Immune/NK issues - aka Pred Thread no. 22!

[HappyApple05]

Helllooooo dearies

Opening this new thread looking for a light in the tunnel during my journey towards conception. Would be nice to walk along with people in the same journey. To cut my story short, 3 miscarriages and referred to Mr.S, diagnosed with high NK cells and lupus positive, already on levothyroxine. After 2 weeks of staring at the med pack, I have now finally started on Aspirin, Vit D and Pregnacare plus. Awaiting Ovulation to start on Pred protocol.

Miscarriage history:

1. July 2017 - In my 12 week scan, found foetus with no hb (6 weeks foetus size), devastated! Had severe morning sickness, didn't predict anything negative. Took my son (6 years then) to the scan planning to break the surprise where he could see his sibling in scan.. We all broke down, opted d&c

1. March 2018 - started bleeding in 6 weeks and miscarried naturally.

1. July 2018 - spotted in 6 weeks, scan at EPU no pole, returned when 9 weeks along, still nothing, opted d&c

Bought the ovu predictor kit for the first time, counting days to use it. Any of you in the same position? Would be great to hear your stories and cheer each other up towards the destination. Previous threads were beautiful, so supportive but sadly the latest post was in Sep 2017. So most of them would have crossed the bridge. Decided to start on a fresh thread.. So here we are....

Looking forward to catching up... Take care you guys.... Plenty of baby dust to everyone

@Megan234 hi love, I read your news, I am so sorry. But a chemical pregnancy, which is very common is telling you that you can get pregnant. Please keep up the positive spirit, so long you are determined, you have all the chances at a healthy pregnancy, like all of us here. After my ectopic we waited 3 months and tried naturally but it wasn't working. So I went for IVF and I would recommend going with the clinic I am with or even one of their competitors who will monitor you closely. You can keep Dr S to monitor your immune issues.
As for acupuncture - I don't know if it works, I did it throughout my ivf (twice a week), before and after on day of embryo transfer and I am still doing it once a week. Initially it didn't put me to sleep but now it does.
It seems like you know what to do and you are clear about it, I say stick to it, and keep a diary to keep track of everything. Good luck!!

I agree @DaniMERL Infertility is so ambiguous, no one knows what to expect from it, you just gotta keep doing trial and error and see what works, since everyone is different... and if you manage to tackle infertility, pregnancy is no easier either. It comes with that initial joy but there's constant paranoia too.

Good luck @Teakind that is a positive story and also thank you for your advice. Did you do any tests prior to your second pregnancy to check your bloods?

@Sunshineblonde1

@Sunshineblonde1 did you have your scan yet? I hope all's well with you.

@HappyApple05 I agree with sunshine, extra CM is usually a good sign! :)

As for me, week 5 (last week) was a bit of a scare as my ivf clinic suspected a slim chance of cornual ectopic pregnancy. I went to two EPU who confirmed it wasn't. Temporary relief. My next scan is on 18th. Fingers crossed. I am calm usually, keeping myself busy but also anxious randomly.

Hope everyone's well!

@nixwix hello darling, lovely to hear from you. I am in the same boat. Working on maintaining positivity but Ofcourse still do have random anxious thoughts creeping in now and again. I’m week 7 with my EPU scan today and pregnancy symptoms now in full swing. Everything crossed for us 🤞 so pleased you were able to rule out the ectopic. It’s such a scare. But thankfully you can rest on that one now at least x

@Sunshineblonde1 great, hopefully your scan goes well!! Let us know. Are your symptoms in full swing? I have nausea and a bit of morning sickness but I am surprised because I thought pred was supposed to mask the symptoms so I wasn't expecting this. Xxx

@Nixwix thank you lovely, we are trying again but it’s hard to stay positive after so many disappointments. What’s the name of the IVF clinic you are using? I really hope everything goes well with your pregnancy x

Hi lovelies, thank you so much for the positive words. Feeling happier and positive although I'm not due a test for the next few days. Can't wait :-) . I'm constipated badly too. Noticed a streak of blood with my bowel movement this morning and freaked out. Then learned it's common with constipation. Do you suggest anything to help ease off? I have had constipation issue with every pred cycle so far.

