Is ERA needed?

[Klndmr]

Heyyy my lovely ladies 🥰I'm still here lol hahahha I've been into a dark hole for a couple of weeks but finally starting to see the light again 😂

Hope you are all well, and you didn't miss me too much 😹🥰

Soo I now have an appointment with the new recurrent miscarriage consultant in our hospital and I'll be asking for a hysteroscopy (I don't know why I didn't have it yet) and a referral to Tommy's just to see what can they offer. In our area waiting times for a hysteroscopy with a GP referral is 60 weeks 🤣🤣🤣 maybe if the referral is from the consultant would take shorter. If not I'll go to Bulgaria to visit my family and will get it done there.

I did wonder something. So I had 5 transfers all together, all of them with positive result, I had 3 natural pregnancies so I think I don't have any problems with implantation. So there is no need to do an ERA test isn't it?

P.S. A photo of one of the few nice days we had around here in-between the rain and wind 😂

[Positivechangeplease]

Hey! I’ve definitely missed you ❤️ so glad you’re feeling a bit more positive. I’m really surprised that it’s taken so long to get a referral to Tommy’s but that is super good! They fix so many people where tests and this part of fertility is under investigated and under referred and diagnosed. Since my MC I often donate to Tommy’s. And see the wonderful things they do.

and yes I don’t know why it’s taken so long to get a hysteroscopy either. It does seem like implantation wouldn’t be the problem and anything visible would be picked up on a scan. Do they pick up that your ovaries make the hormones as well? How much investigation has happened on your partners sperm?

Lots of chemical pregnancies are usually caused by genetic issues with the egg or the sperm and same for miscarriages they think. But there could be something amiss I suppose that wouldn’t show up on the scan that neither you nor I know what it would be.

In any case I hope you don’t have to wait 60 weeks! Are you sure it’s not 60 days? I was blighted by covid when waiting for my op and I was chasing it and told I was right behind cancer patients and I was priority after that (which is completely understandable) and I think it took 5 months from going on the list to getting it done. Mainly because they only did the surgery every couple of weeks on one day too.

keep us posted and all the luck in the world xx

[Klndmr in reply to Positivechangeplease]

Definitely 60 weeks 😂 I even made a screenshot cause I couldn't believe my eyes 😂😂😂.Tha truth is that nobody has ever even mentioned hysteroscopy or Tommy's and that's something I will request from the consultant. The previous miscarriage consultant was absolutely useless so hoping the guy who replaced her will be more helpful.

For hubby they just did normal checks and they said his numbers were great, so they didn't want any further investigation with him. In Turkey they did more detailed check and the consultant said he has no cause for concern.

I'll keep you posted on everything ☺️

Hope you are doing well ❤️

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[Positivechangeplease in reply to Klndmr]

😮 I must be lucky that when I was out forward because I was on the nhs they wanted the op done quickly (my age too) so I could continue with the transfers. But you should know that fertility is a higher priority than general - as I mentioned it’s behind cancer patients so here’s something you could do that I did. I was so worried about the time wait I contacted PALS in the hospital. If you find the PALS contact they’re able to chase on your behalf and see if you are priority especially if you explain why you are. It worked wonders in my case - even to know what number in the wait I was and the idea of how long it would take was really helpful in managing the mental health side of it.

Good to know it sounds like your hubby is all good - have they done the checks between his sperm and the eggs? But am I right you used donor this time so that shouldn’t be the issue?

It’s such a minefield but I’m glad now you’re getting somewhere. I don’t know why they wouldn’t refer you to Tommy’s you only need 2 consecutive MCs to get referred. Must be some rubbish doctors out there. 🤞 looking forward to hearing some news… even if explanations ❤️ and take care xx

[Klndmr in reply to Positivechangeplease]

No, we haven't used donor we used hubby's sperm as no concern with his swimmers 😂🤗 Apparently the doc said he can be a donor because of his good numbers if he wants too 😂😂😂😂 he boosted his confidence with this remark 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣The previous recurrent miscarriage consultant was very very unhelpful... she did some routine checks and prescribed Cyclogest for every month and told me to try naturally. Last time I saw her last December she stood in front of me and asked me "sooo, what should I do with you Rositsa" and I'm like whattt you are the professional you tell me. Hoping the new consultant will be more helpful and will have more ideas xx

[Positivechangeplease in reply to Klndmr]

ahh okay I was remembering wrong. The other thing a lot of people get tested is NK cells. I don’t know much about it but have seen a lot of it on here… have they checked the compatibility of both your eggs and the sperm? I know there’s stuff they can do if they find that. Ugh I had an endocrine registrar who was exactly the same and the same unhelpful. Sometimes they’re just so rubbish

[Boo718]

hello 😍😘😘😘 we Definitely missed you.

