TTC/ pregnancy on Prednisolone or similar part 2

[Arianrhod]

Starting up part 2 of this thread since the old one closed at 1000 posts!

iggi lots of luck for today, hope it's nothing - I know it doesn't help but I know lots of women have spotting and/or bleeding in pregnancy and it still goes ok. Definitely call the EPU, get scanned - it's worth it, honestly, at least you will know one way or another. Virtual hugs coming your way.

free I also started AF properly this morning, so looks like we may be both importuning a friendly witch for a good fertility spell on Hallowe'en? I know exactly what you mean about the scary stuff ... a small part of me was actually sort of relieved when I didn't get a BFP purely because it means I don't have to go through the whole worrying about miscarrying all over again. Bizarre, but there it is.

Just caught up with thread - am really sorry ari for what you're going though - it s such a horrible feeling and it goes without saying that my fingers are tightly crossed for you and hopefully those hcg levels will show something positive.

Happy belated birthday Duggs!

Thank you all for the scan comments. I do feel like it's going to work now - I hope this feeling lasts longer than the usual 24 hrs post scan!
It's quite strange that this little one has grown 2 weeks five days in two weeks I'm wondering if ne pred leads to larger babies?

The drugs are certainly leading to a larger mother - Iggi I know your dates are similar to mine - how big are you if it's not too rude a question?! Someone recently thought I mystery be twenty weeks plus and a child at school asked me what had made my face swell - got to love working with children!!

We are finishing tiling our porch that we have just built, which is about third from last job to finish our house.....yee haa. Life and finances may actually start to resemble some sort of normality from Jan. Working every weekend for 2.5 yrs will seem like a distant memory....until i feel another project coming on!
Might try and squeeze a cycle ride in with DS & OH Sun morning, been stuffing my face stupid this week for some reason, so could do with working off some pounds.
Just made second lot of flapjacks..1st lot crumbled to pieces, second attempt is gonna break someones teeth and greaseproof paper completly stuck to it. Why am I so useless at baking . (Slummy mummy must try harder and read recipe)!!

Rather at your domestic skills Snoopy, even though your flapjacks are crumbly. I have been known to have to give DH a call at work if I need to switch the oven on!

Having a bit of a giggle at your 'what has made your face swell' comments from the children Comedy. Oh dear! Don't worry it is all temporary :) My moonface went down completely by 5 weeks post 40mg Pred. Of course I wasn't still pregnant at that point but the Pred bloat is definitely temporary.

I am having a bit of a scan dilemma that I am hoping you can all help me with.

The only date for a scan appointment that suits Mr S and DH at the moment is Saturday 3rd Dec. I am a bit reluctant to take this one though as it would only put me at 6.4 and I still worry that will be too early. Of course I worry that nothing will show at all like last time but 7 weeks should be better than 6.4 shouldn't it?

The trouble is DH is not free at all of week 7 so then it might be 8 weeks! The good thing about 8 weeks is that if there is something growing it will definitely be there, but one worry is what if they had been able to see something going wrong before that and potentially save it with drug adjustments or something. Mr S told me about times he has seen a slow heartbeat and adjusted things to try to address that, hence it is important to be scanned early. But I just don't want to be scanned too early. Of course I could always go along on my own but I am really not sure about that, for important appointments such as scans. Happy to do it for normal appointments, intralipids etc.

What does everyone think? Go at 6.4 and risk an inconclusive scan or wait until 8 weeks? Or just insist that DH cancels people and makes time at 7 weeks.

Hi free If i get a positive I will be 6 weeks the day we go on Dec 15th, so would have to be scanned 5+6 which seems hit and miss and could be a nightmare not knowing before going on hols. But I have seen a heartbeat on the cusp of 6 weeks, feb this yr.(the first hb I ever got). If I was you I would go at 6+4 like you say in case they can adjust any drugs. I would also have to have DH with me and put my foot down for him to get off work but that's easy 4 me to say as I know he can if he really needs to.
I don't know what your OH's job is like for that so difficult to say. It's not the sort of thing you really want a relative or friend to come, you want your other half there really don't you..

free Is there any one day in that 7 week week that your DH could cancel people with minimal disruption? You may well see something that reassures you at 6.4, I know people do, but if you don't then you'll wish you'd booked that 7 week one I think? If it's a matter of Mr S being full (don't shout at me) I can hang on to my appt on 7th Dec even if it turns out I end up not needing it and you can then take it?

Whatever you decide to do I think your peace of mind is paramount, personally.

SHOUTING AT YOU ARI! A big transatlantic shout. You hang onto your appointment and please, lets just all try to take every day as it comes.

