Dr. Haney is a well known doctor who specializes in IC. He is THE doctor people talk about on the IC and Abbyloopers forum. I decided to email and get his opinion. Here it is.
Dear Ms. Mason,
I am sorry to hear of your loss and am sure this was devastating for you. From your history, I would be very concerned that you will have the same problem with your next pregnancy, painless effacement and dilation of the cervix as your history is classic for IC. You likely have torn the normal tissue in the upper portion of the cervix (the tear at your C-section) and, while your cervix is the appropriate length, it lacks the structural strength to maintain its length in the second trimester. The infection noted in your placenta (acute chorioamnionitis) is a consequence of not having the normal cervix mucus column to protect the membranes from contact with vaginal bacteria and will be the inevitable outcome for your next pregnancy without a cerclage. Unfortunately, if you do not have adequate cervical tissue for a transvaginal cerclage (TVC), bed rest and progesterone will not prevent the opening of the cervix (funneling) and descent of the membranes again. Since you had a 3.6 cm cervix noted at your anatomy scan, you should have an adequate amount of cervix above the vagina and the placement of a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) should have an excellent chance of success. However, given your cervical tear at your C-section, I would strongly suggest that you have your TAC placed prior to becoming pregnant as the scarring which may be present from the repair would make placing it during pregnancy very difficult. Placing it prior to pregnancy would be much more easily done and it would not impact your ability to conceive, including IUI. At this point, I would suggest that we talk on the phone to get all of your questions answered so you can make an informed decision. You can arrange that by contacting my assistant, Ms. Erin Fillmore, at 773.702-6127. I look forward to speaking with you. Good luck.
A.F. Haney
2 comments:
Does this mean that anyone with a history of infection is in need of this procedure?? Thank you for sharing...I asked my OB is she thought that IC could be my problem and she said no...now I am wondering...
Rhiannon, IC generally presents itself between 18-24 weeks gestation as the baby gains significant weight. The cervix unable to withstand the weight silently opens and allows the membranes to be exposed to bacteria in the vagina.
Because you were further along in your pregnancy when you lost Harper your Doctor may feel that either there was some PTL (maybe without your knowledge)that caused cervical effacement/dilation or the bacteria breeched the normal defenses of the cervix/plug. My doctor also told me it's possible to contract chorio hetergenously (through the mothers blood stream).
I have gotten three opinions from physicians by e-mail all suggest cerclage....but none of my actual physicians seem to agree!
So concerning and frustratin!
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