Immune/NK cells pred thread #34

@Morgan236 I lie, my successful one was also my first on steroids - I started them as soon as I found out I was pregnant x

@lozzmaxoh that’s amazing! I haven’t heard of that what is it? Xxx

@Morgan236 I had the hyfosy before my final chemical so I'm guessing that one was just down to chromosomal abnormalities. The only thing I did differently was the first dose of adalimumab - I was supposed to have a second but I never did because we got pregnant accidentally that cycle on day 7 which I didn't even think was possible. I got told on day 8 not to try that cycle as I needed the adalimumab so took it I think day 9 or 10 and thought there was no risk of pregnancy. Have you had adalimumab? x

I have a heart-shaped uterus, which a sonographer has pointed out. Dr S didn't say anything about surgery, but we will ask him about this on Wednesday! He has also recommended thyroxine, which I was surprised by! No blood clotting issues, as far as I could see.

Yes, we hope the Impryl will work on my husband. Dr S has prescribed me 25g prednisolone and omeprazole, but no hydroxy, thankfully (my vision is not the best as it is, so I was worried in case he prescribed that)!

I haven't started any of this yet, and probably won't, since my NK cell results are normal and we haven't had the discussion meeting yet - that will be this Wednesday!

These were my results:
Absolute count: 104. Activation marker 0.50. NK cell 50 was 17% and the other one was 12%. NK cell 50 would be reduced most by 3mg intralipids (which I can't have, as allergic to them!).

Just got my results back from Dr Shehata, and they are all within the normal range (NK cells count, activation marker, cytotoxicity).

I do have a bicornate uterus so am wondering if this might be a bigger factor?
Not sure what to do now. I was ready to go ahead with Dr S' treatments if I had high NK cells, but now that I don't, I don't see the point in taking steroids etc.

@TammyinCorkthank you ❤️

I am so sorry to hear this... What devastating news. I really hope Dr S and Dr Edge can provide you with guidance on what to do going forward.

@lozzmaxthank you for sharing your story. You have been through so much!! Did you have the Hyfosy after the chemical and before your successful pregnancy? When I had my follicle scan my lining was slightly too thin and Dr Edge suggested Hyfosy if I didnt get pregnant this round. I’m thinking because I’ve had a chemical she will 100% recommend that. Did you do anything else differently on your successful cycle? Xxx

@Jecca88 lovely to hear from you too, I'm so glad this thread continues to be helpful for people, it's such a wonderful support.

@Morgan236 I'm so sorry, that must feel really tough to take. @Jecca88 is right, I had two chemicals on the protocol as well as a MMC and a natural loss at 6ish weeks. One thing I would advocate for is a Hyfosy - I actually had retained tissue and scarring twice after D&C's so if you've had three of them, it might be worth checking everything is clear and healthy for an embryo to implant. Fifth pregnancy on the protocol (the successful one) I'd had a chemical the cycle before x

@Fletchasketch thank you ❤️

@Morgan236 nothing useful to add, but just wanted to send you a big hug and say how sorry I am. I hope all the success stories have provided a little bit of comfort. Take care xx

@Jecca88 thank you so much and I am so sorry to hear about your losses 💔. What is your next plan with Dr S?

@Objectiontime thank you ❤️. This is exactly how I feel tbh. I never imagined my life without a child and I don’t see how it could ever be fulfilled without one. Thank you so much. Honestly so grateful I found this amazing group of people 💕💕

@Morgan236 I really feel you, I wish I could take the pain away. All that kept me going was that for me life wasn't worth living without a baby because its all I ever wanted since being a little girl. I think at my darkest times, thats all that kept me going plus talking therapy really helped. See what Dr Edge says too, she was a beacon of light in this whole journey 💖 Keep us updated and remember we're here if you feel like ranting, I found it very therapeutic 😅

ohh @Morgan236 my love that is so heartbreaking. I am sorry. I have now had 4 losses with Dr S, but he will see you to see if there is anything you can tweak for next time - adding more meds. I think you can naturally add thickness to your lining with diet -Vitamin E too, so stay hopefuly for next time. @lozzmax also had chemicals with DR S if i remember and has just had her baby in March :)

@lozzmax so good to hear from you - i remember your story so well and you really helped me with getting Dr S to prescribe me the Pred - so thank you for that. I am so glad to hear of Heidi's arrival - such great news.

