Happy new year, everybody! Looking for some advice on tests I can get from the GP...

Firstly I'd like to wish everyone a really happy new year, and may it bring lots of good news to everyone. After suffering my 2nd m/c at the end of November last year it was a tough Christmas, but I kept busy and survived it (even though at times I felt like it might overwhelm me). I hope those of you who had bad news in the lead up to and over the festive season had lots of support and love around you and managed to enjoy some of it. Much easier said than done when Christmas is such a family and child-centric time of year, of course.

I've decided to take matters into my own hands this year. I've requested copies of all my medical notes from my GP. The minimal amount of investigation I have had done over the past few years has never really been explained to me and I've not been formally given results just told things 'look normal'. Including the fibroids which were identified many years ago and I've been told 'probably' aren't causing my problems conceiving and maintaining pregnancies. Well I've decided I'm going to look into it myself, do lots of research, and see my GP armed with the referrals and tests that I think could help.

So can anyone suggest any NHS-friendly tests that I might be able to make a start with? I just can't bear going in and being told again that I should just 'relax', 'stop thinking about it', 'be positive' and that my pregnancies just aren't viable. After over two year ttc and two miscarriages I need some guidance and to feel like care-givers are listening to me, not just trying to brush me off. My sanity depends on it!

[E_05]

Happy new year and so glad you survived Christmas! I felt like I was to just getting through the festive period. Good on your for taking things into your own hands, I think sometimes that’s the best thing to do. I can’t offer much advice but have you thought about a hysteroscopy? My consultant has referred me for one after my 2nd miscarriage just to make sure there’s nothing going in for my womb. Hope you get some answers xx

[Hidden in reply to E_05]

Thanks very much for the advice. I've decided if the doctor isn't going to look into my case, then I might as well!

I do hope you get some answers too, and a little more support from your in laws xxx

[E_05 in reply to Hidden]

Definitely I think sometimes we just become figures to some Doctors unfortunately.

Thank you, I’m slowing giving up on them ever understanding xx

[Hidden in reply to E_05]

That's so rubbish - how can family be so insensitive? You've always got support here, especially when those closest to you let you down xxx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Have you had your thyroid levels tested? And your iron levels?

[Hidden in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Iron has been done, I think. I'll check when I get hold of my medical notes, but no thyroid checks. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Hidden]

rcog.org.uk/globalassets/do...

This is info on the tests they do after you’ve had three miscarriages x

[Caroliono4]

Hi PenRight.

I'm really sorry to hear of your miscarriages.

You didn't mention how old you are however I was able to get a referral to the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic after 2 miscarriages due to my age. This led to a lot of blood tests (just had a look and it was: FBC, thyroid (TSH and Free T4), Vit D, Coeliac, Lupus, Prothrombin Mutation, Factor 5 Leiden (Both blood clotting factors), Cardiolipin, FSH, LH, Oestradiol) and an ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries. If you dont have an RMC I'd request these from your GP.

After my 3rd mc I was allowed to get karyotyping of the embryo which identified a chromosomal abnormality with the pregnancy. I had asked whether there could be a sperm issue but was told ' if you're getting pregnant it won't be the sperm'. However after my 4th mc last September(and paying privately for NK cell tests at Coventry which were normal) we went to a private clinic where we were told my husband has high DNA fragmentation which could contribute to the miscarriages (along with my ancient eggs). But finally I feel we have had everything fully investigated.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Caroliono4]

Caroliono4 has your husband had karotyping? If your embryo had a chromosome problem and your husband has high fragmentation of his sperm, it would seem possible to me (with no medical training mind you) that he could have a chromosome translocation perhaps?

[Caroliono4 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Hi Lizzie, yes we've both had the karyotyping for the Robertsonion translocation but are okay. It's just down to our age unfortunately.

[Hidden in reply to Caroliono4]

Hi - it sounds like you've been through so much, I'm so sorry you've been through four miscarriages. It's such a traumatic thing to experience, so to go through it four times must be excruciating.

It's so frustrating that they try and skip certain investigations - why can't they just be thorough? Surely it's better to have all the information sooner rather than later. Why cut corners? It doesn't save money in the long run, it just pushes the same problem further down the line. At least you feel like you've got to the bottom of it now and I do hope that leads to some happy news for you in the near future.

I'm 37 so in baby-making terms considered ancient! Thanks for all the advice on tests. I'll look into the RMC in my local area, but I have a feeling it's min 3 m/c regardless of age, but definitely worth checking. If not, I'll definitely add the above tests to my list of demands for the GP! Thanks again and best of luck to you xxx

[Caroliono4 in reply to Hidden]

Ah thanks for your reply. I'm now 43 so even more ancient! Yes it does annoy me that we could have saved at least a year by getting the sperm test earlier. I'm sure my eggs are still a big part of the problem too though.

I'd definitely press the Dr or RMC to get some tests started. Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Caroliono4]

A good friend of mine had her first beautiful little one at 46. That was after many years of IVF and two m/cs. Every case is different, but it goes to show age isn't always a deal breaker. Thanks so much again for the very useful advice, and very best of luck to you for the next steps xxx

[sanchia46]

Try taking progesterone when you are next pregnant

[Hidden in reply to sanchia46]

Thanks for the advice - I will try that