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

@Lianne32 that must have been such a relief! I just use preg care max which comes with omega 3 capsules. Dr shehata put me on that too!! I already had my embryos frozen. So I shelled out lots of money on this and took 3x a day only to be told you don’t need to take that anymore cos you’re IVF. Arghh. Nevermind. Perhaps they did some good by giving me energy and support b12. Xx
@Lily1990 so sorry to hear you have retained products. I didn’t scan after my chemical but I do remember my first period was heavy and my 2nd period I had small clots etc. I think after all my miscarriages which were all 5-6 weeks it did take a while for my cycle to get back to normal again.
I can understand why you’ve lost hope.
I was going to have the hysteroscopy but when I had the ectopic surgery the surgeon said all the structures looked fine. So I opted for 3D saline scan instead, which I didn’t think was particularly thorough didn’t even get a report and then the consultant randomly said at the end “there is some mild endometriosis there”…which sent me into a spiral.
I just couldn’t afford to have the hysteroscopy and all the immune tests done at the same time. But it would have been my next step as we had already extensively tested everything else. Don’t lose hope ❤️xx
@Stargirl10 if you are trying naturally/having egg collection then coq10 is needed. I got mine from Holland and Barrett. Good luck with your test results in a few week. Hope they give you some answers. Xx

I’ve had some light bleeding this evening so been completely resting. Just hoping it’s the clot they saw on the scan last week. I feel more crampy which I’ve not had before and the discharge just seems to keep coming (not always blood stained) did you have this @whatsgoingon22 @Hope646 sorry I know this is difficult to talk about. I feel like it doesn’t warrant a trip to epu cos it’s so light (pale orange brown almost a bit pink) and mixed with lots of clear discharge…which again I’ve not had up until today.xx

Thank you so much @JandL2020 that’s really helpful. Our clinic seems good and now we’ve started treatment there thinking we may as well see how it goes. Feel bad for jumping ship. We probably would have gone to CRP if had come across it sooner. Instead I’m thinking we will ask if the consultant will start treatment pre conception particularly as we are doing IVF as we’re struggling to conceive naturally - I guess there’s no harm. I’d rather just have a dose of intralipids etc as a precautionary measure prior to starting. He seemed open to giving meds so hoping can convince him to start pre treatment as didn’t discuss that with him. So pleased for you! Did you have TH1:TH2 test and NK Killer cells test? Were the levels raised for both?
Will no doubt have more questions as we continue our journey 💫

@Sprinkleofbabydust yes makes sense. Yes I had imbalance of TN1/2 and raised NK cells. I had to take 2 injections of humira for the TN1/2 prior to starting ivf cycle and starting intralipids etc. if your clinic do intralipids than it makes sense to have all your treatment there xx

@Lily1990 don't lose hope, I have a 4 year old and then had 8 miscarriages after. 7 were early losses at 5/6 weeks last was a month ago.
as for the hysteroscopy question, I had one few months back which came back as normal.
Also Ive never heard early losses were harder to treat. Don't lose hope, my aunt had over 20 miscarriages in 17 years, now she has two kids so don't give up!

@JandL2020 we are trying naturally, I don't have problems getting pregnant its the keeping it that's the issue. he told me in the clinic my reserve was good so didnt need coq10 but then in the letter said he recommends I take it which is confusing. but since he first said I dnt need it I decided to take 1 tablet instead of 3. plus theyre so expensive! I got them from holland and barrats.

@Lily1990 I’ve lost 14 pregnancies at 5/6 weeks and Prof Shehata is confident he can help us, so don’t worry. He also says that many losses cannot statistically be chromosomal even at my age (37-41).

Hi, I’ve been lurking for a while but am about to start Phase 2 on the Complex Plan, but I keep delaying as I’m reluctant to get back on the ttc/miscarriage train though. But I’ve got embryos in the freezer so can’t walk away yet…

Good to see the meds are working for some of you though, gives me hope.

Hi all - I wanted to come on here and update on my journey as my mind is going bit awol again.

In the end I got covid and actually suffered pretty badly compared to the last time I had it which I'm convinced is because of the Humira. In any case, I got a negative covid test on Monday and ended up getting my first intralipid on Wednesday this week I think day 12 of my cycle.

However... now I'm becoming obsessed with the ovulation and I've tested twice every day since Monday this week and no sign of it. In my head I also feel less fertile if that even makes sense.

