Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[Alisa F]

JJEE - thanks for letting me know and the fact you're booked in at ChelWest explains everything I went there once and nearly cried how beautiful it is and how good the doc was. Unfortunately I'm in the catchment area for st marys paddington but have luckily managed to wrangle my way into queen Charlotte's to their high risk clinic and have an appt there next week and will ask about progesterone xxx

 

[Hopeful 4 #1]

Hey girls. i had a preterm baby (27wks) last yr. I am now 15wks preg and having a stitch in tomorrow as my cervix was 3cm two wks ago and is 2.3 now. I dont know what to expect and I am terrified of losing baby! I was given the option of having progesterone pessaries instead?!

 

[JJEE]

Alisa,

It is lovely isn't it...however my doctor is also at either queen Charlottes or St Marys, her name is Vassu, I will come back to you with her surname..do you know who you are seeing? She is nothing short of amazing, I hope it is her you get to see, you will be very well looked after!

xx

 

[JJEE]

Hi Hopeful,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I had my stitch placed at 16weeks and also measuring 2.3, the op itself is really straight forward and took about 30mins under spinal anaesthetic, it wasn't uncomfortable, and I did bleed after for about a week, but only when getting up to use the bathroom. I have then been taking it very easy for the rest of my pregnancy, resting as much as possible!

I am also on progesterone, could you have both, progesterone and the stitch..it is just that bit of extra reassurance!

You are in good hands on this thread, Lizzie will be able to answer all of your questions!

xx

 

[Alisa F]

Alisa,

It is lovely isn't it...however my doctor is also at either queen Charlottes or St Marys, her name is Vassu, I will come back to you with her surname..do you know who you are seeing? She is nothing short of amazing, I hope it is her you get to see, you will be very well looked after!

xx

I think I will be under the care of prof phillip Bennett but seeing his docs but I only know their first names - Jenny and Manju I believe. I've only seen each of them briefly on nhs so of course it was all very rushed and hectic but still good and a million times better than at at marys. Vassu rings a bell though.... x

 

[Hopeful 4 #1]

Hi Hopeful,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I had my stitch placed at 16weeks and also measuring 2.3, the op itself is really straight forward and took about 30mins under spinal anaesthetic, it wasn't uncomfortable, and I did bleed after for about a week, but only when getting up to use the bathroom. I have then been taking it very easy for the rest of my pregnancy, resting as much as possible!

I am also on progesterone, could you have both, progesterone and the stitch..it is just that bit of extra reassurance!

You are in good hands on this thread, Lizzie will be able to answer all of your questions!

xx

Thankyou so much. Is bleeding normal then? I hope it works for me as i firmly believe this is why I had my first so early. I see u are 30 weeks now! Congrats. Are they still measuring your cervix now you have the stitch? x

 

[Alisa F]

Hi hopeful, I just had stitch on Monday when I was 12+2. My cervix was measuring normal but they wanted to get in early while it was all good and did a high up modified shirodkar under general.

They put me under at about 1230 and I was awake and alert within the hour. I have bladder issues anyway so I've had pain peeing and stuff but that's specific to me.

I had discomfort, of course, and am still resting. Light bleeding which seems to be tapering off today hopefully. Pooping has been scary cos I generally have to strain to poop but been told not too so have spent many fun hours on the loo cos the lactulose seems to not help me at all.

Overall, for now, I'm glad I had it as I have issues with infections so if the stitch will keep me closed I will be happy. I will be getting monthly vag swabs to check for infections as I'm prone to them.

Where you having your suture done? xxx

 

[Alisa F]

Hopeful, ignore my question about where ur getting suture done. I'm a bit slow today and thought u were in London I don't know Manchester at all apart from that im a man city fan lol x

 

[JJEE]

Alisa,

I will try to find out which hospital she is at, do you have to go private to be seen at Queen Charlottes? I feel incredibly lucky to have chosen the C&W, we are in catchment for 3hospitals, I really didn't think I would have any problems in this pregnancy, I thought it was just ' one of those things' with my daughter, I am so grateful that they made the choice to refer me to Vassu, and although with all NHS care you seem to wait over an hour past your appointment time, I am not complaining at all, I am still pregnant with daughter no.2 and it is all thanks to them!

