New Here (pg ment)

Phoenix Rising ^^^ · 03-09-2005, 02:18 PM

Hi Cysters,
I'm new here to the board. I'm Gina.
I've had two 2nd trimester losses in 8 months. My first one was June 10,2004 @17 wks. My 2nd was February 5,2005@16wks1day. Both times times I had PROM (premature rupture of membranes). I also had preterm labor. I'm wondering how PCOS can affect pregnancy? I went to my Dr. several years ago with PCOS symptoms but, was not diagnosed. I was told to lose weight. That weight was my problem. During this time, I saw my Gyn, an Internist, and an endocronolist. They all told me to lose weight. I went on a crash diet and starved myself and exercised. I lost some weight, I did have periods. Not as regular as I would have liked but, I went from 3 a year to 10-11 a year. I wasn't trying to concieve at the time so I was on BCP. I went off the pill when my DH and I decided we wanted to have a baby. I was pg the following month. Following that loss in June I was pg again in Oct. I lost that baby in Feb. Two weeks later, I went to my Dr. and in the course of our very emotional conversation she just happened to mention that I had PCOS. I was already crying my eyes out when she mentioned it. (she was not my Dr. before this pg) I was shocked, finally a reason for my symptoms! But, I had gotten pg twice? My head was spinning so fast from all that was happening that I didn't ask questions. Has anyone here been told that PCOS was a possible factor in miscarriage? If so how? What should I ask my Dr. at my appt in two wks? I still have A LOT of weight to lose and I want to ask the right questions about that.
Anyone who can help please post!
Sorry to go on soooooo long!

SheriKCMO · 03-09-2005, 02:40 PM

Hi Gina,
I don't have a lot of time right now, as my little one is fussing, but I just have to say that I am so terribly sorry for all that you have been through and that there is hope for your future. In my opinion, you are suffering from the same trouble that a lot of us here have. We probably have a pcos link to early delivery, whether it's called incompetent cervix, ptl, prom, etc., the fact is that we open up too soon. More research is needed!! Anyway, I'd like to get back to you later today when I get a chance but send you a big ((((Hug)))) right now.
Your new cyster,
Sheri

Phoenix Rising ^^^ · 03-09-2005, 03:25 PM

Thanks Sheri!
I look forward to your post. Congratulations on the new baby!

*pEaNuT* · 03-09-2005, 03:41 PM

((((HUGS))))

SheriKCMO · 03-09-2005, 04:01 PM

Okay, it looks like I have a little more time. I hope that one of these days soon, you are as busy as I am right now!!

Gina,
Several of us cysters have delivered in the second or very early third trimesters... one can argue even the mid-third trimester, due to a cervix that doesn't care at all if it's open or closed. Most of us did not feel significant contractions but suddenly had an infection in there or membranes rupturing or sudden labor and a baby. A very very few were caught on u/s and saved or almost saved or attempted to be saved but it was way too far. Most were sudden and unannounced in any way. Those of us who have had preventative cerclages have carried to term. Some have used strict bedrest from the very beginning and carried to term. In any case, most of us can get to the finish line with a lot of help, and it is worth it. Since we don't fit into the tidy category of "incompetent cervix" for most doctors, we often have to fight for what we need.

Don't let anyone tell you that your weight is causing your problems... there's a sticky in the ttc forum about fertility and weight, and look at all of the healthy babies born to big cysters around here. There's no reason to think that pcos is your fault. We can do a lot to reverse the condition's symptoms and essentially keep it at bay and dramatically improve our health, but it doesn't go away. It takes work. In my opinion, those of us who are on the heavy side can improve our chances of avoiding the long term risks of diabetes and heart disease by losing this dreaded weight, but having a family and correcting our symptoms isn't impossible before getting thin. Those doctors are out of line telling you otherwise.

