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AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
My doctor called - she said everything is ok, but she had to talk to me
My numbers are "off" - for a 32 year old, my odds should be 1 in 400-something that I would have a baby with Downs Syndrome. My odds came back 1 in 217.
Because its under 250, she said if I want to, I can take the amnio. She warned me of the risks from the amnio, and I just don't want to go thru that.
I asked her if I honestly should be concerned - she said no, the baby should be fine. She said also the Level 2 will tell a little more, but the ;evel 1 came up completely fine in terms of the folds in the neck....
anyone else have numbers that were off? I'm trying to stay level headed about this, but still, its a bit disconcerting....
ETA: LADIES: I should clarify - I told the doctor I do NOT want the amnio right from the start, and she was totally fine with it. Amnio is out of the question - I'm not sure if I was clear about that in my post- that is why I want to be reassured about the numbers, because I'm not doing anything else except my scheduled sonograms....
Message edited 11/6/2006 7:46:27 PM.
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Posted 11/6/06 2:27 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
nmp070106
My girls!!
Member since 8/06 5843 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I say wait for the level two and see what happens then, if they think yes the baby has downs, then i would talk over with DH about the amio, if it is fine then don't worry,Try and stay calmn and collected, i know harder said then done, but your level 2 should be soon? Keep us posted....
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:31 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
What did your ultrascreen results say? My doctor said that there would be a difference between the ultrascreen numbers and the AFP numbers, and that the AFP numbers could alarm me (I could be wrong, but I think age is more of a consideration w/ AFP results) and that I should not make myself crazy over it. I actually didn't ask for the numbers for that reason- I was just told "low risk".
I don't think 1 in 217 is terrible- 1 in 5, I'd have the amnio.
Message edited 11/6/2006 2:36:30 PM.
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:35 PM |
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nylisa
My Children
Member since 5/05 7905 total posts
Name:
MaMa
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
My numbers were off and I went for the amino and after when I got home I rested with my legs up and everything was fine with me & the baby.
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:39 PM |
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2kids2cats
My babies
Member since 6/05 5229 total posts
Name:
f
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I know it's easier said than done, but I wouldn't focus too much on those numbers. I chose not to get any testing other than my Level II because there are so many inaccuracies and I wouldn't terminate regardless - so it wasn't worth the stress for me. I also knew I wouldn't go for the amnio should the results come back like that. It all depends on your and your DH's personal views on the matter - of what choices you would make. But as far as that number is concerend, there are SO many false positives. 
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:44 PM |
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MrsPJ
Joining Team Blue with Baby #2
Member since 5/06 1155 total posts
Name:
Tiffany
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I would wait until you get the Level II and then decide about an amnio. I know it is scary, but try not to be too upset or worried until you really have something to worry about. I don't think that number is so bad.
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:46 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
My level 1 ultrascreen numbers were 1 in thousands, so that is why I think my dr. isnt so concerned....
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| Posted 11/6/06 2:47 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I would wait for the next test as well.
I didnt know the AFP spits out #s. I thought it was ok or not ok. When they do the level 2...(week 20) they will able to see if there is fluid build up etc...
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| Posted 11/6/06 3:01 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I refuse to have thge AFP for this reason. The false positive rates are actually higher then the real correct rates. ITs a silly test in my opinion that leads to stress and worrying.
If I was over 35 I would consider an amnio..actually I wouldnt unless I was 38-40.
Under that I wouldnt think twice about it being a fluke.
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| Posted 11/6/06 3:40 PM |
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Stacey1403
Where it all began....
Member since 5/05 24065 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I have gotten an amnio with both of my pregnancies. I never even went for the other tests just went straight for the amnio. It really wasn't that big of a deal at all to me. Just wanted to give you a perspective from someone who had BTDT ,twice. If you are uncomfortable with the idea I totally understand, but for me it was an easy decision to make.
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| Posted 11/6/06 3:42 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
This is the reason I did not want to take this test b/c of the high false positive rate and it is a nightmare to go through all these tests worrying something is wrong with your baby, when in 99% of the time, the baby is perfectly healthy.
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| Posted 11/6/06 4:29 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
OK, I just got back from my monthly check- up and my doctor said that my AFP was 1 in 356 (I am 34) BUT since my ultrascreen was 1 in 5,700, I am not worried and neither is she.
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| Posted 11/6/06 4:41 PM |
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angelbear217
Mommy of 2
Member since 5/05 4313 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I was just talking with people about this today. These tests are just so unreliable it is hard to believe them. The numbers could be totally off and if they were ok on the level I and your doctor doesn't seem concerned, I woud wait for the level II.
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| Posted 11/6/06 4:45 PM |
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Michelle
My Little Yankee Fans
Member since 1/06 4018 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I had the AFP test result and the levels came back fine but the neck thickness on one baby was slightly thicker then normal. The numbers in total were fine, but are often misleading with twins. They said I didn't need the amnio at that point, but wanted to get better pics of the baby's heart. They found out that one baby had a pulmonary stenosis. I am so glad I had this test because without it we may have never realized that there was a problem. This was not a major issue but we needed to deliver at a hospital that had a NICU and a cardiologist on staff at all times. He needed a procedure after he was born. If I would have delivered at the hospital I frist planned on he would have been sent to a different hospital right after birth and we would have been seperated by a 45 minute car ride.