Does anyone on here ovulate later than what is supposed to be 14 days. I'm today day 14 and the last few months have had a 26 day cycle so I would have thought it would happen now. I know everyone is different but just panicking really because I'm not sure whether to start trying from now or if I've missed the window. Arghhh it really screws with your head.

@jchars7, covid can knock your cycle so you may ovulate later. I had a similar cycle this month (not covid related) but I usually ovulate around day 14 and by day 14 no signs in sight. I was obsessing, miserable and stressing! It did come a few days later and I got a nice high peak and now got my bfp! I think it was the complex plan meds that had maybe thrown it off a little or who knows maybe my eggo just wasnt ready yet. I guess I just want to reassure you that it will most likely come eventually, just keep tracking and try your best to find something to keep you occupied in the mean time, keep up the baby dancing incase you get a quick peak -- don't want to miss it! Obviously I know this is easier said than done, I was a mess! sending ovulatory vibes your way!!

Just for update on my situation I got a proper line yday evening because I couldn't wait til morning so am booked in for my intralipids on Monday! Trying to remind myself that this pregnancy is different to the prior, it has more working in its favour and just trying to stay calm!

@thehurtingheart thank you so much for this - it’s made me feel much better. Although I haven’t started any meds yet because I haven’t ovulated - only had the Intralipid but perhaps it is f ing covid! Huge congratulations on your BFP - sending all the positive good vibes your way ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thanks so much @JandL2020 @Stargirl10 @Wednesdaysotherchild for the encouraging messages, they have made me feel better! 😘

@JandL2020 that’s interesting to know. I realised I had a 3D saline scan (as part of a Hycosy) and it said the uterine cavity was normal, so maybe I should pursue other testing before a hysteroscopy as I don’t seem to have obvious signs of any problems. I’m going to ask for doxycycline to reduce risk of an infection after the retained products though. Hope your pregnancy is going well, how far along are you now? Good luck for your scan this week!

@Wednesdaysotherchild it’s great to know Dr S said he would definitely be able to help you when you’ve also had early losses 😊 14 is absolutely rough - im so sorry 😞 completely understand you’re feeling apprehensive before starting again, I felt the same. Have you conceived quite quickly in the past?

@Stargirl10 I’m sorry you have had so many losses too. Insane your aunt had 20, poor lady, but amazing she has 2 children now 😊. The success stories keep me going!

@jchars7 yes I ovulate after day 14, usually between day 19-29 (have pcos and long cycles!). Just keep testing, I’m sure you will ovulate soon so don’t give up!

happy weekend to all xx

@Lily1990 I think doxycycline is a good idea. I think they use that in Tommy research trial for recurrent miscarriages. A hysteroscopy would delay things I think. Are you on infolic alpha and metformin for pcos? I was on metformin then was told I could just have 2 sachets of infolic a day. They both help with ovulation and metformin helps reduce inflammation. I’ve always been fairly regular but ovulate later too in my cycle.
thanks for asking how I’m getting on. I’m 10 weeks on Monday. I’m really scared cos of the recent spotting and lack of symptoms today. I feel less bloated as well. I’m not expecting a bump or anything now but just wish I knew what was going on in there. I don’t know how women wait for their 12 week scan. I wanted to go bed early this evening but my neighbours are having a party and it’s SO LOUD. It’s really upsetting my dog too who is usually so chilled and soundo in the evenings.
i sound so old and boring 🤣
hope you have a lovely weekend too. Xx

Hey @JandL2020 so I emailed CRP and Dr Edge said no to doxycycline! Which is annoying. I guess she doesn't want to give it out unless I have evidence of an infection? But I have my IVF appt this afternoon so I will ask the Dr there what he thinks about it. We are thinking of trying to arrange (as much as possible) IVF in January, assuming nothing has happened by then.

I have FINALLY had an LH peak on CD33 which is annoying, because even though I can't TTC this month, the lateness prolongs the time until we can try again next time😭Yep I am on metformin (1500mg) and inofolic alpha, but my body is pretty sluggish about ovulating despite taking those, and this month with the miscarriage and retained tissue it was bound to be even more delayed. I asked Dr S if he thinks PCOS is a factor in my losses and he said no because I'm on metformin and don't have it that badly, I do wonder though!

