Immune/NK issues - aka Pred Thread no. 21!

[Tee4me]

Roll call for all moony faces!! 🌝🌝🌝

Waiting for our rainbows 🌈❤️💛💚💙💜

Tee4me
Age: 34
TTC DC#2 since December 2015
x2 MCs (second was 'missed')
DS turns 5 this month 😱
Seeing Dr Shehata - diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and aggressive NK cells
Currently on cycle 2 of Pred and week 6 of Thyroxine
CD10, expecting to ovulate at the end of the week 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Well, here I am at 11dpo and no spotting and no sign of AF! BUT, this is the month I didn't try, so either it's just coincidence and another sign of my body getting more normal on the Pred, OR I only spot when I'm trying, which makes me wonder if I'm having regular chemical
pregnancies? 😮

Since my MMC in Jan, I've had AF at 11dpo with or without Pred and whether trying or not we've tried.

June cycle we tried and I had spotting at 6dpo then AF at 11dpo. July cycle we tried, but think we missed the egg, and I had spotting at 9dpo and AF at 11dpo.

My endocrinologist says the longer I'm on Pred the less the spotting will happen and the more normal my cycles will be. He doesn't think the spotting has been problematic because my progesterone is consistently high. Any ideas?!

Luna we've been much like you, basically trying everyday from end of AF to ovulation day, by the time that comes round it was becoming a chore (more for DH than me), he just won't comply if he's not in the mood, so I end up walking on egg shells trying to subtly get him in the mood = hard work! This month was better reducing to every other day, although I feel if it's more of a risk, because if he turns me down, could run the risk of missing 2 nights on the trot. He's been a bit better now I'm on medication, knowing it's unfair on me not to cover dates and essentially waste a cycle. Having said that, he thinks I read too much into everything and need to relax more, he doesn't think we need to DTD on a particular date 🙄
2 of my closest preggo friends got upduffed by just DTD once of twice in their successful cycle. So maybe less is more!
Thyroid came back today and I'm down to the perfect range for conceiving!!! So happy!!!
Harriet how exciting to go to your bookings appointment!! It's really real now hey??
That's interesting Poppy, I had a beautiful cycle the month we didn't try, no weird cramps or anything, made me wonder the same thing about chemicals or perhaps embryos that couldn't implant? Implantation is linked to spotting? I hate that this is such a guessing game. Hope the Pred will sort you out in the end xx

Luna, protect the vag! They're wonder things and you only get one.

Poppy, maybe your cervix is getting a little bashed and becoming tender on the months you are trying (the reason spotting happens a lot during pg- but that's usually sooner after the event) or maybe the pred is calming and strengthening things down there? Either way, I feel it's good that you're not spotting way in advance of AF being due. Hope it's a sign of super front bottom strength- and that your bits have decided, this is the month you're ready to take a little rainbow on! ❤️🌈❤️🌈🤞🏻
With all the wonderful advice and support you've given me and others, it's about time you had your sticky bean x

Tee, it really takes the romance out of things hey?! I actually feel (without any scientific evidence) that the female big O really helps with conception. Apparently it makes your cervix do this little dipping dance- which has to help get the goods up there!
This chat is not for the prudish haha

Tee your theories on eggs failing to implant makes sense too!

*wonderful ^^

Thanks for your thoughts Tee and Just! Yeah I think all these theories are possibilities. So hard to know what to do because part of me thinks the Pred doesn't suit me and that's why I've not got PG so far but always did in first attempt before. But don't want to stop because I need it when I get PG! Catch 22.

Just, that has r ally cheered me up! I have also dared to hope that this is a sign of my body competing its readjustment after the MCs and all the meds.

Luna, yes give yours and DH's bits a break! You will need them on top form for the immediate run up to O day. Just make sure you get the timing right with the OPK!

Seems I missed a lot of posts so will reply properly when I'm home. Sitting in a cafe with rubbish connection waiting for my acupuncture session!

I'd think if your progesterone is consistently high you'd have nothing to worry about poppy, hopefully the pred is now just doing it job and helping keep the spotting at bay!

Luna I think your prob going a bit full on lol! Your poor vag!! Have a read of the 'sperm meets egg plan' - it'll save you!!
We dtd on day before and day of OV this time and with Tallulah. That's it. But we also spent a lot of months prior to that absolutely exhausting ourselves!

Great milestone reached there Harriet!! Next stop Nuchal!! Weigh gain def eases once off pred, don't panic!

I bet your family are so happy just, glad your feeling more confident in telling people now

poppy, I just have no idea about any of this stuff - I really hope it isn't lots of little chemicals? What does your doc say re the timing of the spotting related to trying/not trying?
Could be a battered fanny that's causing some spotting as Just suggests?? Can you come off the Pred and see if you can pull a Sunny, then start the Pred on BFP?

