TTC: Pregnancy on Prednisolone or similar part 7

[ChoccyPud]

A positive thread for all those diagnosed with High or Very High NK Cells and looking to start TTC or already pregnant on Prednisolone and/or Intralipid treatment.

Newcomers very much welcome!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1419032-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-6

Part 5 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1391787-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-5

Part 4 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1366323-TTC-Pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-4

Part 3 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1348773-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-3

Part 2 here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1323594-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar-part-2

Part 1 here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/1236324-TTC-pregnancy-on-Prednisolone-or-similar

Battery you can't wait for ever!
I think Free I'm less tired now than I was at the start of the 3rd trimester - maybe it's just massive nesting instincts that give you energy in the final weeks!
I had a heart trace on Tuesday, a midwife check on Wed, here it is on Thursday and I'm already convinced something is wrong.. Lots of (angry, I think) movements when on the doppler earlier, but nothing again now. My brain is definitely fked with all the anxiety. We assembled the crib last night and I just kept crying!

I've updated on my latest scan here

The fears and anxiety that you express re: feelings of disbelief that you will get a "take home baby" (as DH and I used to call it) really strike a chord with me. I remember feeling very guilty for finding my emotions almost paralysingly awful at times - the end of pregnancy is meant to be full of excitement etc. etc. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it's so, so normal and the key thing is to seek as much reassurance as you need. I used to wake up in the night and check DD1 with the doppler. I couldn't say "when" the baby arrives - only "if". I hate the fact that after one's had to work so hard to get and/or stay pregnant, there is no peace of mind . Nevertheless, sending you calming thoughts ...

Snoopy I am so sorry to hear your dreadful news. Just want to add to the sentiments and stories of hope others have given you on here. Have said a little prayer for you and wish for the best to you and your family xxx

Frozen those are kind words. Sorry that you haven't yet had the final reassurance you need from the scan, though it does sound like everything may be totally fine - hope next week gives you the answers you want

Frozen its an agonising time for you at the moment - once you get passed 12 weeks you hope that it's the most stressful time out of the way but it never seems to stop once you have had miscarriages.

Iggi I think a lot of it is self preservation as you leave yourself open to getting hurt again if it all goes wrong so its easier to only expect the worse. I am sure you will look back on all the anxieties and wonder why you were like it!

I had my hysteroscopy today and all was fine. I almost wished they had found something to explain the RM. The consultant raised his eyebrows when I told him about my raised NKs but then he does work for the NHS. He reckons the tests/technology currently available only covers around half of the reasons for miscarriage so most of it is still unknown. Strangely enough one of the nurses had 4 miscarriages before she had her 4 kids and they couldnt find a reason for her miscarriages. With this in mind I still believe that perserverance will win for us all in the end so long as our egg reserves are still there.

Igggi I am exactly the same at the moment. Although the house etc is ready for the baby I have in no way envisaged bringing a baby home and when the dr asked me what I thought the odds were I said 50:50 at best (her look told me to get a grip and start believing!).
Free I have done tne same as you as well and read too much about stillbirth so will stop googling certain topics, cross my fingers and wait out the next ten days as best I can.

I am so sorry people are going through so much at the moment on this thread - lets hope that May brings some more positive news x

Hi Frozen, I read through your post avidly to see how you were getting on. Sounds like it could very well all be fine! We are all hoping that is the case.

What you said rings seven bells of truth for me at the moment - the idea of a 'take home baby' seems so near yet so far away - potentially engulfed by a whole host of obstacles. It's reassuring to know that you, Iggi, Comedy and no doubt most others feel the same. When I told a friend I was comforted by having a Doppler the other day she was horrified and told me that not only could it freak me out when I couldn't hear the hb (never happened so far, so yes I would be straight up A&E) but that I might actually mistake my heartbeat for the baby's and the baby might be in trouble and I wouldn't notice. I get her point but no-one knows the fears we have after recurrent miscarriage unless they have been there. She has actually had one miscarriage but still I think it is hard for people to understand. About half an hour later she apologised as I think she realised it was difficult for her to relate. I just said, well it's been very comforting to me after what I have been through.

