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.

I think - am I am not quite sure where this memory is coming from - that intralipids are not offered on the NHS but they are available to NHS patients who want to/are recommended to go and have them privately. So it would mean paying for them unfortunately and they ain't cheap at £350 a pop. I think there are still ways you can get them cheaper - like Healthcare at Home who they used to use.

But it would be worth talking to the clinic about this when you can get through/get an answer. If that is something he recommends you have - depending on the levels - it would be worth thinking about maybe.

The whole difference in the levels things is quite interesting anyway I think. I mean, if 'very high' is anything over 1.8 then where does that leave those of us who are way over 1.8? I remember asking him whether there was any less likelihood of success the higher the levels and he said no research has been done on it. I guess here (with the help of Duggs) we are racking up our own little research project anyway.

Right now am thinking I wouldn't mind just a little illness, a nice little cold or something to make me think my cells were taking a battering. Maybe I should ask the air stewards on the way back to see if they can sit me near anyone who looks like they might be infectious. DH also said that when I come back through Vegas on Monday I should ask them if they can quickly check if there's anything in there and it's all in the right place when I come through the scanner :) Save an awful lot of cash at the docs...

Hi Free for what it is worth I would say go for the earlier scan. I was reluctant to scan early despite having had ectopic as have had 2 mc where there was only a sac and had the typical agonising wait till they would scan you again even though you know your dates are right. It is a tough one as you want to hold out as long as poss. This time round I had scan at 6+4 and saw hb, and as it was slow they gave me additional progesterone injections. Hope that helps in some way. X

Nighty night to everyone else, may it be a lovely weekend for us all.

Brownie yes that really does help. Thanks very much for that. You have made up my mind for me. I will take the appointment on the 3rd Dec. Lets face it, the scan is going to be scary no matter when it happens.

Night to you all! 3.30pm here...

Brownie makes a v good point re: progesterone, i'd forgotten that. Thanks free - have updated pg progress and took the liberty of guesstimating your dates from lmp. Am on phone so not sure if I got Cheerful's dates right.
Iggi/comedy/coconut - need next scan dates from you ladies if you know them.

Have also split both groups into two, hopefully make it easier to read.
coley and eurochick any news from you two? Hope you're both ok.

Also was wondering what everyone thought of maybe losing some of the details on the list as we have duggs chart which is easier to pick through. Maybe keep the list a bit more basic/at a glance? So we can keep an eye on progress and upcoming dates? Haven't done that yet but let me know what you think.

TTC
Waiting to test
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.
Waiting to ovulate
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
2nd Trimester
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 23+6 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+4 Due 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+3 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+2 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 12+0 due 1/16/12 scan ?
1st Trimester
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 11+1 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+5. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st cycle. LMP18/10 - 4+3 - Scan 3/12
Arianhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP19/10. 4+2 Scan 7/12
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LMP20/10 4+1. Scan 3/12.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (intralipids on BFP, no pred) 4+1

Morning, I like the list above and now it's easier to read too, happy having both.
Had shitty night sleep was awake from 3am with waves of pain in stomach. took an Omeprazole which seemed to calm it down. Although was told not to take until got a bfp so hope that's ok. Feels sore this morning and really bloated. I presume this is the pred kicking in?

I was also wondering on news from Coley and Euro.....

Sorry ladies. I stayed away for a few days as I was a bit down when AF came yet again and it seemed to be raining BFPs on this thread around that time (I'm very happy for you of course, I just needed to stay away for a few days). I'm better now and updating with a new ov date for cycle 13.

TTC
Waiting to test
coleyoz - V High NKC. TTC #2 - ov 30 Oct (Pred and Intralipids at BFP)
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.
Waiting to ovulate
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)
eurochick - TTC#1 awaiting first appointment (in Nov)/ov expected 28-30 Nov.

