, as my cervix funneled and shortened to 1.3 cm without any warning.
after cerclage, i stayed in bed (i get up only when i go to the toilet or to see my doctor), i take a.n.t.i.s.p.a.s.t.i.c.s, progesterone suppositories (vaginally) and since week 25 when my contractions gave me hard times, the doctor added t.o.c.o.l.i.t.i.c.s. in my daily treatment.

today i have 29 wks of pg (i have twins) and my cervix showed at tvu 2.2 cm and closed, although baby1 stays from many weeks with his head right besides cervix.

when i get up from bed and walk, i always feel pressure in my lower abdomen. i had this pressure after cerclage and i hoped it will go away, but it did not. actually, even to walk to the bathroom (5 meters to my bed) became painful to me. therefore, i try to limit as much as possible spending any time outside of the bed. the most comfortable i feel when i stay in bed.
i do not know what to say about your increased discharged, as i did not had problems with this part.
anyway, in my situation, the bed rest was and is very, very important. without it, i do not think today i would still be pregnant.
take care of you

DMJ

I just recently had a cerclage placed about a week ago.

I have definitely felt a little more uncomfortable and have felt some pressure. I freaked out yesterday because I was feeling the pressure and felt extra discharge too. I started reading things that had just made myself worry even more. Went to the doctor and they said that everything looked okay and that extra discharge is normal with a cerclage. I am also using progesterone gel which I think makes things even more icky!

I am 15+5 weeks and my cervix has already funneled down to the stitch. I know the purpose of the stitch is to hold things together, but I am so worried since I am already funneling. I was not expecting to already be on permanent bed rest. Thank goodness for the internet or I would go crazy!

Looks like this cerclage thing and bed rest is going to be a challenge for us! Keep hanging in there.

 

[danielita]

chovie, bed rest is crucial in our situations. i know is difficult to be permanent in bed rest, but i would say this is the only chance to keep our babies in uterus as much as possible (i am in this situation from 3 months already, and i still do not dare to go to the kitchen to prepare a sandwich.)

 

[DMJ]

DMJ

I just recently had a cerclage placed about a week ago.

I have definitely felt a little more uncomfortable and have felt some pressure. I freaked out yesterday because I was feeling the pressure and felt extra discharge too. I started reading things that had just made myself worry even more. Went to the doctor and they said that everything looked okay and that extra discharge is normal with a cerclage. I am also using progesterone gel which I think makes things even more icky!

I am 15+5 weeks and my cervix has already funneled down to the stitch. I know the purpose of the stitch is to hold things together, but I am so worried since I am already funneling. I was not expecting to already be on permanent bed rest. Thank goodness for the internet or I would go crazy!

Looks like this cerclage thing and bed rest is going to be a challenge for us! Keep hanging in there.[/QUOTE]

Thankyou for your reply
We're close in weeks so it be nice to ride it out together
I'm terrible for going onto google and typing in my symptoms I always come of it feeling worse lol! Although this forum is a godsend

 

[HelenGee]

Hi Ladies,
I am so very sorry that I have missed your posts too, I'll fill you all in when I get a mo...but I am so sorry that I have not posted to support you in such difficult times Yellow. I am so sorry for your loss....this was not your fault and you did everything you could to try to prevent this from happening. Please be kind to yourself and sending you healing hugs xxx

Christiana- congrats on the birth of Natalia my sweetie, what a gorgeous name. I hope you're healing nicely and home now xxx

Lizzie- sorry to hear you've been ill, hope you're on the mend. Take care of yourself xx

JJ- such great news to hear that Soren is planning his homecoming lol! Despite the NICU roller coaster you sound so very upbeat. Wishing you health and love xx

Uh-oh, better go, Bella's awake again! X

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi ladies, just a few questions to anyone that can help me out please..

I had my cerclage placed when I was 13 weeks before any changes to my cervix after having two previous losses at 22 and 23 weeks.

I'm now 16+4 weeks and have had a slight increase in discharge and a pressure feeling down below the last couple of days (my urine has been sent off to check for any infection) and I only feel this pressure if iv been up and walking about.
I see the consultant for a cervix check every 3 weeks. I also have no restrictions and was told to act like a 'normal' pregnant lady although I didn't feel 100% comfortable with that and so I have been on modified bed rest with the occasional outing.
I do have pelvic pain but I think that may be from spending abit too much time in bed (ooops)

Would appreciate anyone's advice .. Just hope that this is normal and something to expect with a cerclage?

Thankyou xxx

Hi hun, nothing you describe gives me any particular cause for concern Pressure down below from 16wks can be normal for any pregnant lady and is usually as a result of sudden uterine expansion due to baby growth at this stage.

Because you are funneled to the stitch you may be feeling some additional pressure earlier on than most, but tbh I had no more pressure when I funneled at 25wks than I did at 10wks, if anything I felt less! You might find that from 20wks the pressure eases anyway, as your uterus moves up and out of your pelvis and into your abdomen, thus taking the strain away from your cervix and the funneling.

I had lots of pressure, aches and cramps from as early as 10wks and was never sure if it was twin, stitch or prolapse related - probably a combination of all 3! The problem for us IC ladies is that every 'normal' pregnancy symptom immediately sends us into panic, when most of the time it isn't sinister and is a natural part of pregnancy for every woman.

You're doing the right thing by getting checked out (never a bad thing), but hard as it is try not worry darlin'. in my normal pregnancy I had numerous aches, pains and copious amounts of discharge (running down my leg daily) and never thought anything of it - that pregnancy went to 40wks with no problems at all.

COntinue being vigilant, but know that most of the time even for IC ladies these symptoms are harmless and probably made worse by the presence of the stitch and your own understandable anxiety.

If you take a moment to read back over this thread you'll see just how many of us had exactly the same symptoms, and felt just as anxious, but how the majority were stunned to make it to 37wks and beyond despite it