Sue that is good news about the hysteroscopy, but I know what you mean about almost hoping to find something as then you might know how to fix it. Interesting about the nurses. And that is a great attitude to have that - so long as the eggs are up to the job - perseverance should get everyone there!

It feels a bit odd going on to every day things when I realise that Snoppy is in such turmoil. A similar thing when there is another miscarriage on here. People are going through such devastating times and life carries on around them. I have had it myself when going through tough times too. By 'every day' things I don't mean NKC, baby worries, test etc as they are all pretty out of the ordinary, I meant as I was going to go on about how busy I am going to be in the next few days - packing up Brighton flat, going to Oxford in between for a Christening, coming back to Brighton to oversee the removal men (sod it if I am doing anything!) then coming back to London for a couple of days before going off for a weekend in Italy (a surprise for DH's bday) on Friday. AND trying to get the paperwork together for buying this flat. Poor DH though, he is doing all of this really and I am just packing a bit of stuff and not being much help. I figure I am doing a really important job of my own - growing a baby. Yesterday I spent three hours of the afternoon in bed but I am blaming my cold/being run down after all the bloody treatment and stress.

Anyway, best get on with it then! Hope everyone else is doing ok. Snoppy, our thoughts are with you. Please do come on and tell us when you get an update from the docs.

Oh my goodness, it's three days from Coconut's ELCS!! Olives thanks for updating your details on the list the other day. Frozen I have a feeling I might have stuffed up yours recently, please can you check if it's ok. Anyone else with details to add/edit please do so! Hope Digi and Stogan are doing well and that the babies are thriving and not causing too many cracked nipples and sleepless nights

Friday 4th May
The babies are arriving!
Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl born Sunday 11/03/12 7lb13.5. Our First Pred Thread Baby!
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12 Our Second Pred Thread Baby!

BFP 3rd Trimester
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks 39+4 Due date: 07/05/12
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, DC#2 ? 37+4 C-section booked: 14/5/12
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- 36+3 c-section booked for 16/5/12
BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 35+5
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 28+3 Next appt with Mr S, 25th May EDD 24/07/12
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 28+3 EDD 24/07/12

2nd Trimester
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 25+0
coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 24+3
FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 20+2
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 20+1
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 19+1
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 19+1
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 14+4

1st Trimester
To be filling up very shortly!

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF
duggs1976 - High/V High NKC - TTC #1 - IVF cycle #1 ?pred, intrallipids, metformin, clexane, cylogest
Havingkittens - Upgraded from High to V High NKC TTC #1 -10 pred ? 3rd cycle SO
Abney (44), SO 2, 6 MC No pred (2 chromosone, 4 unexplained), 1 DS Pred Cycle 1 & fragmin, 4 MC on Pred (1 fragmin),
eurochick - TTC#1 High NKC, pred cycle 4, Super Ov & IUI
Pebbles - TTC#1 High NKC, PCOS, super ov cycle 1 (post IVF - 1 chemical, 1 mc, combining IVF with Immunotherapy
Arianrhod - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, hypothyroid, TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)
Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

TTC
London - High NKC, April - mc on treatment.
ChoccyPud - V High NKC - TTC#1 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine). April - mc on treatment.
Willitbe - RMC, NKC not tested, TTC #4 cycle 2 (after m/c 12) Fertility consultant
prescribed pred.
GreenOlives - High NKC, TTC#2, have decided to only take Pred from BFP
picolina - V High NKC MC on treatment (taking a break on holiday)
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin
Lemonsherbet - TTC#1 v high/high NK, Mthfr, thyroid issues, pred 1st trim & Intralipids 2nd on bfp
buster76 -V High NKC, Factor V Leiden.
BellyD - V High NKC, MTHFR homo, TTC#1 cycle 2, hydroxychloroquine
ScooterChaser - V High NKC - TTC#2 (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine)

Current status?
Cherrycheeks - V high NKC, TTC#2
Breezyweezy - V High NKC - TTC#1
AandRmum - High NKC
Cornflakes30 - V High NKC, underactive thyroid
Brownstag - V High NKC, 3 yo DS is a Pred Baby! TTC #2
Zoeella V.high NKC, Factor V Leiden. abandoned IVF, pos PCOS

Thinking of Snoopy and hoping to see her back here soon in full blooming health.

