What tests have you ladies had if any?

Amanda C · #1 March 11th, 2009, 05:40 AM

I had an early loss last month and before that for the past 18 months I've had abnormal uterine bleeding. I start to bleed lightly on cycle day 17 and bleed every day until my actual period comes on day 27. Then it lasts for 7 full days.

I'm frustrated

I started bleeding again on what I think would be cycle day 17 this month. Since I bleed all the time anyway the bleeding I was having with my loss seemed normal to me. At this point my OB says just try again but now I realize every time I get pregnant I'll be bleeding and constantly worried about rather everything is okay or not.

My OB doesn't have an opening until mid May. I can only see the nurse practitioner right now and she can't help me. Dh and I would really like to hurry up and get pregnant again so even though I've gotten 3 opinions on this bleeding I'm thinking of going for a fourth and demanding some additional testing. I have excellent health insurance plus infertility coverage so I really want some answers.

The second doctor I saw put me on Progesterone supplements starting on cycle day 17 and that's been taking care of the bleeding until the past 2 months

Do you ladies have any advice for me? I'm open to all opinions here. My kids are 8 and 2 and we were hoping to have this baby soon but even if I got pregnant now my kids would be 9 and 3 before I delivered.

Thanks ladies!

amandakay29 · #2 March 11th, 2009, 06:08 AM

I've not had any testing but I think you need to go for a 4th opinion. Have you had a ultrasound of your uterus before your pregnancy? I know polyps and fibroids can cause irregular bleeding during your cycle. And they are fixed with surgery and you can also still get pregnant and carry to term with them as well. But I would have them do all the bloodwork and tests possible. Good luck!!!

*SamF* · #3 March 11th, 2009, 06:35 AM

I’ve had a ton of tests, but not necessarily for bleeding.
Have you seen an RE or just a regular OB? My OB did nothing except refer me to the RE after I lost #2, mainly because of my age.
The RE ran a complete blood panel on me checking for everything from hormone levels to chromosomal issues. That’s how I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s (hypo-thyroid). The trans-vaginal u/s showed the fibroid.

Amanda C · #4 March 11th, 2009, 07:13 AM

I've 3 ultrasounds done and they were all normal/negative. The only bloodwork I've had done is to check my thyroid levels because I have had hypothyroidism for years now. My levels are normal though.

I'm seeing a normal OB. The nearest RE is 2 hours one way which is fine but I have to get my OB to refer me first.

AliciaF · #5 March 11th, 2009, 09:24 AM

I had the full infertility work up. All in all it required them to draw 19 vials of blood at one time!

They tested for clotting disorders such as lupus anticoagulant (which I have) anti-cardio lipins, anti-nuclear antibodies, thyroid antibodies, MTHFR (which I also have) karyotyping, and a bunch of other things I don't remember.

I was scheduled to have a sonohystogram on Monday but I got my BFP last week

..Jessica.. · #6 March 11th, 2009, 02:07 PM

I haven't had any testing...

I'm sorry you go through this!!!! I hope your doc is able to help you!

Dinah · #7 March 11th, 2009, 02:26 PM

With my first I had serum progesterone on CD20, FSH, prolactin, TSH, and estradiol. I think these tests are pretty standard. I would start there, and I definatley would want to keep track of my serum progesterone levels if I was taking supplements, maybe you need a higher dosage. If I have another miscarriage, I will then ask to see a RE and possibly have some genetic testing done. Oh, and after my last miscarriage I had an ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries which was normal. Good Luck. I always say the more you know the better.

Amanda C · #8 March 11th, 2009, 02:31 PM

Thanks ladies! I went ahead and scheduled another appointment for the 24th of this month with another OB. I'm going to be completely upfront with him and not take no for an answer. I know at this point my insurance will cover testing so I want it done.

KDD · #9 March 11th, 2009, 04:15 PM

The only testing I've had done is to test my FSH levels.

tobynscarlett · #10 March 11th, 2009, 04:53 PM

I had a hysteroscopy about 2 1/2 weeks ago- it's a very simple procedure where they put a really tiny camera into your uterus and look around- you are full awake the whole time and there is no pain. I had it to check for scarring (asherman's syndrome- but I didn't have it). I do know that scarring can cause abnormal bleeding and scar tissue cannot be seen on ultrasound.