cvs tomorrow.....feeling anxious

[clairbear]

I am having a cvs (chorionic villus sampling) test tomorrow. I am twelve weeks pregnant with my second baby, and chose to do this test as I will be 38 on the due date. I saw a genetic counsellor who showed me the risks of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder - which at my age is one in 105. She also outlined the fact that doing this test (invasive needle with ultrasound) has a miscarriage risk factor of one percent. I wanted to do the test, because if there is a problem, it is still early enough to have a termination. Some people may think I am selfish/cruel/crazy for doing this test.......for lots of reasons, including religious and moral ones. That's why I don't feel comfortable talking to my mother or too many people about it. I realistically do not think I could cope being a parent of a child with a disability (test cannot guarantee severity of disability), and would hate the thought of dying and leaving that person to fend for themselves in this world. Of course this decision would be heartbreaking, I would be riddled with guilt. I already feel awful for the many women who have gone through miscarriages in my due in march thread........talking about this may be hurtful to some of them. Anyway, just feeling a bit scared tonight....and for the next two weeks waiting for the results. Anyone else in the same boat??

[mumof2girls]

I've never had this test done but I am with you on your reasoning about aborting children that have disabilities (where they can't fend for themselves). People have told me that it is cruel and that I should love the child no matter what and I tell them it's not a matter of not loving the child but what happens to the child when I die, where do they end up - in some sort of group home where no-one cares about them (I THINK NOT). Good luck with the test I'm sure it will be fine and it will be a long 2 weeks but try not to think to much about it (know this is hard). Don't worry about what others think, you need to do what is right for you and your family :)

[aardvark]

I went for a CVS at 12 weeks, and they could not do it.

The placenta is on the back wall of the uterus, and there was a small blood clot behind it which increased the risk of miscarriage. Also the position of the baby, and my bowel made it just too hard to get the needle where it needed to go.

I went back yesterday at 16 weeks for an amniocentesis - a quiet day for me today, tummy a bit tender where the needle went in. I already have a provisional result tonight - they phoned it through this afternoon. They won't tell me the gender over the phone, but the relief of knowing baby does not have any of the most common chromosomal abnormalities more than makes up for not knowing the gender. The full result comes through in 2 weeks.

The provisional result cost me $150 more, and I get none of it back from medicare, but for peace of mind, it has been worth it. The test is called a FISH test, if you want to ask for it, and they can do it on a CVS sample as well as on an amniotic fluid sample.

My reason is the same as you - but add 18 months, so worse odds. I'll be 5 months shy of 40 when baby is born. I finally feel like I an start to enjoy being pregnant now - how I feel tonight was how I felt when I first was confirmed pregnant with the previous babies, at much younger ages.

Good luck, and make sure you take it easy for a few days afterwards.

[clairbear]

mum of two, thanks for taking the time to send me that message, it was very reassuring!
aardvark sorry to hear your story but that's great to hear the prov result! Good for you! I had the test this morning,no pain, just uncomfortable and over very quickly..........I had read something about early results but didn't think to ask as they didn't mention it. Let's just hope these two weeks speed by quickly for both of us, then we'll hopefully have peace of mind and knowledge of the gender. I agree with you about being able to then relax and be excited about the baby! Thank you :)

[dee dee]

Hi Clairbear, firstly I would like to say I hope that everything turns out well for you. It is a horrible thing to have to wait for results.

I chose to have a cvs at about 12 weeks also, as I received some horrible results on my nt scan. This was at my first ultrasound and instead of being excited I ended up in tears (and not happy ones). I was given a 1 in 43 chance of having a child with downs syndrome and it was looking too promising for other conditions either.

It is a difficult decision to make, and I understand where you are coming from, but I am relieved that I had the cvs. Everything turned out to be perfectly okay!!! :) Having the test really helps to put your mind at ease and allows you to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Once again good luck and all the best,
dee dee

[clairbear]

Thanks dee dee for your positive words!
My God, I was feeling relieved the cvs was over, only having to wait for the results- and then I got a phone call from the doctor who performed the cvs this afternoon. She told me she was really sorry but she didn't get enough placental fluid in order to get the proper results! Which means I will be going thru it all again on Monday...........I feel ripped off, disappointed, upset and frustrated but there's nothing I can do! She said it's a very unusual thing to happen but yep it happened to me!I have yucky cramps and light bleeding which I'll have to go through again plus worrying about the added m/c risk , and organising babysitting for our two year old again. Oh well......................................... :rolleyes:

[aardvark]

That's awful!