I think it is important to get the testing but not freak out becuase of an abnormal result. I would not have terminated but some issues you need to know about and prepare for before they are born.
Good Luck, I am sure everything is fine.
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| Posted 11/6/06 4:46 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
If you had an ultrascreen they are not supposed to redo the test for downs. The AFP should only be done to screen for spina bifida.
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| Posted 11/6/06 4:55 PM |
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chelle
It's a Good Life
Member since 8/06 15404 total posts
Name:
Isn't it obvious?
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
See, this is why I am so on the fence about having these tests! All the false positives I keep hearing about and the UNNECESSARY worry it puts on us mommies.
I'm sure everything is absolutely fine with your baby 
Message edited 11/6/2006 5:51:04 PM.
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| Posted 11/6/06 5:50 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
Thanks ladies - I work with a nurse who assured me that this is just a stress more than anything else!!!
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| Posted 11/6/06 5:59 PM |
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KPtoys
I'm getting old
Member since 5/05 8688 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
Posted by monkeybride
If you had an ultrascreen they are not supposed to redo the test for downs. The AFP should only be done to screen for spina bifida.
Mine was done for all 3 on the AFP after I had my Ultrascreen.
I would say that if your US came back fine that it's just the AFP screwing up again. I personally wouldn't have an amnio (then again Im 28 and at a lower risk level anyway)
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:00 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
No - there is no way I'm going for an amnio - No more tests!!!
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:02 PM |
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Charly
LOVE!
Member since 5/05 12578 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
Looks like you already got some great advice. I agree the AFP has a high rate of false positive. I would only go for the amino if my ultrascreen, AFP and Level II came back bad. Although with my next I will be over 35 so I will be doing the amnio and skipping the rest.
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:15 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
Posted by KPtoys
Posted by monkeybride
If you had an ultrascreen they are not supposed to redo the test for downs. The AFP should only be done to screen for spina bifida.
Mine was done for all 3 on the AFP after I had my Ultrascreen.
The genetics center I went to specifically told me it is not to be repeated. I wonder why though if so many people have it redone. 
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:34 PM |
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michele31
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3372 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
Those tests are just not very accurate. The AFP has a ton of false positives. I wouldn't even consider an amnio based on that. Now if the results of the AFP and the sonos showed something maybe I would consider it, But an aminio has real risks so I would weigh it very carefully.Hugs!!
Message edited 11/6/2006 6:40:33 PM.
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:39 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
So many of these tests have false positives.
Given my age, the fact that there are twins and we did ICSI (when the sperm is injected directly into the egg) for my IVF all led me to have a greater than 1 in 200 chance of Downs.
My level 1 came back fine and all of my bloodwork.
I originally scheduled an amnio but then cancelled it. Why? Because almost everyone I knew (we are older so the last of friends and family to have kids) who had one got nightmare false positives for everything you can think of
Cousin B- suspected spina bifida, heart defect, brain abnormality... just premie, now fine and a thriving 12 year old. My cousin and his wife agonized over whether to terminate and it put a huge strain on their marriage.
Nieces E, H, R- all false postives for several things.
All it accomplished was a very stressful rest of the pregnancy
Family freind- lost her baby after a botched amnio.
She was forced to deliver early and the baby was not old enough yet to be viable... horribly, horrible story.
I have several others but for all of those reasons I cancelled my amnio.
There are real risks to an amnio and I decided NO WAY if it posed any risk to the fetus.
In your case, unless both tests showed a positive I don't think I'd do it.
Sometimes I think my mother's generation (I was born in 1970) had it easier... no opk's, no tests... less worry and obession makes for a less stressful pregnancy.
Message edited 11/6/2006 6:49:55 PM.
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| Posted 11/6/06 6:47 PM |
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snuggleupagus
I'm a rolling machine.
Member since 9/06 2064 total posts
Name:
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
In my honest opinion and as your friend I have 2 solid heart-felt reasons to tell you NOT to have an amnio.
1-there is a significant chance of miscarriage b/c of it. I read the %age one day just last week and was shocked that anyone would go through with one based on how high the number was.
2-who wants to live day to day knowing that the baby they are eating right for and taking care of themselves probably the best they ever have for is not going to be "perfect" after all and no amount of prevention at this point [of knowing] will change it? i just don't think most women could go through with their pregnancy still thinking of their baby's best interests when they KNOW it's not "well."
Some things are just best left unknown. I'm sure your baby will be fine and I would just wait for the next sonogram and not let this get you down.
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| Posted 11/6/06 7:38 PM |
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Re: AFP results back - I need some reassurrance, please!
I told my doctor right from the start that I didnt want the amnio - that was never a question - thats why I wanted people's opinions on the statistics....
Trust me, ladies - i would never jeopardize my baby that way!!!
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| Posted 11/6/06 7:41 PM |
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