BFP
2nd Trimester
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 23+6 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+4 Due 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+3 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+2 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 12+0 due 1/16/12 scan ?
1st Trimester
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 11+1 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+5. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st cycle. LMP18/10 - 4+3 - Scan 3/12
Arianhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP19/10. 4+2 Scan 7/12
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LMP20/10 4+1. Scan 3/12.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (intralipids on BFP, no pred) 4+1

Hi euro sorry about your bfn, it's so hard isn't it? I can understand the hiding away feelings and not really wanting to talk about it. You say it's cycle 13? Have you seen Dr S yet? I have looked on the google list and not sure of your history. Sorry it's so hard to keep up with everything this thread is so busy.
Wishing you tons of luck for the next cycle. x

Morning all - Digi thank you for the updated list - would you mind adding my updated info in please? Today I'm now 13 weeks exactly according to last dating scan (anything that speeds this up is fine by me!) due date 26th may 2012 and next scan with mr s on 12th December. Thank you.

Welcome back euro really sorry about the bfns it is a horrible tine - the constant trying and waiting - best if luck for next cycle.

Iggi I hadn't even thought about stopping on the vitamins etc - will investigate further!!

euro, completely understand your need to distance yourself. You need time to process your disappointment and emotions after a BFN and reading of others' BFPs can only highlight it. Sorry it didn't happen this month. Fingers crossed for you it will be soon.

That's an interesting point about the progesterone. It makes me a bit cross in a way because when I had my initial tests last year, before seeing Mr S, I asked about progesterone supplements to help support my next pregnancy and they told me that it wasn't relevant. I'm now wondering if that would have, in fact, saved my last pregnancy. I suppose I still had my high NK cells at that point, so perhaps not. But considering they don't test for that they wouldn't have known that either.

snoopy, yes, the pred does cause stomach issues. I get really bloated and painful stomach accompanied by terrible heartburn. I think most people on here have been prescribed Omeprazole to take alongside if necessary and are taking it pre BFP. I am, that's for sure!

I took my first pred after 2 months yesterday and didn't feel any different. Just about to take my second one now so we'll see.

On the chart, when the TTC people put the testing date, are you being "good" and putting your testing date as 14dpo? Or are you putting the earliest date you would test?

euro sorry it was another bfn, totally understandable why you'd want to keep a low profile. I would often have a 2 week mn break when af arrived as I usually had to wait at least 4 weeks till ovulation and watching others get their bfps before I'd even ovulated seemed to emphasise how bloody slow my body was. Do you have your Mr S appointment soon? And have you thought anymore about the ivf route that was suggested to you?

Am having a 5 min break from cooking lunch. Stew in the oven, potatoes mashed. Ds and dh back from football class, so operation: showhome (yeah right) can begin.

Saturday 19th November

TTC
Waiting to test
coleyoz - V High NKC. TTC #2 - ov 30 Oct (Pred and Intralipids at BFP)
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.
Waiting to ovulate
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)
eurochick - TTC#1 awaiting first appointment (in Nov)/ov expected 28-30 Nov.

BFP
2nd Trimester
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 24+0 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+5 Due 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+4 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+3 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 13+0 due 26/5/12 next scan 12/12
1st Trimester
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 11+1 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+5. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st cycle. LMP18/10 - 4+3 - Scan 3/12
Arianhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP19/10. 4+2 Scan 7/12
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LMP20/10 4+1. Scan 3/12.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (intralipids on BFP, no pred) 4+1

Thanks Digi - you put me to shame - in pjs still and no food in the house let alone cooking!

kittens testing date on the list for me is 10dpo. I spose I put that on there as that's when Dr S said test and no not sticking to testing rules at all so far!

comedy, if it makes you feel any better I am lying in bed watching iPlayer on my laptop!

snoopy, I suspected as much. I don't think there's a single one of us who has the resolve to hold off testing until 14dpo! It's all I can do not to be tempted to slip a test into my luggage for my trip to France, even if I am returning on 10dpo anyway. I will be taking precautions for a BFN though as my AF has turned up unexpectedly early the last 3 months and last time it happened when I was in France I had to resort to getting my poor step dad to go and buy me some pantyliners in the local village which was a bit of a shocker as they cost 7.50 Euros for 30 and were circa 1980s style, like the NHS ones which have an outer lining and a bit of stuff in the middle which once you walk around for more than 30 mins goes into a wad in the middle leaving very little protection. I guess if AF turns up early that will be my answer anyway so probably no need to take a test with me. But I suspect I probably will