@Sunshineblonde1 (you are right re CM ) wow... the symptoms are reassuring right? Hope Nausea isn't killing you! Wishing you all the very best for the scan today Can't wait to hear the good news.

Hey @Nixwix you must be relieved after the scans, great news hun.

It's good to have those symptoms hun to keep telling us the TO is in there growing safe and sound. Embrace and enjoy your journey.. All is well as my dad says....

@Megan234 and @DaniMERL huns, Let's get going for the next round hun. Hold hands with us and we can all do it.

What are y'all doing for Valentines? I have got a perfume for him (and for me), perhaps candle light dinner with my DS.

All the best to everyone and sending plenty of baby dust and sticky vibes.

XOXO
HappyApple05

@HappyApple05 I'm quite constipated too. Have a fibre rich food, lots of water. My dr mentioned lactulose to me, which is available from the pharmacy apparently. I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies but they are so boring hehe.

@Megan234 my ivf clinic is crgh. But I read great reviews of argc and lister too. If you do go for ivf, I would say prepare your body for the month or two before you start, through exercise and by eating healthy and loading your body with the right vitamins and supplements.

Hey lovelies! Well some good news. We have a heartbeat 💗 and the little bean is measuring as it should. What a nerve wracking experience when you’re scanning the nurses face trying to read her expression. I was about to have an aneurism 🤪 This means I’m off to see Mr S wave his magic wand tomorrow, and unload my purse 👛 nervous, excited, terrified.

@happyapple05 the nurse kept asking me if I was constipated today. I haven’t had any on the Pred yet. But I do eat a ton of fruit, drink water all day long and exercise. Maybe I’m just lucky and it’s to come as I’ve only been on it a few weeks? Constipation will defo cause some fissures back there so don’t fret about the blood on the tissue 😘 Fibre will help and tons of water!

@Nixwix same Hunni, I was expecting the Pred to mask the nausea but I’ve still got it, plus the extreme tiredness and insatiable hunger. The bump is blooming and the bean is only half a centimetre lol!

@Megan234 keeping positive is a daily battle, I totally feel the same. Really have to dig deep and be brave and just keep going. Stare whatever happens in the face knowing that you have everything within you to deal with it and leaning on the love and support of others. When we go through hell, we have to keep going 🛶🛶🛶. I would totally look into IVF as an option xx

Awww @happyapple05 your valentines sounds so cute! Love the perfume idea as your treat. Wish I had thought of that. I’m cooking a Galentines meal for my besties this evening, and tomorrow my partner and I have a meal at home and a Mr and Mrs Quiz 😛 We celebrate valentines officially at the weekend. It’s a surprise, a meal in London but I don’t know where. I bought a new dress so will be nice to dress up 😄

@sunshineblonde1 that’s great news!

@Sunshineblonde1 so happy for you x

@DaniMERL @Megan234 thank you lovelies x

Good luck with your results appointment with Mr S today @chickjen and the house move! Let us know how you get on x

@Nixwix Thank you for the tip hun. I used to take plenty of water usually but been lazy over the past few days and I can clearly see the impact. You take care and keep well my dr.

@Sunshineblonde1 yay!!! yay!!!
Fantastic news.. It's gonna be one of the best Valentines... Enjoy!! Sounds awesome. I have got a dress saved for Valentines weekend dinner too.. High five. Thanks for shedding light on fissures (new to me) Started 'up'ping my walk, water intake and fibre from yesterday.

6300 steps so far today.. here I come... This lovely weather is making want to do more

Happy Valentines to all chicks

Lots of love and positive vibes,
HappyApple

Hi @Sunshineblonde1 congratulations! This is the one!
@HappyApple05 fingers crossed for your test, it sounds very promising!
@Megan234 I have a friend who tried for 4-5 years and 2 failed IVF attempts (they couldn't harvest viable eggs) she tried acupuncture and Chinese medicine and conceived naturally and now has a son. She loved acupuncture and is certain it helped her. I did try it too but still miscarried so I was less convinced.

