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

Hi Snoopy it is really good to hear from you. Hoping all goes well for you. You are right about being teary ie reading about what you are going though but the one thing that stands out is your incredible strength of character. Hope the chemo is not too bad for you and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Hi Duggs. Gosh I can't believe you had a 10% chance of a successful pregnancy. That's just crazy. Can they grow the embryos for longer than 3 days to see if there is an issue? To be honest this could explain why in 11 or 12 pg's why I have been successful only once. It is crazy they don't test for this especially as the cost is minimal versus the cost of ivf. If you
had of been armed with this info prior to ivf I guess you would never have gone ahead with it. If I wanted DH to get tested would he need to go to the clinic and do the deed. I would have to really go on at him for him to agree to it. I am assuming that you can't do it from home and have it picked up by someone. I think someone else mentioned that someone did this. What is the treatment for this? I can see a mad rush for testsnow. Are you going to tell dr s about this result I think he as let you down in this respect.

Snoopy It's great to hear from you and I'm so glad that the first chemo did not cause too many side effects. I'm also glad to hear that the cool cap thing was bearable - where did you get it from? My step-mum is about to start chemo for ovarian cancer and she is worried about hair loss. She hadn't heard about the cool caps so I said I would investigate for her. It's great news that the hip shadow was a false alarm too. I hope that your treatment continues to go well and that you are able to keep up the fighting spirit. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way!

Hi all, sporadic posting from me as I have my brother over from the US with his girlfriend and we are playing London tour guide. Lots of walking! But doing ok so far.

Snoopy! It is so good to hear from you and really pleased to hear the chemo isn?t too hideous so far. Have you made some contacts on here for talking about this sort of thing? Glad Snoops the Kitten is helping things somewhat and like Pebbles I would be quite happy becoming a crazy cat lady too, even though I don't actually have any now :)

Yes you did mention about the spot on the hips. THANK GOODNESS it was all clear and the cancer hasn?t spread. Seems incredible that you are going through this battle really, especially when you started here with another battle entirely. We just never know what is going to happen in life do we, and that?s why we must try to appreciate every day as much as possible even when times are tough.

Please do keep us all updated as we are all thinking about you. Your mum?s story is great to hear Euro, there are some many good news stories these days with breast cancer that it really is encouraging.

Wow Duggs that is all incredible news about the sperm/fragmentation/results. I hope it gives you a renewed sense of optimism in some way.

I have to run as we?re doing a boat trip and?wish me luck with this one? going round the tower of London! Lots of love to all and hope everyone is having good weekends xx

I think the last update was Thursday 31st May so am adding 4 days on to all the BFPs. Feel free to add/edit/dispute etc etc. Sue, I've put your scan date on there and we will hopefully be adding you to the 1st trimester list right after that! Hope you're feeling well. Is anyone due to test soon?

Monday 4th June

The babies are arriving!

Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl Ellyson (DC1) born Sunday (EMCS) 11/03/12 7lb13.5.
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy Franco (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks, Baby boy Arthur born at 40+6 13/05/12 3.66kg
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, baby girl Matilda born DC#2 ? 39 weeks (ELCS) 14/5/12 7 lbs.
Iggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- Baby boy Thomas born (ELCS) at 38+6 16/5/12

BFP 3rd Trimester

Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 32+6 Next appt/scan, 22nd June EDD 24/07/12 by LMP, 22/07 by Nuchal
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 32+6 EDD 24/07/12
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 29+5
coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 29+0

2nd Trimester

FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 24+5
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 24+4
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 23+4
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 23+4
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 19+1 Next scan @ 20 weeks

1st Trimester
HelterSkelter (IVF and immune therapy) 8+3

To be added to shortly...

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF

Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine) Scan 17th June

Pinkdragon - High NKC. Pred Daughter (after 4 mcs) TTC #2, super ov.
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 6, had 3 cycles of Super Ov, now on 2nd cycle of 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)

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
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin. MC March 2012 on treatment. Pred started at BFP.
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)
Carebear1 - V high NKC

Current status?

BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 37+3 MIA for a while! Must be due around 1st June

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

Lovely to hear from you snoopy you are very brave and have an amazing attitude.

Yes free I have mixed feelings tbh. I feel we've wasted a year and a lot of £ and heart ache if only dr s tested for DNA fragmentation or if I had gone to dr g right away then we'd have known the full picture. Although dr s is cheaper at face value if u don't get pg quickly with immunes on steroids then I feel the ethical thing would be for him to suggest deeper investigation not super ov which just gives him £250 every month from us desperados. Most of us don't need it as ovulation wasn't the issue. Anyway you live and learn I suppose. But I shan't be returning as I do feel there is an element of blinker viewing at that camp. I totally see it works for some - but if it doesn't his reluctance to re test or look elsewhere is a bit off. Anyway just my experience.

On the other hand I now have to live with DH drinking lemonade not red wine. am slightly annoyed he didn't take responsibility for himself tbh and cut down anyway. Is weird to think my nk cells r within normal range (higher end of normal) and it is really over to him now??? appointment Wednesday so will give official update from dr g. Not feeling great with DH had a row this morning he has gone "off" to think! Big sigh. Anyway waves to everyone. At least rain has let up some what!

Duggs I've talked to dh about him getting tested if it was advised. Mr S is already mentioning testing sperm genetics - he is looking to set up an arrangement with a clinic in Spain for this. Its the next thing to look at - ie what if anything is dh contributing to our problems?

Re your dh going off for a think... From talking to my dh, he made the point that firstly some guys would take it as a question of their masculinity to be told to get their sperm tested, particularly when they're knocking us up successfully (even if it then goes wrong). Also, if we did go down that route of getting him tested and thus him having to get his head round w@nking into a cup, he said he'd need me to give him the kind of support he's given me throughout all this, and that if I told him to do it without discussion, he'd feel a bit like I wasn't bearing his feelings in mind and not returning the favour in terms of how he's been with me.

Perhaps your dh feels a bit pressured to perform? He's no doubt got his head round YOUR difficulties and the costs etc, but now some if not the majority of the "blame" for your having such a low chance of success is being put on him, and that's a whole different ball game for him I imagine...

Better go, got the PIL coming for lunch, although I mainly enter it hoping they'll go after a couple of hours and not hang around all afternoon as they usually tend to do. I conk out quite quickly and lose the will/energy to be "on" iykwim... Not helped by not sleeping well and having almost constant headaches all over the front of my head behind my eyes.

Also- My stepmum is trying to organise the internment of my Dad's ashes and not listening to us saying we have commitments at work and home that mean we are limited in when it can be held, and that as work commitments meant I couldn't be with her for lunch on my dads birthday, perhaps we shoudnt be the ones who move the earth this time, and maybe certain others could take a day off for this.... And my step brother (other side, my step dads son) and wife just had their second child. Now have the perfect family, girl, and boy, no problems, smooth running pg, the works. Bastards ;)

Sorry for whinge... And breathe...

Lovely to hear from you snoopy glad it's all going comfortably so far. Thinking of you.

Hey Duggs sounds like your dh is struggling with the diagnosis, must have been a shock for you both. I assume there are things you can do to improve it though? So does this mean you don't need to take the pred anymore?

Free say hi to Marcus for me and have a lovely time. Make sure you don't overdo it!!

Been away for ages so has taken me a while to read all your news. Too much to comment on. I had a weird cycle. First on Letrozole. Ov'd not til CD32 and now AF arrived at 10dpo. Gutted. A weird almost double lenght cycle for nothing. Must go back to Mr S this month and see. I try to see him as little as poss due to excessive costs! Am wondering if it's worht bothering with SO plan at all really and just carry on trying. Maybe should get DH a sperm test. We've been trying nearly 2 years now

pinkdragon I had a longer than normal cycle the first time I took Letrozole too.

