NK cells / scratch - support / Advice please x

[Firefliesintuscany]

Hi ladies,

OK, so I'm normally the kind of person who thinks she can cope with pretty much anything and I rarely ask for help. I think I stupidly see it as being weak.

Anyway, I admit, I need support from people who actually know the pain of struggling to have a family and the challenges of IVF.

Im 42, have had 2 unsuccessful rounds of IVF, with embryos getting to 5 day blastocyst but not implanting. Our consultant has advised we go again with my eggs.

I know I am able to concieve as I fell pregnant mid treatment naturally last year but sadly lost baby at 7 weeks. I also fell pregnant (unplanned) at 18.

We are starting another round of IVF this month and I know I'm going to need support to get through it this time.

I'm not sure if I should have the scratch or not. I've spoken to my clinic and from what I can see there's no evidence it improves chances of implantation??

Also asked about NK cell test but they said that they'd normally only do that test with someone who had never managed to conceive ...does that sound right??? It's very expensive and we have spent a fortune on treatment so don't want to throw money in tests that are not relevant.

Thanks all, xxx

[Cinderella5]

Ive had the scratch done a few times in my own egg cycles and it didnt help so havent done it since. We went onto DE cycles after 2 cycles with my own eggs and only getting 3 blasocysts with no implantation, I was 38/39 and the NHS consultant said we had around a 5% chance of success going by previous cycles. We had immune tests done after implanation failure of 2 DE transfers and it was found we had slightly raised NK cells. After that we tried intralipids with no success and for the next try I asked to try steriods (prednisolone). The consultant wasnt over excited and said there isnt much evidence to show this would work but said if I wanted to he would allow me. Well we got a late BFP on our next transfer which did unfortunately end in miscarriage at 6 weeks. Did the same again this time and I have just gotten my 2nd ever BFP. In my opinion and I cant say for sure whether it was just sheer luck/coincidence or if the steriods worked but its worth a shot. Our tests were expensive and Im not sure if having the tests was 100% worth it as we have ended up using steriods anyway. If your clinic is open to allowing you to try a gentle dose then I wouldnt bother considering NK Cell testing as the treatment is more or less the same! Good luck.xx

[Firefliesintuscany in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it xx

[DianeArnold]

Hi Firefliesintuscany. A lot of these "add-ons" are very expensive, so my thoughts are perhaps to try using a short/mild protocol where eggs that want to come out do so, rather than are forced out! If you have or have not got NK cells, you could ask about low dose prednisolone a steroid to support your immune system, and perhaps heparin injections or low dose aspirin to ensure your womb lining gets a nice even blood flow to it and hopefully prevents any clot formation too. Lots to think about and maybe have a look at the "add-ons article on the hfea.gov.uk website for their views. Good luck! Diane

[Firefliesintuscany in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane, that's very helpful. I'm going to speak with our clinic today.

What is the best number to call you on please? Would appreciate a chat xx

[DianeArnold in reply to Firefliesintuscany]

Hi. My confidential direct line is: 0121-323-5025 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm

[Firefliesintuscany in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you Diane x

[st1984]

Sorry you're going through this too ☹ i have had 4 fresh cycles and have nothing to show other than 2 miscarriages. We were offered testing for NK cells and took it as well are getting pretty desperate! I was found to have high NK cells and am currently in cycle 5 with added extras- blood thinners, steroids and lipids. Yes its expensive but if there is a potentially treatable cause I'd recommend it. In comparison to the cost of a wasted cycle that was never going to work (for us) i saw it as a good investment.

Good luck whatever you decide xx

[Firefliesintuscany in reply to st1984]

Thank you for replying, your advice is very much appreciated. We agree it's a good investment to have the tests. Xx