However, today was results day which has proven why acupuncture didn't help. I have a high count of NK cells, plus they are aggressive, plus some other kind of immune response/cell which makes implantation difficult and super early miscarriages more likely.
He has prescribed treatment in 2 steps. First a course of humira, followed by a repeat blood test to check it has worked, and repeat the course if not. Then the complex plan with pred plus intras every 4 weeks, and possibly super ovulation to speed things up before the effect of the humira wears off.
I went there hoping they would find something to fix and yet I have come away feeling totally overwhelmed and hopeless. It means a baby this year is now out of the question and the mountain feels like it just moved further away when I thought I was already half way up. Stupidly I was expecting to walk away with a course of pred and start trying right away.
I think it's the house move, everything is half packed and in a mess, I am not thinking properly.
Also DrS is really pushing for the sperm comet test, did you all do it? DH is not keen at all!

Hey @Chickjen, you have so much on your plate hunni no wonder you feel overwhelmed. How you decribed your feelings is EXACTLY how I felt when I got my test results in Sept. All I can say is, believe it or not, and although you feel like the goal posts have changed, this extra time is actually a gift. I know its hard to believe but trust me, you want to get this next bit right. Now have some time to get your head around the new protocol, get your mind and body ready for all the meds, continue getting those supplements in your body and work on building up your mental strength before you know it the months whizz by and its time to TTC!!!! I had to wait 6 weeks for a thyroid problem to be resolved and then another 5 weeks for sperm results. At the time it was SO frustrating but necessary. You are in the best hands with Dr S. He wants you to get pregnant as soon as is possible. Trust in the process, listen to his guidance and everything else will fall into place. I felt the same as you, I walked out of there feeling totally deflated like someone had knocked the wind out of my sails. It took me a good two months to get my head around it all and even then I was dragging my feet along. My partner couldnt understand why I reacted so bad as in his mind 'we had the answer!'. But I needed to process it. The path is set very clearly for you now hunni, follow that yellow brick road, take one step at the time and start the protocol asap.

Re: Sperm comet - I 100% recommend it without delay. My partner wasn't keen either but I am so glad we did it and the urine analysis. Its the best test out there and if there is an issue with sperm then you need to know it so it can be rectified and no more extra time wasted :)

You can do this hunni!!!! Come join us as we all go through our journey together xx

Hey @nixwix I have a question, just out of interest and as you mention in your note to Megan above about vits and supplements, what ones do the IVF clinic recommend? Always keen for education :) x

@HappyApple05 thank you for your positive wishes :) I saw Mr S today and he waved his super, gold plated magic wand. He found the baby measuring to be more advanced then the grainy EPU scan from yest, but I guess his is some super duper scan equipment! He also noticed a burst blood vessel in there which he wasn't concerned about but mentioned if I get spotting I may need to stop the aspirin and double the progesterone. Just noting for anyone that may read the thread with spotting and wonders what it could be (I don't have spotting yet but he said I might get it but not to be alarmed) x

Thanks @Sunshineblonde1 you make everything sound so reasonable! You are going to be an awesome mum to this sticky bean
My DH didn't understand my reaction either, he never gets thrown by big events, although tiny minor non events he is a complete drama queen 😹 He says we need to throw everything at it so we don't regret it when we are 50 and it's too late, which is actually my words to him 6 months ago when I was calm and not freaking out

Forgot to say, we broke a mirror today, so all hopes totally scr8wed

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's/Galentine's Day/weekend!

Brilliant idea of gifting yourself @HappyApple05. I went up to Glasgow to see my friend's new born baby and had a nice time with my girls too. But have a bad cold now. Well done on the steps and diet change, are you noticing changes? - I am inspired!

@Chickjen you have so much on your plate, I agree with sunshine, take it easy, one step at a time. All the best, get healthy, prepare your body, light exercise, follow Dr's advice to the core and then you will find yourself ready to start the protocol! All the best. You have got this.

