"IT'S NOT THE LENGTH OF THE GESTATION, IT'S THE EXTENT OF THE ATTACHMENT."


Thursday, December 6, 2007

No Answers, But Good News

I'm not sure why I do it, but I get so excited about my doctor appointments, then I leave you all anxiously awaiting the results (ALL 2 of you that give a flip). So here are the results of my HSG followup that I had on Monday.

Everything looked great according to the HSG. Nothing abnormal or remarkable to note. Just as I figured. Meg suggested I ask her about any tests that were done on my placenta. She said there was mild inflammation which was normal considering my circumstance, but that there was no sign of infection or clotting. I asked her about genetics testing and she didn't think it was necessary. She said because both pregnancies were lost in the second trimester and because the babies didn't have any abnormalities, that the genetics testing wasn't needed (in her opinion). She doesn't think that has anything to do with our losses. I agree with her, but I just want to find an answer. An answer that may not exist.

She said she spoke to Dr. B, the peri and he thinks he can place the cerclage when we get pregnant, vaginally. He told Dr. I that he would still do the abdominal cerclage, but didn't think major surgery was necessary. He said the surgery would be a little more invasive (than the previous cerclage I had placed in January), because he would have to push back the vagina away from the cervix (similar to a vaginal hysterectomy- God, I hope they don't confuse the two) in order to place the stitch. I am going to request a mega stitch or two! I am so relieved. I thought Mr. H would be more excited about it, because he's been so worried about me having to be cut open. He does not like hospitals or doctors and doesn't think anyone should have surgery unless they're dying, me included. He didn't seem too thrilled, though. I thought it was good news. I would still have to give birth via c-section, because the cerclage would be permanent, but that beats having to have abdominal surgery twice in a matter of months. That sounds exhausting just typing it. The cerclage would be placed at 12-13 weeks gestation and I wouldn't have to be on bedrest. I don't know if I believe that last part. But either way, my optimism is restored. He did say that 75% of his patients who had this procedure done carried their babies to near term (34 wks) or longer. She told me the % of those that carried to viability (24 wks), but I forgot the number. Dr. I was pleased with his stats.

I did ask her "If you were me, would you try again?" per ms. g's suggestion. She said she really couldn't answer that question because she has never been in my situation (I don't think she has children), but that if it were her, she would exhaust all avenues, before she gave up. She said she would keep going until someone told her she couldn't do it anymore. So that's what I'm going to do too.

She wants me to schedule another appointment with Dr. B to answer any questions that may have come up since the last time I saw him (end of March) and to attend the appt. I already have scheduled with the fertility specialist in January. Until then, I guess that's it for the doctor appts. At least they ended on a better note. We'll see what 2008 holds for us. IT HAS TO BE BETTER than the past two years (emotionally), right?

12 comments:

meg said...

Monica, that is all good news. I'm glad to hear about the placenta stuff. I don't know too much about it myself, but as I had the tests done, I thought I would mention it. And I know nothing about genetics, but I agree. My babies were healthy too--it was just my stupid body.

I had no idea that they could do the abdominal cerclage without major surgery? That is so much better.

I think you have good reason to feel optimistic about all this. I think it's so good that you know that the cervix is the problem. I never knew for sure. This way, you don't have to worry about other possible problems and can just concentrate on dealing with this. And I think this abdominal stitch sounds very promising. I like those stats, for starters. And no bedrest would be heavenly.

Anonymous said...

yes it has to be better. How about instead of a resolution we go with a statement?! Something's gotta give in 2008 and I hope you get what you have been waiting and praying for I even hope you have good news before I do just cause it would be an even more tremendous and wonderful thing and give so many more hope. here's to making a wish when the ball drops instead of lame resolutions.

The Nanny said...

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better about all this...and that there is hope!

Kristi said...

I was just about to call or email you to ask about your appt. When you don't post right away, I worry that it's bad news. Then I wonder should I call & ask or jusr email so you can answer when you're ready. But this sounds very positive! Yes, 2008 has to be better!

Erica said...

Wow I think it sounds like a great plan..No bedrest that would be great.Bring on 2008.

ms. G said...

Monica, I think this was very good news, it seems like you got a lot of information. I wish I had asked more about the placenta and cord in my case, but at that time, I didn't know about any of this stuff. Those stats do sound good, and no mandatory bedrest would be great.

Melissa said...

Sounds like great news! Dr. B. did a modified McDonald/Shirodkar on me. He says no bedrest either but I am skeptical too!

Sounds like things are moving in the right direction for you! ;)

Kristi said...

Yes, I get nervous when you don't post about your dr. appt.

It sounds like your dr. gave you very good news. Here's to a better 2008!!

Lori said...

I think you should go for it! You deserve another chance of having a family. I know that people don't "believe" in doctors, but some of them actually do know what they are doing. Especially if they have the statistics to back them up. What's that saying....3rd times the charm? Well, I believe it could be in your case. I'm going to stay positive for you and pray that Sam is willing to participate!

Monica H said...

For some reason none of the comments from Dec. 6th were emailed to me for moderation, so they are just now being posted. Sorry about that.

Anonymous said...

I just came across your page through an internet search. I just want you to know your story is almost identical to ours. My husband and I have also been married 2 yrs. We lost two sons this year (Gabriel in March and Eli in Sept.) due to incompetent cervix and a failed cerclage. I recently had an HSG and MRI done, and have an appt with a fertility specialist. We are also planning on an abdominal cerclage next year. It comforts me to know I am not alone in my journey. Thank you for sharing!

Becky said...

Sorry I'm just catching up now : )

I think that things seem great with your doctors. Would they be putting in the Shrodakar (sp?) stitch? That's permanent as well, but as you said it's not as invasive as the abdominal cerclage. The thought of two major surgeries in a span of 6 months scares the crap out of me too. But I feel the NEED to do everything that I can to ensure a living, breathing baby.

I'm so happy that you've found some of the answers that you've been looking for. I think about you always. And as for your husband, I'm positive that he has the same fears of mine. They are justifiable, but I always wonder if he's just saiying that we can try again just because it's what I want to hear. KWIM?