Someone tell me it's only numbers (please!)

[Tia38]

16w+ pg. Had nuchal scan at 12w. Based on scan (nasal bone present and thickness not too thick -- don't recall the numbers) was feeling pretty good. When the combined numbers came back (incorporates blood work and actually gives you odds of downs + trisomy13/18) I was still feeling pretty good.

My 'risks' were substantially decreased relative to age (41) alone. The 'improvements' were about the same (statistically speaking) as with DD (who I had at 39). They were higher overall, since I'm older. The Downs number was like 1/1000. It was the other one (1/200) that gave me some pause, but since it was better than 'age alone' I was trying not to stress.

I was still feeling pretty good.

Recently some of the ladies on my EDD thread have started posting their numbers. I am thrilled for them to have low risk (good results).

I am less thrilled that in comparison my numbers suddenly seem very risky.

Am I nuts? My numbers are my numbers and it shouldn't matter what other people are getting.... in theory.

My plan is (and has always been) to hold off until level 2 u/s (less than 2 weeks) to see if there are any soft markers... and then decide on amnio or not.

Any reassurance appreciated. Or at least tell me to not compare to others? Or something.

Cheers,
-Tia

[wintergirl]

If your Downs # was only 1 in 1000 I wouldn't worry. Even the other # is only one half of one percent....

I was told it's "virtually impossible" for anyone over 35 to 'pass' the blood screening because they give age such a heavy factor, usually more than they should because most people with a 'screen positive' go on to have healthy babies. I was fully expecting to fail the blood screening (because I was told I would since I was 38), but I actually passed so I didn't do amnio. I was expecting to do amnio so this was a surprise. I would see what the test says in 2 weeks like you said before deciding on amnio.

Can you also call the genetics dept who analyzed your test and ask them what factors gave you the 1 in 200 for trisomy 13/18? Kaiser's genetics dept had me talk to a genetic counselor when I called them and she was very informative.

[triciaism]

I'm right behind you and don't yet have my numbers back for the second round of tests - the FAP (been meaning to get to the lab all week) but . . . I contiplated even getting them done and this is why.

My friend was 40 when she had her first child - her test said that her daughter would have heart problems, she did not. She was turning 42 when her second child was born. Her tests said high probabliity of Downs Syndrom - he did not.

I know two people personally who have lost their babies due to amnio. I know the risk is low and I know many who have had amnio's and been fine but . . . still scares me.

Wintergirl has a great suggestion - I would talk to a genetics counselor to ease your mind! And as far as comparing - are "all" the girls you are comparing yourself to the same age? Consider that too!

Hugs!! I wish this was easier for us all!

Tricia

[Tia38]

Thanks Tricia and Wintergirl.

Reassuring words all around.

And no, I don't think all the folks I'm comparing against are the same age (or even near my age). At 41 I think I'm the outlier (or at least in the extreme minority).

It's funny.... I felt 'old' at 38 and 39. I guess know I feel ancient? ;-)

I talked to the genetic couselor briefly when the #s came in, with follow up with my OB. I don't think they can provide me additional reassurance.

I think only the next scan will really do it.

I'm with Tricia on the amnio... I know for most women who have them it's not a problem, but there is a risk, so I'm hoping not to need/want one. Fingers crossed.

Happier note. TGIF! (and Happy Halloween)

-tia

[Vicki41]

Hey Tia,

Yes you will have higher numbers than women even 1-2 years younger than you. Age is a major factor in risk evaluation of the screening test. This is why you see many over 40s choose not to do the screening tests and go right for the Amnio.

Just take a big breath! Your numbers are better than aged based risk alone. Which is great!

Have you talked with your partner about this? And what you would do with the information either way?

Remember no screen or test is 100%, including an amnio.

I agree with the others, talk with a genetic counselor, you are over 35 and should qualify for a visit.
Good luck! -vicki

[Lula]

Hi Tia!

It's only numbers.....

I had the NT scan w/ blood work and the risk for ds came back at 1:130. I can't remember the numbers for the other trisomies. My OB said all measurements and blood levels were in the average or normal range (one was at the low end of average) and that my age (40) is what really affected the numbers. The GC was pushing for an amnio right away but I talked to my OB and we decided to wait until the level II and if there were any soft markers, we'd explore what to do then. The level II was fine and I'm skipping any further testing. There is still a risk but I'm feeling good about everything. My OB has been great through this whole thing.

Don't think about others and just think it is still a very small risk when you look at the number alone (less than one percent).

Good luck at your level II!

[Tia38]

Thanks Lula and Vickie for the further support. Only 1 week to go until my level 2 u/s... and I'm (mostly) feeling confident. I know the screenings are only screenings... and that even the testing (should I go that route) is not 100%.

It does help to hear from others, so thanks to all for listening and supporting.

Cheers,
-Tia

[Vicki41]

Hang in there Tia! The waiting is so hard. thinking of you-vicki

[wintergirl]

Tia, is your u/s tomorrow? (Monday) Please post letting us know how it goes when you can.

[Sherb]

I hope that your u/s goes well and everything looks good. My sister just turned 37 and she is due in January. I'm 38 and gave birth at the end of Aug to a little boy. Funny thing was that me being older, my #'s came back much better than my sister's. Everyone's #'s are different. You can't compare with other people. My sister was very upset because she was comparing her #'s with mine and she thought that hers were a much higher risk. She was even contemplating the amnio but myself and our mom talked her in to waiting for the level 2 u/s.

She waited and her level 2 was perfect and she's having a beautiful little boy.

Good luck!