private testing to find cause of miscarriage

[Mair]

Hi Ladies, I'm sad to say that I'm back again. I've just had my second miscarriage and to be honest I can't quite believe it. Whilst I was apprehensive during this pregnancy it was so different to my first which ended in miscarriage that I really thought it would be OK. Anyway, onto my question, I was 39 this week so obviously time isn't on my side and whilst I'm eager to start again I am absolutely terrified of MCing again (emotionally and physically). I know the NHS wont test until you've had 3 mc's but I'm really not sure I want to chance having another one. What I would really like to do is have some private testing done, so at least I could find out one way or another whether I have just been unlucky (I'm sure my age plays a huge part in this) or there is some reason as to why this is happening. Has anyone here had private testing done? If so, could you give me a rough idea of the cost and also anywhere you could recommend I try in the Suffolk/Essex/London area?

Many thanks and lots of love to all of you going through this terrible time.

 

[Aussie Jen]

Hi, Mair.

So sorry to hear about your loss.

I don't know much about the private testing, but thought I might suggest you look into preconception counselling. I found one in Surrey, England. They work with couples that have experienced the devastation of miscarriage to help you achieve a healthy, well pregnancy next time.

If you are interested, the link is here:

https://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk/

HTH

 

[becky77]

hi so sorry for your loss, i recently had my 2nd m/c and was looking into the same thing, i looked at the miscarriage clinic, which is harley street.
But also have you spoken to your dr because some areas will test after the 2nd m/c if your over 35yrs.
again so sorry for your loss,good luck getting some answers.
x

 

[Omi]

Hiya, and sorry about your loss. Just wanted to say you need to speak to your doctor/ the hospital as i had 2 mc last year and i just turned 39 (yesterday!!). I was offered testing and have since found out the reason for my mc's was an underactive thyroid (?!) Anyway, because of my age i was not expected to wait for another mc. Could be the same for you?

If you have any questions about tests and what they look for etc please feel free to ask.

I very much hope you get some answers hun...just keep in mind that the statistics say you only have a 50% chance of finding something and you are still more likely to go on , statistically, to have a healthy pregnancy next time.

I wish you all the best, hun!

, Omi

 

[Mair]

Thanks ladies for all your replies. Omi, we have lots in common - it will be third time lucky for me too! I am definitely going to see my doctor to see if some tests can be done now, it really would be great if that could happen without waiting for a 3rd mc. Omi, out of interest, what tests did they do? Did it take long for you to find out your results? If you'd rather speak privately let me know and I will message you. Many thanks again. I'm trying to keep positive and your replies have made me feel better. X

 

[Omi]

Aw, hun...i have no problems telling the world as i believe in sharing the wealth

Anywhoo..

When you go in for testing you need to bring your OH. First you will be asked about your medical history going back to grandparents on both sides. Then blood will be drawn from you both. OH's (together with yours of course ) will be used in karyo typing/ genetic testing. Your chromosomes will be counted and checked for abnormalities.

Then your blood will be put into several colour coded vials. Your liver, kidney and thryroid function will be checked as well as your folic acid and b12 levels. You blood will also be checked for antibodies (ruling out any infections you might not even know about, you will most likely be tested for this twice if your levels are elevated) This indicates a blood clotting problem where your body produces tiny clots that are no harm to you as they're too small but clog up the tiny vessels going into baby/placenta. Usually called 'sticky blood' or Hughes syndrome. It is an auto immune disease.

Overall, they are looking for auto immune problems (diabetes, ms, crohn's disease etc etc) or problems such as high blood pressure, strokes etc.

Ive been pretty lucky with the waiting times although its still a longer wait than i'd like..but then i find no ttc very difficult (im not allowed right now as baby will not live without me on medication) and i have NO patience, lol!

I was referred at the hospital when i had my d&c 16th dec. I got an apmt for 16th Jan. Got results back 20th Feb. Now i have another apmt 20th March to figure out the wonky thryoid. I suspect i'll get another apmt 4 weeks after that for results and a prescription for thyroid medication. Then i have to go back to check my levels and that the medication is working and then i hope i can go on my merry way to ttc, bump and beyond ( i will say though i was told i could expect to be on the meds only a month before i could go back to ttc..here's me hoping, lol..so it looks like May/June for me)

A friend of mine had 2 mc's last year too, both on ivf. Last mc also in Dec but her apmt isnt til the end of this month. So i guess its a bit different for everyone.

This is crap to go through but neither unheard of or unfixable. (Lisa Marie Presley finally had her twins after mc's and testing found she had the blood clotting problem) Even in the worst case scenario (chromosome fault) there is treatment (ivf and genetic testing of embryos).

You should get seen and get some insight into what happened, hun. I also recommend a book (that was kindly was recommended to me by Rumpskin ) which is called 'Is my body baby friendly' by Dr Beer. It explains the medical reasons and treatments for mc's. It may seem medical in parts but i think its good to know when going in for this testing as it wont all be going over your head- easily done i think, lol!

Im so sorry but please dont lose hope. My specialty nurse told me 'i was going to be fine, its treatable- i just wont be having 10 kids' I can live with that!

Take good care hun and please feel free to ask, talk to, pm me anytime!

, Omi xxx

ps! Found this clinic https://www.miscarriageclinic.co.uk/causes.html it explains it all and also has prices and the various clinics in and around London they attend. Hope it helps!

 

[Mair]

Hi Omi (or should I say Doctor Omi). Thanks very much for your very detailed reply. I'm off on holiday on Wednesday but I'm going to see if I can see my doctor before that. I was going to wait until I get back, but like you I am VERY impatient and anything to get the ball rolling faster.... The tests don't sound too bad, I think the hardest thing will be for my husband, I'll be amazed if he knows any of his family's medical background! It's great that you have found the cause for your problems and it is something they can treat, I can understand you being impatient to get going, but I suppose good things come to those who wait.
Many thanks again, you've been such a help. x

 

[Omi]

Dr Omi, lol!! I wish.. Dont worry if yur husband doesnt know much or any history. Due to train probs my DF missed the apmt all together and i had to fill in blanks as well as i could. Luckily it was ok. The main focus will be on you anyway

Have a lovely holiday and fingers crossed you get this sorted sharpish!!!

All the best, Omi xxx

 

[lauraperrysan]

Hi i have just read this post and i too have now suffered 3 miscarriages and i am only 21 so it can happen to any age, hopefully thats a little comfort. I too am awaiting an appointment for testing to try to find out why it keeps happening. There is however a lady in London called Lesley Regan and she has a very hight success rate of over 80% of couples getting a 'take home baby'. She is based at st mary's and she comes highly reccommended. Hope that helps and good luck to us all xx