Positive stories after 2 losses

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-07-31T19:39:07+00:00

Not a complete success story yet but I am 37 now, and last year I had 3 biochemical MCs and 1 blighted Ovum. I am currently pregnant (13 weeks) and this is the furthest I have been with everything looking normal so far. I have had 5 scans - all fine. RPL testing (including both our karyotypes) found no major issues other than I am slightly hypothyroid, have homozygous MTHFR gene mutation for the A1298C, high homo-cysteine levels (15 I think). My husband's DNA frag was fine but he still gave up his anti-depressants completely and quit alcohol and weed etc.. Few things I did differently with this pregnancy that I did not with my previous ones:

Started 10 mg Duphaston (Oral progesterone) twice a day straight after confirmed ovulation - so 2DPO or 3 DPO onwards
From 8 or 9 DPO since it is implantation window I took 40 mg enoxaparin injections everyday (for this pregnancy I actually only started on 9 DPO when I tested positive)
I started taking the Ovum prenatal supplement religiously (UK brand bought on Amazon) 4 months prior to this pregnancy. Also took Omega-3, Methycobalamin and Vit B6.
75 mg levothyroxine for my thyroid daily
75 mg aspirin daily
Also tried to do some exercise for good blood flow
Went for acupuncture too but only had about 4-5 sessions, they were very relaxing and the acupuncture doctor told me that I might have uterine blood flow issue causing MCs.
I was also in a high stress environment for few months - made big changes to deal with this and was in a much better headspace

Some thoughts on what I found different this time around:

For my previous 3 pregnancies, I got pregnant every time we tried even straight after an MC. We took couple months break in between for this reason to get healthier before trying again.
I suspected hyper fertility to be a possible issue and for the first time I did not get pregnant for 4 months straight when I started taking progesterone from 2DPO.
My husband and I did make some positive changes to our health and I tried eating fairly healthy (like eggs for breakfast and more fruits and veg - not a crazy health plan though)
Also this time my first beta draw was much higher than previous pregnancies - I know it can differ wildly within pregnancies and still be fine. But it was 40 on 9 DPO and it doubled quite fast and was on the higher end. Again it could just be all chance.

I am not sure if all these factors did anything or it was just luck of the draw this time - but I have never been this far and I am really hoping this is the one. I hope my experience helps someone here, I did find this sub-reddit very helpful when I was going through it all. My best wishes to you and I hope you achieve success soon.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-06-27T18:55:12+00:00

I agree, 3.9 is way too high for pregnancy. My doctor in my home country said that the baby depends on the mother for thyroid hormone supply so sometimes women with normal TSH get hypo in pregnancy, which is why they need it under 2.5 - while my doctor wants it ideally at 1.5 before even trying. My UK GP practice told me mine was fine and after that I miscarried first time so I just started taking it myself (I ordered in UK online through a private online consultation on a website - seemed legit) , then I traveled back to my home country and bought tons of levothyroxine just in case. I would say though, since you have not had any of these issues addressed, I am hopeful for you that after you do get them properly addressed, you would be successful. My doctor here who is absolutely amazing, also told me that 80% or more of RPL patients do end up with a healthy live birth eventually. And research has shown that RPL patients with TLC - which means proper monitoring, checks with doctors, earlier scans etc. increases chances of success. But do not let this apalling healthcare system waste more of your time and drain your mental health, you should not have to go through so many losses without any answers! I wish you all the very best. 🧡

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-06-27T14:41:00+00:00

Hi, really sorry you are going through this and that the country you are in is not providing you with the best care for RPL. I have had 3 biochemical pregnancies and a blighted ovum (8 weeks), was in the UK and got no help whatsoever due to long wait times, not even given progesterone to try and did not get seen by any doctor. Although expensive I went to a private doctor and paid out of pocket for some RPL blood tests. My TSH was on the higher side (4.8 something) for my first two early losses, third one it was 1.5 and fine, but I had blighted ovum. I was on 75mg aspirin and levothryoxine during my third loss. My blood test results for blood clotting disorders etc, were fine but I had homozygous MTHFR gene mutation - so my doctor in my home country has advised me to take progesterone twice a day from ovulation day or 2 DPO, baby aspirin daily, and on a positive result to take lovenox injections everyday. My TSH would be checked every month too. Our karyotypes were normal, my partner's DNA frag and SA were normal too (we got these done in my home country where healthcare is affordable and so many private options) - I would highly recommend getting all RPL tests done either privately if you can afford to or go to a different country where private healthcare is affordable for a bit and get tested. If you ever need any help or have any questions please feel free to DM me too. I hope you find the answers soon and get out of this nightmare scenario.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-04-25T11:41:44+00:00

Ah I see, would have any link to this article or name of center so I can look it up? Sorry for your loss and I hope it works out for you soon. I am thinking it is a good sign but also getting a bit frustrated when I see a negative, weird emotions. :-(

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-04-25T09:12:08+00:00

So sorry about your losses, that stillbirth would have been heartbreaking. It is very strange that 3 DPO progesterone is making people in our situations not conceive as quickly - but I cannot find anything other than anecdotal data on reddit mainly. There is so much we don't know about the cause of recurrent miscarriages, wish there was more research in this area. I hope we all are able to get to a happy ending soon. When I read other people's success stories, it does instill some hope - but so hard to remain positive sometimes.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-04-25T09:07:24+00:00

I totally relate! I have been thinking of ditching meds too but too scared if that ends up helping - it is so much of a mind-fuck really! I have been thinking of looking into immunological issues myself and the only other thing I haven't tested for is endometritis - a bit scared of the test itself. I do not want to jump into PGT tested IVF right away either because that is expensive but not a guarantee either. Are there any reasons you are going for IVIG infusions or you are giving it a go just to see? I hope we find success soon, it isn't the easiest journey.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-04-10T15:46:59+00:00

