Regulating Cycles after Loss?

[emily]

I'm new here, but had my 3rd loss just before Christmas.  This loss was much later than my first 2 (16 weeks).  I'm having my first cycle since my D&C and it's not a "normal" cycle for me. I have ongoing spotting. I've not had this happen before and I assume it's related to my body taking some time to get settled again, but I'm just wondering whether it's taken some time for anybody else's body to regulate after a loss.  I'm panicking that I'll never be able to conceive again.  I imagine this is my anxiety (and I've already called my doctor to check in there), but I was hoping I might hear from some other people that have had similar experiences.  
Thanks.

[Deleted]

I'm sorry for your loss. I think extended spotting can be common, though. I had it after a couple of my losses. I know at least once I was bleeding/spotting off and on until my period showed up. It's not pleasant but it also doesn't necessarily signal a problem. It can take several cycles for your body to regulate itself again after a loss. If after 3 cycles you're still having funky things happen, I would make an appointment with the OB.

[emily]

Thank you. Yes, after my d&c I had bleeding for 3 weeks, then about 10 days off before my period started. After my period stopped I had a couple days and then started spotting again and it hasn't stopped (going on another week of that now). I guess I need to just be patient. It's so hard to do.

[emily]

Thank you eliida. I did talk to the nurse, but I feel like that's never as helpful as being able to have a real conversation with the doctor. I'm going to check in with a family friend who's an obgyn as well and probably will make an appointment with my doctor if this continues next month. Waiting truly is the worst.

[4furrypaws]

I'm very sorry for your loss. The ladies have covered my thoughts as well.

Have you considered having your karyotype and RPL testing done?

[emily]

Thank you 4furrypaws. I had bloodwork done after my second loss. And also had an hsg done. I actually had a uterine septum that was resected and I had 2 successful pregnancies after that. This loss was different than my first 2 had been. I'd had the bloodwork done that they do for advanced maternal age and the results were all normal. We opted not to do the additional genetic testing on her because my OB said it was unlikely there would be an issue that would repeat if there was any genetic issue at all. I had taken baby aspirin with my 2 successful pregnancies and wasn't doing that this time because I was still nursing, so maybe that played a part in the loss.

[therealbug]

*****grad warning****

emily, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl and for your other earlier losses.

I had a 20 week loss and I know one of the concerns is retained tissue. Spotting or bleeding outside of when your cycle is could be a sign of this.

With the d&c I had in June, my first period was lighter than normal. This is pretty normal and from my years on here, many ladies have lighter than normal cycles after a d&c for awhile. Some develop a new normal. If you are not charting you may want to start. It can give you some insight to what your body is doing.

Finally, your comment on the baby aspirin caught my attention. Have you had blood testing done for clotting disorders or have you been tested for the MTHFR mutation? If not, I encourage you to push your doctor for this testing.

I would also think about having a consult with an MFM before TTCing again. They may have tests they recommend or may have a game plan for you for future pregnancies.