Dr Shehata advice

[Wolfemum]

Hello, I am currently experiencing my 3rd consecutive miscarriage and my 2nd MMC. I have been told I will now be referred to the RMC unit but due to my age (42) i think I need to go privately and I was wondering what your opinions are on Dr Shehata? I've heard he has a brilliant reputation but is quite focused on NK cells and less on other things. Can anyone share their thoughts, opinions experiences?
My first pregnancy was healthy and resulted in my 6 year old boy but the last 2 MMC we saw a heartbeat at 6 weeks but then no growth or heartbeat at 7/8 weeks.
Many thanks for reading

Thank you ladies. I forgot I transferred 2 so maybe!! @MeganBistram
@Lily1990 how comes you are on lower dose?
xx

@JandL2020 i was on 25mg only on 5mg now as weaning off. Not sure of @Lily1990 protocal but think 15 would be ok if that’s all it was. I think 25 is quite high from what I read.. a lot go with 10 xx

@MeganBistram thats interesting, I am on the super complex plan (throwing the kitchen sink at it and hope it works plan)
xx

@whatsgoingon22 that’s a lot to go through. You really are an inspiration for all of us for never giving up and picking yourself up again ❤️❤️❤️

@JandL2020 massiveeeee congratulations to you. This morning I was feeling so down but as soon as I saw your update, I felt so much joy. So happy for you. Under Dr. S protocol, this time it will be all positive. Sending you lots of well wishes. I am not sure where you live but the health centre in Harley Street charges £60 for hcg blood test and you get the result on the same day. Your GP should do it for you also especially for someone who has gone through miscarriages before.

@Lily1990 i know it is sooo hard not to feel any different because of past experiences but I am confident this time it won’t be the same as your last preg. Now that you are under this protocol. Seeing faint line at this early days is normal. Don’t lose hope. Might be worth doing blood test through your GP.

Sooo just an update from me. I had my scan earlier today at Epsom. The whole way I was feeling so anxious. Couldn’t stop thinking of alll sort of worst case scenarios. I met Dr. Edge, lovely lady.
We saw a heartbeat 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I was measuring 7 weeks and 3 days so 1 week ahead. I ovulated much earlier and the whole cycle I kept thinking I did not ovulate. Hubby and I just bursted in tears as soon as we saw heartbeat. It was the best feeling ever. First time we ever saw a heartbeat in any of my pregnancy.
Now Dr. Edge was saying I may have started taking my prednisolone later than I should have only because I never realised I ovulated earlier. I started taking it when I was already pregnant, not from ovulation. But she is hoping the intralipid has provided enough protection. That’s still worrying me thinking about late start of medication. But for now she said the heartbeat and size was normal. Now it’s one step at a time. Still veryyy early to feel any excitement. I keep stopping myself. The next few scans are very important especially week 10 scan. Really hoping to see good progress in my week 8 scan.

Thanks to you all lovely ladies for being such a great support. Really grateful for each one of you 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

@Hope646 THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!! Your first ever heartbeat. I can’t believe how unbelievable that must have been. That brings tears to the eyes. I’m so so happy for
you. And a very happy wedding anniversary ❤️❤️❤️❤️.
keeping everything crossed for weeks 8,10,12 etc all the way to 40!!

Xxx

@JandL2020 this made me laugh! Just a casual… oh I forgot we put 2 in! 🤣

what’s the super complex plan?

xxx

@Hope646 omg this is simply amazing news.. we had a feeling you were further along with such great HCG numbers. First heartbeat must be such an incredible feeling :)

I am glad you had such a positive experience with Dr. edge. When is your next scan planned for? If it helps I didn’t start the steroids until after positive test and all seems ok with mine ❤️ xx

