Immune/NK cells pred thread #31

[VenusStarr]

Hi all, we've fill up the last thread, so starting a new one. Will start tagging but feel free to add anyone I miss!

@RJayne I am so sorry ❤️ I have also had 2 losses with Dr S. Both were ivf, first was a chemical and I think progesterone related, but I did the endometrio tests at crp and increased progesterone with lubion. My next transfer worked, saw a heartbeat but then by 8 weeks it was gone. That baby was tested as healthy. I was on the full complex plan and he's added gcsf injections now, which a couple of us are on.
I do know of someone who was on previous threads who had another loss with him and is now into the third trimester.
Sending hugs ❤️

I feel like I must've reas my results wrong, I'll take a pic later. But also, if they are right, it still didn't work for us 😕

@comingsoon786110 I'm sorry about the bfn, I hope that an early response tomorrow brings good news. Have you mabaged to grt one?
I personally think 10dpo is so early so don't count yourself out 💗

Any sign of af @star2022 🤞 you've explained the intralipids well to @Zest11 I hadn't really realised I don't think. It's one of those where I don't want to regret not trying something and it could be the missing link.

I feel rough today, bit headache/hungover but I did gcsf yesterday. I woke early and couldn't get back to sleep but still did my temp and its still high, plus my heartrate is up and im a bit twingey. Don't know what to think. But, my fertility bracelet broke today 🥺🥺 trying not to read into anything or be superstitious.

@VenusStarr Thank you for responding! Our pregnancies were also from IVF and my most recent sounds very similar to yours. We had 3 positive scans in total, showing growth & a strong heartbeat, but during our 9 week reassurance scan at the EPU, they couldn’t find a heartbeat. No symptoms or signs of miscarriage just those devastating words in the scan room!

I guess I’m just concerned about how much further we should go with Dr S or if we’re reaching the end of what he can offer / will work. The unknown is so hard!

I’ve seen the GCSF injections on the plan so I’ll take a little look in to them as I’m guessing that’s what he’ll offer us next.

A bit late in replying but thank you @star2022 and @VenusStarr for your responses and comments about the sperm DNA frag test - definitely motivated us to get it, and @star2022 I completely get your slight relief feeling that it's not all on you. Obviously I hope my DP doesn't have very fragmented sperm but at the same time it would be nice if it wasn't all due to problems with me!
@RJayne I'm so so sorry about your loss, that must be so hard. I know someone (on Instagram) who had a loss with Dr S and then went to Dr Gorgy who ran more tests and they found other issues (e.g., leukocyte antibody detection issues). Then after changing up the meds to address those issues, she has had a baby. So in her case, it helped to run a wider range of tests than those offered by Dr S.

@RJayne Just done some more searching and this blog was from someone who apparently had 2 losses on Dr S’s plan and the 3rd was a success https://trytryagainblog.wordpress.com/

@Lily1990 thanks for sharing the blog. It does give some hope 🙏

Insomnia has got me, been awake since 3am after what feels like constant dreams. Today is going to be tough I think.

Thinking of you this morning @comingsoon786110

@Lily1990 Thank you for responding.
I’ll take a look in to Dr Gorgy and see what our options could be. If only someone had a magic wand who could tell us when our time would be and what to do!

Thanks for the blog too, will take a read.

Hi everyone hope you're all okay on this gloomy day.

@comingsoon786110 just wanted to say good luck for today, hope you manage to get a first response. Thinking of you!

@RJayne Sorry to hear about your history and what you're going through, sorry I don't have any experience of any of it but just wanted to wish you well with whatever you decide. I know what you mean when you say you just wish you had a magic wand! Like @Lily1990 has said, there are still tests beyond what dr s does, like looking to see if there's a DQ match is something i've seen crop up a bit.