No ELCS for me, but it's three days from my due date, so it could still be a few days yet!

Frozen - It sounds like the consultant is feeling quite optimistic about things. Let's hope next week's appointment can reassure everyone even more. I really feel for you going through all this. It must feel like an awfully long time to wait.

Comedy, Iggi, Freelance - I know exactly what you mean about not feeling like you're going to have a take home baby. I've had discussions with the doctor about them wanting to induce me around the due date because my age means there is an increased risk of stillbirth after this. I've been frantically googling the risks of induction versus the increased risk of stillbirth in over 40s. For every conversation where loads of women say that they went 14 days (or more) overdue and everything was fine, there's one who pops up and says that the worst did happen to her. The problem is, no-one really knows who will be affected and exactly what causes placental insufficiency. I find it really difficult to have a rational conversation about it and dissolved into tears at the hospital when discussing it (the doc was lovely though), as I'm also worried about being induced and really want to avoid that. So we've reached an agreement that if the baby doesn't make an appearance on his own beforehand, I'll go in for induction next Friday (11th May). I feel like this is a good compromise as it gives me a chance to go into labour naturally, and if I do need to be induced, things will hopefully be ready to go and it may just be a question of breaking my waters. I've got another appt on Weds and they'll be able to check what's happening with my cervix and tell me then what induction will entail.

Free - Sorry to hear you're feeling wiped out. I know your iron levels were low - have you had them rechecked recently? I was surprised to find out the other day that, despite the iron tablets and me trying to eat lots of leafy veg/apricots etc that my low iron levels haven't improved at all. Like you, I don't eat any red meat so that isn't an option. The third trimester is definitely more tiring, but feeling that worn out isn't good so it might be worth getting tested again if you haven't recently.

Coconut fingers crossed for a due date arrival then! Do you have acupunture or anything that might 'start things off'?

Re the doppler Free, I have never heard my heartbeat since developing a proper bump, nor at midwives appts - I think it is burried beneath baby the further on you get. Using the doppler definitely makes mine start moving, poor thing! I think the only risk is assuming a hb means everything is fine (ie with reduced movements) when you should get the movement situation checked out.
Feeling more positive today, though fed up with dh's lack of involvement in the preparations I'm making - it's not as if he doesn't know from experience what this is going to be like!

Snoopy Sorry about your news. Hopefully now that you are in the hands of the doctors your recovery will be swift. I was deeply moved by your story and everything doesn't seem as important now.

"2nd SO failure, so onto my 3rd attempt now with an increased dose of Letrozole i.e 7.5. AF turned up almost a week early. I didn't even get a chance to get my sticks out! I am going to ask about Hydroxy and Selenium next time I go to the scan to see what DR S says.

Cocunut I was induced age 41 10 days late and evrything was fine so try not to worry. I am eagerly watching the due dates with great anticipation.

Sorry Coconut - am being a bit dim. Baby Brain really seems to be getting to me at the moment. It spells it out clearly on the list.

I am still feeling wiped out, am ok sitting here now but had to go to the docs earlier (for a MATB1 form and also a letter to say I can fly next week) and I had another dizzy spell in reception and also it felt such hard work walking back from the bus stop (usually a 7 minute brisk walk). I will indeed ask for another iron check when I get back. Strange yours didn't improve after all you have been doing. I guess if I don't start to feel much better after this light cold has gone I might have to consider stepping up the tablets. I am making a real concerted effort to eat more fish, eggs, apricots etc and also wash it down with OJ to help absorption.

I am not sure either - about that whole induction versus overdue thing. It's so hard isn't it. Part of you must want it to come as quick as possible but there are so many stories about a 'cascade of intervention' after an induction. That said, there are also plenty of positive stories about births after induction. And also plenty of positive stories about going over due. I guess I am not helping much am I...