@Hope646 massive congratulations…fantastic news. I thought you would be further along, so reassuring. My ivf clinic have agreed to do my bloods and repeat bloods so I won’t use crp. It’s £85 plus £30 courier fee however their progesterone is cheaper by £2 a box so win win lol. I’ve had a difficult history with ivf clinic. I had a long chat with patient support and she was really nice and reassured I didn’t have to pay for the tests and that they were there to support me. I’m having a counselling session next week. It will be the first time I’ve had counselling through all of this. And given my level of anxiety today - my best friend even said I was hyper alert and shaky. Happy Anniversary again…have you been out for a nice meal?
@KatyTTC lol I know. I’m feeling a bit sick but that’s probably anxiety and feel like I have constant period cramps.keep going to toilet to check. complex plan is humira, prednisone, infolic, metformin, all pre conception vits pretty much, infusions, prednisone, clexane, progesterone…and maybe because it’s ivf it’s super complex…I was never told why it was called that. I had high markers for nk cells but also for what I had to take humira for. I’m going to ask on Friday now why it’s complex lol
and also book my viability scan. Ivf clinic were very understanding that I didn’t want my first scan there…I have one there 12th September which would make me over 6 weeks. They wanted me to have it on 6th September which would be 6 weeks. I need to call crp and hope they can fit me in for a scan before the 12th.
xx

Huge congrats @Hope646 and @JandL2020 - such brilliant news!

@Lily1990 have everything crossed for you, hoping it’s a good outcome for you now you’re with prof S 🤞

xxx

That’s amazing news @Hope646 im so happy for you!!
I’m afraid not a happy update from me… I sent the nurse my updated test pic yesterday and her and Dr Edge said to stop taking the meds as they think the faintness of the lines suggests a chemical. I’ve done another test this morning and it’s not got any darker from yesterday so pretty sure they are right. The last couple of days have been an emotional rollercoaster and I feel frustrated as I thought the whole point of this treatment is to avoid chemicals and miscarriages. I know that there are lots of reasons for chemicals and probably this wasn’t to do with my NK cells, but still feels shitty and makes me wonder whether anything will work for me. Dr Edge said she wants to have a consultation with me when my period is confirmed (presumably to consider adapting my treatment plan) which is something I guess. Xx

@JandL2020 of course your anxiety is through the roof 💔. Just a word on being hyper alert and shaky… I had to go and have an ecg and blood tests last week as the shakes got so bad I couldn’t hold a cup of tea without it spilling. It was the most horrible feeling. I couldn’t stop crying (think it heightened everything I was feeling/worrying about my mum), I felt so anxious, nervous, hyper… really horrible. The Dr said both letrozole and steroids can have this affect. It started getting better about 4/5 days after I’d stopped taking the steroids.
Obviously you can’t stop taking the steroids but perhaps just have in your mind that some of what you’re feeling could be down to the drugs you’re taking. I felt better just knowing that. Xxx

@Lily1990 im so sorry. This is such devastating news for you. We were all rooting for you and so hoping this was your month.
Don’t give up or lose hope. There are so many reasons these things happen as you say and sometimes they’re out of anyone’s control. 💔
It’s great Dr Edge wants to see you. She is so lovely and I’m sure will be really reassuring.
Sending you so much love xxx

@Fisky123 thank you xx
@Lily1990 😞so sorry to hear your update, but I am glad they haven’t given you any false hope. It’s also really good the clinic are being proactive. Don’t give up hope xx
@KatyTTC that sounds horrible I’m so glad you’re okay now. Given what you’re going through you are doing amazing. I’m better today and my blood pressure/heart rate is okay too. The counsellor has been in touch and sounds lovely too xx

Oh lordie, this is so overwhelming isn’t it. @Lily1990 im sorry to hear your update but I’m also kind of surprised to be honest. I really didn’t see a huge difference in mine in the first few days and was sure it was going to be a CP. I understand your frustration, we pin everything on the treatment but as you said sometimes it may be for other reasons (this is extremely unhelpful I know). Really is such a tough journey to navigate but I think you are in safe hands ❤️🙏🏻.