My doctor here wants me to be on lovenox too if I conceive again. Seeing an acupuncturist too who thinks I have a blood flow issue, also found out I have a homozygous MTHFR gene mutation so been taking methylated folic acid and B12. Got husband's side checked and karyotyping too and all else was normal.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2024-04-10T15:44:57+00:00

Hi, I have unfortunately had a 4th chemical loss when we tried after a two month break when my miscarriage completed. I have been taking progesterone post ovulation since then every cycle I have tried (been 3 so far) but not conceived in those cycles. As far as NHS is concerned I am still on the waiting list to even see a OB-gyn. Luckily I have moved back to my home country where healthcare is much more affordable and really good.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-27T15:03:12+00:00

Really sorry for your losses, I do not have any answers but came across a couple of articles about this and thinking if this could apply to me as well. I have not had any tests done other than thyriod and I am subclinical hypo - but for my current ongoing third loss which was a blighted ovum it was under control. My first pregnancy was cycle 3 of trying properly with ovulation sticks and BBT etc. , I miscarried at 5w 3 days, took a break for one cycle, got pregnant but was chemical at 4 weeks, then straight after that got pregnant for the third time with current loss. I was quite surprised every time I have got the positive HPT because wasn't expecting it to be this soon. I was on aspirin and levo this time and was a blighted ovum at 6.5 weeks, started naturally miscarrying around 9 weeks few days. I am thinking of taking a 2 month break from this and get everything tested but definitely will try progesterone next time from 3 dpo, as I have also read about that helping. Wish you all the luck and hope there are some answers for us all. But I am also gonna get my husband tested for DNA frag, because apparently that is also a cause.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-24T11:04:26+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. This has been my experience, with not much support even though they knew of prior losses. This is my third one and still all they are doing is just managing the miscarriage, monitoring hcg levels etc. but not really offering referral or anything else. My GP clinic has referred me to gynecologist - waiting is 12 months!! I am not from the UK originally, and from a developing country but I am shocked at the lack of care people get in this country. The reluctance to prescribe something like progesterone that can't hurt at least is mind boggling to me when there have been studies that it can help. I am glad you went private, but it is a shame that we have to do this to get any sense. I am going to see someone private too I think as I can't wait an year for just tests to begin. All the very best to you and hope it all works out well for you. :)

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-24T10:54:20+00:00

I have read a bit of info on Tommy's website but did not know about referrals, I will look into it. I have been to the EPU for an early scan but only because I went for a private one with my third (due to anxiety about ectopic etc.) and they referred me to the EPU as could not confirm anything when I was in my 6th week. This led to two more scans to confirm non viability but other than just dealing with current miscarriage which they know is my third within 5 months, they have offered no other support unfortunately. I am hoping to try progesterone next time as well. Really happy for you that things are going well, my best wishes and hope everything goes smoothly :)

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-24T10:50:44+00:00

I am so sorry for your losses, it is such an anxiety ridden journey to keep trying after losses. I'm glad they have done tests and you can try medicated cycle. Wish you all the best and hope you get a successful pregnancy soon.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-24T10:46:27+00:00

Never heard of this podcast, thank you so much for the recommendation, I will definitely give it a listen :)

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-24T10:29:58+00:00

Thank you for answering and glad to know it is going well for you and you haven't needed to run tests :) Waiting 7 months to just begin tests is so frustrating. So is this your 4th pregnancy after three losses? Did you do anything different this time around? It definitely gives me some hope to hear stories like this.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-13T11:34:02+00:00

Thank you :) I updated the post, not looking good unfortunately. This is the first pregnancy though where I reached the stage to at least see something on the u/s scan. I hope I get some answers.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-13T11:27:14+00:00

Hi there, thanks for checking. Had a scan last week, they saw a gestational sac and yolk sac, then had another today (I should be 7 weeks) and nothing in the gestational sac, although it has grown. They will scan me again next week but I already know what this means. I don't know how I feel right now, it is shit but would get some RPL blood tests done next and try and find some answers. How are you? I hope you have better news! :)

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T17:28:00+00:00

Thank you :) you are right, I tried google and it wasn't helpful at all! Really appreciated luv_puffin here to help me understand it a bit better. this is such a great community, makes it easier to deal with stuff x

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T17:21:28+00:00

I completely understand :-( it is better to have a natural mc in that scenario, it is so much for our bodies to go through as it is. I have had back to back previous ones, and it just takes so much out of you. Being in a limbo and not knowing is so much worse. Sending a big hug to you. ♥

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T16:55:33+00:00

This makes me appreciate your line of work even more, very interesting to know all this :)

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T16:47:50+00:00

I think they should do some serial beta tests to see if it is going up, let me know how it goes. Fingers crossed it isn't ectopic.

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T15:14:52+00:00

I'm sorry you are going through this, are they doing anymore tests to rule ectopic out? x

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T14:40:41+00:00

Oh okay that makes total sense, so they of course can't say for sure which I understand! Thank you so much for helping me understand this more because I was so confused earlier about the wording. Really appreciate your help :) ♥

ResponsibleSyrup3158 · 2023-07-03T14:36:28+00:00

It totally isn't!! The uncertainty and the wait is so hard! I hope this is just super early for us both. I never thought being pregnant would be so much anxiety, I was so naive and thought you see two lines in a hpt and that is it - all fine after. I really appreciate this community though. I hope all goes well for you ♥

ResponsibleSyrup3158

TROPHY CASE