I am pretty sceptical about the merits of SO. I tried it for 3 cycles but hated the way the drugs made me feel so stopped it after that. I found studies on the internet which show that for people who already ov pregnancy rates are not any higher than they would otherwise have been on Letrozole/Clomid. In other words, something other than the presence of an egg is responsible for the lack of pregnancy. And our own little SO study on here hasn't had great results I think. Most (all? Have any of us got pg on SO?) of the pregnancies on free's list come from unassisted cycles I think.

Agree with you euro no successes I can recall! Perhaps a little money spinner for dr s - make 2 eggs come out when in fact is probably masking something else that is wrong. I was so excited my first few rounds of SO. Anyway if u ovulate ok then I am not sure more drugs get any results?!

I did get pregnant on SO in march but it ended in a chemical. For me it counterbalanced the effects the preds were having on my OV. I still think SO increases the chance of getting preg so long as there are no other issues such as low spermcount etc.

Free that's fine about having me lingering waiting to go on the first trimester list. I have my scan next thurs if I get that far. Having a lot of twinges today so starting to worry a bit!

Snoopy lovely to hear from you and glad the cold cap seems to be working. Sounds like snoops is a little darling!

Waves to everyone else.

There were also two others who got preg on SO in march, jaffa and izzy so that's three that I know if. We all lost them early though.

Just to add Free told me about somebody on baby centre who got pregnant on super ov after ivf hadn't worked so thought that was quite interesting. I am not getting my hopes up but guess its worth a try....

I am sure there are lots of new girls on this thread now so you wont know me, so excuse the random post. This is intended for those who I met in December and when I used to post at the end of last year.

I cannot apologise enough for just disappearing on you. I am ashamed that I did so, mostly because when I met you girls in London I felt like I belonged and everyone offered so much support to each other having been on similar journeys. It was a huge relief to find others who hurt/mentalled/feared the same things as I, especially when family and friends just didn't get it.

It makes no sense why I felt the need to be MIA, after one of our scans we were told she was only on the 5th % and that I was at greater risk of stillbirth due to my insulin intolerance & hypothyroidism. I guess that in conjunction with previous MC's meant I could either drive myself insane mentalling or I could just bury my head in the sand and pretend I was as normal as everyone else. As a result I chose the latter and for that I am sorry. Not only do I feel I have let you all down, but I have lost out on friendship and support from the only people who would understand.

I am writing this because my husband and I talk about you all and wonder how you are. He still gives me updates as he checks on you girls regularly. I just wanted to say that after 6 MC's, the 7th was a charm (well I still hope so). I had Clexane, Progesterone, & NK Cell treatment until 16 weeks. I am now 39 + 5 and either due to go naturally over next 2 days or have a C-section this Thursday as they won't let me go past my due date. We are still very nervous until we see her with our own eyes, but we have hope. Something we never thought we would have over the last 5 years.

Congratulations to Stogan, Digi, Coconut, Comedy & Iggy!! So happy for you all. And to those who are either waiting for imminent arrivals (Keeping everything crossed for you Free) or TTC, or just having a much needed break.

Hi BrownieGecko all the very best in the coming days. I think 7 must be a lucky number as my DS was number 7. He is almost 3 now and I am hoping to still give him a brother or sister but I have had another 4 MC's. We haven't spoke but I am sure everyone just wishes you well. Look forward to hearing the happy announcement. Best wishes.

Great to hear from you Brownie and I'm sure everyone understands that we all deal with this in our own way - I tend to withdraw from RL friends and tell everything to online ones! Please do not worry.
Hopefully either you or your dh can post to tell us the happy news?

