Unsure of where to go from here

B&Z Labs

So I went back to the doctor today for a follow-up.  He checked my HCG levels again and did another ultrasound to make sure that I was able to pass everything on my own.  I had passed everything so yay for that!  I'm looking forward to moving on.  But now I'm unsure of where to move on to...should I see a specialist or not???  My dr doesn't think that I need to have any additional testing done (he did do a panel for clotting disorder that came back negative).  He said that my chances for another miscarriage does not go up because I have had two.  He said that they would not go up unless I have three.  Part of me feels like he isn't proactive enough and another part of me says what do I know, I'm not a dr.  Feeling confused and slightly adrift

peelester429

I'm sorry... I have no advice, but just wanted to offer you some ((hugs))!

ashtonblair123

I have no experience to base it on, but I always think if you aren't sure about what your dr says, it never hurts to see a different one. ((Hugs))

MsAmandaPants

It is hard to give you advice without knowing a bit more about your history.  Many doctors will not do further testing or refer you to a RE until three losses, unless you are AMA. However, some will do it after two, it just depends on your circumstances and the doctor. I'm sorry this is all so overwhelming.

katee2184

I'm sorry that I have no advice to give, but I just wanted to say that I am sorry for your losses.  Never be afraid to get a second opinion!

kimmyberly26

I'm sorry for your losses. I know that it is hard and I've felt the same way and I'm sure many ladies on this board have. I'm with @mrsdeo. But you also need to do what makes you comfortable.

littleone75

I can't really offer advice from exact experience but I always vote for a second opinion just simply for peace of mind that you are getting as much information as possible. I'm sorry for your losses, GL!

SandSunBliss

I cannot offer much advice.  I know that my doctor ran a panel after our losses, but I honestly do not know what was in the "panel".  It was just their standard testing after losses.  She is not strict on the 12 month rule though, as we will be doing further testing if not KU three months from now.  Each doctor is different.  Mine is very receptive to doing whatever I need to make me feel secure and comfortable.  Some have specific guidelines they adhere to.  GL!!

jbasore1123

If you feel something is wrong, then be more forceful. Call your insurance and see if they cover bloodwork for RPL. My insurance completely covers bloodwork so I was able to get my doc to do the tests. I'm glad I did. She told me "expect everything to come back negative". That was not the case for me and I'm glad I didn't wait until a 3rd loss that I would almost definitely have had.

Brookeadrenaline

I'm sorry

I always like to get a second opinion. It can't hurt and could help.

B&Z Labs

Thanks ladies!  I think I am going to see another dr.  I just feel wary of my current OB.  When I went to the ER for this MC the ultrasound tech and the ER Dr told me they felt that he should have done an early ultrasound and checked my betas continuously since I had a previous MC.  After having 2 consecutive MCs I guess I'm just scared to get pregnant again.  

BellanieNJ

B&Z Labs said:

Thanks ladies!  I think I am going to see another dr.  I just feel wary of my current OB.  When I went to the ER for this MC the ultrasound tech and the ER Dr told me they felt that he should have done an early ultrasound and checked my betas continuously since I had a previous MC.  After having 2 consecutive MCs I guess I'm just scared to get pregnant again.  

I'm so sorry for your losses. Getting a second opinion can never hurt especially if you are not completely comfortable with your current doc.  It's important that you feel like your doctor is working with you to get answers and develop a TTC plan.  If you don't feel this way, then certainly seek out someone new.     Good luck!

golfingdarwinfish

That's completely your choice.  I had 2 early miscarriages, a 3rd with cytotec for medical reasons, and I just lost my 4th pregnancy at 20 weeks due to a brain malformation.  Due to my miscarriage history, with my last pregnancy,  I had extra ultrasounds, but those were really just an attempt to calm me - sadly, there's no intervention that can be done (unless you need something like extra progesterone) to save a pregnancy in those early early weeks. so they were just trying to take a bit of stress off of me..  Any doctor can run the tests that qualify as the "repeat loss panels", and most doctor will say keep trying on your own until you hit 3, and then even if all the tests come back normal, then it's your choice if you keep rolling the dice on your own; you can schedule a consult with an RE after 3 losses to see what they would even do with a case like yours, but sadly, most of the time, it's roll the dice again.

ETA: And I am sorry you are going through this; it's such a difficult place to be and sadly, the lack of answers and set guidance makes it an ambiguous place to be, which doesn't help with the pain or fears.

SoxFan777

MrsDeo said:

The "standard" is to do further testing after 3 losses (sometimes they have to be consecutive, some dr.'s will do it even if you have a successful pregnancy in between) and/or after a full year of trying without getting pregnant (although again, some will do it if you'd had losses within that year, some "reset" the clock if you get a BFP at any point). Some doctors will start testing after 2 losses, mine got me the panel for clotting disorders and just a general bloodwork panel to check miscellaneous things. They said I could continue getting other tests done, but I doubt they'd refer me to an RE at this point or anything like that.

Your chances of having a 3rd miscarriage are low, statistically speaking - they're the same as the chances of having the 1st or 2nd. But once you've had a 3rd, the chances of having another one are higher. So even though it feels like your doctor isn't doing enough, on paper he doesn't really have a reason to do more - unless you want him to! If you can afford it and want it, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to get more testing done. But you don't "need" to have it done.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't be worried about your doctor just based on what you said. If you want to take more steps, talk to him about it. If not, you can always think about it more and do something later on.

This is very good advice...