@Hope646 im sooooooo happy for you!!! I’m sorry I was having a bad day yesterday so didn’t come back on in the afternoon. This is great news and you’re flying it already! Even further ahead than you thought! Thats great- the weeks go so slowly it’s like you’ve fast forwarded time!! Did she mention the spotting at all? Congrats and I hope you had the best anniversary yesterday 😊😊

@KatyTTC Hope you’re doing okay and your Mum too xxx such a stressful time for you xx thank you for all your support on here even when you’re going through such a tough time.

@JandL2020 sounds like you had a really tough time with your ivf clinic in the past, were they unsupportive? I hope your boss is being nice now 😡 counselling will help I’m sure especially now you’re navigating this journey🥰 I’ve spent loads on therapy over the years of all of this but am still a selective recluse now 🤣🙈

Had my CRP scan today with Dr Edge and am very happy to report that all is well thank God ❤️🙏🏻 she was very happy with everything which was so reassuring, I swear I just absorb their reactions/ hang on every word they say. According to them I am 10wks 3 days. Im going to continue taking the nifedipine for now and will go back at 12 weeks for the Nuchal scan with the other Doctor who will do all the other checks and see if I need to come back on aspirin then. I’ll be weaning off the Prednisolone at 14 weeks due to my previous later loss (is that the same as you @MeganBistram?)

Love to all xxxxx

@whatsgoingon22 fantastic news 🥰
they just made a lot of errors in my opinion and bed side manner few of them I was really unhappy with. They were really good yesterday though. Still waiting to hear result of blood test. Boss has been fine although yesterday morning she phoned me even though I was off and she was definitely fishing !!! My other half said she knew i was off she was just being nosey. I’m taking rest of week off and potentially next week too depending on how I’m feeling. Xx

Just had my hcg results back…
249
Happy with that…obviously it’s the doubling that’s important but I’ve never had a good starting number before on test day.
I don’t think the 2 have implanted as would think with twins would be higher.
I know everyone’s different though and that’s why they don’t like doing these tests. They said I don’t need a repeat test but I’m going to have another next Tuesday (plus it’s free or charge so I’m obviously not going to cancel it)

Thank you sooo much ladies. Means a lot. Anniversary was good. Hubby ofc was over the moon after the scan but that scares me even more thinking of what if something goes wrong again. I thought I would feel less anxious after yesterday but anxiety is up the roof again. I have been having bad back pain (more like period pain) since morning and I am trying to stay calm. I am not sure if it is really this bad or is it my mind playing with how I am feeling the pain.

@Lily1990 I am so sorry to hear your update. It is devastating but don't lose hope. Hopefully, Dr. Edge will come up with a better protocol for you. Were you on 15mg or 25mg prednisolone? When did you have your last intralipid infusion?

@KatyTTC really thinking of you and your mum. I can't imagine what you are going through. Life is strange. The hardships always come at once. Praying for you and your family. May everything becomes easier for your guys. You are an amazing person for still giving so much support when you are going through so much yourself.

@MeganBistram thank you so much for always trying to make me feel better after I panic about everything. Hoping that would be the case for me too. I need to check my next scan which would be my week 8 scan. Dr. Edge said she will see me in 2 weeks but at the reception I was booked for next Friday which would be a week. I need to check whether they are going by my last period date or the actual date they saw on the scan. I will be having my intralipid on the same day too.

@JandL2020 I am glad you are going for counselling. I am sure it will help you a lot. My sister has always pushed me to go for one but never got around it. But few of my family members and friends who have gone for counselling, they only had positive things to say.
That is fantastic to see the doubling on your HCG. Really happy for you. That is a great start. Definitely go for the next one, especially when its free of charge. I have got everything crossed for you xx

@whatsgoingon22 That's great news. Soooo happy it all went well for you. I am already looking forward to my next scan and feel I really need some assurance again. I feel so anxious right now. My spotting has stopped and Dr. Edge could not see anything on the scan so she asked me to continue taking aspirin.