Lovely to hear from you Brownie - no apologies needed for being mia we all do what we need to do. So pleased for you that little one is nearly here - seven must indeed be lucky as M follows on from six miscarriages. Good luck! X

SNOOPYread you news while i was still in sydney but coulnt log in to say how sorry i am you have to go through this after eveything else, life is unfair.
but wow ! you are some woman!! we are all here if you need us.

got work today, its only for 4 hours i know but i kept waking up during the night so im tired, my body was just aching and i had a really lazy day yesterday. trying not to take pain killers as its a habit i dont want to get into, calling doc today to make appt.

i was a bit depressed on monday just thinking about everything , my hubby is hopeless with the peptalks , he just listens , i have to give them to myself. i think its the roller coaster thing and to be honest im worried about the effects the steriods ae going to have on my body, it feels like a wreck and ive been off for 3 mths what am i going to be like with more of it.
im also soooo fat! ive lost no weight since ther steriods , my face has nearly gone down to normal, i cant exercise cause im just exhausted all the time, may look inti joining yoga.

goodluck with everything brownie

duggs im glad u are getting somewhere at last, tbh if my hubby was grumbling about tests i would kick his butt across down! you are v patient, he doesnt say anything about what i ask him to do, vitamins , cutting down on whatevery and going for tests because i do it and this is a team effort, he has seen what i went through with treatment and wih mc, wish i was as patient as u! its a bummer about mr s and it taking so long, lets see what they say to me next mth, i guess not everybody is the same and they must think outside the box

Brownie! It's so lovely to hear from you. Don't be silly re apologising to us for not being here - it's not an obligatory place to hang out :) We have just been worried about you and wondering where you were every now and then. It's SO good to hear it is all going well for you and you are somewhere near to the finish line! Please do come on and chat to us again if you feel up to it. Remember those drinks at Christmas when you had just turned 15 weeks I think and I was about 7 weeks. They were long, dark days I know.

Digi has also set up a Pred Thread Grads board for those of you who have had babies to chatter away so you don't bore us all senseless about nappies or whatever it is you new mums talk about :) Will link to it in a sec.

Can't wait for news of you after Thursday and once again so pleased it has all gone well.

Welcome back PinkDragon, sorry you're feeling a bit crap about things. It's understandable.

Yes Pebbles is right there is someone on the BC board who said SO had worked for them after IVF failed several times. I think we are right in thinking that SO has managed to get 4 people pregnant as far as we are aware, and there MUST be a lot more otherwise surely he wouldn't do it. I have always found Mr S, although this is he business obviously, is very sensitive to the fact that most of us are paying for this ourselves and tends to bear that in mind when we ask for things that he might see as strictly necessary at that time. I can't imagine for a second that he would be so adamant about getting people to try the programme if he didn't think they would have a chance. Not sure if that helps anyone, but good to have a bit of faith in it if we can? Of course by the very nature that we have all found ourselves here in the first place we are all 'people who have problems' and we don't know what those problems are (NK cells, chromosonal issues, sperm problems, age etc etc) until they are directly addressed, painful as it is to find yet another problem.

BTW I had my first NCT class on Saturday and one of the girls there (same due date as me) had been having fertilty treatment for 18 months before this pregnancy. She has thyroid problems and PCOS and was on a combination of ovulation drugs (had not yet tried IVF).

Hope you and DH have sorted things out a bit now Duggs, these are trying times and they are likely to put pressure on every aspect of life. Yes it must be strange to have gone from being the person 'responsible' with NK cells to him now adjusting to having something he needs to address too.

Pico sorry you are having a tough time too. I hate to diagnose you again but definitely get the thyroid checked out won't you? Aching limbs, tiredness, weight gain etc etc can all be part of it. When I first got ill with a thyroid problem I was 21 and gained 3 stone in around 8 weeks!!! It was scary stuff. I felt like someone had taken my batteries out.

I have had a really busy weekend showing my brother and his gf around London and they are still here today, so best get ready and get out and do more sight seeing! Shame the weather was so crap but it has definitely been exciting to be in London this weekend too. Hope everyone is not doing too badly!

