2nd Miscarriage-Need help or experiences with tests

[buckeyej]

Hi folks,
I had a miscarriage last December at 19 days post ovulation.  We took no drugs or medical help for that one.
This time I took Clomid, an HCG trigger injection, followed by IUI on the 30th of April.  That was followed by several +HCG blood levels.  They were rising, but not doubling, they were only increasing 60-70%.
I had an ultrasound last Wed. which showed a fetus and yolk sac.  I went back for another ultrasound this past tuesday and my fertility Dr. said there was nothing there.  The fetus had died and the sac was not growing.  She said I would be having a miscarriage in the next few days to weeks.  But I have had no spotting, my HCG levels are still high evidenced by a home test and I dont feel any different.  I have been on a baby aspirin a day, but have not had any of the coagulant tests done.
I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries in 2002 and have been on metformin 1500mg/day since August.  I have lost 25 pounds with a low carb diet, walk 3 miles a week and continue now on the low carb diet.
I am a RN, so I have some knowledge, but just enough to be dangerous:)
I would like to know what tests can be done now, before a miscarriage.  What tests should be done after the miscarriage and how long after? We are going to follow my HCG levels down to <5.
What other tests would be recommended, and what has been found helpful to prevent further miscarriages.
I have read articles from heparin injections, to my husbands WBC's being injected SQ into my forearm.
Lots of interesting stuff out there.
Thanks so much, any help is greatly appreciated,
Jennifer

[Niki73]

After my third miscarriage they had my husband and I have our chromosmes checked. After that blood test came back normal they checked me for lupus, then had me drink a liquid that was a blue die so they could look at my pelvic area and then checked my hormone level at a specific time during my cycle and I can't remember if it was after my period or right before. So they decided once I became pregnant again they would start me on progesterone injections as long as my HCG levels were good at the start. It worked I had a beautiful daughter...and I am pregnant now and again on the injections...I hope this helps a little.

[buckeyej]

Thanks so much Nikki, that gives me some hope where I am starting to believe there is none.
j

[capermom]

You know, they just don't want to test around here until you have 3 in a row. I had lots of blood work but still no answers. They aren't doing anything different for me with this pregnancy either. Maybe just keeping a closer eye that's it. They basically blame it on bad luck. I beg to differ, more like they can't figure it out. Anyway, I am really sorry you are going through this, I know how hard it is. You know we are here for you and I wish you all the best.

[babygirl22]

Very sad how a person has to advocate so strongly for themselves.  I don't let my family doctor put me off anymore - I find someone I want to see, and I ask for a referral - sometimes I have to insist.  I'm going to see a specialist tomorrow after I fought to get a referral.  It's just the way things seem to be going.  And God help those who take their primary physician's word for things without doing their own research or questioning anything.

[babygirl22]

Very sad how a person has to advocate so strongly for themselves.  I don't let my family doctor put me off anymore - I find someone I want to see, and I ask for a referral - sometimes I have to insist.  I'm going to see a specialist tomorrow after I fought to get a referral.  It's just the way things seem to be going.  And God help those who take their primary physician's word for things without doing their own research or questioning anything.

[capermom]

I know, it's terrible. It's like they don't care and you know, they don't. But, if it was their wife or daughter in our situations, they would do something more.

[babygirl22]

Exactly - and I said as much to my doctor.  He didn't receive that comment very well.  But hey, it's true.  And I also told him that if men had babies it just wouldn't be acceptable practive.  He didn't like that either!!