Incompetent Cervix - stitch/cerclage - threatened labour

[kateqpr]

Hello Bump1 and welcome back.

Gosh, you poor thing. What a journey you've had and i'm so sorry you've been through such pain. Its no wonder you feel scared and anxious - it would be weird if you didn't. But it sounds like so far so good with this pregnancy. You have your stitch in, nice and early, which great news, even it it turns out to be purely precautionary. And 25 weeks will always feel like a massive milestone to you, as is the case with any loss. But i'm so sure you will make it way beyond that, and all probably to term. A stitch has a great success rate, and it sounds like you're being well looked after. Are you on any sort of bed rest, or are you okay to move around?

Either way, try try try and relax. I know that every one of us ladies who have IC, or have had a loss, find the middle weeks of pregnancy massively scary and full of very real anxieties. I was terrified from 18 weeks onwards, had bleeds on and off from 7 weeks, and was admitted to hospital at 24 weeks with more bleeding and pains. But here i am, at week 29, and once again things have settled down and i'm still going strong. So expect to be worried, but allow yourself to try and imagine things actually going well once in a while, because that is the probable outcome. And being worried constantly is so draining and exhausting - i know i spent weeks feeling down and crying as i was so frightened by my situation.

Try and relax, keep yourself mentally busy if possible, and always call your doctors if you're worried - i was constantly badgering my hospital because of pains etc, and it always made me feel better to have someone official tell me all was okay, rather than stewing at home, worrying myself into a frenzy!

Here's to a long and boring pregnancy...

X

 

[kateqpr]

Jimmyjam

Wow - what a lot of information you've had to take in. And yes, bugger indeed! But it sounds like with close monitoring, there are good ways to manage the polyhydramnios, so its just a matter so taking it easy and knowing they will keep it under control.

Try not to worry too much - fruitless words i know, given that i KNOW you will worry, and feel massively anxious for the next 8 weeks or so. How many weeks are you now? Coming up to 21 i think? So only 3 more weeks and they can give you steroids ( i had these at 24 weeks when they thought i was going in to preterm labour) and then you can start to count down the days to 28 weeks, and each day feels like such an achievement!

But i bet you'll still be on this forum in 3 months time, moaning about your fat ankles / lack of sleep / labour worries, and will be more pregnant than you thought possible.

My hospital is West Middlesex in Isleworth - they work with Queen Charlottes, and my consultant is split between the two.

Soooo, it seems we're living parallel lives. I worked at the BBC for 5 years, then went to different indies. And i'm actually from Chiswick - grew up there and all my family still live there, so i'm there most weeks (well, when not stuck at home like a whale on my sofa). In fact my family have a bookshop on the High Road and have done since i was a kid. Small world!!!

And yes, the QPR on my name is a sign of my footballing allegiance. I used to be a season ticket holder, but since having Poppy i rarely get to go, which is bad time as it's the first time they've ever actually been any good, and i've missed all of it!!!

Anyhoo - chin up and try and think of the positives.... And feel free to moan often on this thread - we've all been there, and you must have a lot whirring around your head at the mo'.

Kate x

 

[JimmyJam]

Hi Bump1,

I'm so very, very sorry to hear about your multiple losses & you have every right to feel anxious. I know from my own long, complicated journey trying to have a baby just how painful it can be. But as Kate says, you've had the stitch put in which is a good preventative measure, and it sounds like you're in good hands. And right now you ARE pregnant.

I too don't know how I'm going to get through the next few weeks but I will - I have no choice. Just do what you need to domto get you through.

I think this is a brilliant thread, the ladies on it are so articulate & willing to share their knowledge, it is at least a small comfort.

Hang in there.

Best, JimmyJam

 

[JimmyJam]

Hi Kate,

How funny I guessed as much. I know the bookshop on Chiswick High Road, have been in there! It's a good spot.

And your club has taken Bobby Zamora! I'm a Fulham supporter & not only do you have our fab ex-manager but now you've got our best striker too!

Most of my male friends support QPR so at least they'll be pleased.