@Fisky123 thank you sooo much xx How are you doing?

@Lily1990 so sorry to hear this, we all pray that these protocols are our miracle but sometimes other things are at play. My last miscarriage I only found out at my 12 week scan was a genetic issue so no amount of drugs would have helped. I hope that you get more support with CRP from what I read they really step it up if you have a miscarriage on their protocol

@whatsgoingon22 amazing so pleased to hear that.. I always found the 10 week a big barrier. Yes mine was due to that as well but I have to say I started to wean down a week early.. initially they didn’t even want me on steroids I pushed for them as my NK were not very high.. mine was all inflammation realted
Obviously now my symptoms are lessening.. and all I seem to read on the miscarriage groups I am on on FB are around the 15/w16 week mark… I am not in a great place.. I just can’t believe their will be a baby at the end of this despite trying to remain positive.. :(

@Hope646 my worst cramps / back pain was between 6-8 weeks so I think quite normal.. also you have no idea how these drugs are impacting things..

xx

@Lily1990 so sorry to hear what you’re going through, my heart goes out to you. So hard to go through a chemical on this programme as you kinda hope and anticipate that things will be ok this time around but nothing can stop mc’s when it’s not immunity related I guess. It’s great Dr Edge will see you very soon and fingers crossed they’ll enhance your protocol. Take it easy and take time for yourself to get through this additional loss.

@whatsgoingon22 totally understandable that you don’t feel there’ll be a baby at the end of it all, I can’t imagine how it would feel at your stage. Maybe keep in mind that it’s 80 (or 85%) success rate per couple being treated overall (I think) and that no matter what people go through usually they get there eventually it’s Prof S. Is this the furthest you’ve come?

@KatyTTC so so sorry to read about your mum, you’re one tough / strong person to be coping with that and this journey. You’re stronger than you know.

@Hope646 im ok thanks lovely. I’ve only just started on my protocol (after 5 mc’s, latest was a m.mc at 12 weeks last Nov). Had a few chemicals this year and 2 other MCs last year. I’m on hydroxy, lipids, progesterone and levothyroxine. I’m in that in between stage where I’m nearly 2 weeks into the hydroxy so we can’t try so just trying to get as healthy as I can and keep occupied until we can try. My cycle randomly stopped for a while and then started again and it ties in nicely now for when we’re allowed to start trying again.

I was wondering if any of you did SO immediately when it wasnt necessary? I have in my mind to go with the recommendation of 3 months of natural trying first as I’m nervous that SO may fail first time if the drugs are only just settled in my system (hydroxy). Did anyone else wonder the same?

xxx

Thank you all so much ❤️ your messages are all so kind and supportive, it means a lot! 🥲 I will feel low for a few days I’m sure but pick myself up like I always do (and going on holiday today so that will definitely help!). I’m on 15mg of pred (as I’m quite small) but hopefully increasing it will help. On another forum I read that someone had a chemical on Dr S’s plan while on 20mg but then a successful pregnancy on 25mg so that gave me a bit of hope. And I think we will consider IVF with genetic testing if we haven’t had any success by January, to have more control over the process and rule out genetic issues.

So happy for all the good news on here, amazing HCG level @JandL2020 , for your scan @whatsgoingon22 (10 weeks is such an encouraging milestone!) and @MeganBistram your recent testing.