Xx

 

[DMJ]

Im taking part in the optimum trial as my cervix is still a good length and my ffn came back negative so was told there's nothing to lose in terms of me having the placebo ones. I'm under UCH university college London hospital but not sure where il be having baby yet coz I live 2 hours away from UCH xx

 

[Hopeful 4 #1]

Thanks for the info Alisa. I freak out at bleeding so really not looking forward to that! Were you discharged on the same day and was anyone allowed in with u? Hope it works for u x

 

[Alisa F]

Thanks for the info Alisa. I freak out at bleeding so really not looking forward to that! Were you discharged on the same day and was anyone allowed in with u? Hope it works for u x

I stayed in hospital overnight in case anything went wrong. Saw the consultant briefly the following day just to make sure I was feeling ok. The bleeding is nothing really, on the first 2 days it was like the very lightest period and was pink not red. A tad more than spotting but it's only been 3 days and Ive hardly had any spotting today.

Once I arrived at the hospital they took me away to get me ready for the procedure. Hubby wasn't allowed in beyond that point. I was scared to be all alone especially seeing as they got me to arrive at 730am and I was in a surgical gown with no food n water since midnight night before and they took me in only at 1230. I was upset at the time, I cried when I walked into the theatre, the anaesthetist didn't know where to look, I was really crying. It all got a bit much for me being so hungry thirsty nervous and alone, BUT it's all over now and not a big deal when I look back.

I'm a natural worrier and stress head and blow everything out of proportion so always read my posts with that in mind you will be fine xxx

 

[Alisa F]

Alisa,

I will try to find out which hospital she is at, do you have to go private to be seen at Queen Charlottes? I feel incredibly lucky to have chosen the C&W, we are in catchment for 3hospitals, I really didn't think I would have any problems in this pregnancy, I thought it was just ' one of those things' with my daughter, I am so grateful that they made the choice to refer me to Vassu, and although with all NHS care you seem to wait over an hour past your appointment time, I am not complaining at all, I am still pregnant with daughter no.2 and it is all thanks to them!

Xx

I'm on nhs too, know what u mean about waiting times but I guess we are all just used to it now I reckon I could have got into ChelWest if I tried (I'm getting good at working my way round nhs ) but QC's is only 10 min drive from me and CW I have to manoeuvre a bit of traffic at any given time which makes it a real long journey so I'm just ok with being at QC.

Their prematurity clinic is apparently really good and run by prof Bennett whose special interest is predicting and preventing preterm labour, and seeing as I have a few other factors apart from the assumed IC I'm happy to be in his clinic. Hopefully not famous last words.....

I will be looking out for your updates as I'm sure you will be getting excellent care there and will be well looked after. Well jel! Lol x

 

[Hopeful 4 #1]

Thanks for the info Alisa. I freak out at bleeding so really not looking forward to that! Were you discharged on the same day and was anyone allowed in with u? Hope it works for u x

I stayed in hospital overnight in case anything went wrong. Saw the consultant briefly the following day just to make sure I was feeling ok. The bleeding is nothing really, on the first 2 days it was like the very lightest period and was pink not red. A tad more than spotting but it's only been 3 days and Ive hardly had any spotting today.

Once I arrived at the hospital they took me away to get me ready for the procedure. Hubby wasn't allowed in beyond that point. I was scared to be all alone especially seeing as they got me to arrive at 730am and I was in a surgical gown with no food n water since midnight night before and they took me in only at 1230. I was upset at the time, I cried when I walked into the theatre, the anaesthetist didn't know where to look, I was really crying. It all got a bit much for me being so hungry thirsty nervous and alone, BUT it's all over now and not a big deal when I look back.



I'm a natural worrier and stress head and blow everything out of proportion so always read my posts with that in mind you will be fine xxx

Ah. Feel better about the bleeding now. I was told no food or drink for 6hrs. so was plannin to get up at 4 n have cereal n water seen as I am not in till 12. Cant wait for this to be done with now!

 

[JJEE]

Hi ladies,

Alisa, you wouldn't have been jealous when I went in for my stitch, I was told to arrive at 8am, which I did, I eventually got taken for my stitch at 9.30pm...absolutely pounding headache due to dehydration, apparently there were a lot of emergency c sections that day! It seems that you are definitely in the right place now, a prof specialising in preventing per termers!

Hopeful, Bleeding is definitely normal after the stitch, I would say mine was slightly more than spotting too, and always alarming to see in pregnancy, but try not to worry! I also had to stay overnight, they like you to stay for 6hrs post op, but that would have meant discharging me in the middle of night, so I stayed! My other half could have been there, but he was looking after our other two!
I am no longer having my cervix measured, she stopped scanning at 26weeks, from having my stitch placed though I was being measured every 4wks, and each time the length has improved! I am so happy to be at 30wks!