DH works in the very sensitive areas of counselling and also disability (both, but separately) and it is often difficult for him to change appointments. But he might be able to do so on the Thursday and I really think I need to get him to do that. I know he doesn't want to let people and he does realise this is very important and I need to tell him that week 7 really is the ideal time to get this sorted out. If something is not seen at week 7, in my experience so far (ie crazy doctor googling after last time) there really is little chance it is going to go well.

Of course there is always the chance that the non-growth of my last mc was 'just one of those things' and unrelated to nkc but I have my doubts.

have to confess.. I could be typing whilst "under the influence". Had today off too.. had a new cooker delivered and some friends for lunch. One with 3 kids under 5 (makes me want to bow down and kiss the ground when she leaves as I HAVE NO IDEA HOW SHE DOES IT.. and the one who has 2 weeks to go. Remember I mentioned her a few weeks back. ANYWAY, since they left about 4pm I have had a few wines whilst making the marinade for my stifado (hhaa) for tomorrow nights birthday MURDER MYSTERY. Based in Casablanca in 1942. Can't wait. Will tell you all how it goes next week.

We don't know each other in RL... and am sure we are all quite different etc. blaa.. but what we've been/going through creates a bond that is pretty unexplainable. The T'INTERNET is to thank for the this.

Ari.. nothing any of us mortals can say or do will make you feel any better.. but you have us with you. Not much of a consolation, but you won't have to go through anything alone anymore. Here's hoping for ALL OF US on here you won't have to. x

Free.. you inspire me.

Kittens too.. v strong.
All of you to be honest, so many ridiclious internet posts on the web and this thread has actually made my life different these past few weeks since I discovered it.

Must log off as is only 6.45pm so a bit embarassing to be a bit pissed so early.. DH on his way home, hoping for some food, but instead I've opened another bottle of wine and some pretzels. How proud he will be.

lots of love ladies.. we should pat ourselves on the back. STRONG WOMEN.. all of us.
x

free it depends on what you really want from an early scan. I think you're pretty much on all the drugs that Mr S can throw at anyone. I'm not sure what he could add to that if a bean was slow-growing. If it's important for you to track the progress of this pg in the early weeks, perhaps to identify at what stage things seem to go wrong then take the 6+4 scan and book another at 8 weeks. If you just want to hold out for as long as possible because you know early scanning can't change the outcome then I suggest waiting till 8 weeks.

ari so sorry you're not feeling very confident. Is this your first pg on the treatment? If so then you will definitely feel different. The steroids really do mask the symptoms in some women. I had no nausea, boob heaviness didn't start till 6-7 weeks and no tiredness. I had a week at 5 weeks of feel light-headed, and when that left I felt completely normal. Put the pee sticks away as they are clearly not helping to reassure you. Wait for the hcg blood tests. It's shite that the results take ages, but when you get perfectly fine results there will be even more waiting after that. Free is right, you need to take this one day at a time. Now have some ((((((((((hugs))))))))))

snoopy could first crumbly batch of flapjacks make a nice granola?

comedy very pleased to hear of more good scan news! And how lovely that bean is measuring ahead. Mine was spot on for 13 and 15 week scan, but had gained 5 days for 17 week scan. And had been off the pred for a while by then.

We're back home now. Had a lovely relaxing time. Wish I could have been more active and gone for more bike rides but found that an afternoon rest made the world of difference with my spd, practically disappeared overnight.

We have the neighbours over for lunch tomorrow and am doing beef stew with dumplings followed by trifle (fat emoticon). Sunday - hoping dh will sort out the un-wallpapered patch in ds's room that has needing painting since he was about 6 months. I may start sorting out some of the kitchen cupboards - have slowly been trying to get a little more organised with our storage if we're to make room for nappies, bottles, muslins, steriliser, breastpump...Still hoping to get a front porch built before March so coats, shoes and buggy can be stored there rather than in living room (no hall in this house).

duggs we luffs you too , oh to be tipsy at 6.45 on a Friday night (perfectly respectable time to be drinking, it's waaaaay past noon). Hope birthday was lovely and murder mystery is a success!

Duggs: in vino veritas... I feel the same tbh, it's made a massive difference to me knowing we're all feeling the same things.

Ari - wot free said.

free my scan's that Sat 3rd. I'll only be 6.2 but i thought I'd go for it anyway. Might see something as you say, or at least know ASAP if something needs adjusting. Or if it's definitely bad news, its a weekend. If I need to go again the following week, so be it - it's only money!

Tell me what you decide, might see you there!

