Immune/NK cells pred thread #33

[Jecca88]

Hey Guys, starting a new thread as we have run out of space - hope i have included everyone and sending lots of love x

@venusStarr
@Gizmo1983
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@Meg310532
@Newbeginnings22023
@recurrentmis
@hopefulH
@v60
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@fleur89
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@sunflower360
@kea1990
@sprinkleofbabydust
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Yes he told me to get an eye test! Which I haven’t yet so thank you for reminding me 😂.

I do get pregnant easily. I’ve had 2 trisomy losses and 3 normal losses. Dr S said the trisomy were genuine bad luck and I would have miscarried anyway because of the high NK cells. I have an appointment with my local clinic in July to discuss IVF, I’m just trying all avenues at the moment!

I don’t blame you for going private. It’s such a physical and emotional toll!!

Hi everyone, hope you are all doing well.

Month 3 for me now on the protocol. I’m in my ovulation window however for the last 3 days I’ve had spotting brown/pink like discharge and negative ovulation tests. Ovulation was supposed to be yesterday and I usually always get a positive test.

I said on a previous post but feeling fed up now. Never had spotting during ovulation before. Can’t help but feel like something else is wrong. I’ve googled it to death (obv) and it say it can be the egg releasing but who knows.

has anyone else had this? I’m not sure when to start the pred & progesterone as the tests are negative.

@Morgan236 Haha it took me ages to get around to it too. Everything was fine though thankfully.

Yeah, I think if you fall easily then Dr S will steer you away from IVF. We only went for it really because we were approaching a year with TTC every month & timing it all perfectly with 0 pregnancies. I was VERY hesitant to start it but I feel confident in our decision now I'm in the process of it.

Its extremely draining. Recurrent loss takes such a toll on every aspect of life, and despite being a relatively positive person I do feel like my life is basically on pause until I have a baby.

@SWMum9 I have had this twice when I did two months of using Mucinex (lol the extremes we go to) to try and concieve. I'm assuming you haven't used this? I researched the connection between mucinex and bleeding and they were tenuous but there. Are you tracking BBT? I'd advise it if not atm, it can help to give a clearer picture that ovulation sticks. Sorry to hear you're fed up.

Thank you. No mucinex. Today a brown stringy blood cot thing. Soz total TMI. Any blood is so triggering!

this is my first month doing BBT. No temp rise yet and I’m CD 17. Usually babe ovulated by now

Hi @SWMum9 what protocol are you on? The two possibilities are that you either missed ovulation or your ovulation is delayed this month due to medication or anything stress related maybe. I’m assuming it’s more likely the latter. There are months when I ovulated day 18 or even 19 which was so unlike me.

Hope everyone’s doing well. Sorry I’ve been MIA. The update from me is that gonal f helped me produce two follicles, finally, but it’s a BFN today. So I’ll continue with this protocol although I’m struggling to find gonal f in pharmacies near me. Any suggestions? I’ve also emailed CRP.

Hope you’re all enjoying the warmer weather xx

Thank you. I’ve had 5 days now of brown spotting, heaviest today so feeling down.

I’m on hydroxychloroquine and progesterone and prednisone from ovulation but haven’t started this month yet

@Hopeandfaith1990Ah okay that makes sense! In my eyes I would love to go for IVF because I would feel more in control in a weird way.

I completely feel you!! Going through this has really changed me as a person and I feel like my only goal in life or passion is to have a baby. My heart honestly goes out to you all.

Silly question, but have you taken a pregnancy test just in case? This is how I found out I was pregnant one time. If it’s not that then ovulation spotting can happen sometimes due to hormonal changes. Have you emailed the CRP nurses?
The reason I asked about medication is because letrozole sometimes delays ovulation and sometimes brings it forward, I’ve had both occurrences xx

@Morgan236 Agree - I feel both in control but also relaxed because actually someone else is in control and doing the hard stuff haha. I just do what I'm told and when which is also refreshing.

@Newbeginnings22023 Sorry it was BFN but sounds positive with your follicles. Can the clinic not prescribe them from somewhere that has it in stock? Lots of IVF clinics would know maybe?

@Gizmo1983 @Jecca88 @Objectiontime @Fletchasketch How is everyone? xxx

I did a pregnancy test a few weeks ago and it wasn’t. Can’t bring myself to do another until it’s time to! I spoke to the NHS midwife today at the clinic and she said not to worry for now and see what happened next month xx

@Hopeandfaith1990 sounds like you’re having a very calm experience, long may it last.

CRP clinic are not bothered about the HPV, although the possible link to miscarriage scares me, there’s literally nothing I can do so best not to worry about it. Have decided to skip this month, as we most likely won’t be in the same country for ovulation and having my first round of pred, progesterone etc. on holiday does not sound like fun.