Hi all - just updating the list that I got a BFN this cycle (first cycle on pred):( I'm not sure if I took the pred too early before ovulation (I had 2 positive OPKs 3 days apart) and that delayed it so meaning my timing was all out! I had a terrible time coming off the pred for 2 days but then all OK:) I was pretty disappointed as I usually get pregnant every cycle I try so hopefully the pred isn't changing this all! You can add me to the waiting to ovulate list (around 3rd December).

Has anyone found the pred makes your AF unusually heavy? Mine was really heavy for 3 days (with lots of clots - sorry for TMI) and now basically non-existent.

I'm happy to hear of all the BFPs and good scan results - its gives me hope that the treatment really works and all these drugs are worth it!

Sorry to hear that coley. The pred had the opposite effect on my periods, unless they just have become lighter with age (or the repeated invasions of my womb!). I was a bit unsure, like you, as to whether I was starting my pred too early. I had 2 very definite +ve OPKs 2 days in a row, then a feint one, then I took the pred for the first time yesterday which was the first "blank" OPK. Like you, I also used to get pg 1st or 2nd try so this is all very disconcerting. But again, could be my age.

Saturday 19th November

TTC
Waiting to test
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/testing 29 Nov -2 Dec depending on my resolve.
Waiting to ovulate
coleyoz - V High NKC. TTC #2 - ov 3 Dec (Pred and Intralipids at BFP)
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)
eurochick - TTC#1 awaiting first appointment (in Nov)/ov expected 28-30 Nov.

BFP
2nd Trimester
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 24+0 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+5 Due 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+4 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+3 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 13+0 due 26/5/12 next scan 12/12
1st Trimester
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 11+1 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+5. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st cycle. LMP18/10 - 4+3 - Scan 3/12
Arianhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP19/10. 4+2 Scan 7/12
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LMP20/10 4+1. Scan 3/12.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (intralipids on BFP, no pred) 4+1

Hi everyone, just updating the list. I've based my 4+2 on the ovulation date plus two weeks rather than LMP as I don't have a 29 day cycle. Is that how everyone else has done it?

Free I think you have made your mind up but for what it is worth, i would also go at 6+4. I checked my records and I got a good heartbeat last time at 6 wks 5 days, which is when I will be going again this time. However, if you don't see a heartbeat then, it would also not necessarily be anything to worry about, so no pressure.

Sorry to hear of the BFNs this time, I hope this month will be your month.

Kittens - do you think it's worth finding out if you should do the intralipids too seeing as your level has increased? I have been doing a lot of google research on the intralipids (as I am solely relying on them being too chicken to do the pred) and the success rates are good for both getting pregnant in the first place (if done before ovulation) and also for preventing miscarriage. I have seen a couple of journal s that show the intralipids reduce NKCells by about 45% and this seems to last 4 - 9 weeks.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17362387
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18782287

Saturday 19th November

TTC
Waiting to test
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/testing 29 Nov -2 Dec depending on my resolve.
Waiting to ovulate
coleyoz - V High NKC. TTC #2 - ov 3 Dec (Pred and Intralipids at BFP)
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)
eurochick - TTC#1 awaiting first appointment (in Nov)/ov expected 28-30 Nov.