Well I was supposed to be going to see a movie tonight with dh but it turns out I booked for tomorrow night not tonight. DOH! DVD it is then.

Got a lovely day out planned tomorrow with a good friend of mine, and will probably collapse by about 9pm! life of the party me... :)

Oh I am so jealous of Duggs afternoon drinking! Not being pregnant (ie being able to drink) is so much more fun than worrying about symptoms or lack thereof! And you are right, we are all strong women and deserve every now and then to give ourselves and each other a big pat on the back. Ah, drinking in the afternoon though... how wonderful.

Digi I have been going over your paragraph about scans and trying to figure out what I should do. DH is being annoying absent from Skype and his phone at the moment so I can't ask him about availability etc. BTW did you say trifle?! Mmmmmmmm. Great idea re the front porch too.

Choccy maybe I should be brave like you are being and take that scan at 6.4 on Sat 3rd. I just feel so sure there won't be anything there at all I really am dreading this whole scan thing.

Big Sigh.

Not yet midday here and am already hungry enough for lunch, big bro is making me a grilled cheese sandwich.

Soooo many posts to catch up on!

Ari sorry that you are feeling so unsure about things, hang on in there... we are all behind you and thinking of you. I also had a few faint lines on HPT's when newly pregnant with my DD.. she's now singing the theme tune to In the Night Garden through the intercom to me! I wish I could fast forward to early next week so that you have some reassurance from your blood results, its shit that they are taking so long...after my last MC I had hcg bloods done at the local EPU and thay rang me with results within a few hours. I wish our cocoon house had an on-site blood lab and Doctor that we could use as needed!

Duggs Happy Birthday for yesterday, great post BTW.. I've also fancy a glass of wine after reading it!

comedy great news about the scan, so happy to hear it all went well.

snoopy everything crossed for you too... when are you testing?

free you are my hero! As a we are NK result twins, I have to shout out a big HOORAY that everything seems to be going well for you.

Big waves to everyone else!

I thought of granola too,......too late...OH asked where the bits where..er think pred makin me hungry as I was just shoving fistfuls of the bloody stuff down!

think theres a vino love in tonight.....you go girls!!

Lovely words Duggs we like a bit of early evening drunkeness!

free for what it's worth when I had some spotting in this pregnancy I had an NHS scan at 6+3 and saw a heartbeat.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Hi cherry, testing have you been spying on me?!
I know i shouldn't and it's ridiculous at 7dpo but couldn't help it and yes of course I am staring at a blank space!!! it's just too tempting with all those cheapie sticks. Proper test day is Mon which is 10dpo. Will keep you informed x

Oh snoopy way too early.... keep your hands busy- get back in the kitchen and work on those flapjacks!

Loved your post Duggs! Oh to be drunk at 6.30 in the evening. Am really envious. Hope you have a great night tomorrow too.

Free - I also had an early scan at about 6+4, I think and did see a heatbeat. Like you, I was really reluctant to have such an early one for exactly the same reasons but my EPU insisted on it because I was on aspirin (prescribed by the RMC at my local hospital) and they wanted to be sure it wasn't ectopic. I'd gone for the scan on my own as I'd been convinced there'd be nothing to see and was really surprised. I can see it's a really tricky decision to make though and I think Digi summarised it really well. It kind of depends what you want from the scan (apart from a great outcome of course!).

I've got a weekend of DIY and school work to look forward to. We're on a mission to get our place on the market in the next couple of weeks and have a long list of odd jobs to get through before actually get there.

duggs - classic pished "I love you" post! . Hope you're milking your birthday weekend.

free if DH can't get off work to come with you during the 7wk week I reckon it would be good to go for the 6+4 one. Like you say, he may be able to intervene if necessary. (obviously this is coming from me, the person who will be having all of those on the NHS rather than privately so much easier decision to make)

I'm pleased to report that after 2 failed attempts, my GP has finally got the letter from Mr S's office. I have no idea what my actual levels are but they have gone up enough to raise my post BFP dose to 40mg. Strange that they have gone up after 6 months on the treatment though. I would've thought they'd go down with the accumulation of pred. Hmmmm. Maybe they went back up after 2 months off??

Hello, looking forward to reading backwards and seeing what Duggs is up to
Having a bit of a freak-out, vitamin related. Part of me does not want to stop taking anything of the "magic mix" that has got me thus far. BUT I have just been googling, and some sites say to not take any flaxseed oil when pg (which is what my omega 3 is made from), and another site says I'm on too much selenium, and that Co-enzyme Q10 may not be safe in pg... Stopped taking my extra strength folic acid today, still taking everything else including one with magnesium, calcium and vit d and a pregnacare.
What on earth should I do? It might be quite a shock to my system if I stop taking everything!

