Amniocentesis and the FISH test

[CarolineF]

I had an amnio yesterday. I have had one before, and I liked this one even less then the last. It hurt but the doc doing it was fabulous!

I now have to go through the awful wait. I am supposed to be getting the results of the FISH test after 5pm today.....I am so anxious at the moment I don't know what to do with myself!:o

One thing i did not do yesterday was enquire about the cost for the extra FISH test. Apparently you get a separate invoice from QML for the tests in an amnio, but I must admit I just leapt in and did not think about the cost. Does anyone know?

The other issue is of course how accurate the FISH test is. Dr Carmody said that if the FISH comes back OK then I should worry no more cos the other 10% of conditions that you have to wait for the results for usually result in miscarriage before now.

Anyone else experineced these tests? The 3 week wait really sucks. I was a basketcase by the time I got the results last time round!!!!:laughing:

[littlepickle]

Hi Caroline,

Sorry I cant really help with your question. I just wanted wish you luck with the results:hugs:

[Tisme]

Where are they doing the test through? I didn't get the FISH test done, just the Amnio and I only had to wait 14 days (2 weeks) for the results. My friend on the Gold Coast had to wait only 11 days for her amnio results so I guess it really depends on which laboratory and their conditions ....

Good Luck and try to keep yourself busy for the three weeks.

:hugs: to you and yours

[CarolineF]

I had the test done at the Wesley in Brisbane.

I have just been speaking to by dh. I'm a bit anxious and he's laughing at me cos he says I am cramming 2-3 weeks stress and anxiety into 24 hours!

Thanks for your good wishes. :hugs: Im sure all will be ok, but the wait is still horrid!

[bilbymum]

dear Caroline,

i went thru an amnio test three weeks ago now, it was a horrible time for me too.:gloomy: In our state, the wait is two weeks to find out the result and it felt like TWO YEARS to me!!!!

We didn't get the FISH test cos it was hundreds of dollars and not worth it percentage wise. It wouldn't have shown up the Down's result which is why i had to have the amnio in the first place.

I had bad cramps for five days after the amnio - i hope that doesn't happen for you. The obstretrician didn't give me to a local anaethestic first before performing the amnio - and he had to move the needle AROUND alot to get the sample (shudder to remember it).:no:

The wait is an emotional time, i spent lots of time being with other people, looking on forums like this one for other people's stories of amniocentesis experiences, trying to keep my mind occupied.

I would recommend getting the results in person. I was told over the phone, couldn't hear properly and the doctor meant to give the results was away so someone else was just reading a message.

My heart goes out to you, cos i have recent experience of how horrible it is, i had taken five years to conceive, am an older mum and this test really terrified me. If anyone had said, you can always try again, i would have punched them! and i am a gentle person!!!!!!

Our results were negative, baby is absolutely fine :smiliedance:so i am now on cloud nine, but i remember what those two weeks were like vividly!!!

Keep talking, online, to friends in real life, ask lots of questions to your gp, your midwife, it's hard but the time EVENTUALLLY does pass.

feel free to email me at g.j@internode.on.net :hugs:

[Jodiee]

It was 6 years ago, but my FISH cost $350, and it was accurate with the chrom. results, the same as the amnio, neg....

Goodluck with your results!!!! :hugs: :thumbsup: :kiss: :yes:

[CarolineF]

Do you get any of that $350 back from Medicare? Cos that is big bucks for a test, its more than the procedure itself!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[aardvark]

I had a FISH last year, and it was $150, and none of it is claimable from medicare, but it does count towards medical expenses for taxation purposes, so you will get some of it back with your tax return if your spending on health is more than the published threshold.

[CarolineF]

Thanks for that. I had best keep that a secret from my dh cos he is likely to have a coronary when he finds out.:eek: Interestingly the hospital did not give us a choice, they just said that this test will be back today, and the others in about 10-14 days. Naughty really.:no:

Mind you, I think i would still want to know sooner rather than later cos the wait is sheer torture! Where did you have yours done? Mine was through QML - do they all charge different rates for the FISH or is there a standard fee? There must be surely?

$150 is a sight more bearable than $350!!!!!!!

I had to pay $320 for the amnio and consultation, and they gave me a slip of paper that said that QML would invoice separately and it would all be refundable through Medicare. They did not let on the FISH would be out of pocket. Its not as if it goes towards the Safety Net either. SHAME!!!!!!:mad: :mad:

[aardvark]

Mine was done last August through Simon Meagher's rooms in Mulgrave, and it was sent to pathology through Monash.

You might be lucky, they may have changed the Medicare rules for the FISH test. I had to sign a form acknowledging that I knew the FISH cost was unclaimable.

You are right, the waiting is torurous, even if it is only for 24 hours o so. My FISH result was 22.5 hours coming back and it was like a lifetime.

[CarolineF]

Could I be that lucky??????:fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed: :fingerscrossed:

[madwoman]

can i just ask you girls why you all decided to have amnios?

Thanks
Lynn

[CarolineF]

Just got my FISH results.

All 4 tests were negative:smiliedance: :smiliedance:

And i'm having another little girl. I'm so happy. I burst into tears on the phone with the drs secretary.:smiliedance: :D

Stuff the cost now. I'm just pleased I have 90% of the results through. I'll not worry so much now.

[Elfin]

CarolineF that is great news, congratulations. Now just relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy:)