Immune/NK cells pred thread #34

[Hopeandfaith1990]

Hi all, started a new thread as the old one was full. Not sure if this is the way to do it but I've c&p'd the list of people on the previous one as much as poss:

Old thread here: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/5228367-immunenk-cells-pred-thread-33?page=40

@Jecca88
@Gizmo1983
@Deerdancer34
@Objectiontime
@SWMum9
@TammyinCork
@Newbeginnings22023
@Fletchasketch
@Morgan236
@CarpeDiem75
@ALittleLight
@MC8
@venusStarr
@Gizmo1983
@Carportforme
@Meg310532
@Newbeginnings22023
@recurrentmis
@hopefulH
@v60
@lozzmax
@fleur89
@motherofshihtzus
@sunflower360
@kea1990
@sprinkleofbabydust
@star2022
@rumandspinach
@ems123456789
@rainbowsunshine81
@mamaw05
@thornters
@elarcoiris

@TammyinCork great you got a second opinion and that you only needed a small steroid dose as they are not ways fun to be on in higher doses! Fingers crossed! Ive been a bit jittery and sleeps a tiny bit more unsettled, i woke up at 4 am and just couldnt get back to sleep. What I did find helpful was taking the progesterone in the evening as it was making me quite drowsy.

@Rainbowchaser87 glad your new regimen is suiting you better. Did they say that steroids can make it a bit harder to get pregnant? Are you able to start TTC again after starting the hydroxy?

Update from me. High NK cell activity. Started the intralipids, progesterone and prednisone this week. Feel a bit crappy but not horrendous. I also had an inital appointment with my NHS recurrent miscarriage clinic. They will look into clotting factors but she said that there is usually no single identifiable cause for recurrent pregnancy loss and that I just need to keep trying. I asked her about reproductive immunology and she was quite firm that she thought it was a bad idea and that she felt steroids and intralipids in healthy people is not a safe thing to be doing without prooper evidence - rated red by the HFEA. She tried to steer me heavily away from the approach. She also said wonders why these RI clinics wont release all their evidence and research and is skeptical about why they still havent done so. So just another side to the coin. I found it really jarring actually, that 2 consultants could have such opposing views. That being said I am tired and after 3 MCs I just want to feel like Im doing something. Wondered if anyone else had sought a second opinion or had seen their recurremt MC team via NHS. It can feel overwhelming sometimes!

Hi all sorry for late responses! Was manic up to the end of term, but on Easter holiday now which is lovely.

@Jecca88 my in-law's place is south of Valencia, its really lovely but quite remote so would need to know where all hospitals are and English speaking ones too as neither of us have great Spanish. If we don't do that we'll definitely do a staycation! How was the GD test? and the appt with Dr S? Are you discharged?

@Deerdancer34 How are you lovely? I'm due mid July. No thoughts whatsoever about birth yet lol. Wishing you luck for testing this cycle.xx

@Auberginesky thank you! I also have no understanding of people who are relaxed in pregnancy lol. My friends used to say things like 'oh I'm off to see the baby' when going to a scan and I'd just be so confused as to how they were able to be so sure ha. How have you found the meds now? I echo Deer and say take them as early as you can .. sometimes this was 4am for me! But it definitely helped. When using them before a positive test I also took low-dose melatonin to help sleep. I am a bad sleeper generally though so the Pred just essentially made it worse.

Re your last message, I've had conflicting advice from IVF consultants vs Recurrent MC consultant and it is SO frustrating and quite anxiety inducing. It makes you feel like you just don't know what's right! Sadly I think this will always be the case. RI clinics are very passionate about their methods and theories and I think because it takes so long for scientific evidence and studies to build up, especially with pregnant women it will be hard to ever get a definitive answer. For example, the HFEA also puts PGT-A embryo testing in red - which I really don't agree with and think its probably one of the reasons my current pregnancy has come so far. IVF doctors were also strongly against the use of Hydroxy and said there was not enough or any solid evidence for it supporting pregnancy. Its a minefield!

@TammyinCork so sorry about your blast and the T7 - I've never heard of that one so can't offer much advice but I do know how it feels when it feels like IVF has 'failed' so I am sending you such a big hug. The Dr Thum protocol sounds very sensible and doable - how are you feeling on it?