Have you spoken to your obstetrician? It is possible they will suggest delaying till later next week to minimise the risk. Have you asked the practitioner who did the procedure what a repeat does to your risk of miscarriage?

Take it easy, and rest. The cramping and bleeding must be scary as anything. It was something I was dreading when I went for the CVS they couldn't do, and also again when I went for the amnio on Wednesday.

[maybe1more]

Clairebear, im so sorry you have to go thru it all again, i feel for you! On the postitive side of things i think it excellent that your getting these test done, i thinks is really important. No one whats to bring a disabled child into this world, sometimes life is cruel enough which out adding to it,(i mean that in the nicest way).Hopefully next time they get the propery amount of fuild and dont stuff you around. Looking foward to hearing that all is well. :)

[clairbear]

aardvark, the doctor said it won't affedt the risk, and I would like to get it out of the way asap if you know what I mean!
firstbub, thanks sweetie for your concern. Hope you are going okay :)

[aardvark]

I know precisely what you mean.

Having to wait 4 more weeks after the failed CVS appointment for the amnio nearly killed me emotionally. That was why I paid the extra for the FISH test.

As it is, I would have had to endure an induced labour if a termination due to abnormality was required. I was not happy about the possibility.

[dee dee]

oh Clairbear, thats awful to have to go through it again. I feel for you. Hope all goes well the second time around. Just wondering where you had the test done as I live around the St George area also.

[mumof2girls]

Dear Clairbear;

Sorry to hear that you have to have the test over again (something that usually happens to me :) ) I can understand your frustrations but at least you only have to wait till monday and not another 2 weeks or so. Good luck and here's hoping all turns out well, my fingers & toes are crossed for you :)

[clairbear]

thanks for your concerns you are both so sweet :)
Dee Dee i had the test done at an imaging place across the road from st george hospital (next to that lego land parking station) called mcnally and something, which meant I had to pay a fee, most of which I will get back on medicare. I am having my baby (if all goes well ) at St george public again which I was very happy with first time round. How about you?

[clairbear]

aardvark thanks for your message also! I know what you mean about the amnio..I had one with my last pregnancy, which is why I wanted the earlier cvs this time. Modern technology is great isn't it, but we will always have human characteristics ie. the ability to make mistakes, be anxious and suffer tragedies on the negative side as well as the positive ones like the love and happiness experienced by being blessed with beautiful healthy children. I have felt very close and appreciative of my adorable two year old during all these trials :o

[Trina]

Clairbear

I had a CVS when I was pregnant with my son (now 14 months old). We had the test on the Monday morning and received the initial 'all clear' by the Wednesday afternoon. We were even told the sex. It was the most scariest experience of my pregnancy but a huge relief to know that everything was fine.

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just remember take it easy after the test. Good luck.

[mshobbit]

On my first ultrasound I found out that my baby boy was going to be born with a cleft lip and palate and he also had a risk of having down syndrome. I'm only 23 (22 at the time) so I was completely devastated. I eventually flew from Darwin to Brisbane and had an amniocentisis to rule out down syndrome (which it did), but bubba was still born with a cleft lip and palate.

Hubby and I are still deciding if we want to have another one, cos although we love our little boy and wouldn't change him for the world, I couldn't imagine having to go thru it all again. We have both said that if we were to try again, we'd have every test available and terminate if something was wrong. Having been thru it once, I don't think I could go thru it again.

Only you know what is best for you, good on you for getting the test to ease your mind.

[clairbear]

trina, mshobbit and everyone else who've sent messages....your posts mean so much to me! This is definitely a time when I need reassurance and you've all been so much better than my pathetic huband ;) only joking, he tries but I guess it's hard for him to imagine what I am going through and often says the wrong thing or nothing at all...prob scared I'll bite his head off! :D I've tried hard and remained pretty positive this weekend, one step at a time, and tomorrow will soon be over. I will def ask about the early result! Thanks again lovely girls! By the way deedee, my edd is on your little darling's birthday, sounds like a good omen to me!