@Zest11 Glad my message helped! That's the only way I reason with it, we're already spending so much money, what's another few hundred 🥴

@VenusStarr Will you be testing today? What dpo are you? Good luck if you are, and sorry you're feeling rough! I really really hope these symptoms mean something for you. Have you had these kinds of symptoms in the past? I have a fertility anklet just like your bracelet and I misplaced it once and I was panicking so much so I know how you feel. Try not to read into it too much, hope you get some good news soon x

No AF still for me, but it really feels like its coming. Woke up so sweaty today and have that heavy feeling down below. I was also feeling super low yesterday and just down about everything. I have too many people around me who have newborns and i'm constantly battling between going to see them but also protecting my mental health. And today I have the start of a sore throat. Quite pleased about that though as its my first ''illness'' in like 3 years so the meds must be doing something!

@star2022 no, not tested today, although I had a very vivid dream that I did. Its 10 days past trigger today, crp said to test on Sunday. I do feel different but trying not to overthink things. I do hope it's worked though 🙏

I'm sorry af hasn't arrived. Hopefully there's signs she's on her way and you can get cracking on superovulation. I'm sorry you're feeling low as well, its overwhelming at times ❤️ xx

@VenusStarr @star2022 thank you both so much!

You are all too kind and I honestly get excited every day to catch up on all the posts. 💞

I did test but it was negative I'm afraid. I'm feeling okay about it because i have faith my time will come. I felt like I saw something but my husband didn't and we know how infamous FR are for indents!

I'm 11dpo and its my official test day today according to my plan. I will continue taking my meds until period due date which is Monday and then I will stop after that and onto the next cycle. I have a few distractions in my life going on right now which are keeping me going. Here's to 2024 babies!😝

I wanted to ask, anyone on GCSF injections, once you have done your 6dpo shot when are you supposed to do your next one? Is it 3 days past your 11dpo test or 3 days past your period due date? It hasn't really been explained well to me which is why I'm always questioning it.

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the weekend. Office is pretty empty today. Treated myself to a Starbucks and a slice of chocolate cake!

@VenusStarr how are you getting on? any obvious symptoms yet? not long to go before you test!

I'm sorry @comingsoon786110 ❤️ I'm glad you're feeling positive about the future though. Frer do show up very low levels (I got a positive line when my blood hcg was only 5.2) so if you saw something it might develop 🤞 if you're unsure, definitely stay on the meds a day or 2.
With gcsf you take the next one on positive test, you don't need to continue every 3 days until you're positive, if that makes sense.

I'm just having a mini break, am at home but finally dropped off at 6am and slept then my alarm went off at 7am so feeling tired.
I don't know about obvious symptoms but I am feeling hopeful today. Still fuzzy headed but that's probably lack of sleep and one of my cats won't leave me alone. This week has flown by. X

@VenusStarr thank you! I emailed CRP and they confirmed the same. I was just thinking I got a prescription of 5 shots and I have 3 left. I think they end up costing roughly £75 per shot depending on where you get it from. This does end up costing a lot if you have to take it until 10 weeks. Such a pricey medicine.

I wanted to ask I know you have previously had a few losses around 14 weeks but was this all down to NK cells or have you been diagnosed with anything else. I know when St Mary's was investigating my 14 week loss they thought I had a short cervix and went into earl labour but Dr S seems to think its all NK cell related.

It's a really expensive medication @comingsoon786110 , especially as you have to have bloods every 2 weeks on it as well. Don't be alarmed if your white blood cells are elevated when you have yours checked, it's supposed to raise the neutrophils but they also indicate infection and sepsis- nearly gave my GP a heart attack last year when I had routine bloods! 🤦🏻‍♀️

My losses have all been first trimester, I haven't had later losses. I did think nk cells were earlier to be honest. Did you have your baby tested? Short cervix is definitely something I want checking if we ever have another pregnancy and I get that far. I'm pretty sure crp do check as part of the routine scans. Are you still technically under St Mary's? X

@VenusStarr I am really starting to worry about the costs and I cannot imagine how much more we will have to spend! I am going to try and get my FBC taken elsewhere and then just provide them with the results, do you know if I am allowed to do this?