@Gizmo1983 and @Objectiontime such great milestones you are hitting, be kind to yourself - PAL is bloody hard.

@Hopeandfaith1990 I love your checklist - can I ask about the one egg a day and the beetroot drink? I got given the go ahead yesterday for starting IVF - so stim injections start tonight. After the appointment yesterday - i just burst into tears, after four years of recurrent loss - i am trying to remain hopeful and this is just a new chapter. I also had the news my best mate had her baby girl just before the appointment so maybe that contributed to the emotion. I was thinking jesus i haven't even started the hormone injections yet and I am a mess.

@TammyinCork i was on 20MG of Pred - but was on it for 14 weeks, and i had the biggest craving for sugar - so prob overate in my pregnancy. I think for DNA Frag - if it is above 15 - they recommend a urine test, a hormone blood test and a scan of the testicles? They also do a free of charge test in 3 - 6 months to see if its improved. You could alternatively try the Impryl?

@Deerdancer34Thank you❤️. I needed to hear that success right now. This will be my 6th loss. 3 of them have been at 11 weeks. It’s so hard to keep going but hearing stories like yours reminds me why I keep going xxx

@Morgan236 Don't lose heart, they do say Cycle 4-6 are usually the most successful for Superovulation, so I would take that you got pregnant on the first cycle as a good sign. I had a loss on my 3rd cycle of Superovulation and then when I started again, I had my daughter on the 3rd cycle of that round. I know other ladies who have had losses as well. It's hard when all I wanted the treatment to be was a magic solution but it can take time unfortunately. Stay strong 💪 May be worth asking how to help lining, I don't know if anyone on here knows? Sending you such a big hug, it's just so hard but stay determined ♥

@Objectiontimethank you ❤️ I had my breakdown yesterday and felt like giving up but today I’m okay and I’ve made it this far, would be stupid to give up now!!
I have had 3 d&c’s so I am just praying it’s not damage to my lining or something like that xxx

@Morgan236 ahhhhh! So sorry to hear that. I hope you are feeling okay generally. These are always disappointing. I’m not under Dr S but I am certain others have had success after losses in their protocols. Sometimes things just need a little tweek xxx

Morning guys, hope you’re all doing well!
Unfortunately I’ve had a chemical pregnancy :(. I got pregnant on my first round of protocol with Dr S using letrozole. When I went for my follicle scan Dr Edge mentioned my lining was a bit thinner than she would like, so I’m guessing that may have had something to do with it. Unsure what the next steps are from here.
Has anyone had a loss under Dr S and gone on to have success? Xxx

@lozzmax Bless you and thank you for coming in to clarify. I confess to being slightly worried but then ladies in our situation are worried by everything aren't we 😁, All good and I think I am relaxing a bit and trying to enjoy.

@Objectiontime I'm so sorry if I worried you!! I should have also said that there was a knot in the umbilical cord which could also have caused the calcification I think. But crucially, my baby came out perfectly gloriously healthy at 40 weeks despite a slightly odd placenta. Also worth noting that no other doctor has raised any sort of concern about it, I think it's quite normal so they didn't even save it to examine. Totally get why you're anxious and I could never relax either, but your body has got this in hand now, it doesn't need the steroids anymore xx

Also, I have only been taking the prescribed vitamins (DHEA, Co Enzyme Q10, Vitamin D plus Proceive Max) for a week and a half (since my appointment with Dr Shehata) and am breaking out with crusting eczema over my top lip. Did anyone else have this? What might be causing it, and should I reduce / cut it? I have made no other changes to my diet or lifestyle.