@Hopeandfaith1990 I'm okay, thank you. Struggling with the wait for the next scan and praying for some cardiac activity. Exhausted from the cyclogest and very, very bloated from everything, including the pred but obviously beyond grateful to still be pregnant. I hope all is good for you.
I've said it before I suspect but I sometimes have a bit of a job keeping up with the threads but I try and sending live to all x

Hey @Hopeandfaith1990 I am doing ok - Ovulating today and trying to be hopeful for this time. If we get a negative - we will proceed with the IVF. Atleast we have that as a fallback. My best friends had their baby yesterday and it sounded like quite a traumatic experience. They are the ones who had IVF - and it worked on the third transfer. They were planning on a home birth but ended in emergency C-section and he is nearly 10 pounds. I genuinely feel very happy for them and we had been on their journey together. It always stings a little when you have been trying for longer and our baby boy was also due next month and we really thought we were going to have them together. It feels like everyone is moving forward and we are just stuck in this limbo.
How are you getting on @Hopeandfaith1990 have they given you any indication of the results or when to expect them?

Welcome @Morgan236 - sorry to see you here :( i too wasn't initially given the steroids as i am on sertraline too - 50mg. I spoke to GP and they were fine with me having the steroids, so after two losses on the immune protocol without steroids, he changed my prescription and added them in. I did get to 12 weeks in my third pregnancy with the clinic but it was Trisomy 21 and lost my boy due to that rather than immune issue (as they say at the clinic, mostly if you get to 10 weeks your in the safe zone from immune issues). I would speak to GP and see if they are comfortable with you taking pred and see what they say and pass onto the nurses.

Sorry about the confusing cycle @SWMum9 could you have missed ovulation and actually ovulated already?

@Gizmo1983 how are you getting on my love? when is your next scan?

@Objectiontime Is your next scan soon? Sending you so many good wishes for it. I know, I get lost on the threads too and always worry I've accidentally ignored someone. All okay over here, just waiting for PGTA results. x

@Jecca88 Gosh, C-section is almost the opposite of a home birth isn't it really, I hope they're doing ok. I've a friend like that too - we were pregnant together and her little girl's first birthday is next week, yet somehow I'm still here a year and 9 months later still without a baby. Its hard! I feel that limbo feeling so much :( feels like being in purgatory.

Hoping to have PGTA results in about a week or so, and I'm trying to adjust my expectations of transferring ASAP. I always want everything done ASAP but need to realise it isn't always the best option. I think realistically we might be looking at a transfer around late July early Aug. I just started my period/withdrawal bleed post egg collection today.

It is nice to have the option of IVF and it really does take off some of the pressure like you said. Honestly I mostly agree with what @Gizmo1983 said a while ago that in a way its easier than naturally TTC.

Hi guys so sorry I’ve been awol. In honesty I’ve been struggling with my mental health big style and had a migraine every single day 🤦‍♀️. God willing I’ll be 10 weeks on Friday but that is my loss date for the last pregnancy so I’m just not in a good place. I have a scan on Sunday for the nipt and will be 10 weeks and 2 days if all is ok.
wow so much to catch up on. I found ivf so much of a wonderful break from ttc I would not hesitate to do it again I even liked being knocked out for egg collection lol.
@Hopeandfaith1990 not Long till you get those results now.
@Jecca88 I know that sting feeling and it’s so hard good fingers crossed for a good ovulation lol at least you have a route no matter what the outcome is which is really good.
@Objectiontime when is your next scan it must be getting closer now xxx
im so sorry I can’t remember to who it was but someone was saying about bleeding around ovulation I had a phase through this after my 15 week loss I think my cervix bled from some kind of hormone issue, it disappeared just as it appeared most bizarre xxx
lots of love to everyone xxx

hi @Jecca88 i hope you are okay???.... I personally think with the amount of anxiety a natural pregnancy will cause you, with all the worry about having another genetic issue that IVF will be able to relieve some of the anxiety as they will be able to test the embryo and ensure that its not got any genetic issues. Is this the IVF that is funded by NHS??? xxxx

ahh I totally can imagine @Hopeandfaith1990 as you probably feel like you have been waiting for years and just want the transfer ASAP.

I have a friend who is paying for IVF, after less than a year of not being able to concieve and is got very frustrated. She is going through it now and her thoughts/emotions around it are so different to us. I think when you have gone through loss multiple times and that head f* around Pregnancy after loss - IVF does sound refreshing. she is really resenting all the drugs she is taking, whereas i feel like you could rattle me with the pills i take and have been for the past two years. Its also funny she said she can't believe she has to do a suppository and i am trying to reassuring her, as we do it every month with the progesterone. I think i am so desenstised to all the treatment now.

@Gizmo1983 i am so sorry to hear your struggling, please dont be hard on yourself. You have got this. I really feel for you in this wait for the 10 weeks. Its torture, plus the migraines, it sounds tough. Sunday is not long away now. Take each day :)

@Meg310532 nice to hear from you my love, how are you doing? Yes this is the IVF NHS funded but we would pay additonally for the PGTA. I am ok just sometimes fed up on this Still can't believe once i am through this i have 9 months of a pregnancy to try and get through - if i get there.