Not a huge amount to update on my side - I'm 23+2, had my appt yesterday and Dr S did not make an appearance haha. I was fine though because it was the same recurrent MC consultant I'd had last time who was so nice to me about my anxiety and he gave us another bonus scan which was amazing. Baby is extremely active (on scan). My preeclampsia growth scans start in 2 weeks which I'm hoping go okay. I've got my first mental health appt coming up too which is good.

Love to all xx

@Auberginesky @TammyinCork ahhh not many people know of Estepona - I also go every year but thats because my best mate has a villa out there. It really is lovely :)

Sorry to hear about the IVF @TammyinCork - i really feel for you. Putting your body through so much. I haven't heard much of Trisomy & either. Will be crossing absolutely everything for you in May.

How are you doing on the meds @Auberginesky are you getting enough sleep?

@Hopeandfaith1990 nearly at 24 weeks viability. Amazing you got reassurance scan and saw them moving around lots. I actually didn't know you had Preclampsia, so is that a scan every 2 weeks till birth? I too have no idea what my birth plan is - just want the safest way for the baby.

I had my GD test on friday and sadly i failed the test so I have got it. They gave me a monitor to check my bloods 4x a day. When the midwife told me i burst into tears and couldn't get any words out, i know it can be managed but just feel quite close and didn't want another hurdle. It is also so much to think about - i just want to enjoy food as it really is the only enjoyment, but everything I have has to be measured and paired perfectly, not to mention my finger tips are already bruised and i haven't even done a week. Baby is measuring 70% percentile, so not too big, but with GD they tend to like to induce at 38 weeks or defo not go over 40. Just hope he is ok and my apple juice craving hasnt done any damage :( also had the sugar flu this week - constant headaches from cutting it out. It will probably do me good being at bit healthy.
I am super grateful and will do anything at this stage. I think after week - they will see if i need Metformin or not. Currently keeping within the spikes.

@Jecca88 ah so sorry re the GD. Please don’t blame yourself, I did so much reading about it and it’s essentially hormone based and out of your control so apple juice will absolutely not have done any damage. Totally understandable to be upset, but they’ll be so good at supporting you managing it etc. I do know what you mean about food being the only joy - really resonate there.

Atm I don’t actually have preeclampsia but I tested positive for some of the potential prediction markers so they seem to be essentially treating me like I do have it? Not complaining really cos I’ll take the extra scans lol but they’ll be monitoring my PAPP-A as I progress to check levels I think xx

Thanks @Hopeandfaith1990 Yes i have lots of extra appointments/midwives and all sorts - so being managed well.

Ahh so you had high risk for it - but haven't developed yet. Is there anything you can do to prevent it? How do they monitor PAPP-A is it scans or blood pressure?

It’s by blood pressure / scans / bloods & urine (protein in urine I think) . Not really sure re prevention - I think just all the usual things like exercise healthy diet low stress ? But the midwife told me I was right on the bottom end for the markers so I’m hoping to avoid it 🤞🏻🤞🏻

glad you’re being well supported. you’re right, it’s just the last thing you need after such a challenging journey to get to this point but also of course we’ll do anything we can to get to the finish line now! Are there any side effects from the metaformin? Xxx

@Auberginesky Its so hard isn't it. You just want to be scooped up and looked after instead I felt I was just cast off and left to flounder... When I went to RMC at the hospital the Consultant I saw said she wouldn't give steroids to her nearest and dearest...(even though I knownthey had done pre-Covid!) but my point is well what will you do for me? They just said to keep trying but they don't factor in the emotional exhaustion of Recurrent Miscarriage. Plus for me I lost all my babies at 5.5weeks so surely that says that my body needs something to help keep the baby!? I really feel for you and tbh Dr S just gave me a plan and a feeling I was doing something...

@TammyinCork I am so sorry 😞 Where are you now?

@Hopeandfaith1990 Oh lovely a summer baby! Highly recommend spray water for the hospital - got me through labour and the TENs machine - so hot in there! Hope you're appointment goes well.

@Jecca88 Ah I'm sorry my love but just know you are not to blame at all. You've been through so much already, so you can do this 💪

I had a lovely time away but alas another negative. For anyone wondering about Progesterone - I felt a lot better taking Cyclogest rather than Utrogestan this time, not as sick but I did wake up early more often. Apparently Utrogestan helps you sleep!

