Back for FET after loads of tests

[HemBella]

Morning

I'm back for my next FET. After my failed transfer in January of my perfect PGS tested embryo, I've been for all manner of tests. My clinic calls them level 1 and level 2. I feel so blessed that these tests exist, and that somehow we've had the funds to pay for them.

You kinda hope these tests dont show anything but at the same time you really do want there to be something that can be adjusted or addressed for your next protocol.

I'm also thankful for someone on this forum who recommended "Is Your Body Baby Friendly" by Dr Alan Beer, as its really helped me understand the tests and my results

So on top of the challenges of needing donor sperm and struggling with endo lining (maximum estrogen, patches, viagra and aspirin), it turns out there a few more things I can do:

- Heterozygous mutation PA1 inhibitor = translates as increased risk of blood clotting = starving embryo of blood supply -> Will be taking heparin injections

- Homozygous mutation MTHFR = inefficient conversion of folic acid and also linked to thrombophilia -> Will be taking high dose of folic acid as well as the heparin injections

- High level of natural killer cells (NK) = will attack embryo thinking its a cancer

- Very high TH1/TH2 cytokine ratio indicating pro-inflammatory state = TH1 state is too high and attacking the embryo, to be pregnant the body needs to be in a TH2 state which normally happens naturally.

So for the NK and TH1/TH2 problems I've started immune modulatory treatment which involves steroids and intralipid infusions which are administered by an IV drip. Had the first one last week and the second will be next week

I also had the ALICE/EMMA/ERA tests and have a personalised progesterone protocol as I am pre-receptive. So this will be starting progesterone pessaries 6 days ahead of transfer and having the transfer 149 hours after I start the pessaries. And then follow up with lubion injections

I know there are plenty women on here who have gone through and are going through similar things. But I thought I would share what I've learnt as I never knew these things existed until I had to! But I guess thats the journey of IVF, you keep discovering things about the body that most people never have to

Oh and I turned 42 last month!

So I'm on day 2 of this cycle which feels like its going to be a mammoth one. But if I can get a positive pregnancy test for the first time in my life, then it will all be worth it

xxx

[Bizzlebee26]

Wow what a list! I’m off to buy the book!

Everything is crossed for you - I hope this is the one 🤞 xx

[HemBella in reply to Bizzlebee26]

Thanks lovely, its so interesting and it gives you questions to ask. Although Im so lucky that my new consultant specialises in recurrent implantation failure so he was already looking at this. xx

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, that's fantastic!! I think it's really important to be able to change things up each transfer as just trying again with the same things feels a bit like flogging a dead horse....I'm doing a very similar protocol to you next time (if we get any PGS normal embryos).

138 hours of progesterone

Inhixa (for blood clotting)

Prednisolone 20mg a day

3 x intralipid drips (before and after)

Let's hope we both get our BFPS! xxx

[HemBella in reply to Millbanks]

Oh wow yes really similar! It does feel good to be able to change things up a bit.Good luck and everything crossed that you get PGS normal embryos xxx

[Millbanks in reply to HemBella]

Thank you! Can I ask, did you manage to get a few PGS normal?

I'm so anxious that we won't any... xx

[HemBella in reply to Millbanks]

I did yes. My last egg collection was in September last year. Out of 13 eggs 12 fertilized (which was amazing). All 12 made it to day 5 and out of the 12 embryos 6 were recommended for PGS testing. Unfortunately the other 6 had to be discarded. But then out of the 6 that were tested, 3 came back normal. I've heard 1 in 10 is a good result but I got 3 so it can be better.Have you had your EC yet? xx

[Millbanks in reply to HemBella]

Wow that is a brilliant result! I had 5 already frozen and got 4 from my last cycle. Only 8 of them expanded properly to be able to be biopsied so we're waiting on the results of that 8 at the moment. It's nail-biting!! I have this awful gut feeling that we won't get any - but still hoping for the best.... xx

[Lancal]

Thank you for sharing. I just had a million tests after two x perfect donor embryos failed to implant. I haven’t received the results yet, but as you said, I’m hoping they find something so at least I know what is going on and can do something about it!

I found your post really informative, so thanks again.

Wishing you all the luck in your current cycle. X

[HemBella]

Thanks Lancal, that means a lot, I wanted to share the information as its a minefield. Good luck with your test results, Im sure they will find something they can do x

[Whatarollercoster]

You are so on the ball! Sounds like you have a new plan of action for this cycle. I have got everything crossed for you that this is one xxx

[HemBella in reply to Whatarollercoster]

Thank you lovely xx

[Jols]

Thanks for sharing, I am going through a similar path. How long after ERA,Emma, Alice did you get your period? Are you doing FET on the first menstrual cycle after ERA? Thank you

[HemBella in reply to Jols]

Unlike a failed FET I got my period pretty regular after the ERA/ALICE/EMMA, about 28 days. I didn’t start this cycle on that period as I didn’t have all the results in yet, literally missed it by a day.

But it was actually nice to have a break and started with the very next cycle. Good luck xx

[weekitty]

Hi

That sounds like a great plan of action.

Can I just ask, do you have to self isolate when taking the prednisolone tablets?

I'm just thinking I wouldn't be able to do that because of going to work.

Good luck with your cycle. X

[HemBella]

Hi weekitty

I'm fortunate that I've had both of my covid vaccines - I rang my GP when I found out I was going to be on steroids and asked if they could bring my second dose forward by a few weeks which they did.

But I also know of 5 people now who have been vaccinated and still have contracted this new Delta variant - their immune systems are fighting it and they have only got it mild because of the vaccine but given that Im trying to suppress my immune system and stop an immune response, I'm not taking any chances.

So I am trying to self isolate as much as possible. My clinic just told me to be very careful as I could catch anything, but they didnt tell me to self isolate. Thats just been my own choice

Can you work from home? x