Think there’s a shadow of a line and need to know to start meds - after many losses

[DancinOnTheCeiling]

I hope someone can help. I’m convinced there's a shadow of a line. I’ve had many losses and have been prescribed high dose prednisolone, progesterone, aspirin, clexan injection etc. as I have issues with NK cells. Most of my losses have been at a very early stage so it is time sensitive to start the meds; otherwise I’d just wait until I know for sure I’m pregnant. We cannot seem to get a decent pregnancy test. FRERs are nowhere to be found. DH is trying to get a boots 5 days early. I hate all the blue dye ones. Any other decent tests? I think a FRER might arrive from Amazon tomorrow but I’ve heard Amazon FRERs are dodgy. I don’t want to start that type of medication unnecessarily as it’s strong, progesterone messes with my cycle etc. But I’m also worried if I don’t ‘get in there’ early it will be another loss. Thought I saw a tiny shadow of line last night but it didn’t come up on a picture and I’m convinced today’s is noticeable (if you look closely). Any thoughts? What would you do?

Those are magnificent second lines. Congratulations @DancinOnTheCeiling

Both of my successful pregnancies were the ones with prednisone in the protocol. Huge amounts of luck to you!

Absolutely still following and everything crossed for you x

Yep those are great positives! Wonderful news.

Fingers crossed for you!! Hope it all goes ok x

Thanks everyone, so much appreciated 😍😍

@WutheringMights do you mind me asking what your protocols were and how long you were on meds/prednisolone? I am due to speak to the fertility consultant next week as I have a ton of questions. I'd to equip myself with lots of knowledge before re other people's protocols/success stories, so I feel properly prepared

@DancinOnTheCeiling of course!
I was on:

Progynova 2mg (3 times daily)
Utrogestan 4mg (3 times daily)
Lubion injection 25mg (once daily)
Prednisone 10mg (2 times daily)
Inhixa 40mg (once daily)

As this was an IVF protocol, I started on the prednisone 4 weeks before embryo transfer.

I continued on the above protocol until week 11 and started tapering down. Was off all meds by week 13 but continued with Inhixa throughout the pregnancies.

Prior to this, my pregnancies never progressed beyond 10 weeks. I had my NK Cells tested after the 4th failed pregnancy and then introduced prednisone for the 5th & 6th pregnancies - both were a success.

Thanks so much @WutheringMights. So glad it worked for you. Can I just clarify, was the difference between your unsuccessful and successful pregnancies just the prednisolone ie was that the only change/addition?

Is there anyone else who'd be okay sharing their protocol for NK cells ie what they are/were on and how long for?

I did 25mg of pred plus cyclogest from ovulation to 12 weeks for DC1. Then for DC it was 20mg of pred from ovulation to 10 weeks (reduced because of covid).

I had 4mcs when not on this protocol. Worked a treat!

Thanks for sharing @harrietm87. So glad it worked for you. Do you remember what happened once you finished, did you taper down or stop altogether?

I really appreciate everyone sharing their stories, it'll help me discuss things with the consultant

Yes @DancinOnTheCeiling the only difference with my successful pregnancies was the introduction of prednisone.

Thanks for clarifying @WutheringMights. It seems prednisone is what really works for lots of people..

@DancinOnTheCeiling i reduced by 1 tablet (5mg) every 4-5 days (can’t remember which) - I think once you’ve been on them more than a couple
of weeks you need to taper down.

With DC2 I found out I was pregnant the week before lockdown in March 2020 and it was all so unknown my clinic made everyone reduce their dosage and the length of time they were on it. It worked out fine for me but I know they’ve reinstated the 25mg/12 week protocol now so I wonder whether some people suffered losses.

For me the key was starting from ovulation because one of my mcs I started from after a positive test. All my losses were c6 weeks and pre heartbeat so I think my immune system kicks in early.

Thanks so much @harrietm87, that's very helpful to know. All my losses were before a heartbeat was detected as well, so I'm glad I've started the meds as early as I did

Just another update: I got a very dark line today 😃

Well you are certainly pregnant!! Congratulations and I'm keeping everything crossed that everything goes well for you

Thanks so much @mrmagpie. Lines getting darker and no bleeding is making me tentatively hopeful 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

💐💐💐Fingers crossed this is your time

Thank you @effoffwind 😍

Fantastic news @DancinOnTheCeiling
I love seeing positive pregnancy tests. It makes my day.

Thanks so much @WutheringMights. Nobody knows in real life other than DH, so the support on here means a lot to me 😍

Just updating with some more pics. Is the boots one a dye stealer? I’ve heard of people using that term and wonder if that’s what that is..

I also had another consultation with the fertility consultant (Prof Thum at the Lister) yesterday. He has agreed for me to be on 25mg prednisolone until 12 weeks, as well as progesterone and aspirin/clexan. I am wondering for when to book a scan. The EPAU will hopefully scan me as I’ve been a patient there numerous times (sadly mostly with losses expect when I had DC1). Usually I like them early but I also feel it just makes my anxiety worse so wondering if I should wait until 7 or even 8 weeks - any advice? 😍

Personally I would hold out until 6/7 weeks when there is a higher chance of a heart beat being detected but it’s totally personal choice. This is your journey and you do what you need to for you! Good luck!! X