I just want to let you know that you are NOT alone around here. We are battling a disorder that can really be a risk to our health at the same time as trying to have families. Unfortunately there is a lot of heartache in the process for some of us. I do believe that there is a lot of hope for you if you find the right caregiver, so it'll be worth looking around for someone with a lot of experience in IC and cerclages. My doctor has had patients deliver at the same stage as you and then go on to succeed with a cerclage. There is probably a doctor just waiting to help you, and I hope you can find him/her.
Welcome to SoulCysters,
Sheri

kwannabee · 03-09-2005, 04:12 PM

I just wanted to say how sorry i am...you've suffered alot ina short period of time

As for the doctors, getting a dx can be sometimes hard...for me i was convinced of incompetant cervix even though they fought me every step of the way...i'd had a 29 week ptl (held on to 30 exactly) and a mid trimester still birth and miscarriage i knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what i needed to do but just know for me it took alot of convincning...3 2nd opinions...countless tests, lots of research, reading, trying new vitimins, a prepreg consult with a perinatologist AND a review of my whole entire case after i lost my girls, and the general consensus was that 'we're still not sure of what to tell you'

Its the most frustrating thing...i finally got my cerclage and although the doctors admitted that on the surface things looked fine...they were 'glad' i had it done...and that my dx was 'a mixed bag'...to fit the criteria of a dx some things that should be present were not...yet there was definately an abnormality...so therefore i sorta 'qualified' for the procedure. But basically i still dont have a 'label'...maybe thats the case for you too.

What i'm trying to say in my longwinded way...is that you have to follow your gut...and fight for what you need...and find the doctor who will do it no matter what. But what you need first is time to heal...and i hope things get better for you soon...take care.

VivC · 03-09-2005, 06:47 PM

I'm always so annoyed when another cyster has to move into this board.

PCOS causes huge hormone problems during pregnancy. In my case, my progesterone came back at 5 at 7W, when it should have been at least 25. So I had progesterone supplementation for the first trimester (miscarriage rates are higher among us, as ANY decent doc will agree). You should have your progesterone checked when your HCG is checked. My testosterone was sky-high throughout, which my then-OB said shouldn't cause problems..hmm...

Even my current doc, whom I LOVE, says that there is no official link between IC and PCOS. There is no official link at ALL between hormonal problems and IC. BUT, she said that in every IC case she's seen that hasn't been directly attributed to prior cervical surgery, the mom had PCOS. Next time, I'll be DEMANDING to have my progesterone checked regularly.

Docs will also agree that we're at higher risk of Pre-term labor, which is caused by hormones. My question is, if hormones can screw things up in the first and third trimesters, doesn't it make sense that they can cause problems in the second trimester (IC/PTL/PROM)?

Please, please, find a high-risk OB/GYN for your next pregnancy. Preferably someone who's also a perinatologist. I've got a great team in place if/when I get pregnant again, and that's the only thing that can any of us through.

My thoughts are with you. I agree with the others that you should take all the time you need to grieve before trying again.

Reebekah · 03-09-2005, 07:53 PM

I"m SO very sorry for your losses. I had an early m/c and then lost twins at 20 weeks due to IC and/or PTL and/or PPROM and/or incompetent doctors. I have been told by 1 doc that I have PCOS, but another doc says she can't diagnose me because my bloodwork doesnt match up with my physical symptoms. Anyway, I know I have it and will continue to act as if I do. I lost a ton of weight on a low-carb diet - try Atkins or South Beach or Insulin Resistance diet. You can find lots of books about PCOS on Amazon.com. They even have a PCOS diet book, which is good. All my docs say there is no proven link between PCOS and early delivery (or whatever you want to call what happens to us), but I think it's just too common for it not to be linked. I'm getting a cerclage at 12 weeks with my next pregnancy (if I'm lucky enough to have one, as most of us also struggle with infertility), and I'm putting myself on strict bedrest as soon as I can. I'm here if you want to talk.

Take care
Becky

PJC · 03-09-2005, 09:33 PM

Gina- I'm so sorry for your losses. Yes, miscarriage is definitely common in PCOSers (unfortunately). I've never had an early m/c, but I did have a pregnancy end at 24w 2d last July. I just saw a high risk ob a couple of weeks ago for a consult and she said there is no link between IC and PCOS. Personally, I think she is full of it! It is just way too common around here for me to believe otherwise. I just don't understand why they can't see it too. It seems like the literature on pcos only lists frequent m/c and gestational diabetes as complications during pregnancy in women w/pcos. We all know this is not all there is to it.