@KatyTTC I’m also thinking of you and your mum, hope you are all doing as well as possible and the doctors are being proactive and supportive. Thanks for being so supportive to all of us despite everything you are going through! ❤️

I might have some time off Mumsnet and fertility stuff due to my holiday and trying to switch off, but I will be thinking of you all and wishing you the best for your upcoming cycles/tests/scans! Xx

@Lily1990 totally understand the need to switch off and be sad. Hope you have a relaxing break xx

Morning ladies
I had some bleeding last night. Felt initially like a gush then went to wipe and was light pink/brown quite a bit.
I’ve not had any since but now I’m scared as this happened with my ectopic. I don’t recall having bleeding in my first 2 ivf pregnancies (and they were both miscarried)
I know I can’t do anything about it until my repeat blood tests on Tuesday.
my scan at crp isn’t until the 8th September. I should be 6 +4 then.
they were really lovely and understanding that I didn’t want the viability scan at the ivf clinic. I’ll be having the scan with Dr Edge.
@whatsgoingon22 you had some bleeding didn’t you? What was yours like?
xx

Hey @JandL2020 Hope you’re okay xxx sorry to hear you had bleeding too ☹️🙈so mine started with a one off light red/pink wipe back at around 6 weeks and then it has been brown spotting/light brown discharge with one other episode of red/pink wipe around 7/8 weeks. I’ve still got some light brown discharge (sorry tmi) now about 1/2 times a day. CRP told me and @Hope646 to stop the aspirin when we started spotting/bleeding so I’m still not taking that now and this will be reviewed at 12weeks.
i know it’s not easy, trust me, I have had several freak outs but try not to panic it could be many things, implantation, progesterone, a hematoma (like I have sitting at the neck of the womb)….. you could message CRP on Tuesday perhaps? Hope you’re okay - sending you love because trust me I know the sinking feeling when it happens ☹️☹️☹️🙏🏻❤️lots of love, take it easy this weekend xxxxxx

@Lily1990 wish you all the luck for everything. Enjoy the holiday and I am glad there will be a better protocol once you are ready.

@Fisky123 sorry to hear about you losses. That’s a lot to go through. I am happy you came across this treatment. I am sure it will make a difference. I have got everything crossed for you.

@JandL2020 i have been having some spotting even now. I have had 2 scans now, one with CRP and one at epu, it all looked good thankfully. I had really bad cramp the night before so had to rush to epu yesterday. But the heartbeat was fine thank God. They couldn’t see any sign of clot or bleeding internally. spotting and cramping comes and go. And it’s more visible when wiping. I was told it could be because of aspirin and progesterone that causes irritation. At the hospital, I was also suggested to maybe take progesterone through the back side. If the spotting has stopped, that’s good. Don’t panic even though it is so hard not to. I still freak out. When I have spotting and cramping, I just rest for couple of hours and then it goes away. It’s been sososoo stressful each time I get these 2. I can’t stop panicking.. hahah but please you don’t panic

@whatsgoingon22 @Hope646 thats for replying ladies. It seems like It is quite common and more common in ivf pregnancy from what I’ve read. That’s the gush sensation I had last night @Hope646 must have been so stressful, thank god everything is okay. I’ve also got cramping too, just feels like my period is on it’s way 😩I’ve also been taking progesterone more now up the back door since ladies on here recommended less messy and actually has been working quite nicely.
ive mostly been resting today and just popped out to do some food shopping, had to get out the house was going crazy 🤣
dr s told me to stop aspirin when I had stomach issues but my ivf clinic told me to re start it so I so thinks he knows I’ve re started it . I’ve also on fragmin blood thinner injections. Another theory I have is that one of the embryos implanted but now not progressing…they call it vanishing twin. And spotting is quite common when this happens and in twin pregnancies.
just hoping hoping hoping now 😩
xx

@JandL2020 I am sorry I can’t give much advice on the spotting except as the ladies have said it’s extremely common and we have absolutely everything crossed that it’s just a side effect of the drugs and that baby / babies are all doing fine.
I can’t imagine how much more pressure you must feel with it being IVF, I found those first two weeks after the positive test and seeing a heartbeat quite literally the hardest two weeks of the pregnancy.
I have had a lot of cramping though and most of mine was in those early weeks.. I don’t know if it’s because I am hyper aware of every twinge or feeling down there but like @Hope646 if I rested or changed position I found thse eased quite a bit.
could you go for your scan at 6 weeks instead? Xx