Much love to all 💓

@Jecca88 So sorry to hear about the GD. You have been so careful throughout this pregnancy, so it's absolutely nothing you did, and the others are right - it is more hormone-based. Sending all my good wishes to you!

@Hopeandfaith1990 Fingers crossed for you that you don't get any preclampsia or any other condition! Thank goodness you have very low markers for it.

@Deerdancer34 Gutting to hear that re: your negative, and wishing you much better luck going forward.

@Auberginesky I am skeptical about large doses of medication myself, which is why I am going with Dr Thum's rather than Dr Shehata's protocol (some of the stuff Dr Edge prescribed me is neither medically necessary nor safe for me). But at the same time, I think taking no medication is not an option either. I had my first MC at age 34 then had my now six-year-old, then five more. So they can't all have been chromosomal!

I am now taking Cetrotide and Progynova in preparation for the ERA and uterine microbiome test on 21st April. Boy, was it a hassle to get Cetrotide... In Ireland, we have this weird system where a GP has to write an email of approval to your pharmacy before they will release the "high-tech" medication, even if the prescription comes from abroad, and a health service bureaucrat sitting in a national office has to approve it. I have been on to my GP numerous times and they apparently tried to send the e-mail once but the pharmacy didn't receive it. I asked them to send it again and was told the GP was too busy. Was utterly fed up and furious...

In the end, I gave up and got a prescription from an international pharmacy in Greece that my IVF clinic recommended, who were amazing! A night and day difference in customer service!

What is the system like for getting IVF medication in the UK?

Also had a session of genetic counselling with the IVF lab today, who were very informative. They said Trisomy 7 is one of the rare trisomies, is caused by maternal age, but the number of the trisomy itself is not that important... It could be another one next time, for example. They wished me lots of luck for the next steps.

Hey guys, hope everyone is well.

Thank you @TammyinCork I am actually managing it quite well, got some easter eggs i am saving and might even take them to the hospital with me to have once i have given birth lols. It will be on my essential hospital bag list. The Genetic counselling sounds good and reassuring. How you doing on the meds prepping for transfer? when i got my IVF meds - i just got them from the hospital but thats because i had a round on the NHS - it felt quite easy but this sounds like a faff.

Lots of love @Deerdancer34 sorry about your negative how are you feeling?

How you getting on? @Hopeandfaith1990 i am actually managing my sugar levels really well and they don't need me to go on meds yet - but they will keep monitoring.

Hi ladies hope all is well! A little update from me.. after my chemical with CRP and 1.5 years of being with them I’ve decided to move on. Tomorrow I’m seeing dr gorgy who does other immunology testing which is a bit deeper than CRP. He also offers LIT therapy.

i also had a consultation at Cromwell hospital on Saturday and they have found a polyp on my ultrasound scan.. something that CRP never picked up despite monthly ultrasounds So I hope to have that removed in the coming weeks as it could affect implantation.

im also doing a microbiome test with fertylisis - they could find inflammation due to my polyp but ill send it back nevertheless

hope all is well with you all and you are enjoying this lovely weather! Xx

Hello all! I hope everyone had a good Easter. I had my first mental health appt today, it was good but so draining. I had to talk the doctor through my medical history with TTC and realised in November it'll mark 5 years of starting TTC. Crazy. I'm 26 weeks this week and feeling physically fine, sleep is still crap but what's new! Had a growth scan last week, baby is on 99th centile and 2lb 1oz (apparently this is quite big). However, the sonographer said the measurements are not always (or often!) accurate so who knows.

So grateful to be here but can't believe its taken me 4 years, 5 losses and a failed FET to do so. Sometimes I was just so wrapped up in the journey I lost perspective.

@Jecca88 So glad you're doing well, bossing the GD! You deserve all the chocolate. How are you? How many weeks are you? I'm so excited for you. We still haven't found out the gender but I really think I'm having a boy too ❤ when are you finishing work?

@TammyinCork I was on Cetrotide too - faff mixing it all together isn't it. I was also on the Progynova, how are you finding it all? In the UK it really is quite simple - my IVF clinic just phone an online pharmacy and they deliver to your door. They can also write you a physical prescription and you can pick it up from Asda supermarket! I'm sorry its such a faff in Ireland.