Congrats for making it to 10 weeks, that really is an incredible milestone. Don't worry, symptoms definitely start to dwindle around that time due to the placenta taking over. Waiting is so hard, you must just wish time could speed up! What day is your scan this week? I hope you and your dog got some sleep on Saturday night!! xx

@Lily1990 oh that’s annoying. Hopefully your next cycle will clear everything. I wasn’t even given anti biotics after my surgery in January. I did question it they said cos it was key hole not needed! It could delay your cycle too.
best of luck for your ivf appointment. Have you decided on a clinic? Personally if I could go back in time I would have not had a fresh transfer cos I got really poorly. Definitely go for FET. And ask for all the meds. Some do natural FETs so no progesterone but don’t see as much success with this. I don’t have pcos that badly either but I think it has been a factor cos we have more inflammation?
thank you…counting down until scan on Thursday now. So scared. Got to bed eventually but was so tired on Sunday just ruined weekend then yesterday had uni course and fell asleep during lecture!! Luckily was online 🤣 I’m so going to fail lol
let me know how your ivf app goes xx

Hi everyone, I posted a little while ago after I had my 2nd miscarriage following IVF and was referred to Professor Shehata's clinic at St Helier. The Professor has diagnosed me with very high NK cells and I have started on hydroxychloroquine. What is everyone's experience of this drug? I am usually someone who tolerates medication well but the taste is awful and it is definitely affecting my tummy. We have been told we can try again in a month but are planning to give ourselves until late November to January to start a new fresh ICSI cycle at our fertility clinic.

@JandL2020 very best of luck for your appointment! Thinking of you today. Let us know how it goes xx

My IVF appt gave us a lot to think about! It was with Care Fertility Woking. The doctor was very much of the opinion that PGTA would help us with recurrent miscarriage. He also said he doesn't believe in the science behind NK cells although he acknowledged that the treatments can be very effective. Funny as him and Dr S have polar opposite views - Dr S told me he thinks PGTA is pointless!

We are thinking of going ahead but possibly in the new year to have 2 or 3 cycles trying on Dr S's plan without. I was shocked that he said IVF can take 4-5 months though, including 2 cycles of egg collection (which he says are usually needed, I had no idea?), then a mock transfer cycle, then the frozen transfer. @JandL2020 he said I'd def need frozen transfer given PCOS and OHSS. We do feel worried though that we will go through the whole IVF process just to have another loss. But I guess in that event we would hopefully have some embryos banked in the freezer.

@clhsgirl I started taking hydroxy 3 weeks ago and haven't found it too bad. The first week or so I felt a bit rough, low energy etc, and I've had some days since where I've felt quite nauseous, but generally fine thankfully. How long have you been on it? After the first week I started to feel better. Looks like we are in a similar position with timings of TTC and IVF in the new year! Glad you have found a cause for your miscarriages.

xx

@Lily1990 thank you ❤️
that is really interesting. PGTA is usually recommended for older women. I think there are arguments for and against but wish I had done it. Interesting the ivf consultant doesn’t believe in the science but admits treatments are effective. I would say prednisone alongside FET cycle would only help with pcos and implantation. My ivf clinic would have prescribed it (I didn’t know this until
after I started the cycle) Also I thought Care also tested for immunes and also intralipids? I looked them up tunbridge wells as I was going to transfer my embryos over.
a few egg collections are good idea…I think they need enough for testing but I know it can take a whole for results to come back.
I was on short protocol with low stims cos of pcos. 12 eggs retrieved and 8 fertilised. 7 got to day 5.
IVF is tough but you are giving yourself best chance. xx

Hi Ladies.
Good news from scan. Measuring 10 weeks and 5 days so 2 days ahead which I didn’t think was possible with ivf!
I still need to stay off the fragmin and aspirin there are a few blood collections but Dr edge was not concerned.
had the harmony bloods etc done today as well so a nervous wait now for those.
hope everyone is doing well xx

@JandL2020 that's absolutely wonderful news, so happy for you!! Fantastic to be measuring a little ahead too, baby is thriving!
Re: Care, apparently they are going to be removing their testing for NK cells soon. Thank you for the advice about IVF, it's really helpful! I might message you with questions nearer the time if that's ok.
Hope everyone else is doing well too xx

@Lily1990 thank you ❤️ that’s really interesting! That means I won’t be able to transfer my embryos to them then! I forgot you had started the new drug. So you probably won’t need prednisone? I’m happy to share my plan with you nearer the time xx

@JandL2020 amazing news.. I am so happy for you. What a milestone ❤️. It takes over a week to come back so try not to get too worried if it takes a while xx

@MeganBistram thanks for letting me know. I didn’t think to ask how long it took. The not knowing is the hardest.
I hope you and baby are well xx

@JandL2020 thats such great news. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hi all!