You are 29 weeks, I can't believe it so jealous. Feel like I can only dream of being that far along. We were planning a special birthday holiday for my 40th in three weeks & a massive party to celebrate but thart's all out the window now. I don't feel very fabulous & I'm pasty & stressed looking anyway, it's not the smug, glowing pregnant look I was anticipating for welcoming old friends I hadn't seen in years ...

I'm sitting outside in the garden, togged up & trying to absorb some Vitamin D but I might go in now because it's bloody cold! At least it means we don't feel guilty hibernating ...

Have a good evening.

JimmyJam x

 

[book.fish2011]

Hi Bookfish,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I can't imagine what that must have been like. At least you're having extra care this time round. How far gone are you?

I hope you're feeling ok. I only had my cerclage 2 weeks ago but I'm already feeling a bit more confident. The advice from the ladies on this thread is spot-on, they've all been there - look at LaRockera, I understand she's now 34 weeks & is an expert now - that makes me feel really hopeful.

The op is a bit scary but not painful as the epidural is so effective. I closed my eyes & tried to imagine I was on a beach - the smells, the feel of the sand under my feet, the sound of the sea etc - just to take me away from the theatre. Afterwards I had some bleeding but not heaps and the day after it turned brown and within a few days it had gone. I did have contractions the morning after surgery, I'd never had them before and wasn't sure at first but I know now that's what they were. I was rushed back in by ambulance & kept in overnight although they had subsided after a couple of hours. I believe surgery can sometimes 'irritate' the uterus & cause them - I had a shirodkar stitch placed quite high up into my uterus because my cervix was shorter than they thought it would be & they had to shift my bladder out of the way which might be why my uterus got 'annoyed'.

(I find all these terms quite amusing in a black humour sort of way: 'incompetent cervix' and 'irritable uterus' - it's like our body parts are personified)!

Everyone's right when they say drink lots of water - I might have been a bit dehydrated after surgery, who knows. And it took me about 5 days before I really .felt strong again and often now I can still feel the stitch - like I've got a tampon in the wrong way.

I'm not on bed rest but have been advised to restrict activity - no lifting, no exercise, no sex or orgasm - & have just decided to take it easy. I make meals (try to chop veg sitting down), I shower daily & have been out for coffee/dinner once or twice. My cervix appeared to regenerate after the stitch & rest & lengthened back to its original length although it's a millimetre or two off that this week. But holding up for now.

The stitch is a good thing, Bookfish - it certainly makes me feel better - particularly in the light of my most recent diagnosis, which means it'll be under more strain.

Best of luck with the op & fire off any questions. I'm a newbie but will answ them if I can.

Think I've monopolised the thread enough now, I'm so verbose! All this sitting around at home is giving me verbal diarrhoea!

Take care.

Jimmyjam x

I really appreciate you took time to explain all the things. Thanks!

 

[book.fish2011]

Hello Ladies

Haven't been around for a while as i'm anxious about things i spend all my days worrying.

For those who don't know my story, Our little boy Joseph was born on March 12th 2010 at 25+5 wks, he was our first baby and as soon as i saw him i knew he was my life, after spending 26days in NICU fighting infection, lung collapse, 4.5hrs bowel op, pulmonary bleeds he closed his eyes and fell asleep breaking mine and his daddies hearts It had took us 3 years to fall pregnant and thought it wuld never happen.

9 months later we found we were expecting again, only to find out at 11wks i had suffered a missed miscarriage, i had to go into hospital to have a medically managed miscarriage 10 days before our wedding and Josephs 1st birthday. 3 months later we find were expecting again (found outon my 40th birthday) and it was due on Josephs 2nd birthday, we then lost this one at 9wks in Aug 11.

And then 8wks later i'm pregnant again and terrified, i am now 18+3, i had a stitch put in at 14wks as a preventative one as there not sure if i have IC, since having the stitch put in i've been admitted to hospital for a few days with abdominal pains, which they put down to IBS, for the past 2 wks the pains are on and off constantly and my anxiety levels are through the roof, i can't believe i will even make it to 25wks never mind 36!.