BFP
2nd Trimester
Stogan - V high NKC - BFP 9/7/11 cycle#2- 24+0 Due 10/03/12 next scan 30/12
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2 -18+5 Due 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+4 next scan ?
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2 - 12+3 next scan ?
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2 - 13+0 due 26/5/12 next scan 12/12
1st Trimester
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP on cycle 3 of Clomid - 11+1 next scan 28/11
Scooterchaser - V High NKC - BFP cycle1 - 7+5. Due 01/07/12. Scan 25/11
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxchloroquine, Pred, Intralipids. Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st cycle. LMP18/10 - 4+3 - Scan 3/12
Arianhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 BFP 2nd pred cycle LMP19/10. 4+2 Scan 7/12
ChoccyPud - V High NKC / TTC #1 BFP 4th Pred cycle LMP20/10 4+1. Scan 3/12.
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR/TTC 1/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). LMP 17 Oct (Ov'd 3rd Nov) 4+2. Scan 6/12.

I was thinking of calling Mr S and asking that cheerful. I don't think they offer them on NHS, which is how I am seeing him at the mo but maybe I can supplement my treatment. Probably won't do them before OV though. Bit too pricey seeing as I've ovulated 6 times whilst TTC with no joy. I don't think my levels are super high, I think they may have just gone over the upper limit for 25mg after BFP. But I'm just guessing as they didn't give my actual levels in the letter to my GP.

Wearing maternity jeans today for first time (someone asked how big I was?) They are too big really but my real jeans are too small. (I kind of regret chucking out all my maternity clothes after mc#4!). Ds leaned really hard on my stomach today so latest freak-out is about that. Got date for anomoly scan (jan) though will prob have a private one before that.
Hope you're ok Euro, hope that appt comes soon.
Digi what did you experience when coming off the pred?

Iggi - I sold all my maternity clothes on Ebay after several MCs too. Fortunately a friend of mine has passed on a bag of stuff to me this week which is really handy. The mat jeans are still a bit too big though so I'm wandering round the house with my belly hanging out of my normal jeans. Classy.

I found coming off the pred relatively OK but I did get some headaches that I think were related. I heard somewhere (maybe on here?) that drinking lots of water is helpful.

iggi pred withdrawal symptoms I had were mainly headaches and aching limbs. Loss of appetite for a few days, which was slightly worrying as it had been my one constant pg symptom. Probably didn't drink enough water though. I'm sure there were more...oh yeah, itching. Had a really itchy bump, ended up with a rash - legs, shoulders and back also itched but managed to not scratch those too badly. Also, not being on steroids meant some of my pre-existing skin probs came back.

cheerful that's how I calculate it - date of ov, plus two weeks. And I measured bang on for my 12 week scan [smug charter emoticon].

ari How's garden clearance going? DS would LOVE a trampoline. But not getting one, he's got a swing and that takes up quite a bit of garden space.

Beef stew and trifle leftovers demolished. DS passed out on the sofa at 6:30 and so that was bedtime taken care of. Have just bought some Christmas presents on Amazon - so that's nearly all the siblings (bar one) taken care of.

Thanks for the info! Still on the 15 dose so I have it still to come.
Coconut I would so love to have a "proper" bump again, I think that (and kicks!) is the only way I'll ever really feel pregnant.
Really must stop reading about late mc and stillbirths on MN! You reach a point where you think just because something can happen, it will happen, because that's my luck.

Good news on BC board this morning! Showed OH and he said don't these women sleep! They haven't got a clue...
Please Please Santa can I have a BFP for Christmas............tap tap tap....

Thanks for the supportive comments all. My appointment with Mr S is next week so hopefully I will have some answers as to how 12 cycles of perfectly-timed swi have not lead to a BFP.

Thanks for the links iggi. It's good to see in black and white how these treatments are effective.

I'm glad to hear everything is going well for those of you in the process of bump growing!

OOh who is that on BC - is it someone we know...?

Am up early to drive to Vegas so just a quickie but looking forward to catching up with you all properly on Tuesday when back in the UK and especially hoping for some positive news and steps of action for you Euro after your appointment. Nothing doing for me really apart from knicker watching and symptom seeking until 3rd Dec. Still 13 days away! Seems ages.

It's 'Just dancing', I think she has had some sort of fertility treatment too so really good news for her. I have just written down the DPO you three newly up duffers where last week so I can compare testing....sad I know but can't help myself.

Enjoy Vegas!