On the early scan question, I chose to have one at 6 weeks as I wanted a base line to compare the next scan to. I felt it was less "high pressure" as I didn't expect to see a hb.

Oh wow, Kittens, so you are now joining us in the very high category. I feel a list update coming on. Hope you're ok about the news and yes it is weird they have gone up. Be interesting to find out the actual levels. Does that mean intralipids too I wonder? I have heard of this happening before I think. I wonder if it has happened to some of the rest of us too - and do levels really make a difference? It's all such a rough science.

Coconut and Comedy glad your early scans were good, must have been terrifying. Realistically I think most normal pregnancies DO see something around the 6 week mark. I was clutching at straws after the last scan to see whether there could be any hope. I guess that's what a lot of us have been through too and hence the reluctance for a scan. DH and I said we will think about it over the weekend, but I think I might well go for that 3rd Dec one.

The cash doesn't really bother me - well, I don't have a lot of it but I know we can get it together and, presuming all goes well it will all be worth it. Does anyone know whether the first scan is always higher priced in any pregnancy or is it just the first ever scan? It would be mean I think to penalise for having had a mc on the treatment and have a £350 first scan instead of a £250 for the next one. But you never know.

Hello Cherry Twin and Loopy Snoopy with stick in hand :) Gosh I am really not doing very well with the work I am meant to be sitting here and doing. Far too much MN, NK cells, pregnancy symptoms mentalling to be concentrating.

Sorry - missed Iggi Damn - I just don't know with the vits. Maybe just do what Mr S recommends, although I am aware that like me you are taking the odd extra one such as Selenium too. I was wondering whether to stop that too but I just don't know. I can't imagine any of it will be a shock to the system but maybe if you wanted to come off but do it gradually you could taper for a few days - say every other day if you don't have smaller doses and then stop?

Updates list. Do edit if I have missed anything vital! Friday 18th November

TTC
coleyoz - V High NKC. TTC #2 - ov 30 Oct (Pred and Intralipids at BFP)
eurochick - TTC#1 awaiting first appointment (in Nov)/cd9/ov 1 Nov
Snoopygirl - V High NKC TTC, will be Ist try with Pred, Intralipids on bfp Testing 21st Nov
Havingkittens - Upgraded from High to V High NKC TTC #1 after 2 month break/ov around 18 Nov.
duggs1976 - High/V High NKC - TTC #1
batteryhen - High activation NKC, factor v leiden. TTC#1
Suemays - V High NKC TTC/ov 30th Oct. TTC#2.
Cherrycheeks - V high NKC, TTC#2/ 3rd cycle of pred
pureequeen - High NKC TTC #2 again from November (BFP cycle one but mc)

BFP
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 23+4 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+2 Due DC#2 16/04/12 anomaly scan 23/11
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks - 15+1 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+0 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 11+5 due 1/16/12 scan ?
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 10+6 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+3. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Arianrhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP 19th Oct
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. Mc first cycle. LMP 18th Oct. Scan est. 3rd Dec.
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LFP 20th Oct. Scan 3rd Dec.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (intralipids on BFP, no pred)

free, I have no idea about intralipids. They weren't mentioned. I have a feeling they may not be offered on the NHS as I can't for a moment imaging a scenario where I can get in to an appointment for this on the NHS at 24hrs notice! I'm wondering whether it's worth asking Mr S's private office if this is recommended for my situation if I were going private to see if I should subsidise my treatment with private intralipids.

Ari have you thought about using the digital clear blue pregnancy tests as they tell you how many weeks pregnant you are? At least then you could do another one in a few days to see if it says the same thing? I did that on my last miscarriage and it had reduced the number of weeks so I knew the pregnancy was over. I still think you have a strong chance of everything going OK as the POAS tests are not always 100% reliable when looking at the line.

Duggs your post had me in fits of giggles! Lucky you didnt have any of our phone numbers as you would have been texting 'love you' messages to us all! Make the most of letting your hair down and having some drinks before the next pregnancy!

Free I would go for the earlier scan and then repeat in 2 weeks as it will put your mind at rest. They can normally tell if the pregnancy is progressing as it should be even if it is too early for a heartbeat to show.

Its amazing how slow time seems to go for us at every stage. We have to wait to ovulate, then it's the awful 2ww. Then once BFP, it's an agonised wait until each scan. I feel like I constantly check the calendar and count weeks and days!

Iggi I would also go with what Dr S says. Lets face it, there is enough other advice out there but he is the expert in our field!