Was I misdiagnosed?

PhillyGal34

I had DS early bc I had high blood pressure with neurological signs saw spots briefly then had a headache I had no protein in my urine at any time but was treated for severe pree. I have a history that includes migraines and pseudo tumor cerebri increased spinal fluid around the brain.., occurred in 2003 and no complications since. After two days of Bp meds on bed rest with mag my Bp stabilized without meds and I was induced. It never went up again. They were very concerned with my neuro symptoms.

I'm not second guessing the doctor's choice to induce me. I know they did what was best. I'm thinking about what my chances are of having this again if we have another child down the road. If I didn't really have pree I don't know what to think.

This is just a ramble post I guess but what do you think? I'm not planning on another one for at least 2 years but I was thinking about this bc it's always on my mind!

urbanflowerpot

I think this is definitely a doctor question - get a couple opinions during the time you have  

Trillian46

I'm not a doctor (or a nurse), so I can't begin to guess whether or not you were misdiagnosed. I can tell you that I had HELLP syndrome, and I've been looking into recurrence rates (obsessively). I'm meeting with a high risk obstetrician in December to discuss the possibility of a second child. A website that I've found in the meantime may help you find some of the answers you need (assuming that you were correctly diagnosed): https://www.preeclampsia.org/ The website has forums and some doctors have actually responded to general questions about recurrence. I hope this helps... I know I've really been struggling emotionally with the desire to have another child and the fear of a repeat situation, so, for what it's worth, you aren't alone.

Finally, I, too, would suggest meeting with a specialist to discuss the matter.  I had blood tests done after my son was born - in some cases you can be diagnosed with an underlying disorder (clotting disorder, lupus, etc.) and then you can be treated with blood thinners to help prevent recurrence. Some of these tests can't be run until six weeks postpartum. It might be worth asking your doctor.

 Wishing you all the best. 

Trillian46

Here's a link with a general answer from the website I posted earlier: 

https://www.preeclampsia.org/health-information/faq#seventeen

"If I had preeclampsia in my first or an earlier pregnancy... 

There has been some research looking at the rate of reoccurrence in subsequent pregnancies, but more is needed. The findings suggest the risk of having it again is approximately 20%, however experts cite a range from 5-80%, depending on when you had it in a prior pregnancy, and how severe it was. If you had preeclampsia during your first pregnancy, you may get it again. While repeat occurrence is often milder, no one can predict for sure. You should be watched carefully after a preeclamptic pregnancy.

The risk of preeclampsia increases if you have any of the risk factors mentionedabove, or have developed chronic hypertension or diabetes since your previous pregnancy, or if you are having IVF, twins or other multiples."

Please note that the website also suggests (farther down the page) that you need an MFM consult to determine your exact risk - it indicated that most ob/gyns are not experienced enough with these issues. I know that the MFM who delivered me suggested my likely rate of recurrence was 40% (and my ob/gyn told me that she would have guessed 20% ... but said she would take the number quoted to me by the MFM as gospel). 

Cubbies1

I also had H.E.L.L.P. syndrome and i was going to say that sounds like what you had but I'm not a doctor so i would ask him/her