Hi ladies,
I came across this thread and wanted to share my rather long story with you. I too, went through a long and rocky road towards motherhood.
- Conceived through 1st cycle of Clomid but miscarried at 14weeks in Jun ‘08 due to PPROM. Cause of PPROM unknown
- Went to Charles Lim at Mt E and diagnosed with PCOS. Given metformin and went through 4 FSH cycles before conceiving again. Miscarried in Jun ‘09 at 24weeks again due to PPROM. Went to NUH A&E when waterbag broke.
- Continued to follow-up at NUH and went through a battery of tests (blood test, HSG, etc).
- Like the 1st miscarriage, the reason for 2nd miscarriage was not conclusive.
- Had depression after the 2 miscarriages and saw psychologist for over 1 year while undergoing fertility treatment.
- 6 months after 2nd miscarriage, decided to try again and was referred to CHR under Dr Anupriya sometime in Jan 2010.
- Quit job in Oct ’10. Finally decided I had enough of the rat race and wanted to focus on what really matters, i.e. getting pregnant
- Managed to conceive again after 4-5 cycles in end Oct 2010 (found out 2 weeks after I quit my job) through Clomid, FSH and IUI but ended up being an ectopic pregnancy. Miscarried after 6 weeks in Nov ’11.
- Started going to see TCM at the advice of friends.
- Took a short 2 month break at the advice of Dr Anu while seeing TCM. Given Chinese medication and acupuncture. (I was really focused and determined on achieving my ‘goal’. (My mindset was either I succeed or die in the process of trying.)
- Conceived on 14 Feb ’11, first try after the break.
- Hubby and I kept this pregnancy a secret from everyone, including family for the first 24weeks. Was prescribed with aspirin, Clexane (low molecular weight heparin LMWH) injections, duphaston, etc right from the start.
- Referred to see Dr Sheila Vasoo and she recommended IVIG. (from my blood test results, I have a borderline case of Thrombophilia and slightly elevated level of NK cells, but again, they are not conclusive)
- Started monthly IVIG in end Mar ’11. Went through 5 cycles in total until I reached the 3rd trimester. Each of the 4-hourly infusion costs $2.8k
- As mine considered a ‘high risk pregnancy’, I saw Dr Anu and had ultrasound scans every fortnight for the duration of the first trimester to check on the growing fetus and the condition of my cervix (after I passed the first trimester, I went for scans and check-ups every single week.. it was like a pilgrimage).
- Diagnosed with gestational diabetes and had to have insulin injections coupled with strict diet control.
- At 24weeks, the scans started showing that my cervix is shortening (incompetent cervix). Dr Anu ordered bed rest at home and a cervical cerclage was scheduled a week later on the 1st week of Aug.
- At 28weeks, started experiencing preterm contractions and went to NUH A&E.
- Spent close to 3weeks in the Delivery Suite hooked up to monitors to monitor the bb's heart rate and had Salbutamol infusion. It is a drug to control the contractions but it kept my heart pumping at a furious 115-120 beats per minute for the entire 3 weeks 24/7. Spent the entire time at the Delivery Suite lying on the bed (yup, pee/poo/eat/sleep) and hearing babies being born in the other rooms.
- The cervical stitch was removed by Prof Biswas at 31weeks and the drs. were all prepared that I’d go into spontaneous labour.
- Miraculously, the contractions stopped and I was sent home on orders of complete bed rest (except toilet privileges). Drs. were hoping that I’d make it till 34weeks.
- Another miracle happened and I made it to 37weeks 2 days (which is considered full term)
My very previous bb boy was born exactly a year to the day I quit my job. He weighed a very healthy 3.2kg (was expecting a small baby from the scans). He is almost 3 months old and every time I look at him, I still find it hard to believe he is mine.
I’d be eternally grateful to the Drs. who took care of me - Prof Biswas, Dr Sheila and most importantly, Dr Anu. Dr Anu took exceptional care of me both physically and emotionally cos she knew what I went through previously. Even the nurses were extremely nice to me.. especially the 2 nurses who did my IVIG (Staff Nurse Kang and Nurse Neo), Dr Sheila’s nurse, Rose and Dr Anu’s nurse, Alice. My experience with everyone I came into contact with at NUH during this journey is nothing short of outstanding and extremely pleasant despite the daily injections that my hubby had to administer for me.
Just before Christmas, hubby and I brought our nearly 2 month old baby back to NUH to say ‘thank you’ to all the drs. and nurses who at one point or other walked this journey with us. We gave cookies to all the drs. and nurses from CHR, Women’s Clinic, IVIG, Delivery Suite and Diabetes Clinic. My parting words to them were ‘I’ll see you next year’! Yup, I’m being very greedy but I am already looking forward to having another bb if I am blessed again. But of course hubby and I have to save up from scratch cos this journey burnt an enormous hole in our finances. No regrets though… our bb is priceless!
Wishing all of you success in your journey towards motherhood. Keep the faith and you will be rewarded with your bundle of joy one day.
I’d be more than happy to answer any questions that any of you may have