By the way, did the docs ever check your insulin and blood sugar levels? That might be helpful.

Viv-That's very interesting what your doc said about IC. My new ob kept asking if I had any risk factors for IC. I said no but wanted to scream-yes, I have pcos! Anyway, they can't say for sure if it was really IC or not (which came first-dilation or contractions?), and doesn't want to do the preventative cerclage because we don't know for sure. She will if she sees the slightest bit of change, however. I'm in such a dilemma over this! ugh

PJC · 03-09-2005, 09:45 PM

Becky-Just a thought, but perhaps your bloodwork is coming up in the normal range because of your weight loss. I lost a bunch of weight a couple of yrs ago (low carbing) and it resumed completely normal periods which were completely absent all together. Anyhow, I believe all my blood levels of the things my endo tested me for were pretty normal. I still have a lot of weight left to lose (I gained about 60 lbs back, for a total of 130lbs left to lose) and I still have the dreaded facial hair problem, but I know I was IR before-I had a completely black neck (AN) which now is gone. Bloodwork wise, I look like a normal person. It probably would have screamed pcos if I had it tested before I lost any of the weight. Hmm.

Phoenix Rising ^^^ · 03-10-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PJC
Becky-Just a thought, but perhaps your bloodwork is coming up in the normal range because of your weight loss. I lost a bunch of weight a couple of yrs ago (low carbing) and it resumed completely normal periods which were completely absent all together. Anyhow, I believe all my blood levels of the things my endo tested me for were pretty normal. I still have a lot of weight left to lose (I gained about 60 lbs back, for a total of 130lbs left to lose) and I still have the dreaded facial hair problem, but I know I was IR before-I had a completely black neck (AN) which now is gone. Bloodwork wise, I look like a normal person. It probably would have screamed pcos if I had it tested before I lost any of the weight. Hmm.

Patty, I agree with you on the weight loss thing. I too lost SOME weight and my PCOS symptoms got better. I was able to get pg twice in less than a year. Before, I was barely even having periods. I think my bloodwork was coming back somewhat normal. I had electrolysis to remove the facial hair, so I looked normal again(as long as I wore long sleeves...LOL).

Gina

PJC · 03-10-2005, 12:17 PM

Oh yes, I have the hairiest arms around here, too! Why can't I be Asian? I hear it takes way more testosterone in the blood for certain ethnic groups to exhibit hairiness! I am 1/4 Italian, 1/4 French (Canadian-but they are originally from the Mediterranean, right?) and I read that Mediterranean people only need a small amount to be hairy. Just my luck! DBF has darker arm hair than me (but he's hispanic and has black hair) but I swear I actually have more hair on my arms than he does! LOL! Why can't hair all over the body on a woman be considered a trait of beauty here in the US?

You can imagine my surprise when I found out I was pregnant last yr. Up until a few yrs ago, I had only had 4 periods my entire life! I never thought I would be able to get pregnant, even when my periods resumed after the weight loss (quite regularly, I might add). When Af didn't make her expected arrival that month, I thought my system was screwed up again because I had put some of the weight back on and I was having these awful achey ovary pains (I guess now they were related to being pregnant). I finally got an appointment in May (I made the appt in March) with my new primary care doc and I told her I hadn't gotten my period since January 26th and she went over all the pcos stuff and said if I wanted to have children I would probably have to see a specialist to help me. I sort of shyly asked if she would do a pregnancy test and was shocked the next day when she called and said it was +. I was about 16 weeks by that point (I'm also overweight, so being pregnant wasn't something I noticed belly wise!) Anyway, I have to say that getting the weight off has been good for me, although I need to lose so much more. It is a complete struggle a lot of the time. My biggest talent is that I have the ability to gain weight VERY fast if I don't watch myself. I wish I could get paid for that talent! LOL!