Hello to JimmyJam & Bookfish x
Susannah your babies are beautiful and i'm sorry for you loss xx
Lizzie how are you?
Larockera Happy belated wishes for yesterday xxx
Sorry if i've missed anyone xxxxx

Sarah, it's impossibly heartbreaking to hear about your losses..! How unfair! I have been in your shoes once and I completely completely understand your pain momma.

I just wish you carry your baby this time as long as you can, and deliver a beautiful, healthy baby. You deserve this truly.

 

[jenmcn1]

Hey Jen - welcome to the thread! I would definitely go for the internal ultrasound, if only for your own peace of mind. 19 weeks is really the time to get the cervical check done, if anything is kicking off, this is the window to catch it.

It sounds like you had a very traumatic first delivery, and are most likely feeling the pressure of a slight prolapse due to the trauma. This is generally not dangerous for you or your baby, but it is something that can be helped during the pregnancy. Technically tho, whatever can cause enough damage to create a prolapse, may also be damaging to the cervix along the way, although this is not a given. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a prolapse and ic mimic each other during pregnancy. Are you getting any heavy discharge at all? This is often also a symptom of ic too.

So, my advice is to get your cervix checked with an internal ultrasound, the sooner the better. It can be monitored if necessary and you know that you've covered all bases.

I've had 2 traumatic deliveries, the first was a ventouse and caused a cervical tear which weakened my cervix. From about 9 weeks pregnant with my second, I felt as though my baby was going to fall out, and I struggled to walk as I felt bowel heavy. I also had a heavy, thick, creamy discharge, especialy when i had a bowel movement (sorry tmi!) I went to the doctor/midwife several times, and had an abdominal scan and a speculum check of my cervix. At all these appointments my medics said all was fine. No-one mentioned a prolapse to me, had they done so I would have been satisfied (!) with the diagnosis and unwittingly gone on to deliver far too early. However, I booked a private tvu, and my ic was noticed there and resulted in a stitch at 20 weeks and bedrest. This was very nearly too late as the consultant could see the membranes when she placed the stitch. Had I not trusted my gut instinct, I shudder to think what may have been.

My second delivery at term (phew!) was very much like yours, forceps, episiotomy and shoulder dystocia. My pelvic floor is now knackered and I'm seeing a consultant about getting it all stitched back up again!

So, to answer your question....yes, technically, a traumatic delivery is enough to cause damage resulting in ic, so get it checked, but it may also be harmless and you will feel better knowing you're being taken care of. Hope that helps and hasn't terrified you. Please let us know how you get on xxx

La rock- ohhhh the outlaws! I love love love mine to bits, but arrrgggh! The kitchen fan thing made me laugh! We used to put that on to calm Oliver, that or the hairdryer as white noise is priceless with a screaming,teething baby! Stay calm, walk away when you need to, my oh and I have a code signal for when they're all getting too much and he is very supportive and understands how overbearing they can be. But don't be afraid to take their help too, babies need to know their families and another pair of arms can be a sanity saver. Good luck in Greece, Xanthe, stay put a little while longer sweetie xx. Bella went in and out from being engaged from about 28 weeks. She decided full well when she was baked and that was it, she was OUT!

Garrick- my heart goes put to you, this is the most testing, emotional time, replaying all those emotions, not quite understanding how you've made it, but you did, and knowing that it was a fine line between making it and not. The thoughts troubled me for a while, to the point I obsessed about Bella, I wouldn't sleep in case anything happened, I just sat and watched over her. If I did fall asleep, I wake up with a start and nearly make myself sick with worry. I bought a nappy clip breathing monitor, it made a clicking sound when she breathes, and sounded an alarm if she did kick it off (or stopped breathing). That really helped me, as I knew if it was clicking she was fine. All will be fine, my sweetie, just jeep doing what your doing and be kind to yourself.