@pagey23 I was very close to doing the microbiome Fertylsis test - I'll be interested to know how it goes! (I just didn't do it because of timing). I've heard lots of good things about Dr Gorgy, fingers crossed you can make some progress with him.

Hope everyone is okay, sending love xx

@Jecca88 Glad to hear you are managing the sugar levels well, and that they are monitoring you closely. That's lovely re: the Easter eggs! Did not like the Cetrotide one bit - as @Hopeandfaith1990 says, it is a real faff to put together (I got my husband to do it). Also gives you low mood... Did anyone else find that?

@pagey23 Incidentally, a polyp was noticed on my scan too, but the IVF clinic have asked me to have a scan on Day 5 of my cycle, just to be sure. Is surgery the only way of getting rid of them / shrinking them? Also awaiting the result of my uterine microbiome test - I had this in Alicante yesterday! Hope all goes well with Dr Gorgy. Incidentally, Avenues in London also offer LIT testing, which might be an alternative!

@Hopeandfaith1990 Glad to hear that baby's measurements are so good, and the counselling sounds very useful, after the incredibly tough journey you've had. I've had some counselling myself, after our sixth loss, and she was really good and understanding.

Progynova and progesterone were OK, although I did feel tired on them. The process in the UK sounds so much simpler and stress-free! Wish I'd started IVF abroad while still living there, ha ha.

My gosh, the ERA test itself was gruelling - I was squirming throughout! The nurse encouraged me to squeeze her hand and I gladly did so!

Hope everyone else is all good and enjoying the warmth (I've just come back to a very windy Cork from 22C in Alicante!).
**

Hey guys, its been a bit quiet on here recently.

@Hopeandfaith1990 its actually crazy but i started TTC exactly the same month/year as you - so we have been in this for the same time. How strange, but yes when you list it all out its so overwhelming, you kind of imagine someone else explaining it to you and how heart wrenching it is. How is the therapy going? I also had a Mental health midwife appointment and we decided it migh be best to pick up after the baby is born as it can bring up a lot of anxieties so close to birth. She was also shocked i had not recieved more support from my 7 previous losses.

Wow you have a lovely big baby, do you feel them moving yet? My boy is on track to be 62% which since doing the GD diet has actually evened out a bit, 34 weeks now and he is 5lbs. dunno how accurate they are but starting to feel swollen and really getting a waddle on. Oh wow - imagine we both have boys. I started my NCT which has been nice - but i cried in the session yesterday - quite embarrassing but i fear we are the only ones in there that have had fertility struggles, or maybe im just being too vunerable. But learning a lot and my husband is finding them very useful.

Went into the office for prob my last time yesterday and my team bought me such a cute hamper - its all feeling quite real and still can't believe people are buying me gifts for my baby. Just cannot get my head around it.

@TammyinCork hope you're well my love - sending you lots of love. Any results back or what are your next steps?

@pagey23 totally understand your frurstration with moving on from CRP after 1.5 years. How did the appointment go with Dr Gorgy - also love his name. when are you thinking of getting the Polyp removed?

@pagey23 How did your appointment with Dr G go? Where is he based?

@Hopeandfaith1990 I'm so pleased you had a good mental health appointment. Its crazy/frightening when you realise how much time has gone TTC etc but this is your time now 🥰🥰🥰 You're treasured baby 😘

@TammyinCork I hope you are doing ok, how are things going?

@Jecca88 Awww just look at the journey you've come on, its so overwhelming isn't it and then to think you are so close to meeting your baby now! When are you due? Soak up every second and enjoy it, you deserve it so much 🥰

I had another negative, so waiting for my period. Thinking of doing a Hyfosy and doing a couple more rounds of SO otherwise might have to consider IVF which feels really frightening to me, just because I haven't done any research on it...

Lots of love to all xx

Hello all!

@Jecca88 that’s so crazy that we’ve been on this journey for so long, honestly I think of Nov 2021 me and how naïve I was. Did a pregnancy test in January like ‘surely it’ll be positive now!!!’ I did not know what I was in for !!