Abney so sorry to hear of your frustration, and especially frustrating that AF arrived a week early. How very strange and annoying. Definitely ask him about Hydroxy. He didn't have an opinion when I last asked him about Selenium, although it was a good 7 months ago, but said it was fine to take if I wanted to.

Yes Iggi the Doppler hasn't been much comfort to you has it. At least it gets the baby moving I guess!

My big glass of cold OJ and handful of apricots seems to have got a few wiggles going. Movements at the moment in the day time tend to be more wriggles and shudder and at night time there are a few more kicks. Especially when I lie on my left side - it seems to be squashy something that makes him/her move!

Oh anyone remember the Magpies conversation? I just had four do a fly by past the bus stop on the way back from the docs, so that has to be a good sign...?

free In case it's of any help to you, my acupuncturist instructed me when I first started seeing her to take chlorella and spirulina to up my iron, as it was low (after 3 miscarriages, I'm not surprised!). You can get these in tablet form, you don't have to have the really yucky-tasting liquids.

Spatone is the best iron I've tried (been on a few!) It's from boots and it's a clear liquid - you mix it in with a small glass of fruit juice. I can only taste the juice, which is what you want. Better for constipation than tablets by a long shot, ime.

free must be a little boy you are incubating! When I left the house this morning one of the little b*ers flew from in front of me on the pavement just up on to the neighbours roof. They are getting closer -arghhhh .

Totally agree with everyone else, after what Snoopy is going through and Choccy dealing with everything else pales in to insignificance.

I know what you mean about feeling guilty for life carrying on while snoopy choccy and duggs have had such awful news.

But fwiw - here's my 'life goes on' update. Franco is thriving, the HV came round on Tuesday and asked if I wanted to weigh him, out of curiosity I said yes - he was 4.8kg! So, despite the problems I've had with his latch, my anaemia and mastitis he seems to be getting plenty of milk. Up until recently breastfeeding was still uncomfortable so I requested a referral to the Tongue tie clinic. I have an appointment on Tuesday so will see whether they recommend him getting the snip (even though bf today was actually ok). I've been out and about with F quite a bit now, feeding on the go and negotiating normal things like parking, public transport, supemarkets and the school run for ds1.
Sleeping is mixed. Last few nights he's been waking every 2-3 hours which is exhausting - and I've not been able to catch up with a daytime nap as DH is back to work and my mum has also been working.
Still, despite the lack of sleep - he's waking more and more in the day now and I look at him and I'm so in love with him. I feel incredibly guilty for not being able to give ds1 as much attention as he desperately craves, but F is just a little helpless baby and we waited so long for him that I can't bear to have him cry for more than a few minutes. Ds1 is slowly bonding with him, likes to stroke his cheeks and hold his hand - it's very sweet. I'm trying to treasure every moment (remind me of this at 3am please!)

I can't wait for these May babies to be born.

Aw, that's lovely digi. It is a good reminder of what we are all striving for (it's easy to forget when you get bound up in your drug regime and the monthly disappointments).

Just seen dr S at NLC. So I'm on hydroxy and back on super ovulation programme as of next month once I've had an AF. Not sure if I'm going to take pred from ov or just if/when I get a bfp. Probably the latter although he pretty much said at my risk would I not take from ov but he didn't say no. He was quite jolly today! Hope u get on ok choccy sorry I missed u. Waves to everyone else.

Thats lovely to hear Digi x

Good luck for next month Duggs on the new regime x

Hi Duggs well done for being back on the programme. I guess Dr S was pretty direct and just came up with 'the next course of action'. Did he recommend Hydroxy without you asking for it. I am due to see him Monday week and I want to go on it seen as though Pred has failed me (I think) the last 4 times. I am fast running out of time so can't afford another MC.

Good to hear things are going well Digi. Has the mastitis cleared up now? I remember my sister having it and being really poorly.

