Bad news and a couple of questions...

Eireann Posted: Mar 29, 2005 11:56 AM

Bad news and a couple of questions...

I got the results of my Integrated test this morning. My risk of having a Down's baby is comparatively very high. The normal range for a person of my age is about 1/550 and my range is 1/5. Needless to say, I'm devastated by this news, but trying to keep in mind that there's an 80% chance my baby is healthy. I have already scheduled an amnio for Friday morning.

So, I was wondering if any of you or friends/family have such an elevated risk and what the outcomes were. We have one acquaintance whose son has Down's, but this couple did not opt for the tests and were taken unaware.

Also, does anyone know what the amnio is like? My SIL had it due to age, but it didn't seem like such a big deal.

Lastly, I would appreciate it if you would think of us in your prayers.

Thank you.

The Original 2nd-time-around Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:13 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Just wanted to send you lots of and .

I know a few people who have had the amnio, and they say it's really not so bad at all. I hope everything is OK

brideinapril Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:13 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

I had recieved the same news as a result of my AFP test with my son - It is awful, you go through so many emotions, but when I talked to the genetic counsler and found out that there was also a risk to having the amnio as well, I opted to cancel my appointment and wait out the rest of my pregnancy.
I knew even if I knew for sure that my son was Downs - I wasn't going to terminate the pregnancy. I mean at that point I was already way to attached.
My son was born healthy - no Downs.

Whatever you choose to do - my heart goes out to you because I know exactly how you are feeling.
Tracey

chichila15 Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:15 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

1st, I'd like to offer my thoughts & prayers to you. I can imagine how you're feeling about all this.

2nd, doctors are wrong all the time. I had a miscarriage in Feb, and was told that our baby boy had high levels of Neural Tube Defect... which as a result could have been Spina Bifida, D.S, or disability, etc. After they did a pathology, they completely outruled SpinaBifida (which they were pretty certain our baby had), and couldn't detect any other chromosomal abnoralities.

Like you said, you have 80% chance, and that's a comfortable percentage... I would probably do an amnio, if I were you, but then again, there are a lot of risks (ie, worrying about something that was wrongly diagnosed).

Either way, keep positive throughout this, and I'm sending solace & peace your way.

jennyg Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:17 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

My best friend had similar results with her first child and opted not to have the amnio... though her Level II sonogram looked good she still didn't know what would happen. BUt as it turned out she had a perfectly healthly baby girl.

For her second child she opted not to have the test b/c of the false positives and b/c she wouldn't have terminated anyways.

I hope all goes well for you and pls know that these tests have a very high % of being WRONG!

coselige Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:17 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

My SIL had the Integrated test and she was told that her risk of having a Down's baby was 1/10. She was 32 at the time. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl. No Down's. She was told that the false positive rate on the test is very high.

I hope all works out for you and you will be in my prayers

ambersmom Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:31 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

My prayers go out to you

Janice Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:39 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

They told my mother the same thing..she was 36, and they said the baby's numbers show that he will have Down's..they wanted to send her for amnio..she said no that she would not terminate anyway and did not want any added risks..but sometimes I wish she had the test done..because those 4 months of waiting till he was born was hell and my parents started taking classes on how do deal with a Down's infant and introducing him to your family..etc...my mother cried a lot..when she had him she did not ask boy or girl just if he was okay..and they said he was perfect and she just cried some more.....I am not sure what you should do, but doctors make plenty of mistakes..

StepherG Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:47 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

I agree with everyone else...there is such a high false positive with that test...don't worry yourself too much...discuss this with your DH on what you want to do...

Good luck..you're in my thoughts and prayers!!!

jcndd Posted: Mar 29, 2005 12:55 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Good luck to you!!!

JimmysBride Posted: Mar 29, 2005 01:08 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Just wanted to wish you the best and send you

soon2bMrs Posted: Mar 29, 2005 01:09 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Good Luck to you, I hope everything turns out OK

littlewilson Posted: Mar 29, 2005 01:24 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

I looked into having an amnio, and like others have said, it shouldn't be too huge a deal. The miscarriage rate due to amnio varies from 1/300 to 1/1000+ depending on who you go to. In any case though, the risks are low and you will be able to rest easier once you know for sure how your little one is doing in there. Sorry for the scare you're getting and good luck!

ETA: You can ask that they submit fluid for a FISH test after the amnio, which will get you back much quicker results on a subset of conditions, including Down's.

Betty Posted: Mar 29, 2005 01:29 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Good luck to you

jantany26 Posted: Mar 29, 2005 01:41 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

good luck to you and you and your baby will be in my prayers.

princess99 Posted: Mar 29, 2005 02:14 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

A lady I work with went thru this 16 years ago, her daughter was healthy, and in gifted classes.
Hugs to you

MrsTC Posted: Mar 29, 2005 02:23 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

kelswiss Posted: Mar 29, 2005 02:41 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

Good luck to you

MrsERod Posted: Mar 29, 2005 02:42 PM

Re: Bad news and a couple of questions...

my range was 1/75 when I was pregnant with Sofia. The amnio was not as bad as I expected. Fear of the unkown was worse. Our outcome was what we prayed for: a beautifully healthy baby. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, and hope all turns out well.