[mumof2girls]

Good luck with everything tomorrow, sure will all go well and hope you can get your tests back early :) It must be hard for your hubby as well and he probably isn't sure what to say but you will probably find he is as anxious as you are just trying to stay strong for the both of you :) Best of luck to the both of you, we are thinking of you and have our fingers and toes crossed (again! :D ) for you

[aardvark]

Clairbear, The early result is called a FISH test, if you want to ask for it.

It does cost $150 extra, and you get none of it back from medicare, however it does count towards health expenditure for Tax purposes, so keep your receipt if you have it done.

[dee dee]

Hi Clairbear, I hope that all goes well today. Try and take it easy on yourself and rest up (I know easier said than done sometimes). I had the cvs done at Sydney Ultrasound for women, just down the road from the hospital, and had my dd at St George Private.

By the way 5th March is a lovely birthday to have. :D

Take care,
dee dee

[clairbear]

mumof2girls, aardvark and dee dee,
Thanks for your advice and good wishes! Today was horrible! First of all I had to wait 50 minutes with a full bladder!! luckily when I finally went in i was allowed to let some out otherwise I would've weed everywhere!
Then the cvs was ten times worse than on Friday.....they took extra long and had to try twice to get enough tissue sample........god, sitting there with an aching bladder with a huge speculum up me and a big long needle twisting around inside was my idea of torture.........I would've been hopeless as a prisoner of war!
Then the doctor told me that the tissue strands were clinging on very hard (which is what they're sposed to do) and it was really hard to obtain them for testing. He said there is still a chance they'll get to the lab and the technicians there will say there's not enough tissue sample for a result...which is what happened on Friday. Anyway, he said if that happens he will be calling with that bad news withing 48 hours....so far so good.............and regardless he will call in a few days with an early pre result which he says can't really guarantee anything (as cells can change in two weeks) but at least will let me know there was enough to have a result in 2 weeks....JEEEEEEZZUS! Otherwise, he said he does not recommend a third go at cvs and would be suggesting an amnio at 15weeks which I was trying to avoid! Oh well, one step at a time I keep telling myself. I'll keep you all posted sorry bout the gory details. Take care :o

[aardvark]

I can't believe they would do such a delicate procedure with a full bladder, when you need to stay still.

The place where I go, they insist you empty right out. Before I had the amnio last week, I had to get up off the table and go, "because there looks to be at least 50mls in there". I've been to that practice with all three pregnancies, and have never had to present with a full and uncomfortable bladder.

Fingers crossed they got enough. Now the wait. I hope it all goes well.

[clairbear]

Hi, thought I'd let you all know, that we got a phone call this arvo saying the cells look good at this point, and it's supposedly a good sign if they look good this early! I feel very relieved but still scared to fully relax.
I know I am going to sound fickle and ungrateful but we also found out the gender and I cannot BELIEVE it's another BOY. :eek: I know it doesn't matter as long as it's healthy but truthfully I am pretty disappointed...was sooooo hoping for a little girl!
Thanks for all your concern and support girls, best wishes to you all! :)

[maybe1more]

Glad to hear the good news, and another BOY!!! Were you planning on three kids? you probably will now(LOL). I know you wanted a girl and maybe one day you will, but from my experience i would just feel gratefull to still be pregnant, You are so lucky that every thing is well with your little treasure, looks like patty is going to have a little brother. Glad to hear all is well and in time you will probably get use to the fact that your having another boy, its probably still sinking in.

[mumof2girls]

Hey Clairebear;

I'm glad everything came back looking great and will continue to do so. You may have wanted a girl but maybe you can try for her after your new little man arrives :D

[clairbear]

thanks firstbub and mumof2girls you are both very sweet. I was quite disappointed earlier, and I am allowing myself to have a bit of a tanty now........but you are right, I am so lucky to still be pregnant with a (hopefully) healthy baby and I already feel better about having another little boy! This will definitely be my last pregnancy however, due to my age mostly but other things too including not wanting to go through the awful anxiety associated with doing the tests etc. Yep, I am cool and looking forward to bringing up two gorgeous boys who will learn how to treat women with respect and care! :) :)

[aardvark]

Perhaps that's why the practice I went to won't give the gender result from the FISH test over the phone, so I still don't know the gender. I'll find that out from the OB next week. It's given me a full two weeks to get used to the fact that baby should be normal before I have to worry about the gender!