Apara- huge congrats hunny! Well done and thanks to your hubby for keeping us crazy ladies posted x

How are you all? Christiana, MA. Enjoy your break Lizzie, you deserve it xx

Thank you SO much to ALL of you ladies out there who responded!
I called to make an appt with my doctor and she was not in, so they put me with another doctor in the same office. She did an internal check on me, and said my cervix is closed and firm, and long. (Not sure HOW they can tell just from feeling around down there)....but she DID say to me that I have a mild prolapse of the uterus. Probably caused my last delivery.
I have an ultrasound coming up on Feb 13th, and she said since everything looks great - that she is fine with me waiting for my ultrasound which is in less than 2 weeks now.
So I think this is ok??? I still feel pressure but it's not severe really. Any thoughts ladies? Should I be satisfied with this "diagnosis"?
Thanks

 

[HelenGee]

Just a very quick one as in the throes of post-school madness with Oliver! Jimmy jam from what I know about cyclogest, it's fine to use them as a suppository rectally. Nice eh?! Will get on here later again xxx

 

[chistiana]

Hey bump. I am so sorry you are still experiencing the pain and discomfort of the ibs but i just hope and wish that it is just that and nothing else to worry about. Although we ve spokn before i dont think i actually knew your story and you had me in tear.it id trully unfair for anyone to go through such horrible times let alone 3 times. Anyway i really hope time passes quickly and you have no more threats.x

Jimmy- i m glad you actually got proper answers and explanations about your water. I have no clue about this condition but like some many have said and especially with the issue of extra pressure on your cervix i d say stay in bed as much as possible or at least when in bed you could possibly have it a little tilted so at least those hours there is no pressure on your cervix at all. I hope everything works out greatly and at least you can take comfort in that they ll be monitoring you once a week which is excellent!xx

Quick question to everyone: i get this weird sensation down there that seems like i might be having an infection or something (kind of like pinching but not exactly) but have no discharge or ichiness or anything. I am going to do a urine sample test tomorrow but till then does anyone havr any clue whether this is normal or not?thanks ladies!

 

[LaRockera]

Hello to all you lovely ladies. I'm 31 today. Gosh, time does fly! Thank you for your lovely wishes, in my turn, I wholeheartedly wish the very, very best to all of you.

Susie - congrats sweetie, she's beautiful. Now you can live life once again, and she and Charlie make a beautiful pair of sisters.

Jimmy - boooooo! What can I say, it sucks and it sucks big time BUT a) you've got a stitch in, which is a MAJOR relief, and trust me when I say, it DOES work. Without the stitch your polyhydramnios may have posed a much, much more serious threat but the stitch cannot just break. It's also good that they're monitoring you closely, this is what science is for. I'm very optimistic for you, please keep fighting! And please keep us updating about bubba! Can you remind me how far along you are?

Jen - I think the diagnosis is very positive hon, I think you can take a breath and relax, although it's good that they're doing another exam soon.Are they doing a TVU too? I'd push for one, as it's the most accurate way of checking the cervix.

Bump1 - anything I say is just way too little, but you do have the stitch in this time, and I think it'll be okay. I think you will go on and have your baby hon. I know it can be super-scary, but I think you're doing great. Have they put you on meds for the contractions? How was your cervix, length-wise?

Christiana - don't be surprised if this turns out to be nothing. I've had these weird pinching sensations many a time during my pregnancy. But yeah, do get checked just in case.

Bookfish- anytime. We're here for you, hon.

Kate, Helen, Lizzie and everyone else - HELLO!!!

Flying to Greece tomorrow. Let's just hope it'll be a safe journey/

 

[chistiana]

Larockera..thanks for your answer hun, will do tomorrow first thing just to be on the safe side!Have a safe and easy flight back home....ooooowwww i feel like an old friend is flying home and i ve only known you/spoken to you for so little!enjoy the family!

 

[chistiana]

Larockera..thanks for your answer hun, will do tomorrow first thing just to be on the safe side!Have a safe and easy flight back home....ooooowwww i feel like an old friend is flying home and i ve only known you/spoken to you for so little!enjoy the family!