@Jecca88 ahh i totally get that honestly, I thought my whole pregnancy i would be a anxious mess but i think from about week 14 i have felt so much better, i think being able to feel her move from week 19 gives me the reassurance i need without the scans. The next scan i have is the 4D one on the 19th July :) i cant wait for that ! Also hun if you ever need any lubion (progesterone injections) or inixia i think its called (something the clinic advised me to have to reduce miscarriages) i will post it all to you, no charge of course. How much is the PGTA testing?? it will be so worth doing that, i feel like you will have so much more monitoring and they will ensure they get ur lining to best place etc etc! what is the earliest you could start the process? xxx

Hi @Sunshinehope12, I'm sorry that you're finding yourself on here. But hopefully you'll feel a little bit more supported!
I'm Mr Shehata's former patient. In short, five miscarriages (three chemical pregnancies and two 9-week losses). It took 2 years and 8 months of Mr Shehata's treatment & adjustments in treatment (3 losses under his care) to have our miracle who's currently at preschool (I was 44, natural conception against all odds).
I haven't been posting for a long time, but reading now and then, and noticed your question re TPO antibodies. I had the same issue and it was in Mr Shehata's top 5 reasons for recurrent miscarriage. TPO antibodies are thyroid antibodies and may indicate that you have an autoimmune thyroid issue (likely Hashimoto's disease) - these antibodies are slowly damaging your thyroid. On that note, is your thyroid function being monitored closely and TSH kept under 2.5? In response to your question, yes, it's an immune issue. On his website, under the Immune system section, he writes the following:
"Overactive immune factors like antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroid thyroglobulin antibodies (TTG) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSH-RAB), have also been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, indicating a potential role of an overactive immune system in pregnancy loss."
Mr Shehata can treat this, and he'll also monitor your thyroid function closely. Other clinics may do it as well, but my personal experience was that not all fertility clinics believe in it, and NHS dismissed it (in my case anyway).
I hope this will help you to do some further research, and I recommend that you ask any clinics directly if they acknowledge/treat this issue. In my case, my ANA antibodies were elevated too, but dr Shehata's treatment brought both my TPO and ANA antibodies within the normal range and my thyroid function normalised and continues to be ok... (I was taken off thyroid medication after I gave birth a few years ago).
I wish you the best of luck!

Forgot to answer your question re low dose aspirin, @Sunshinehope12. It's widely used as it helps the blood flow to the placenta. I was on it due to the high risk of preeclampsia. But it does not treat any (immune) issues, so would not help with the TPO antibodies.

ahh @ForeverDreamer such a lovely success story :) I have had three loses on Shahata's care, i really hope my next one is a success. Mine is not to do with Thyroid, but NKcells. Also that you mentioned your age also give me hope. So glad you got your rainbow :)

@Meg310532 ahhh that gives me hope meg, i can't even imagine being able to enjoy parts of a pregnancy, so its nice to know it can happen :)

also thank you for your offering of the meds. I need to have a pre-treatment call so not sure what they are going to put me on or what is included tbf. If its funded - will i still have to pay for the meds? Oh wow 19th July will be such a cool scan. Have you been keeping CRP clinic up to date at all? xx

Hi @Hopeandfaith1990 thanks for your response. It’s just bad luck because Gonal F is out of stock everywhere I went l, so no pharmacy could even place an order for me. I’ll be picking it up from CRP this week as they have offered this option. If this cycle doesn’t work then I’ll take a break over the summer holiday - much needed. Hope you get good news when you receive the PGTA results xx

@Jecca88 congratulations to your friend and equally, I know how you feel. I think it’s even harder with miscarriages and due dates as we all know, so I’m thinking of you this month xx

@ForeverDreamer this is such a lovely success story, thanks for sharing and so pleased things worked out for you :) xx

Thinking of you all @Meg310532 @Gizmo1983 @Objectiontime sorry if I’ve missed anyone xx

@Jecca88 i would assume that all meds are free actually in a funded cycle!! you would like to think any way :) !! but if you do ever need anything let me know hun !!

i honestly felt the same i was like there is no waayy i will ever be able to relax until shes here but it does happen :) ! When do you think you can start your first funded cycle did you say sorry ? xxx

Hi guys sorry I am catching up with all your messages, I hope you are all doing ok.
@Gizmo1983 and @Objectiontime hope everything is still ok! @Hopeandfaith1990ink ow it must be tough to wait for your results but xeossi g everything that it will be good news!
I am on day 12 of my cycle so got a scan after my course of letrozole and I am not sure if it is the hydroxy (first cycle on it) but I seem to get smaller follicle that usual I got a 17 and 2x16mm so let’s see .. i should trigger tomorrow late afternoon.. I hope they will be mature enough… 😞 I am going away on Saturday and my partner won’t be with me so we basically have to have intercourse tomorrow and Friday night… again I hope it won’t be too early… I would have loved this cycle to work for real.. I am so exhausted of ttc! 😞 I just hope this new protocol works… I have nothing else left that I can afford after that 😭😭