How are the pregnant folk getting on? I have found movements have become a lot stronger this week. It is definitely starting to feel like there is a little person in there. Yesterday we dared to go to Mothercare and get the odd vest etc just in case something were to happen early. We also ordered a pram. It's the first time we have bought anything for the baby so quite a milestone.

Who said this was Free's list? It certainly is me updating it at the moment but everyone please feel free to do so. It doesn't have to be kept but it's been tradition on such threads to have one and I personally think it is good to have to refer to as a marker to how everyone is getting on, how things are working with the more BFPs and babies there are etc etc.

However when I eventually (all things going well!) have a baby, some of you lot might have to take over! It's easy to update - just have to add the number of days since the last update to the pregnant people. Ie this was last updated on Monday, so I am adding two days. And of course make any changes - like adding BFPs or upping people to a different trimester. Like Frozen who will be entering the third in about a week and a half :)

So, do feel free to add/edit.

Am also adding Brownie back on, to her rightful place as the next one to give birth! Good luck Brownie and lovely to see you here again.

Wednesday 6th June

The babies are arriving!

Stogan - V high NKC - cycle#2, DC#1, Baby girl Ellyson (DC1) born Sunday (EMCS) 11/03/12 7lb13.5.
Digitalgirl - High NKC - BFP cycle#2, Baby boy Franco (DS2) born at 39+0 on Easter Monday, 9/04/12, 8 lbs 12
Coconutfeet - V High NKC, Factor II gene mutation, underactive thyroid - BFP pre-pred, started at 6 weeks, Baby boy Arthur born at 40+6 13/05/12 3.66kg
Comedy - V High NKC - BFP cycle#2, baby girl Matilda born DC#2 ? 39 weeks (ELCS) 14/5/12 7 lbs.
Igggi - High NKC & Hypothyroidism - BFP cycle#2, DC#2- Baby boy Thomas born (ELCS) at 38+6 16/5/12

BFP 3rd Trimester

BrownieGecko - High NKC, Hypothyroidism, & Glucose Intolerant. BFP Clomid cycle#3, DC#1 39+6
Freelance - V High NKC TTC#1 Hydroxychloroquine, Pred, Intralipids, 400 Cyclogest, Thyroid/hashimotos. MC 1st Pred cycle. DC#1 33+1 Next appt/scan, 22nd June EDD 24/07/12 by LMP, 22/07 by Nuchal
Cheerfulcharlie - V High NKC, MTHFR, DC#2/ (metformin, intralipids, no pred). 33+1 EDD 24/07/12
batteryhen - High NKC, factor v leiden. DC#1 BFP cycle 3. 30+0
coleyoz - V High NKC. DC#2, BFP cycle2, 29+2

2nd Trimester

FrozenNorthPole - RMC, NKC status unknown, Cyclogest, aspirin, 25+0
Mercator - V High NKC, TTC#2. 24+6
Hopefulfor2nd - High NKC - TTC#2. - 23+6
dunnit - V High NKC - , IVIG, Cyclogest and Clexane. 23+6
PQ77 - V High NKC TTC #2 (BFP cycle one but mc) 19+3 Next scan @ 20 weeks

1st Trimester
HelterSkelter (IVF and immune therapy) 8+5

To be added to shortly...

TTC ? ASSISTANCE - SO/IUI/IVF

Suemays - V High NKC, TTC #2. Superov. (Pred & Hydroxychloroquine) Scan 17th June

Pinkdragon - High NKC. Pred Daughter (after 4 mcs) TTC #2, super ov.
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 6, had 3 cycles of Super Ov, now on 2nd cycle of 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)

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
Holldoll - High NKC - Pred, Cyclogest & aspirin. MC March 2012 on treatment. Pred started at BFP.
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)
Carebear1 - V high NKC

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

Ah, good luck with everything Brownie! For what it's worth, DD1 was below the 2nd centile for growth and she's now a tall 3.5 year old - came out small (2300g at 38 weeks) but screaming ... we never expected her to be our 'take home baby' after our losses but she had other ideas.