I am still watching from the wings! My poor mum is now so ill. I don’t think we’ve got much time left. Totally heartbreaking.
We’ve kept trying throughout but I’ve just had another negative test so I don’t know what to do going forward. I can’t decide if I want a break. I think the fertility side of things has taken such a backseat maybe we just keep trying as it’s not causing me any additional stress. Who know.

Im so happy to read all the positive updates from those of you who are pregnant and keep wishing for all those of you that aren’t yet.

@JandL2020 what amazing news!!
@Hope646 and @whatsgoingon22 how are you getting on?
And last but definitely not least, our shining star (!) @MeganBistram!! how many weeks are you now? And a little boy!! A brother for your son. How totally perfect ❤️.

@Lily1990 dont give up lovely one. I can’t bear that you’ve had to go through this again. I’m also wondering if IVF might be a good option for us. I think the combo of Shehata and IVF could be great. Haven’t even done any research. Just been thinking about it lately.

@Lara8 how are you getting on?

Sending you all so much love

xxxx

@KatyTTC So so sorry to hear that... I can't even imagine either of my parents being ill. You take care of yourself and so whatever feels right xx

Baby is good I think, 20 week NHS scan all went well, no concerns and everything is on track. My son has decided he is ok with a brother now so hopefully that will last haha xxx

@KatyTTC you popped into my thoughts recently, I was wondering how you were getting on as I think we are testing as similar times and then I saw this message today. I am so incredibly sorry to read this. This must all be so hard to navigate all at once. So much pain to hold and then the stress of all of this. I can’t relate so much as I was trying to conceive while my brother had terminal cancer and then kept miscarrying and started worrying that I wasn't able to carry life as I was holding so much pain. But in fact it was just because I had extremely high NK cells which I was later to find out. Perhaps you could speak to a therapist to help you emotionally journey through this. It helped me.

I am ok, my 2nd cycle was negative again. I was surprised as I ovulated spot on the time and I’ve not struggled getting pregnant before. I’m 39 and time feels like it’s getting less and less for me (I got easy pregnant so easy with my son). I will have my review if the next cycle doesn’t work. Not sure what they would change as I’m doing all he suggested. It’s hard staying hopeful.

How long did it take everyone else on conceive on this program?

Sending strength to you all. X

Oh @KatyTTC im so sorry to hear that, you poor thing. Cannot even imagine ☹️Hope you’re taking care of yourself. So sad and I know not much we can say but know we are sending you love and thinking of you☹️❤️do what you need to do my love but I would imagine the stress of life right now might make it more difficult. I took two long breaks (6 months) at different stages during our journey as my mental health was on the floor. Hope you’re okay ❤️☹️❤️and as ever you are so sweet to check on everyone 😘

@JandL2020 Im so happy for you! You are flying it! Well done! Amazing that you’re measuring ahead too!❤️I had the same spotting/colour/discharge too on one or two occasions so I’m glad yours was okay too. Still a flipping scare though😫

@Lily1990Hope you’re doing okay my love. Sounds like you have had a very traumatic few weeks☹️hang in there and don’t give up ❤️❤️❤️I think uterine abnormalities are more associated with later losses but may be wrong. I have a slight indent and it was seen in an ultrasound and confirmed in a hysteroscopy.

@Lara8 sorry to hear that you are still going through it all still ☹️ we were successful on our 3rd month and I was the same as you super fast in previous pregnancies. Best of luck for next month lovely xx

@MeganBistram you are doing amazing! When was your last crp scan/when are you going back? I don’t know why I had it in my head that they ‘let you go’ at 16-20 weeks but they obviously don’t!!
Did they ask you if you wanted extra intralipids at 20 weeks? They offered me the anomaly scan at 20 weeks (but NHS have given me an apt for that) and then around the same time they offered the cervical length scan….I know that’s the one you got done elsewhere 😕don’t know what to do! Do you think some people just go for the full whack without bettering an eyelid?!

i had my 16 week scan at CRP and thankfully all is well ❤️🙏🏻Dr Edge thinks it’s a girl ❤️🥰had a midwife apt and took her a few mins to the heartbeat 😫the worries don’t stop ever.