Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Hi Everyone,

I know that I've written here before.  I am 33 years of age and I have had two M/C s this year (one in march 2009 and one in june 2009).  Since then, I have been seeing a number of specialists who have given me conflicting information.  I tested positive for one copy of the MTHFR C677T gene and I had slightly low protein C levels.  Everything else came back normal.  I was retested for the protein C recently and my results are in the normal range.  My RE also performed a HSG test and SIS test in which he found a 3mm fibroid or polyp that he is going to remove via a hysteroscopy next month (after I have my period).  He seems to think that the polyp may have something to do with my M/C's (both my babies had regular heartbeats at first ultrasound and no heartbeats at 9 wks).  However, with both m/cs I had D&Cs , and I can't understand why the polyp wouldn't have been discovered and/or removed with the D&C.  Does anyone have any information about this? I have never had abnormal periods.  My RE also doesn't believe that a clotting disorder is an issue....can pregnancy change your bodies response to clotting?

My RE said that he would put me on Heparin or Lovenox if I decide to try again but really believes that he has discovered the potential reason for my M/Cs (the polyp)..I'm a little skeptical.

Richele

Sorry for your losses.  I too have had 2 m/c with D&E's in less than a year and have had simular tests to try to figure out why. 

As for why the polyp was probibly missed during your D&C's is that they do this procedure "blind".  They are unable to actually see what they are doing and go off of experience and feel when they are preforming this procedure.  It would be very hard for them to know that the polyp was there if they were not looking for it and didn't know it was even a possibility.

As for the clotting I have heard of some women who do have different clotting issues that are only there when they are preg so that is also a possibility.

I want to wish you the best of luck as you continue on your journey and I hope that the Dr is right about the causes of your m/c and that you are able to have your baby very soon.

I'm so sorry for your losses, but glad to hear you are getting some answers. 

I too just went through similar testing. I did not have any results other than an 8 mm submucosal fibriod. So, I can maybe speak to the fibriod, but not the rest.

My RE wanted to have the fibriod taken out.  My OB thought that since it was so small we shouldn't bother and just try again.  Then the surgeon said the smallest one he ever took out was 1 cm (bigger than mine). So we are leaving mine alone.  Especially since I have had one successful pregnancy. 

It seems there is a lot of debate about fibriods and what to do about them, but little empirical evidence.  However, the surgery does not seem to be particularly invasive, and the recovery is not too bad either.  That is good news.

We saw my OB last week to talk about TTC again. I asked her if I have to have another D&C could she take the fibriod out too at that time and she said no.  Apparently there is too much swelling and blood in there to be able to to that.  So I can see why no one 'saw' it for you during a D&C.

I wish I had more answers for you....

Good luck and please keep us posted!

Richele,

I am so sorry for your losses.  I have MTHFR and PAI-1, which means after four losses, I now take Lovenox when I am pregnant. I also take baby aspirin and progesterone and a multivitamin.  I know how hard this is for you.  I must tell you that my hematologist, who specializes in RPL, told me that more than 50% of the clotting issues have not been discovered. He thinks that when you have one, you usually have others that we don't yet have the science to detect.  I also had a polyp, but after finding out about the clotting issues, they knew they were the real cause, especially because I too had seen heartbeats.  I think the Lovenox/Heparin plan is a good one for you.  I had one child in between my losses with just baby aspirin, but I ended up with pre-eclampsia, bedrest and a lot of problems.  thank God she was fine.  I then had two more losses before finding out about the PaI-1.  We knew about the MTHFR after the second and they told me that it wouldn't cause losses. I was, however, only working with my OB and they don't know much about RPL.  Long story short, I had my second child without any problems following the regimine I described above. I am now 22 weeks pregnant with my third.  I am still scared every day, but so far, so good.  The shots hurt, but they are totally worth it. 

Good luck,

Layla

Thank you so much for your responses.  It's nice to know know that there are others out there who understand how I am feeling-although I wish that no one had to go through this.  I keep thinking that if only I hadn't waited so long to start a family.....maybe things would be different.  Thank you again for your kind words of support. I know that I can turn to this board when I feel like I am the only one out there whose body has "failed" me.  I wish you all the very best!

Richele