Tee, excellent re the Thyroid! Amazing news!! Re the boinking... after a few arguments over him getting the job done and me stressing, we now try really hard to not get shitty with each other - But - he must perform on demand on the days I need it, and he can do whatever the hell he wants to get in the mood beforehand...

Because we are so tired, with commuting/work/DS/puppy etc. we find it easier and nicer to do the deed once DS is just in bed - that way it's not late, we can snuggle after, then go down and have dinner/watch telly and the routine suits us.

But I'm deffo going to have sex less this time - the UTI I had last time was awful and I'm just only off the antibiotics for it, so really don't want a repeat of that!

I'm so run down from the Pred that I can't handle another problem, my throat is permanently sore and muscles ache from it as it is! (Think I'm really sensitive to it - hope the bastard NK Cells are too!)

just I've read the same re female orgasm helping guide sperm up to egg - but I think my DH's soldiers will have to find their own sodding way up there as I'm probably more likely to muster a genie than an orgasm during on-demand sex! I miss sex for fun!

Good to know Seeking, if we only have a few days to boink I might even pour myself into a body stocking and let myself enjoy it 😊

Luna, maybe try some saucy online vids while dtd to get the ole cervix 'sl*t dropping' haha- gets it over and done with so quickly you won't even have time to say urinary tract infection! X

Don't think that's not where we are already at by day 4 of dtd lol

Awww ladies everything is progressing so well! Really chuffed for you all.

Seeking I'm very tempted by the Facebook group but am trying really hard to step away from Facebook as a whole. Sometimes I get so sucked in to it and it makes me feel bleugh afterward! I'd love to become more present and if I add this amazing group to my FB world- I won't stand a chance! Also, I don't trust Facebook (notice a theme here haha) as they change their settings so often I'd be waiting for the day it publicly shows me writing incredibly personal details on the group! Sad I'm missing out though :-( Please don't stop writing here ladies!!!

I'm like a broken record but I just feel soooo sick. Like I'm about to throw up but never quite get there almost all day today. I don't know what to do to alleviate this but I'm desperate for suggestions if anyone has found something that works? Ginger and eating little but often have failed.

Found the baby's heartbeat on the doppler yesterday which felt amazing. Read at 171 bpm. I'll be relying on the doppler to get me through until the nuchal scan! I'll be 10 weeks tomorrow going by LMP.

Luna at one stage I did feel I got the DTD method to an exact science. I like DTD every other day during fertile week monitored with cheapie Ovulation sticks. I did use the clearblue at first but then realized I preferred the sticks because then I could the line progrsssion daily and was much more confident about when I had my LH surge. Also, if possible during the most fertile days you can get away with boinking two days in a row if you make sure it's spaced out but 36 hours (so DH can recuperate). So like an am DTD one day, then a pm DTD the next ;-)

Excuse the typos!

tee great news on the thyroid! What are your levels now? My TSH had gone up from 1.9 to 2.9 at 5 weeks. Mr S said I didn't need to increase my thyroxine but I disagree - I feel crap when it's over 2 and really feel a difference, pregnant or not, so I've been taking an extra 25mcg a day (not recommended but I've had this for 14 years now so I know myself!). Had repeat bloods done today at my booking in so will be interested to see what it is now!

poppy that's so weird about the spotting. Apparently it can be a sign of low progesterone so given you know yours is totally fine maybe that's why your doc isn't concerned? I think since your protocol is a bit different from Mr S's patients - you're on low dose pred all the time right? - the cumulative effects are probably even more important/noticeable, so hopefully your body is just getting used to it and will be perfectly ready next cycle!

just I also think that having an orgasm helps the little swimmers, but it definitely isn't necessary (thank god)! luna definitely try be more focused. I think if you are more targeted and go for quality over quantity you will enjoy it more!

Couldn't agree more girls - quality over quantity it is. Anticipation will help with both partners get in the mood.
Harriet my TSH is 1.5! I definitely feel a new woman on the Thyroxine. My Mum also adjusts her own dose as necessary, you just know when you've been on it for years I guess. That reminds me I must email the office to let them know.

Sheepy, can you pm me your email address again and I'll add you again. Can't find the original message.

Drrttc - I get your reasons. It's very easy to get sucked into social media. If you ever change your mind though, just shout.

Sorry you're feeling so crap, no tips or tricks I'm afraid. Just hope it fucks off soon. 10 weeks is a monumental milestone!! Well done!!

Drttc, I'm so tempted by the Doppler but just know I'll rely on it and if I can't find hb I'll actually have a full melt down lol! Glad you're having success with it.
I'm a total internet hater but I'm always on this pissing thing! Fb is so annoying, the pred warriors are the first people I've added as friends for ages! I'm a FB grump but love love love the group, I visit fb way too much now ❤️ so if you're trying to avoid it you're making the right decision 😂🤣

Yes I'm lucky with the O, I think it's not happened like once or twice in my whole life! Haven't risked it since I've been PG as I'm scared it would be so strong it would start my cervix contracting! Consequently ended up having a few x rated dreams and waking up freaking out haha.