Thank you so much for the ideas and advice people gave me about the preterm labour concerns. It's very frustrating since although I'm technically high risk, I'm not receiving any specific care related to DD2's prematurity. The midwife (supervisor of midwives) who runs the pregnancy assessment unit really doesn't like me, so I'm very wary of going in! Aargh, at work and my visitor has just arrived .. will post more later ...

Wow this thread moves fast! Will comment on what I remember, and apologies for anything I forget, no doubt there will be loads!

snoopy So good to hear from you, please don't be a stranger if you feel ok to post here, we all want to hear from you and how you're doing. So glad the cold cap seems to have done the trick this time, hope it keeps right on working. Lovely to hear about little snoops being a cutie, there is just something wonderful about kittens! I also thought I would be a retired lady with a house full of cats, I had four at one point, back to one at the moment, but who knows, it might still happen! :) Keep your strength up snoopy, and look after yourself; we're all thinking about you.

brownie Also lovely to hear from you too and oh my, I didn't realise how close you were. Exciting to hear you'll soon have your wee girl with you, and so pleased it's worked out this time for you!

Re: getting OH tested - well you all know I'm cross my suggesting we needed to get my DP tested back when we first started seeing Mr S last Aug/Sept was deemed unnecessary, as I really feel we may have wasted 10 months that he could have had any issues addressed, if it's possible and if he has a problem of course. Same goes for the DQ Alpha testing; I've always felt that's something that should have been tested. But even with saying I'm cross all these weren't tested, I do echo what free said that Mr S does genuinely seem to care - he has always seemed to take my miscarrying on the plan very seriously, almost taking it as a personal reflection on him - and from the comments he's made previously I think he was actually trying to save us money by just testing for what he considered the essentials at the time. I know that sounds mad, but I do actually think this was the case. It just grates a bit with me because I specifically asked about OH being tested, and he knew we had full (at the time) BUPA agreement to get both of us tested for everything, but I suspect he thought as he had said now, that medical insurance won't test sperm issues. I hope that's wrong, I will be finding out this week when I phone the insurance company.

duggs I hear what you're saying about your OH and testing. I would also echo what someone else said, if OH was unwilling to be tested I'd be extremely p*ssed off since he knows how much I've already had to go through. I did ask him about it when I was reading all your messages over the weekend, and his comment was along the lines of he's not happy to be tested but he won't refuse. He almost got slapped then, I tell you! But he will do it, and understands the need. I did point out he ought to try having someone stick a camera inside them once a month every month, and he should think himself lucky this little bit of testing is all he has to do!!

choccy I hope things have eased up a bit for you, it's such a rubbish time right now for so many of us.

pico Hope you're feeling a bit more upbeat too now .. I hear what you're saying about OH being no good with peptalks, my OH doesn't say anything much about anything! He will listen to me (at least I think he's listening) but rarely ever comments and never raises the topic himself. Frustrating, sometimes.

As for SO being any good ... well in truth for those of us who are already ovulating I think it makes little difference other than giving possibly double the chance to get pregnant each month. That's really the only benefit I think it has for me personally, can't see it doing anything else.

/waves to everyone

I'm so glad to hear from Snoopy and that the treatment seems to be going well and that dark spot on the pelvis was nothing to worry about. Hope it all continues to go well.

brownie wow - you are so so close to the end. It's great to hear your progress!

free I cannot believe you have only just started buying stuff for the baby! You must have a lot of shopping to do girl! At least you are in London with a whole range of decent shops around you and easy online shopping if you can't even be bothered with proper shopping. I have been doing lots of online shopping from the Uk but my courier bills have been quite horrendous. I am also getting some good wiggles from baby now. It's quite amusing to watch.

I'm away for a long weekend on Friday. Definitely last one before babe arrives. 2 days off work too, can't wait.