Immune Disorders

[km1973]

I would love to have some guidance from any of you all out there that have had to deal with immune testing. I just found out today that my RE wants me to get a Thrombophilia Workup. I am awaiting on the authorization from my insurance Kaiser to see if they will pay for me to get the test. I am also hoping they find something since I have had 1 pregnancy that ended after 51/2 weeks and a FET in which the embryos did not implant, but I am also worried. I would appreciate any information on this subject. I already have a book that talks about "Unexplained Infertility/IVF Failure" by Dr. Beer. Immune Disorders

[BC-Erica J.]

I found a few links for you. I hope this helps alittle.
http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.co...uneinfertility

http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/...FQwNGgodD3kkSw



Erica J.

[km1973]

Thanks Erica for the articles, both were very interesting. I have been reading Dr. Beer's book on "Unexplained infertility and IVF Failure". I find the book very interesting, but it is a lot of information to grasp. I an waiting to hear if my insurance will help foot the bill for me to see this doctor who specializes in infertility/immune disorders for testing. He is out of network so Kaiser's insurance board has to decide if they will pay for me to see him.

I truly believe that this may be the answer I've been looking for on why my previous cycles did not work out. I have always had digestive problems and I have IBS. A couple of years ago I was going to have a procedure where they would take a piece of tissue from my colon to check to see if I had Chrons Disease, but the surgery was a bust and it never took place. I like many women in the same predicament just want answers. I have 3 frozen embryos left and I can't risk not knowing more to why things are not working out. Again, if any other ladies are out there who have an autoimmune disorder. I would greatly appreciate your advice.

[whitley]

Interesting you mention digestive issues...I have the same and have had a very late 2nd tri delivery/loss as well as 2 chemicals. I am about to be tested for immune issues as well and I, too, have something that resembles IBS and/or Crohns (never completely diagnosed...so I hesitate on what exactly to call what I experience.)

[SWOhoney]

Hi KM,

I had the thrombophilia panel (checks for blood clotting disorders), this is category 2 in the Beer book and only touches the surface of immune testing. I had this panel done last year along with karyotyping and was dx with MTHFR. I just went to see a doc that I thought was a RI, but he booed the NK theory and IVIg treatment, I'm bummed about that because as you probably have read in the Beer book, one category is usually related with another and I am also in the process of having some gastro stuff dx since I too have always had a lot of stomach issues. I think thrombophila is a good start and it's really easy, they take about 10-12 tubes of blood from both you and your husband. Let me know if you have any questions.

Cece

[km1973]

SWOHoney- Thanks for the info, and you are exactly right regarding Immune Testing procedures. I had to get 12-15 tubes of blood taken and my RE tested me for about 15 Immune Disorders, including lipo-protein (a). My results were I was a little low for pro-thrombin time PT (Whole Blood), and my lipo-protein a was literally off the charts.

For example, the normal range was 75> and mine was 225...ouch, right? Well, my RE had read and article by a famous hemotologist who published an article in this British Journal. The article discussed the relation between women with high lipo-protein (a) and infertility. Women with high lipo-protein (a) will have higher rates of miscarriage and implantation failures. High lipo-protein(a) causes you to have a higher risk for strokes and heart attacks as well, but this is usually an inherited disorder. My mother has rare blood and so did my grandmother. Both me and my sister have blood disorders (Immune Issues). Luckily, there is natural ways to lower it. My RE said that I must start LMW heparin shots before my next transfer and if I conceive I will have to stay on the heparin for almost the duration of the pregnancy.

I am hoping that my next cycle which will start in March/April will be successful as I have already suffered 1 loss a miscarriage in my Fresh Cycle and a BFN in my 1'st frozen cycle. I am hoping that my blood disorder was the missing link to why my cycles have failed. I honestly believe that all women should be tested for Immune Disorders, as knowing this upfront could save a lot of $$$ and emotional pain. I appreciate your feedback and hope that you will also find what is going on with your cycles.


K

[poohbear]

Hi Ladies,
Sorry about your failed cycle(s) and/or loss(es). I'm just coming off a failed cycle so jumping on the band wagon UGH. Just a little about the immune stuff from my perspective. I tested over a year ago looking for answers for my loss. Unless you go to a RE that specializes in it, don't espect them to jump on the IVIG or intralipid bandwagon for nk cell tx. I've had 8 failed cycles since my loss in 07 and one of the things I have is elevated nk cells and I've had two RE's brush it off. I also have a couple other issues that we have addressed with baby aspirin, extra folate and I did lovenox post o this cycle which was not pleasant. Unless absolutely necessary I will not do again until BFP and even then I'm not sure. A lot of RE's throw out these immune theories re: the nk cells and unfortunately if you are living the nightmare failed cycle after failed cycle it is very frustrating. In Beer's Book Cat 5 is one of the worst and most expensive to treat and some cats are related like the nk cells and APA's. My best advice is don't settle for less and find a doctor who will listen to you and treat all the issues including the nk cells if you have them. To do otherwise is to waste precious time and money which I just did to come out empty handed and basically now have to start all over again. Also there is an incidd discussion board now with a doctor moderating it for immune issues which I have found helpful. Good luck to you all. HUGS
Stacey