Oh I must have confused you with someone else then...sorry. I did have my baby boy tested and he was perfectly healthy and they basically told me in was 'God's work'. Dr S said it was nk cells as soon as the placenta tries to takes over hormone production.

I am still under St Mary's and short cervix is something they will be monitoring me for any future pregnancies. I will be seen by a consultant because of this and I believe will be scanned more frequently. Prof Regan was the one that discussed this with me and she said I might need some sort of procedure if I was to ever to get to my second trimester. To be honest, dealing with 2 separate specialists has become tiresome and it just confuses me who's advice to follow, what steps to take etc but in my heart I do believe its an immune issue which is why I am sticking with CRP.

😪😪 I'm so sorry. Ffs 'God's way' is just horrible. I'm glad you'll be monitored ❤️

Yes, if your GP will do them, even better. I grt my 3 month reviews at the GP but don't think they'll stretch to 2 weekly. You can do medichecks I think as well but not sure if they're cheaper?

I already feel like any pregnancy is going to be high risk, so medical appointments and specialists will be the norm. Not really sure how I'd juggle work but will cross that bridge when I get there. Hope you're OK xx

How are you doing today @comingsoon786110 ? ❤️

Hope you're OK @InvisibleDreamer 💗

I've had another rough night, really vivid and intense dreams so don't feel rested. Am quite fuzzy headed but I think poor sleep is definitely a factor in that. Just going out to buy some tests, feel like the time has flown by and not sure I'm ready for the answer.

How's everyone else getting on? @star2022 @Zest11 @Lily1990 xx

@VenusStarr I have everything crossed for you! The symptoms sound promising. In my last pregnancy I had a vivid dream the day before I found out but no other symptoms, and I'd thought I was out as in the previous ones I'd had cramping. Keep us updated on your test.

I'm good thanks, feel relieved this month to be taking time off TTC as we wait for our results. It's the first time we've had a break in 18 months, except for when I've been pregnant! Although I've spent the last few days obsessively googling NK cells/Dr Shehata and listening to podcasts about it - did you know Katherine Ryan (the comedian) went to Dr S after miscarriages and had a successful pregnancy under his treatment? These stories give me hope.

@comingsoon786110 completely understand it's exhausting to be under 2 specialists, especially as both have strong opinions and believe in different things. We have an appointment with an IVF clinic on Monday as I'd like to try genetic testing of embryos (to rule that out as a potential cause), but Dr S has said it's pointless to do IVF as we can conceive naturally.

Hope everyone else is doing okay. xx

@comingsoon786110 im so sorry about the negative test, I’m glad you’re still being positive about it. Our time will definitely come 🤞 I hope you’re doing okay?

@VenusStarr just wanted to wish you a massive good luck for tomorrow!!! I’ll be thinking and waiting for your update ♥️ hope you manage to get some sleep tonight!

No updates for me, still waiting for AF 🙄
getting really impatient now.

Hope everyone’s ok xx

Just catching up!

@comingsoon786110 that's good you can try the heparin as well. I'm trying to get it prescribed on NHS as it's part of the CHI Manchester treatment protocol, but Dr Shehata said no to blood thinners based on his latest research. I'm finding it really difficult being under different consultants for different things!

@VenusStarr I've everything crossed for you for tomorrow. All sounds promising!

@star2022 hope af arrives soon! So frustrating waiting for it to arrive. There's a really nice fertility yoga lady I follow called Bettina Rae. She does a great yoga session for helping to bring your period on if you search for her on YouTube.

I had my scan at CRP yesterday. CD 9, I had two dominant follicles measuring 17 and 19mm - so triggering tonight. Just wondering if this sounds about right? All my LH tests are still really low and negative so I'm a bit confused how it all syncs up, with when ovulation would happen naturally and when it's forced by the trigger. I'm going to do as told but feeling a bit unsure about it all. My lining was also thin so I've been put on viagra. Anyone else ever been put on viagra?