Good news about the programme Duggs. I have to say I'm in awe of you getting back in the saddle so quickly after last time. I know it's not an easy thing to do, but your determination is admirable.

I hope Mr S gives you hydroxy without a fuss, Abney. I can totally relate to that feeling of running out of time.

Free - I think some people find that the regular ferrous suphate tablets harder to absorb than others. I had the same problem when I was pg with ds. I've also got some Spatone which I take when I remember. Florodix was also recommended to me after mc as a good general tonic. I think there's an iron-rich version of that.

Also, I meant to say that if you do decide to go down the hypnobirthing route, I've got some of the scripts (additional ones to the book) I can email over to you (or anyone else who's interested). If you do a course, they'll give you all the stuff you need, but just pm me if would like them.

Snoopy - I don't know if you're still around, but I've been thinking about you loads this last few days (I'm sure we all have), and I just wanted to say I hope you're doing as well as you can be.

Hello ladies,

Firstly, I am so overwhelmed by your messages. Can we have a group (( hug )) please?

Sorry to not post sooner but as you can imagine it's been one hell of a week, and been in and out of hospital having biopsies done. My poor breast is black and blue. I got a cancellation with Oncologist on thurs and had to rush down there. She's a specialist with 20 yrs experience and was very good. It was in the Cancer wing (all very bright and nice and no ill looking people (ha!)iykwim) and I couldn't look at plaque on wall as I went in going over in my head was I was just thinking I don't belong here. I am having full body MRI and CT scan at Oxford next wed to check it's no where else (not religious but think I may take up praying for the results of that!

I have basically been told getting this at 42 is a 1 in 500 chance which is scarily high when you think about it. I have been told I will have to start chemo in 3 weeks and will have to have a mastectomy. (Lumpectomy is not an option because of size of lump I think and there is another two smaller ones near it.) I would have thought this depends on progress with chemo though. I am being offered chemo to see if it shrinks because I am young she said before any drastic surgery. You get regular mri's as you go along to hopefully see shrinkage. I am waiting for results of biopsies which will be discussed with Oncologist in 2 weeks time.

To put your minds at rest, two different Oncologists asked me about this treatment for m/c's. They both said the drugs I have been on were nothing to do with it.

battery I wonder what trial drug your Mum was on? trouble is I am sneaking a look at all the info I've been given but research wise I can barely look at all this stuff, in denial I spose and will be for a while.

free enjoy the Hynobirthing stuff. Pass it on to another friend when you done. i won't be needing it!

On that front even though I may only have been striving for another sibling for another 6 months or so, to be told that chemo will probably make me infertile, - and yes was waiting for her to say this - I still had a little cry for my darling DS being an only child. I know I could stop and freeze eggs and stuff but you have to wait 2 yrs after chemo to try this and also it brings on the Menopause. Hey what it is to be a woman eh?!! . Plus that would take time to sort and I just want this bastard thing out/shrunk whatever asap!!

If it's ok ( and I won't depress you with my shit, you have enough to deal with) but I'm going to find it hard not to sneak a look on here and may post Congrats to you all when you get your babies.

Coconut Good luck!

xxx

HI Snoopy good to hear from you. I am sure everyone on here is thinking about you all of the time and hoping and praying that you are OK. It just seems so incredible how fast it appeared and I guess it is a warning to us all. I look at my DS and think the same about not wanting him to be an only child but at the same time I know and other people always tell me (after all the MC's) that he would rather have his mummy. I am not religious or anything but if the power of 'thought' can make you better and make all of this go away as quickly as possible then this is what I am sending to you. Take care and stay strong. My thoughts will be with you next Wednesday.

Hi snoopy So pleased to hear from you and glad you seem to be under good care! It also sounds really positive that they will check results from the chemo before any surgery. You sound amazing resilient and I hope all goes well with the MRI next Weds. Will be thinking of you. ((sending hugs))

Coconut just wanted to wish you lots of luck this week and hope all goes well with your impending birth - not long now!! You must be so excited! I'm off for a few days so shan't be able to log to check. Hope all goes well.