?TEST for NK Immune Cells???????

[bloss]

Does anyone know of where in Australia I can be tested for NK Cells in the Uterus.
Or even a Dr who Deals more with immune issues in inferfility.

In America and England they have test & treatments but so far I can't find help in Aus.

[SCR]

Hi Bloss,

Have you tried looking on the Aussie Board http://forum.ivf.org.au

I have been trying to find out if Immune Testing is available here in Perth. I know SIVF have a Miscarriage Management in Sydney. And it seems some girls have had immune testing done in the Eastern States..

Sharron

[SCR]

Hi Bloss,

I ws just browsing your the http://forum.ivf.org.au site and I saw your post! Anyway I was on the 'A fresh start ttc 2005!!!!!!' board with you and I was wondering how you are getting on with your research? I too am interested in finding DR's who do immune testing (I am in Perth).

Please let me know if you find any information! So will I! Best of luck!!!

Thanks
Sharron

[bloss]

Hi Sharron, its great that you have an interest in this. My RE dosent seem to have an interest in it though. I have pushed the subject with him heaps. He visited SIVF and said that there is still not a satisfactory treatment even if NK cells are found so he's decided to follow the SIVF protocol and treat me with (from what I can remember a Heparin,Asprin type drug). I pushed him to investigate Prednisone for use in this cycle but he said he couldn't see how it would help. I'm going back late april to pick up my drugs for my next cycle and because I feel I've pushed my RE as far as he will go as far as immune testing I don't know what to do if I get another BFN.. I also recently had my curette so maybe that might do the trick. keep me posted on what you can find out.

[SCR]

Hi Bloss,

I am curious if you have found out any more info on NK cells? My Re also does not have any interest in it...seems most don't. He is pushing for me to have PGD in October though I just think at the back of my mind I must have killer cells cause they are usually associated with thyroid issues (which I have). Have you thought of naturopath or similar? I was thinking of trying one...

Sharron

[Kimmy1]

Hi Shaz,

A girlfriend of mine who goes to the same RE as me was concerned about NK problems so my RE put her on prednisone for her cycle. Perhaps you could ask your RE to do that? Its true what Bloss said, all they will do is treat you with Heparin and Prednisone, so it cant hurt? SIVF is the only place that I know of that would do that kind of testing, however there is a Dr Joel Bernstein in Sydney, who is very progressive, perhaps you could call him for a phone consult?

All the very best,


Kim

[SCR]

Hi Kimmy,

Thanks for your suggestion! I am trying to get my head around doing another cycle (PGD) in 3 weeks. I agree with your thoughts on PGD and I am trying to look at other options. My Re is pushing for it and is not suggesting any other protocols. I am only learning, through these boards of some options I could look at, unfortunatley it is hard when we are isolated here in the West (WA). Unless I go to Sydney and try there..it's just hard to decide at the moment. I suppose I don't push the RE enough, but I really have little knowledge in this.

Thanks

Sharron

[Kimmy1]

Dear Sharron,

If I was you, I too would be looking at other options. I know that the best clinic in Oz is in Adelaide (the one reportedly with the best stats) and their Dr's will consult (for a fee over the phone). I would just think about getting another persons opinion. My feeling is that if your gut tells you not to do PGD then dont. There are new less invasive ways of testing the embies that they use in the states that presumably we will get here soon. Maybe ask your RE about that? My heart goes out to you, as I know what a difficult decision it is to do PGD. My decision was that I would rather do more neg transfers than damage potentially viable ones. Having said that, I do know someone who has had success using PGD and your embies often get to blast so your situation is different to mine.
Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you honey.

Kim

[SCR]

Thankyou again Kimmy,

I have made an appointment with a Naturopath who sorted me out some years ago with stomach issues and will see what she has to say with what's going on with me. In the mean time I will go ahead with the fresh cycle. I can't get in to see my RE until after my CD1 and my Naturopath is booked until October...so much waiting, everyone is so busy.

xxsharron

[bloss]

Hi girls, I think I might have some info that might help as far as finding more about NK Cells. I'll try and dig deap and find it. It's fathers day morning so I'd better not look now but I'll get onto it as soon as I can. It's just so hard finding info some times arghhhhhhh.