 

[HelenGee]

Hi La Rock - you must be really excited about flying home, please make sure you keep us updated tho...bet you never imagined that you would be here at 34 weeks, giving so much support to others and ready to pop! Take care and have a calm journey

JimmyJam- yes, I quite agree with bugger too. There's no other way to describe a further complication like excess fluid (which I've written instead of polyanhydr..... as I can't remember how to spell it!). BUT keep on hoping and keep on taking it steady. Try to have some faith that your doctors are monitoring you closely and will do all they can to ensure the safe arrival of your baby. To be honest, I was given this advice so many times and I never took it. By the time Bella arrived I was overjoyed, but psychologically worn out by worrying over the slightest things. I was admitted to hospital a week after my stitch with a suspected stroke or heart attack, it turned out to be a nasty panic attack that caused a palsy in my face. My body could not take the sheer weight of the stress I was placing on it. For your own sake, steer clear of that bloody Dr.Google!

I would put money on the fact that you will still be on this thread in a few months time, stressing over which pram to buy and feeling too uncomfortable to sleep. It's so lovely that Kate is so close to you too, it's nice to feel that someone else nearby understands exactly how you feel. This thread was a lifesaver for me, it gave me a way to cope with the boredom that bedrest created for me (there's only so many times you can watch box sets in a day!) Take care and keep on posting x

Kate my sweetie! Your life sounds so exciting in the "big smoke." Birmingham doesn't have quite the same appeal does it? Lol. I'm so pleased for your new sense of calm, it brings a lot of pleasure to me, knowing that you're enjoying your pregnancy now.

Bump - what a terrifying experience you have been through. I am so sorry for your losses just to echo what has been said, the stitch is your best chance to get you to term, have some confidence in it (difficult I know) x keep on with the questions too, whatever we can do to help, we will. This thread has some amazing ladies on it

Jen- if they did a speculum they would have seen that your cervix was closed and could probably guess that the length is good. I would still ask for a trans vaginal ultrasound though. It's important because the internal scan can give a fairly accurate measurement of cervical length, but also because they can mimic the kind of pressure that activities like walking up the stairs may place on your cervix, and see if there is any sign of funnelling - the cervix starting to open under pressure. Honestly, I don't want to scare you, and I fully believe that a prolapse is what you're experiencing, but I don't think I could wait 2 weeks for a tvu in your position. I'm sure there's no cause for concern, but a tvu sooner would be in the nick of time, if there was a problem, and will set your mind at rest if there isn't. Please forgive me, I'm tired and not especially eloquent tonight, I just know how reluctant some doctors are to perform a tvu, I had to beg my first doctor, even after another doctor had recommended it. Please don't be afraid to be pushy, it will give you peace of mind sooner and allow you to relax.

 

[JimmyJam]

Evening Ladies.

Christiana - thanks for your kind words, I will rest up. I hope you're doing ok.

LaRockera - you're flying to Greece tmrw, how exciting - & you're at the magic 34 weeks. I am only 20+4 today, but feeling encouraged by all the positive comments on this thread. Are you visiting family? Coming back to give birth? Happy birthday, hon, I hope you have a great time. Take great care, keep us posted & have a very, very safe flight - you should just escape the snow ... Thanks also for your support & advice, it's valuable .. X

HelenGee - wow, that must've been so scary being rushed into hospital with a suspected heart attack/stroke - as if these high risk conditions aren't frightening enough. You are so right, though, about taking the medics' advice on board, it's just so hard to trust everything they tell you (esp for a control freak like me) & the hospitals are so busy it's hard not to just feel like a number ..:

I love the idea that a couple of months down the line I could be posting about how uncomfortable I am & shopping for buggies - & asking advice - it all seems like a distant far-off fairytale that belongs to someone else. But I'm going to hang on to that thought & maybe my story won't end with the wicked witch winning after all!

I am loving this thread. After five years of stalking the forums through all sorts of hideous treatments & conditions it feels great to actually be involved - and supported. Hope I can give some of that support back in turn.

Am feeling baby's movements more now - is something I tought I'd never experience. I so want this little person to make it ... Something that seems so simple & easy for most.

Must sleep, glucose test for gestational diabetes tmrw - yay! Aother day spent at the hospital ...

Night all. Sweet dreams.

