New to Immune Issues (Chemical Pregnancy/Child Mentioned)

[Beagle Momma]

Hello! (Child and Previous IUI Cycle Success Mentioned)

I am not sure there are any people even checking this board but I just got my results back from our immune testing. I am very fortunate to have such a fantastic RE--she is very open to immune testing and suggested it herself after three chemical pregnancies in three consecutive months.

Despite having a MTFHR mutation, clotting is not my issue....which I believe would have been the easiest fix. So after going through the results with my doctor my issue is elevated NK cells. (If I remember correctly normal is considered up to 30 and mine were at 42.) Another issue that was brought to my attention is that although DH would be a good organ donor for me--we have so many similarities it isn't good for making babies. (Weird considering we have a almost two year old DD).

So after spending yesterday in tears (the nurse wouldn't go over the results with me over the phone--she said I wouldn't understand them) and getting the information from my doctor today I am starting to wrap my head around all of this. This has been a huge blow. As you all know, infertility is enough, but couple it with immune issues and it just feels like you have been kicked in the gut.

We were quite fortunate that we conceived DD on our first IUI try and had an amazingly perfect pregnancy. I carried her to 39w4d.

After doing two medicated IUI cycles this summer (June and July) we decided to go with a timed intercourse cycle this month. We used femera and a trigger with a booster shot of hcg at 7 days after TI. Today is cycle day 21 and the doctor did prescribe steroids in the event that we do get pregnant this month...which from my reading may be a bit late but we just did the testing this on CD6. I am taking 10 mg once a day.

I have been taking four fish oil pills a day (two pills twice a day) and I have been on baby aspirin since my first IUI in January 2010. Our doctor would prefer to go with IVig but I don't think insurance will cover it and at almost $3000 dollars a pop that is an expense we just afford right now. We talked about intralipids and she is not convinced they will work but is willing to give them a try if we would like.

As I said before, I feel so lucky to have such an amazing doctor. She really is on the cutting edge and stays on top of the research. I will be eternally grateful to her for our DD and truly hope that together we can get another one or two babies.

I guess I just wrote to vent and work through everything. I have looked into the Yahoo Immune groups but can't really figure out how it works. If anyone has words of wisdom or protocols that they found particulary helpful I would love to hear them.

Much luck to everyone on their IF journey!
Nicole

[Gagenivy]

MTHFR can effect implantation and early loss. There is a great group I belong to mthfrpg@yahoogroups.com
And they have a wealth of info. I will be praying for ya! I have factor v Lieden as well as MTHFR.

[Beagle Momma]

Thank you for replying. My doctor feels pretty confident that my MTHFR is being well treated with baby aspirin and extra folic acid....I will have to look up the yahoo groups. Thanks for sharing!

[daisylady]

Beagle - I'm thinking of you! I was recently diagnosed with food allergies to wheat and corn among some other foods. As far as I understand, food allergies is an immune issue and I'm totally lost on what to do!!!! I had every doctor tell me to not worry about it and it does not effect fertility. I have been tested for thyroid issues and lupus and I forget what else but nothing is out of the ordinary. If you have any input for me I would really appreciate it. You seem to be really knowledgable with this stuff. FYI - we are diagnosed unexplained! :/

[Robyn Nazar RN]

So frustrating.
Even though unexplained fertility accounts for 30% of infertility diagnosis's, it's often misdiagnosed. Other causes like endometriosis, tubal disease and autoimmune disease are sometimes over looked and replaced with this blanket term of "unexplained infertility". I think you are right believing that food allergy is an autoimmune disease. Let your specialist know you are concerned, and if they dismiss it, never be afraid to get a second option. There are a wealth of infertility specialists out there who believe that autoimmune disease has a large impact on your fertility.
Best of Luck!

[HopingtobeaMom]

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with immune issues. I too struggled. However, I was blessed with a solution, a very simple one. I miscarried 3 times, prior to this pregnancy. My immune system was just too strong and it was attacking the fetus. so... ask about lovenox, baby aspirin and 5 mg of prednisone. a loading dose of prednisone of 40mg and then 5 mg a day for 4 months of pregnancy. the 40 mg loading dose should be done right before the transfer.

I wish you luck.
HopingtobeaMom