X

@HopefulH that's good news about your follicles. I'm on progynova (Estrogen) for thinner lining, they've never offered me viagra but it might be due to where in your cycle you are, as you're near trigger. With my first SO I triggered the day after a scan that showed 2x17mm and 1x16mm. You'll likely have ovulated naturally tomorrow I think with those sizes, so hopefully the trigger is the boost they need 🙏

@star2022 that's frustrating about af, hopefully you're not waiting too long.

Glad you're feeling good @Lily1990 I definitely feel like breaks are helpful. Yes, I follow Katherine Ryan and knew she'd seen Dr S. I really hope that all of us get our babies with him ❤️

Thank you for all the luck 🙏 I have no idea how it's going to go tomorrow. I said to dh I've been waking at 3am so I might have to save my wee and he said just test then if you wake up 🥴 I'm very scared. Just trying to remind myself of all the reasons why this could work out for us but having had so much bad luck and news, it's really hard to imagine. I'll let you know xxx

@VenusStarr You could always wee in a cup in the night and then in the morning decide if that wee is stronger than your morning wee (hope that makes sense 😂).

I'm not sure why but my follicles seem to get big very fast - so I normally ovulate with a larger than average follicle in cycles I haven't used a trigger. More like around the +25mm size. I'm wondering if this shows a quality issue or if my body is taking too long to actually ovulate. Either way I'm lacking confidence that my body can do anything right these days!!

I was offered viagra as opposed to eostrogen because I'm worried of the effect on potential adenomyosis and endometriosis - as eostrogen fuels those conditions. So pleased an alternative was offered. My husband thought it quite amusing I'm on blue pills.

Right - I'm off to have scheduled relations with the hubby. Sometimes I forget the sex part in all of this is also essential.

X

Thanks @HopefulH this morning I then went for a wee hourly after my 3am one...
That's interesting about the estrogen as I do hace mild adeno... 🤔 glad you hace an alternative though.

Hopefully with the trigger you're taking over control of your body and giving yourselves the best chance.

True about the sex! Enjoy 😉 Xx

I think its a no 😪😪 there is a very faint that showed probably about the 6 minute mark so think probably lingering trigger.

What kind of line should it be at 10dpo?? Ugh. Really had some hope these last few days. Will stay on meds today just in case but not expecting good news tomorrow.

@VenusStarr sorry you think it's a no. Is it a real squinter? Last cycle I had residual trigger showing on my test at 12days past trigger but it was so so faint. When I got a positive last pregnancy I got a very faint on 8dpo and by 10dpo it was faint still but you could defo see it if that makes sense?! I think it also depends on if you are actually 10dpo - as it's not clear when you actually ovulate even with a trigger.

Try to be kind to yourself today and keep yourself busy if you can. I think if there's a faint line there is still hope - which is harder I think than it being a definite no - but it's still hope! Sending supportive hugs x

@HopefulH it's definitely there (although dh says he can't see it - he says it doesn't look like the picture 😒) but he glanced and isn't keen on indulging my obsessive thoughts. Which might be the right approach but feels impossible not to wonder what's going on.

He doesn't want me to obsess and test daily. I'll be peed off if it's the trigger. If I hadn't done a trigger, I'd be cautiously optimistic with this line but the trigger is making me doubt it 😪

We're off to the cinema soon so hopefully that'll distract me for a couple of hours x

@VenusStarr I think all you can do is keep cautiously optimistic and put it to the back of your mind for today. Cinema is a great idea! And then see what tomorrow brings.

I asked Ms Edge about the whole trigger thing and testing - and she said to me unfortunately you have to test on 12days past trigger and if a faint positive test again over the following days. She told me to come off my meds and if in a few days actually get a positive it's fine to start all the meds back up again. It's a lot to go through emotionally though not know whether to hope or not! Good luck for tomorrow xx