Therapy is going well thank you, it does feel good to talk about it despite it being hard. It’s mad you’ve not had any support either, like seriously wtf. I do feel the movements which is lovely, but I’m trying not to obsess, I went in on Monday cos I thought i had reduced movements but everything was fine. Hard not to monitor 24/7 lol.

well done on starting NCT - I can imagine it was quite anxiety inducing, it’s really good you went and don’t feel bad for crying it’s so normal after everything you’ve been through. ❤️ when are you finishing work? That must feel quite exciting too hah. I love that they got you a hamper, that’s so nice. How are you physically now? Also super well done on the GD diet, not easy!!

@Deerdancer34 so sorry about your negative my love. Hyfosy sounds good, have you had a hysteroscopy as well? I was genuinely terrified of IVF but it really wasn’t as bad as I’d thought.

@TammyinCork you must be close to transfer soon, sending you so much love and luck! Sorry the ERA test was tough, did it provide any answers?

hope everyone is oka xxx

I am sorry @Deerdancer34 about your negative, IVF is so different to recurrent loss and yes so much to research - hard not to get obsessive. I did IVF egg collection back in August last year and it was a rough month don't get me wrong, and i am so grateful we got a great result and would feel differently if it didn't go as planned. Esp after the doctor said i would be lucky if i got 4 eggs - we got 23 in the end and even though this pregnancy is not via IVF we still have 7 embryos in the freezer. It was nice to have some control and you kinda of know day by day how it is going. So Due date is officially 13th June, but will know more next friday about birth plan. Right now i am open to anything except a home birth - so keeping an open mind.

@Hopeandfaith1990 I was exactly the same as you and I did get pregnant in the Jan 2022 but lost it at 12 week scan - i was so niave back then - still such a traumatic experience and really the start of everything. I watched something the other day whereby someone who had a hard fertility journey but has ended up with two children still says they have PTSD - basically your body is re-wired to think that things can go wrong. With all the trying and doing everything 'right' and it still doesn't happen can really make you change your entire outlook on life. When things do go right - my husband and i are honestly so grateful and just cannot believe our luck. With the Bulglary a few months back, we actually got a extra £14K in gap insurance - which we have used to basically renovate the house lols - bit stressful but still if we didn't get the car stolen we wouldn't have a lovely new bathroom and nursery.

The movements thing is so hard, i am understanding the patterns now and really didn't feel patterns until after 28-30 weeks. Every midwife appointment they drill it into you too which just feels scary. its so hard to not get in your head about it. But do go to the hospital just for any reassurance :)
Physically i am already fed up lols, its really ramped up in the last week - my ankles are swollen and just find it hard to walk longer distances. Bending over is no fun either. GD is good still and midwife thinking we will be able to go to term if we carry on this way and may not even have to have a induction.

Hey girls!
Its good to see how you are all getting on. I will reply properly later as so much has happened in this thread.

I have a question. I got a positive test, so I am 4 weeks. The NHS have offered me 2 weekly scans due to my recurrent miscarriages. I went to my immunology clinic and they said they want me to do their scans every 2 weeks regardless of the NHS ones. I feel quite irritable about this as they are charging 500 quid for the first scan and thereafter they are 300 with a consultation. Its just really frustrating as Im happy with my NHS team doing it and honestly its just costing a fortune.

They have said if I dont do their scans they may have to stop my meds and intralipids. I am quite upset as it feels like an ultimatum. Am i being inreasonable? Think I need a voice of sanity!

@Hopeandfaith1990 Oh no I haven't had a Hysteroscopy, Dr E only mentioned the Hyfosy. I'll ask her about it. When will you finish work!? Its always best to check baby is ok so then it'll help you feel reassured 💓 especially think of what a journey you've had and all you've been through 💓

@Jecca88 Did you do an IVF cycle or just freeze your embryos? So nice to know you have them as a back up later on. Did you go NHS or private? Ooo June, my first baby should have been June - I think its a gorgeous month 🥰 Just make sure you pack some spray water or a fan for the hospital! I think that's lovely you may be able to go to term, glad your midwife sounds so supportive too, its important!

@Auberginesky Gentle gentle congratulations 🥰 Who are you with? CRP made me do all the scans with them which is annoying and expensive, plus they added in intralipids at 20 weeks whereas it only used to be until 16 weeks. Anyway I was offered 2 early scans with EPU - so I did those before I went to CRP so I could cancel the CRP one if there was bad news. It is annoying, my 20 week scan I had both CRP and NHS on the same day 😅 I don't know if its true but my husband said CRP have to do your scans and see you for insurance purposes as the medications and intralipids aren't officially recognised. But its so annoying!!