DMJ good luck with the trial, will you find out after if you received the real progesterone, or placebo? I am on the fish oil study now..same idea, I don't know if I have fish oil or placebo, but apparently it helps brain/eye development in babies at risk of pre term!

xxx

 

[Alisa F]

JJEE - that sounds terrible. I was ready to walk out after 5 hrs of waiting I was so hungry n thirsty, have no idea how the hey you held out until late p.m. :'(

 

[DMJ]

Hi ladies,

Alisa, you wouldn't have been jealous when I went in for my stitch, I was told to arrive at 8am, which I did, I eventually got taken for my stitch at 9.30pm...absolutely pounding headache due to dehydration, apparently there were a lot of emergency c sections that day! It seems that you are definitely in the right place now, a prof specialising in preventing per termers!

Hopeful, Bleeding is definitely normal after the stitch, I would say mine was slightly more than spotting too, and always alarming to see in pregnancy, but try not to worry! I also had to stay overnight, they like you to stay for 6hrs post op, but that would have meant discharging me in the middle of night, so I stayed! My other half could have been there, but he was looking after our other two!
I am no longer having my cervix measured, she stopped scanning at 26weeks, from having my stitch placed though I was being measured every 4wks, and each time the length has improved! I am so happy to be at 30wks!

DMJ good luck with the trial, will you find out after if you received the real progesterone, or placebo? I am on the fish oil study now..same idea, I don't know if I have fish oil or placebo, but apparently it helps brain/eye development in babies at risk of pre term!

xxx

I can ask at the end of the trial if I want to which I more then likely will as I'm already trying to work out what ones I've got lol!

X

 

[millieboo1111]

Alisa I like you im a city fan

Hopeful 4#1 I am in Manchester where are you having the stitch done?

I had mine at wythenshawe hospital. I was 18 weeks with 2cm cervix and funneling. I am now 29 weeks

I went in 8am and went to theatre at 11.30 was out by 12.30 i think. I had a spinal so i was awake but they gave me some drugs which knocked me out because i was a little bit uncomfortable. My husband was aloud in through the procedure and held my hand the whole time. he looked so cute in scrubs

Everyone in the room made me feel so comfortable and made me laugh even though i was sweating with anxiety and fear. there really is nothing to worry about and they are stitching nice and early too which is a great start to this pregnancy.

Im so happy to see your little one so happy and healthy after his early appearance. I would advise to take lots of rest and no heavy lifting after the stitch. I wasnt warned what a big deal it was so a few days later i went for a 5 hour trafford centre trip!! not good!! I was back in hospital quickly i think because i didnt heal properly.

Your doing everything you can so you can bake baby for aslong as possible this time. so good luck and keep us updated.

oh bleeding, i didnt bleed alot at all they kept me in overnight but by the time i got home i had stopped spotting and havnt bled since. my cervix however has been closely monitored throughout and it has shortened and lengthened regularly i have had 2.3 then 0.6 then 2.6 so yes they will keep a close eye on your measurement.
I havnt had p suppositories but apps they are great but i can recommend the stitch at your stage. xxxx

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi Hopeful Just to add my ten cents worth, the bleeding after stitch is absolutely minimal and certainly not as heavy as a period. I too had pain and trouble with my bladder afterwards, but the Shirodkar stitch is quite invasive so causes local discomfort. Within a few weeks I was much better tho, and it was very manageable. In general you are given a spinal anaesthetic and the procedure takes 30/40mins from start to finish.

It is very reassuring to have a stitch in place, and you will be so glad of it once it's done sweet. Please try not to worry, I only wish women were offered the option routinely after a previous preterm birth or loss. They aren't foolproof, but near enough. Good luck tomorrow

PS - JJE, they kept me waiting all day for the stitch too due to emergencies, difference is I was sent away in the end (at 5pm) and ask to return again a week later! I was gutted. I was 12 + 4 at that stage and already feeling pressure down below, so was desperately worried about waiting another week with twins

Incidentally, If any of you ladies are made to wait like this, demand a drip for dehydration. Because you're not allowed to eat or drink before the op, and you're pregnant you're more at risk. They have to give you a drip, anything less is bad practice xx

 

[Alisa F]

Lizzie - I'm glad you mentioned bladder pain. This evening I'm on a lot of pain and discomfort. Feel like I need to break wind but can't. It's a pain across where the top of your bikini would be, like between belly button and pubic bone. Feels like someone's moving my guts around in there. I had this same pain after my laparoscopy and IVF egg retrieval when everyone else recovered immediately I was suffering for a couple weeks. Is this similar to the pain you had? I also have shirodkar modified high up xxx