Immune/NK cells pred thread #34

I think stress is also a factor for me - I manage six people in my role and September / October is extremely busy... My only successful pregnancy was conceived after a Christmas break... Might be time to take a sabbatical! Dr S did not recommend IVF for us (and as far as I know, he isn't a fan of PGTA testing), but I was conceiving on first cycle until then! If these negative pregnancy tests continue, it may be more of an option... I can see why there is so much debate re: whether to take prednisolone and progesterone from ovulation vs 3 or 7 DPO vs positive test - I think the latter options would suit me better.

@TammyinCorkim so glad I found this thread so we can all support each other. Did Dr S say IVF would be a good option for you guys when you had the appointment? I’m sat here surrounded by meds and supplements, then I go on instagram and get bombarded with fertility specialists posting videos on what you should/shouldnt eat in different phases of your cycle. It’s just constant!! I think stress is a big factor for me - I have a very high pressure job and have only got pregnant previously when on holiday. That was why I was optimistic about this month as we were on holiday during ovulation. Next hol in November…!!!

I am so sorry to hear this, but glad he has suggested superovulation. I was also negative a few days ago - this is my first cycle on his plan after six MCs and an almost six-year-old - and the disappointment is palpable. We are looking at IVF now as well if nothing comes of this, with PGTA testing (I am 42 so understand that I may not have many good eggs left). Sending you solidarity and positive vibes...

Hi everyone, new to this thread. I think I’m out for this month which would be cycle 6 with Shehata, on intralipids, pred, omeprazole and progesterone. They suggested to me if I want to speed things up that I try super ovulation so I might do that. I was so optimistic about this month as I’ve had sore boobs through most of my luteal phase up until a few days before my period is due. I’m 36 years old and have been trying for 3 years. Had a little cry this afternoon and feeling a bit lost so might jump on here to chat with you ladies for support! ❤️

@Hopeandfaith1990 I'm glad you got it in time!
Sending you a big hug, I know how utterly gut wrenching it is. I think we get ourselves on an even keel and then that sort of news can just break you because it's so bloody unfair. I was the same, I was supposed to be the first to have a baby and it didn't turn out the way, so I really feel you. Have a moment, it's good to let it out and then you'll find your equilibrium again, it's good to be able to focus on your plan. Big hugs 💕
Love to all 💗

@TammyinCorkthanks! Yes superovulation has been the way forward for me so far so let’s see! I am the same I am 42 so that’s pretty much my last months I am going to have to stop at some point… tough decision!

@Morgan236thanks! Clomid was the first thing I tried a long time ago but didn’t do anything at all because I have PCO morphology (another thing lol!) so letrozole is the only thing that could work on me. I had my first after 3 months on it but it was a long time ago , we have been ttc for 6yrs for another one and Dr S plan is my last hope! So fingers crossed!

@CarpeDiem75 Thank you, and I really hope you find answers soon. Maybe superovulation would be an option? I am 42 now so I know my time is limited.

@Hopeandfaith1990 Thanks. I know others, like Dr Thum and Dr Gorgy, will not start prednisolone and progesterone until positive test. It's so hard to know what to do!

@Deerdancer34 Sorry to hear this - I can't imagine how it must feel after 3 cycles of no result. I know some people have gone "rogue" and started the prednisolone and progesterone at 3 or 7 DPO? I am thinking of getting advice from Dr Thum soon, for a second opinion.

@Morgan236 I am so sorry to hear this, and wishing you lots of luck for future cycles... The intralipid treatment sounds like a pain - I cannot have it anyway, as it would involve a lot of travelling, and I am based in Cork - but I have heard it has worked for so many!

@CarpeDiem75Fingers crossed for you 🤞. Deffo ask for oestrogen and with your upped Letrozole you are giving yourself a fighting chance!
Have you also ever tried clomid? Unsure if Dr S offers this but it might be worth giving it a go in the future xxx

@Morgan236unfortunately no it doesn’t regulate my periods but because I trigger ovulation most of the time it kind of does because I always have a 14/15 days luteal phase.
I didn’t know you could get oestrogen to support the lining. I will ask at my next scan. It seems that despite my periods are quite light apparently I am still shedding well! So off I go onto a new cycle… I am on 7.5mg too! I could be on 5mg but I have asked to up the dosage so I get more eggs released per month to give me more chances! Don’t seem to work well though lol

Yes, just prednisolone, omeprazole and progesterone, aspirin plus prenatal vitamins / supplements - I am not on intralipids. Husband is also on Impryl and has been following urologist recommendations for his sperm DNA fragmentation (18% when tested in July, after our sixth loss).

10 DPO - I have come off the prednisolone, progesterone etc.

@CarpeDiem75Yes it’s because of the lining! My follicle was 22mm so although there was only one, he was happy with the size of it. My lining was just no way near where it should have been. He is upping my dose of letrozole next cycle to 7.5mg and also putting me on oestrogen to support my lining.

Does being on letrozole tend to regulate your cycles at all? I actually induced my last period with progesterone after my chemical so I don’t know if that’s done something! Dr S said it wouldn’t have been that but you can’t help but think! Maybe ask for oestrogen as well to support your lining xxx

@Morgan236just out of curiosity why is he telling you that you are out this month if you have a follicle? Which dosage are you on? I have been on letrozole for years so I am just wondering why you can’t try this cycle. Is that because of the lining? I am just off to do my scan to start my cycle! I feel like my period are all over the place because of the progesterone I hope it won’t impact my lining for this cycle I am a bit worried now!!

@TammyinCorkim so sorry to hear this 💔. It’s such a tough journey.
I got pregnant first round with Dr S and had a chemical shortly after. I’m now on my second round and on letrozole but I went for my follicle scan on Monday and I only had one follicle and my lining was 3.5mm… Dr S basically said I’m out for this cycle so I’m not holding any hope.

Its so overwhelming to think that you have to do the whole cycle again and the trips to have intralipids etc xxx

@TammyinCork I'm so sorry, its gut wrenching isn't it. I remember being shocked because I thought the meds would be the magic answer and work straight away. Your chance of pregnancy is still the same as a normal cycle, so I think it's 20% every cycle when you're in 30s and then declines with age (joy...). I think the medications are to support the pregnancy, so everything needs to align - a good quality egg, good lining etc. Are you just on medications at the mo? I felt broken after 3 cycles of it not working and then they offered Superovulation which took more cycles too. Try not to be disheartened but do know it can still take time all this... Sending you love and strength, its really really tough 💕

@TammyinCorki totally feel you, I have been on Dr S plan (hydrox+pred+prog)for a few months now and I have not been able to get pregnant while I was able to be before when I was doing ovarian stimulation. I am starting my 4th cycle! Losing a bit hope here… I really want to find out if all these medicines would work!!! So frustrating!!

Hello all, I just tested this morning and it's a big fat negative, on my first cycle with Dr Shehata's complex plan. Feeling quite taken aback, as last time, just a few months ago, we had gotten pregnant on the first try. Remind me, is the purpose of taking progesterone from ovulation to make the lining more "fussy" and less likely to implant a poor quality embryo?

@Hopeandfaith1990 fingers crossed for you! I was in the same situation not long ago. If it doesn't work then I can share the details for a pharmacist in Greece who can order them if you like x

@Hopeandfaith1990 🤞🤞🤞🤞It's so annoying having to wait and it makes you feel so anxious. Hope it gets accepted!