@Sunshineblonde1 the ivf clinic didn't mention anything extra to me. Just the usual pregnacare. But Dr S mentioned omega 3 and extra folic acid to me. I was on proceive during conception phase that I got from Holland and Barrett. It had all the right elements in good quantities so took that. I also had a lot of Brazilian nuts and avocados. A lady in MN gave me a lot of vitamins that she was on - given we are both hypo thyroid and have thyroid anti bodies. I'll try to find that list and post them here. And she was also on pred. You also mentioned that you resolved thyroid prior to ttc - have you changed anything in your diet cause of that? Are you on levothyroxine?

Also amazing news on the baby! So happy for you!!! And thanks for letting us know about possible cause of spotting. I don't have it yet, but makes me nervous every time I visit the loo, in anticipation of finding sth on wiping.

My 7 week scan is tomorrow! (Nervously smiles)

Hope everyone's Sunday is going well.

@nixwix all the best for tomorrow hun, I know how nerve wracking it is and will be thinking of you - let us know your good news after the scan!! I have my week 8 scan and intras on 25th Feb. Gonna be (shitting a brick for want of a better expression) for that!
Thanks for the intel on the supplements, I love learning about all this stuff! I only just found out today that spotting a few days before AF is a sign of low projesterone. I always had spotting just before AF, but when I mentioned it to NHs DR and Gyno they didn’t bat an eyelid! Thank god cyclogest is part of Dr S’s protocol!!
Yup I’m on Levo since Dr S established I was borderline Hypothyroid. My number was 4.88 before the levo and now in the safe zone for pregnancy 😃

I’ve not had any spotting yet either, but as I’m on Fragmin and baby aspirin I’m getting a bit of blood in my nose and those burst blood vessels which he detected on the scan. Other than that zero size effects from the Pred - just preggo symptoms. The increased CM sure has led to a few nervous dashes to the toilet to check it’s not anything untoward 😱 i find exercise makes more CM come down x

Thank you for the good wishes love. My scan showed that fetus measures accurately at 7w+ 1, saw the hb, however they found a cyst on my right ovary. Hoping to get more insight from Dr S next week!

@Sunshineblonde1 are you getting weekly scans done with Dr S? I also have to do my intralipids and scan with him in week 8 and then the next scan would be around end of week 9 with my hospital - I am just wondering if I could risk not seeing Dr S at week 10 and save a few bucks. And then seeing him for week 12 for the intras and scan again. Feel confused! Also what's your levothyroxine dose? I'm on 50mg as of few days ago... is that high?

I want to do light exercise but don't want to over do anything - to counter the excess eating haha. Any suggestions on what light exercises I could do? Xx

Hey @nixwix that was awesome news to wake up too this morning! Huge congrats! Hold onto that good feeling to see you through the the next scan 😀 I don’t know much about cysts at all but you can be reassured that they would say if it was something that needed to be looked into? What did they say about it?

I’m on 50mg too, perfectly normal dose 😄

Re: the scans. I understand how you feel. There would be nothing stopping you from not booking Dr S for the 10 week. They don’t hound you to book in, as my experience goes. I have booked in as per his protocol - next is week 8,10,12 and 16. I am also booked in with the EPU every other week. It just depends whether you want that ‘peace of mind’ scan between week 9 and 12? I’m already freaking out about next weeks scan as the last little bean we had stopped growing close to 8 weeks. So it’s a big milestone for me. Working so hard to keep my thoughts in check. But my radar is on red alert 🚨

Exercise wise walking including some uphill is always a winner 🏃‍♀️ I’ve dropped down to jogging rather than running. But still going on with Body Balance and Yoga. Swimming could be good? Xx

Hi @Nixwix congratulations on your scan! Everything on track yay 😀 I have had scans where they have seen cysts and no one was particularly bothered, they said lots of people get them and they come and go, admittedly though that was NHS. Also I'm taking 100mg levothyroxine so 50 seems fine to me, you may find as the pregnancy progresses you have to keep increasing, as your body is working harder.