I can understand your disappointment, Clairbear. I'm secretly thinking I'll be disappointed if my baby is a boy, even though I already have 2 girls. It's strange.

Be positive, Clairbear. I did some reading about the accuracy of the FISH result before I handed over the $$$ for it, and it's pretty reliable from what I could find out.

[mumof2girls]

Hey clairbear;
I'm glad that your not really disappointed about the sex of the baby (too much anyway), but to be blessed with 2 little boys you couldn't ask for more and think of the money you can save on clothes (hehehe) as you will have hand me downs :D Hope all goes well throughout the rest of your pregnancy

[dee dee]

hey Clairbear glad to here the results were good. All the best for the rest of your pregnancy :)

[clairbear]

Thanks sweetie! Looking forward to having a healthy baby boy on your daughter's birthday! :)

[clairbear]

also thanks to aardvark and mumof2girls, good luck to all of you with all of your bubs present and future! Was lovely to get your messages when feeling anxious :)

[Foxymoron]

clairbear, congrats on your little boy! I'm glad to hear that after all you have been through that the test results seem fine. I'm off to have the Nuchal Fold scan, as I'm in my mid 30's and having a son with a disability, I know I don't have room for a child with a severe malformation or a chromosomal disorder. I already have all the worries you mentioned in previous posts, for my little boy. He is sweet and I thank my lucky stars every day that I have him, but of course I worry about his future and how he will cope, if he will ever intergrate with 'normal' society, or if his Autism will always set him apart from the world. A healthy child I can handle, another autistic child- I can't prevent as there's no in utero testing! But a child with downs or spina bifida, well let's just say if I'm faced with that it will be a huge emotional quandry! I only wish i could find out as early as you about the gender, I'd love to know.

[clairbear]

best of luck to you keara, reading your post shows me what a strong and brave mum you must be! I left you a message in the due in march thread! Thanks for your message sweetie :)

[clairbear]

Just when I thought I was out of the woods! Well, for those who've been following this......please put up with more anxietising (not a real word!) from me. It is now almost two weeks since I did the second cvs and I have been having spotting (brownish with the occasional stringy bits, sorry to be graphic) and cramping every day since one day after the test. Yesterday morning I was so sure I was losing the baby. I rang the clinic who said I could come in to have an ultrasound to check the baby. When I did the baby was fine, heartbeat normal etc., and the guy who did the ultrasound was very laid back, said it was pretty normal for some women to bleed throughout their pregnancies. He said that my bleeding was probably just some post cvs clots being passed, hence the cramping. I felt reassured yesterday, but am still experiencing cramping and very light bleeding. I've been having all kinds of guilt feelings about the test, thinking perhaps a perfectly healthy baby may be ruined because of it. I asked him if I should be concerned if it doesn't stop...and he said that's a good question but didn't really answer it. I feel scared and confused

[aardvark]

Have you spoken to your obstetrician about what you are losing?

If it's brown, it's old blood, but if it is bright, don't hesitate to get someone to give you the once over.

[clairbear]

aardvark I don't have an obstetrician as I am doing it through the public hospital system. It is definitely brown old blood. I will call midwife team if still bleeding tomorrow.

[maybe1more]

What can i say, you have been thought hell and back lately, far out it must be so hard on you, looking after patty, and going back and four to the hospital :confused: I hope all this is the result of a beautifull very healthy baby boy! When he grow up you have some dirt on him(LOL) I really hope all this is over for you soon so you can start to enjoy your pregnancy. Thinking of you. ;)

[clairbear]

Lovely words from you again! I have had a pretty anxious time of it yeah, but am very relieved and lucky that baby seems perfectly fine (so far). I spoke to the technician who performed the cvs this morning, and she assured me things are ok, it is old blood and not unusual for someone who has undergone the test three times to have light mucous/blood residue for a few weeks afterwards.
How are you going? Still having bad days? Do pm me anytime, I am happy to listen/read about how you've been feeling. Must be hard to try and be "up" for your toddler when you aren't feeling too great about losing your baby. Take care x

[clairbear]

Just thought I would report quickly that I got my final cvs results today and HALLELUJAH! everything is normal! Thanx for all your messages of support, made me feel better about the anxious experience. Blessings to you all .....now I am ready to relax and enjoy the pregnancy! :)