Hi everyone, I'm new to this site so I'm not really sure what's what but my very good friend has just been diagnosed with an AVM following a D&C after losing her baby at 20 weeks. As she has only just been diagnosed she hasn't had any treatment yet but she is really upset at the thought of not being able to have a baby. I'm hoping with all my heart that I can give her some support by finding people who have gone onto have successful pregnancies.
In addition to that, I've read about treatment called uterine emobolization...is that something that they do as standard? The drs don't seem very sure what to do with her really - they've told her to wait two weeks before they treat her to see if it passes naturally but she's been given very little information. I'm also trying to find her a specialist in the UK so if anyone can help with that that would be amazing. I'm sorry for loads of questions, I just really want to help her. Thank you x
What a good friend you are! I'm so sorry your friend is going through this, but please do tell her not to lose hope. There are quite a few women on this board who have had successful pregnancies after a loss associated with an AVM. I had a missed miscarriage at 11 weeks, followed by a D&C, persistent bleeding, an AVM diagnosis, a uterine artery embolization, and a second pregnancy all within about three months. The second pregnancy was perfectly normal (except for unrelated preeclampsia at 37 weeks). My daughter's almost 16 months and thoroughly healthy, and I'm looking forward to doing it again in the next few years years.
Uterine AVMs are rare and varied in severity; it's hard to find a doctor who's ever seen even one of them before, and it's near-impossible to get any assurances about future fertility, but the anecdotal evidence on this board makes me quite optimistic for your friend. The place where she is right is excruciating--grieving a loss, with a scary new diagnosis, totally uncertain about what will happen next, and feeling powerless to do anything but wait and hope. It feels like it takes forever when you're going through it, but you do get through it. Best wishes to her and cheers to you for being so supportive.
Thank you so much for replying. I lost my son at 39 weeks so whilst I can understand the pain of losing a baby, I felt a bit out of my depth to start with. We have no idea of the severity of the AVM - I've read on here about women who have really severe bleeding and she hasn't experienced that. I don't know if that means it won't happen - the D&C was only 2 weeks ago and she was diagnosed with the AVM a week ago. She's been given no information on what to expect. I think that's because the Dr's are unsure. I've found details of some interventional radiologists - I think from looking on here that those are the people that do the emobilizations. Your reply is so encouraging, thank you so much. And a huge congratulations on having a lovely little girl! x
I was daignosed with an AVM back in December after I lost my son at 16 weeks. my doctors as well had no idea how to treat me and the only option offered to me was a uterine artery embolization. I did my research and learned that this procedure can be done using TEMPORARY agents, that will block the blood flow temporarly to the arteries. I had many doctors tell me this as not possible, but I met a doctor in Washington D.C with experience treating this with woman who wish to have future children. There are also medications I researched myself, including Depot Lupron which helps shrink the uterus and decreases blood loss so the avm has a chance to resolve itself. By the grace of god only one month on Depot Lupron helped my body resolve my AVM. Now the problem is when it is safe to conceive. My advice to you and your friend is to do as much of your own research as you can and do no take a doctors word as the final answer. These uterine AVM's are rare so many doctors treat them as uterine fiboroids when they are not and can be treated differently! I wish your friend the greatest of luck and tell her not to give up! There were times I lost hope, and this journey will be hard, but never give up hope!