JimmyJam x

 

[vaali]

Please pardon me for such a delayed update sweet hearts, we had been been having really really busy days since last saturday.
Our baby boy arrived on 28th jan @ 5.02pm IST weighing 3.37kgs!! yayyyyyyyyy (still feels like a dream to me..)!! it was an emergency c- sec due to grade 2 meconium stained liquor though i presented to hospital in labour. We got discharged from hospital only last night which was day5 coz of lil complications which my bubba had & was in NICU till 30th night.
He is keeping tight now & such a perfect, precious booby boy gosh! i cant feel anymore lucky!! im still recovering from mental trauma (2 days & 2 nights of separation from him got me depressed to core) & physical trauma (pain from the lscs wound, edematous body, engorged breast & what not?) but over all a happiest new mommy who cant keep her mind, eyes, heart & boobies off her lil monkey boy..
Rest will update soon in my next free time.. take care sweeties.. you all have been such angels & i cant be thankful enough to each & every one of you in this thread!!!
I see there are lots of new ladies in past week but dont really have time to go through their posts.. i will definitely do it sooner..

 

[chistiana]

Jimmy jam- i feel the exact same way hun...dh keeps talking about getting a second crib for our girl, what shall we nic name her and the rest but i just keep thinking.."is this really going to happen this time?" ,...you know what?...i say sod the wicked witch... IT S GONNA HAPEN for all of us here, just keep the positive thoughts coming!

Vaali- YAAAAYYYYAAAYYYY congratulations on the safe arrival of your son!!!!! Sorry you had to go without him for two days but he s all yours now...enjoy hun this is as good as it gets!!(along with all the other fantastic moments you ll get to spend with him in his life!!) i know it s crazy right now for you but we d love some pics of your baba!!!xxx

Afm- did a blood and urine test today, all came back normal ( well according to the papers) but i ll e mail them to my doc to see this afternoon. Phew... Infection scares the s...t out of me!!!!

 

[calypso]

I can't comment on a stitch as I didn't get one, but I have IC and was on bedrest for 12 weeks and still delivered preterm.

That said, I can sympathize with the emotional turnoil all of this brings. It is scary and it hurts to even think if getting through another day, much less months still pregnant. I can tell you that no matter how grim things feel or look, there is always hope! I feel like I prayed and held my breath for months because of IC. Now here I am laying in bed watching my perfect baby sleep. It was worth every second I laid in bed. Hang in there ladies!

 

[hnaturally]

Hi everyone, I was hoping to find some information here. I haven't read through the thread yet, but I'm working on it! Basically, here is my info: I had my cervix check this morning - I've been going every two weeks for a trans-vaginal ultrasound. I'm 22 weeks and they said they plan on checking until 24 weeks.

They said I was having a braxton-hicks contraction at the time and my cervix kinda looked like a V at the top by the baby's head. The length was 3.5cm and they said that was fine, but it was 4cm or a little more two weeks ago. The doctor hadn't gotten in yet, but they said they'd call if he wanted me to be checked again next week. I don't know when to worry.

Will that top part close again after the contraction or does it stay open? Should I expect my cervix to shorten more and, if so, how fast does that happen? I feel like they don't give me any answers, it's like they want to keep pregnant women in the dark!! Thank you for any info, I'm just really scared after my previous losses.

 

[calypso]

Hnaturally, lemme get on comp to answer...

 

[calypso]

Hnaturally, do you have a cerclage in place? The V during the contraction is funneling. It can either funnel open during contractions and close back up or remain funneled down. I don't think that the funneled part is adding any stability to your cervix, so the closed length from that is important. It's a good sign that your CL is still at a good number as well as there is no dilation. The funneling may or may not mean anything in terms of labor etc and how fast or slow you progress is also unknown. I am glad that they are keeping a close eye on you. Your cervix naturally shortens as you get closer to term. As for your doctors, they also don't know what will happen. They can make educated guesses or give you possibilities of what could happen, but most doctors try to not scare you with the possibilities. If you need more information, ask for it. Ask for their opinions, their previous experiences, etc.

I hope the other ladies can add more info for you. I am sorry for your previous losses. Good luck!