IVF ladies:
I actually rang my GP yesterday to ask about IVF and I was shocked because it might actually be possible for me to do IVF through NHS. I started reading about it and feel a bit overwhelmed about the different options of fresh egg transfer/ frozen egg transfer and then the different egg collections short vs long. Is one better than the other or just depends what you're going for? It sounds brutal the preparation for egg collection 🫣 Also would NHS let me have progesterone and steroids from early on? Because my problem always seemed to be holding onto the pregnancy.

Lots of love to all 🩷

@Auberginesky gentle congrats on your positive. I was in the exact same position as you and CRP needed to see me to issue the meds - i did find Dr Edge amazing and so reassuring - and luckily we had the funds so i just went with it, hoping and praying each week. This pregnancy alone has cost me just over £7K, think i have spent collectively £35K on fertility meds/scans and treatment. Could you ask to have the scans with the private clinic before intralipds rather than the ones in between?

@Deerdancer34 I actually got the IVF through NHS and i did it with Kings fertility. They gave me two egg collections and as many transfers it took to get to a live birth in a two year period. I actually ended up getting pregnant the month just after my egg collection - so never actually ended up doing a transfer. Also because i paid additionally for them to be PGTA tested (Which is not included on NHS funding anywhere)- i needed to wait for a transfer which is why i didn't go in the same month as the PGTA testing takes about a month to come back. Also I think i had OHSS - as they got so many eggs and sometimes they want you to rest your ovaries.

Thats amazing NHS could give you that, i was always under the impression if you had a child they would never fund it which is frustrating and sad. Have you had a look at any clinics you would like to go to? Not sure where you live? Yes i think they were always ok with me having other meds alongside the egg stimulation part. The egg stim part is quite brutal, but tbh - if you have had 6x plus Super ovulations and all the fertility shit you have been through, i feel like IVF will be ok for you - we almost become de-sensitised to it :(

@Jecca88 Yeah I'm a bit confused because everywhere I've read if you have a living child then you can't, so I'm holding my breath and we'll see...but the GP read that they will do for 2 children 🤔 I'm in London, think GP said it would be St Mary's or Hammersmith so no idea what they are like. I read that Kings seem pretty good? Haven't even looked into clinics yet, hard to know where to choose 😵‍💫

I felt weirdly emotional and cross when she said I could potentially have IVF because I couldn't help thinking, where were you after all my miscarriages and you couldn't give me steroids!?

Thank you that's really helpful!

Hello ladies

I took some time off socials after my loss end of last year and so it’s been so lovely reading so many positive stories since I was last here.

@Jecca88 so wonderful reading how far along you are now and @Hopeandfaith1990
@Auberginesky gentle congratulations
@Deerdancer34 that’s amazing that you can get ivf on the nhs. I think Kings is the CRP satellite clinic?
@TammyinCork I hope your transfer goes well

Sorry for anybody I’ve missed!

I transferred an embryo in Jan and much to my surprise it worked. I’m 18 weeks and have only just started to tell people, pregnancy after loss is something else isn’t it. I felt completely numb until about 14 weeks and my body only seemed to register the results of all of my scans as bad news and I had completely debilitating adrenaline dumps after each one. But obviously I’m beyond grateful, that’s probably part of it, a defence mechanism. Does this seem normal?

I’m no longer with CRP and my IVF clinic is saying that now I’m in the second trimester, that the NHS team are overseeing my treatment and won’t prescribe now, I’m about to run out of Clexane, does anyone know if the GP prescribes it? The midwife had said I should ask my IVF clinic and I don’t have my NHS consultant appointment until next month - I’m not sure how to get hold of any?

Sending love to anyone who’s still in treatment xxx

Hi all!

@Jecca88 so glad to hear you're doing well, that's great about the burglary money - obviously shit it happened but how lovely to have a new bathroom and nursery - very well deserved. You're so right, the midwives really drill it into you, and I keep struggling with them saying 'does it feel normal' because I'm like 'well how on earth do I know lol'. And also they tell me to 'trust my gut feelings' - but my gut feelings are fuelled by anxiety! lol. If I followed my gut I'd be in for a check all day every day haha. Amazing that you are able to go to term and hopefully avoid induction, you're doing so well!! Really showing that pesky GD who's boss.

