Ghost - trying again after C-section

[leorira11]

We just lost the second of our twins, who were born too soon at only 24 weeks (baby A lived 5 days, baby B lived 9 days).

I had an emergency C-section after I went to the doctor complaining of cramping only to learn that I was fully in labor and fully dilated (with baby A's feet already sticking out of my cervix). The doctors explained that a C-section would give our baby boys a better chance at life, so we did that.

Of course, I know that I have to wait a little while to try again. Wanting to TTC again as soon as possible is my gut reaction to my loss - so I'm trying to figure out what my doctor will tell me. After the C-section, I was told to wait at least a year until TTC again -- but I know that people get pregnant again much sooner and have no problems. Emotionally, I know that people react both ways -- some want to wait and some want to TTC again immediately. I think DH and I are leaning towards doing another IVF (transfer #7... oy) as soon as we can.

I'm also interested in a TAC (Trans-abdominal cerclage) for next time. I didn't have a cerclage this time, since I was having bi-weekly cervical u/s and everything was totally fine (cervix measured more than 35mm every time, even the week before they were born). I'm going to have to fight my doctors to get one - but I think I'm going to. (They insist that I should wait until I'm pregnant again, and then keep watching my cervix, only doing the stitch if it becomes necessary. I did that this pregnancy and I have 2 more angels...) How long would I have to wait between the C-section and the TAC? How long between the TAC and the IVF? What if I do a pre-pregnancy TVC?

thanks.

[sunshine.12]

leora, even i always found comfort going back to doing one more ivf or planning about the next cycle as quickly as possible , which gives me some hope to hold on.

please know that, whatever path you take to cope with your loss and build a family, we all will be praying for you constantly.

and please do push for TAC this time.

i am sure ghost will be able to give you better guidance.

my sincere prayers for you and david.

take care honey.

[LYD10]

Leora - hugs to you and David! i am like you - i heal through action. here is a really informative thread by karenscorpio on tac viewtopic.php?f=6&t=21364&hilit=tac

as far as waiting - i started doing another ivf cycle 7 months after the c-section birth and none of docs objected, said anything against it.

[klinger13]

Hi Leora - Hopefully Karen(scorpio) will see your post but I almost think she had her TAC placed in September and did her IVF cycle a couple cycles later. I had my TAC placed post-pregnancy at 12w4d. I'd say steer clear of a TVC and/or the wait and see approach and if you do go with a TAC, be sure to have it placed by someone who has done many of them even if that means traveling somewhere else to do so. I'd also suggest joining the yahoo group abbeyloopers.org as there is great support there as well as lots of information including lengthy Q&A documents with doctors that have done many TACS (including the doc that did both Karen's & my TAC.)

Love to you and David as you heal from your losses.

[twinangelsmom]

I am extremely sorry for you and DH loss and I know that does not change how you are feeling.

I also loss my twins in February and the NICU was the hardest part to deal with seeing them struggling so hard to live. It is a big roller- coaster. I joined here today because I have been following your journey since the day I lost my twins. I read your blog and prayed so hard for your little ones. I broke down reading everything you posted. I know what you are going through and I also know it must be a lot harder because of your previous loss and all you IVF treatments as well.

I also have IC. I went from a 4.8cm cervix at 22 weeks to 1/2cm dialted at 23.5 weeks. In two days I was already 4cm dilated and had an emergency c-section.

Just thought I should add that I got a TAC in June (4 months later) by Dr.Davis in NJ. I live in NJ and heard he was one of the best in placing TAC. If I get pregnant again he will be my peri. Dr.Davis told me that even with a TVC there is still a chance it may fail and to go with a TAC. Dr.Davis did the TAC through the same c-section incision. He gave me almost a 90% that I will make it close to full-term even with twins. That's including p17 shot starting at 16 wks, bedrest at 20wks, and cervical measurements every 2wks. He said I only need one period after the TAC and didn't have to wait any longer. I just had a failed FET and will be starting a new cycle in Sep. I think waiting 4-6 months is long enough. Just know you will need another c-section.

Please, please look into getting a TAC. Find someone who knows what they are doing and go with the gold. TVC only works 70% of the time and most still go delivering early. For some it may work fine but I would not risk it.

Please PM if you need someone to talk to.
XOXO

Marcia

[Ghost]

We just lost the second of our twins, who were born too soon at only 24 weeks (baby A lived 5 days, baby B lived 9 days).

I had an emergency C-section after I went to the doctor complaining of cramping only to learn that I was fully in labor and fully dilated (with baby A's feet already sticking out of my cervix). The doctors explained that a C-section would give our baby boys a better chance at life, so we did that.

Of course, I know that I have to wait a little while to try again. Wanting to TTC again as soon as possible is my gut reaction to my loss - so I'm trying to figure out what my doctor will tell me. After the C-section, I was told to wait at least a year until TTC again -- but I know that people get pregnant again much sooner and have no problems. Emotionally, I know that people react both ways -- some want to wait and some want to TTC again immediately. I think DH and I are leaning towards doing another IVF (transfer #7... oy) as soon as we can.

I'm also interested in a TAC (Trans-abdominal cerclage) for next time. I didn't have a cerclage this time, since I was having bi-weekly cervical u/s and everything was totally fine (cervix measured more than 35mm every time, even the week before they were born). I'm going to have to fight my doctors to get one - but I think I'm going to. (They insist that I should wait until I'm pregnant again, and then keep watching my cervix, only doing the stitch if it becomes necessary. I did that this pregnancy and I have 2 more angels...) How long would I have to wait between the C-section and the TAC? How long between the TAC and the IVF? What if I do a pre-pregnancy TVC?

thanks.

I am very sorry to hear this. Damn.

If you don't mind me saying this, these are the worst to learn about. It's heartbreaking for an IVF cycle to fail, but the later the failure, the worse it is, and when the records refer to baby A and baby B, well, I just have to brace myself for what follows. Some can insulate themselves and consider it purely medically, but I can't help but think about what the couple are going through. It takes lots of courage to set out to be a parent. That's why you are all my heroes.

Sorry for all that.

We recommend a minimum of 90 days from a c-section to the next IVF cycle. Not sure about the rest of your questions. Clinics vary in these policies. Your center will have their own policies.

[leorira11]

Ghost - thank you. Sometimes, when I repeat my 'history' for medical professionals (and I seem to do that every time I see someone new...), I wonder if they realize that this is not just a clinical history, but absolute misery for me, my husband and our lives. Thanks for putting some 'humanity' back.

People keep telling me that I should wait longer to let my body heal and recover from so much pregnancy (56 weeks pregnant in the past 2 years) -- but we are so desperate for a child to take home. I feel that pushing off TTC/IVF longer just makes the entire process so much longer. I can't believe it's already been 3+ years TTC and that I'm not even on my way to having a child yet...

I think we'll probably start the IVF again in January... I have to look into all the other things in that time.

[gi]

Leorira,

I havent been on these boards in ages (since returning to work) but i wanted to catch up with a few i used to silently follow. I am in such shock over your devastating news, my heart absolutly breaks for you and dh and cant even contemplate the emotional horror you are in. I am truly so sorry for your loss and pray you and dh will be parents soon, nothing will ever replace the little babies you have lost but it might ease the pain somehow.

gi xx