Luna, if you need to get in the mood and get the old ovaries clacking, try this video 😍
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zL7SobTAnuQ
I know you don't watch GOT but you have to appreciate this man

Xx

Haha today was hilarious I spoke to management and it was noted about the issues but then she said it's kind of my fault for putting on my Facebook about holiday and then about my sickness excuse me for not coming in when I lost my baby but I could barely move and was septic!
She understood and apologised, I rarely get ill and have gone home twice once was at quarter to 2 and I finished at 2 and I had started to bleed and phoned in once when I had a migraine.
It sadly is the same in most places but I am determined to stick it out as bullies don't win and I seriously think she is on a sticky wicket as people are wising up x

Wow, sex advice and porn? This is the best group I ever joined lol!

Thank you girls - I shall take the boink down to normal level! Fuck sake - when did it all become so complicated 😤😩

I was like a horny randy teenage boy when I was pregnant Just... when I wasn't constipated or eating I was frisky!

Pity re the FB group Drttc, I'm v private on FB and rarely make friends on it, hence fake name and high security settings so you can't add me as a friend haha, but I do love it - I use it to stay in touch with my favourite people, of which these Pred Heads have become 😊👏

Re the sickness... I had the same constant threatened vomiting all day every day until 16 weeks - nothing to be done my darling... it's awful always thinking you will puke! I'm sorry for you... it will stop but if you feel very bad you should have a chat with GP and see if there's anything safe to take

Sweet Jesus Just, you must be stuck to the sofa if this is what you're watching as horny pregnant woman who's used to coming left right and centre 😝😝

Honestly Luna, I watched a bit to ensure I was posting the right vid and had to stop almost immediately for fear of passing out!

Drttc, I keep cold sparkling water in the fridge, it helps me when the vom fairies pay a visit in the afternoon. But I'd say I've reduced from a 7 out of 10 to a 5 since weeks 8-11 so may not be as intense as yours. Haven't been sick.

Hi all,

Right. Back home with connection; DP has been very demanding since he's been back, but I'm so happy to have him with me again!

All of you who commented on my earlier post, AF did arrive mid-sex last night which I think counts as 12DPO as it was about 1am. So I've gained a day on my luteal phase as VERY relieved!

Tee - that's so frustrating about coordinating with your DH; I think it's really hard for them too. We have had a few similar issues and tried not telling him when it was the fertile window, to alleviate the pressure. In the end I decided, as your DH acknowledges, that being on these meds is a big deal and it's just not possible to take a relaxed approach. I really feel for you because it's so upsetting. Congrats on the positive thyroid result, that should be a great feather in your cap from now on. We all need a boost when we're so used to bad news from docs.

Luna - glad you and DH have found an arrangement. Sniggering at the idea of "whatever the Hell he wants" and thinking back to your earlier comment about being on your knees dripping with lube In answer to your suggestion, I'm too afraid to come off Pred and then go back on as it messed my cycle up so much initially it could take another six months to get regular again!

Thanks, Seeking, I am going to go with the high progesterone is my saviour theory!

Harriet, sorry I missed your message about the booking apt. Congrats on graduating from EPU, that must feel sooo good. Thanks for your thoughts on the cumulative effect; I think that is what's happening given my growing luteal phase!

Drttc, completely understand about Facebook! Harriet has already made the point that we must keep the MN chat going strong, particularly for the newbies we are picking up. Sorry to hear you're feeling so sick. Do you feel better or worse outside in fresh air?

Just, wow, you must be so horny, bless you! I understand your fear. There are just so many little potential risks out there that may or may not be a problem but the fear kind of stops them being enjoyable anyway, eh, so avoiding often feels like the best approach.

Regarding my natural therapy apt; I didn't have acupuncture because the homeopath/acupuncturist said it won't suit my travel schedule and I'm better off with a medication. She prescribed me drops that I have to take three times a day to help regulate hormones. She said it works fine with the Pred. She also told me to take an aspirin a day from now on.

She also told me to stop worrying about age and produced a newspaper clipping of herself 21 years ago featured having just given birth to her son, aged 48! I had heard this from my mum who also sees her but it was so lovely to see the proof. She said women were having babies into their 50s when there was no contraception and "35 is nothing." As I left the room she said "you will get there." I really needed to hear that!

I hope I haven't missed anyone out but I think I've caught a couple of you on FB on more up to date posts xx

Wow poppy amazing story about your doc! I hate all the age stress post 35... it's really suffocated me, but I've released myself from that worry. Got bigger fish to fry!

Great the Pred is regulating your cycle and you're right, coming on/off it isn't a good idea!! I'm surprised you've not been on aspirin all this time? Thought it was standard practice for recurrent miscarriage?

First time anyone has ever told me to take it! I really feel like some docs treat miscarriage as some airy fairy setback rather than the horrific trauma it actually is x