@Auberginesky gentle congrats on your positive lovely! That is really annoying about the scans - I'm not under CRP but its a difficult situation. I'd definitely stick with your NHS ones too so it all goes on your record. How are you feeling?

@Deerdancer34 I had a hysteroscopy under GA in between transfers, obviously I'll never know if it helped towards the next one being successful but I've read lots of good things! I'm aiming to finish at the end of term - July 5th - I'll be almost 37 weeks lol so we shall see how things go.

Re IVF:

From my understanding, a short protocol is fine if you do not struggle with low ovarian reserve etc - do you know your AMH? I had to do a frozen transfer because I was using PGT-A testing (like Jecca said) and that takes about 3 weeks from embryo creation to getting the biopsy results. Then I prepared for a frozen transfer. If you are not doing PGT-A, then you could easily do a fresh, the success rates are very similar. Again, unless you struggle with conceiving and ovulating on your own, I think I would recommend a natural modified approach over a fully medicated. I did fully medicated first time because I thought it was best, but actually I think working with my natural cycle rather than shutting it down and then simulating it artificially with hormones (which is what a fully medicated transfer essentially does) was better for me. Again though, the success rates are very similar - I just think for people coming to IVF for 'traditional' infertility (e.g. maybe never having conceived) a fully medicated approach gives the best chance. With recurrent MC history, I think the approach can be slightly different.

Yes, NHS should be fine to carry on with the Pred and Prog - recurrent miscarriage and fertility should work together but we all know this doesn't always happen! I kept up my NHS recurrent mc prescriptions alongside and separate to IVF.

xxx

Update on me (my previous message was too long 😂)

I'm 28+3 today, I tested negative for gestational diabetes but I am currently doing 4 finger prick glucose tests a day because the baby is measuring on the large side, specifically with a large belly, which can be linked to GD. So they want to rule it out for sure.

I finally had my in-person appointment with Dr Shehata! It was interesting for sure. He was really nice and encouraging and supportive but told me off quite a bit for a few things .. taking the pred for too long, not taking the hydroxy etc. He also asked for the name of the IVF doctor who advised stopping the Hydroxy and said he would follow up with her which I feel bad about! Overall it was a good appointment but it was quite intense.

I'm finding my mental health appts really helpful - the therapist is really nice and its good to have structured conversation about everything. Hoping that work slowly calms down a bit now that my exam classes have left for study leave today... fingers crossed.

@Gems2811 I've just seen your message and WOW!! How amazing - congratulations. I know exactly how you feel, I didn't tell anyone other than close fam until 20 weeks and even then I was so scared. What you've written sounds completely normal to me. PAL is such a specific and different experience, and as Jecca says above the PTSD from the losses really does become a part of you. With regard to your meds, I would go back to your IVF clinic and ask for a final prescription (as for as much as they'll prescribe), if they say no you could try recurrent miscarriage if you're under them too? I got my blood thinners initially from IVF clinic but then recurrent miscarriage were happy to prescribe when I ran out. xx

Hope everyone is well and sending love to all xxx

@Gems2811 Congratulations! What lovely lovely news! Definitely normal how you've felt, I think we protect ourself to think the worst so that anything good is a bonus 😅 So thrilled for you! What IVF clinic did you go through?

@Hopeandfaith1990 I wondered if you would get to end of term, that would work very well! That sounds quite a frustrating appointment in a way with Dr S because it obviously worked you coming off Hydroxy etc Hope you were ok after it. Will you be able to carry on the mental health appointments for as long as you need? Ooo its a nice feeling after exam season and everything hopefully gets a bit calmer...I bet your students are excited too!

I had my AMH done last year so will have a look. Thank you so much for all the info, its super super helpful and I'm starting to feel less overwhelmed. I definitely prefer the sound of a natural cycle rather than fully medicated but suppose would have to see what they say as its been nearly a year and not fallen pregnant at all. Hopefully CRP would provide the steroids etc if IVF clinic won't, will just have to see. I'm still secretly hoping SO will work but I know I need to get the knowledge about IVF to stop being fearful about it all.

Love to all 💓