I was told that I didn’t need it as I’d had two chemicals but ….. we did it and found out we needed the extra 24 hours progesterone. I swear it’s what worked for us this time. It was the only thing we did differently. Xxx

[Klndmr in reply to Boo718]

The thing is that my consultant in Turkey put me on 5 days progesterone with the fet in April and 7 days progesterone with the fet in September so he kind of covered that. With the extra days last time my levels were better xxxOhhh it's mind wreaking thinking of what else to do 😂

Hope you are well Hun 🥰🥰🥰

[Boo718 in reply to Klndmr]

I was thinking about this. We would have missed our window with those times. 5 days on progesterone wasn’t enough and 7 days would have been too much my window was on the 6th day xxx hope you are good xx

[Klndmr in reply to Boo718]

Ohhh it's all so confusing isn't it 🙈😘 I'm good, definitely much better and almost back to normal. We had a nice trip to Venice and Verona which helped a lot! Hope you are well Hun xxx 😘🥰

[soccerkt6]

Hey lovely

So good to see you back on here and glad you're feeling a bit better. <3

Have you ever had testing done to check for uterine infections or chronic endometritis? High levels of certain bacteria and fungi in the uterus have been linked to recurrent miscarriage so it might be a good next step to investigate that. The ALICE test (done at the same time as the ERA biopsy) can help detect any pathogenic bacteria, but if you decide not to do the ERA there's also a company that does similar infection testing using menstrual blood (no biopsy required). PM me if you're interested and I'll send you their info.

In the meantime, I hope your new consultant has some good ideas! Sending you a big hug xxx

[Klndmr in reply to soccerkt6]

Thank you for your reply. That sounds interesting if you can send me the website would be great. In Turkey they give antibiotics when starting FET preparation anyway in case if there is any bacteria or anything that's not detected xxHope you are well xx

[soccerkt6 in reply to Klndmr]

I've just pm'd you. It may still be worthwhile to get tested because if you have a resistant bacterial or fungal infection, you may require a longer/stronger/different antibiotic/anti-fungal regimen than what you've been getting.

I know it's so so frustrating not knowing what's going to be THE solution that finally does the trick, but with your perseverance I'm sure you'll figure it out soon. Big hugs 💛💛

[Chel91]

Glad to see your post lovely! 💕 I agree with the comment above, I think the EMMA / ALICE part (not sure which is which), can be especially important. However, honestly my doctor just gives me 2 weeks of strong double antibiotics before each transfer to clear any possible infection. My doctor said there is potential to get a new infection after each procedure etc., so I just accept the antibiotics.

Hysteroscopy seems like a really good idea, hope they can get you in soon xx

[Hidden in reply to Chel91]

Hi Chel91 just jumping in here a bit but wanted to ask what antibiotics he gives you ?

[Chel91 in reply to Hidden]

He has cycled me through a few things. Azithryomycin, then Doxycycline and then Levofloxacin and Metronidazole (both taken together). My doctor feels resistance to the antibiotics is quite common for some strains of bacteria xx

[Hidden in reply to Chel91]

Just to add I got 3 days of super strong antibiotics before my FET too. My clinic do it as standard x

[Klndmr in reply to Hidden]

Same with my Turkish clinic. With my last two FETs I had also 3 days of antibiotics, Azithromicin xx

[Chel91 in reply to Klndmr]

Also, I forgot to say that during a hysteroscopy I think they should take a sample to send the lab to check for this infection anyway. Not sure if everywhere does this, maybe the NHS wouldn't, but might be worth asking about xx

[Star3129]

Hi was thinking of you yesterday and so glad to see your message 💗 and that you are ready again on this roller coaster ride😃 with more courage and determination .

I think hysteroscopy would be good to start with and regarding era people have all mixed thoughts. I hope you soon find the reason and get on with your journey ❤❤

[Klndmr in reply to Star3129]

Thank you ever so much. In Turkey they give antibiotics prior to FET anyway, and there was no problems with implantation that's why I think the most beneficial one will be the hysteroscopy xxBest of luck with your transfer next week xx

[Jokiekin11]

hi my friend had a similar issue, no trouble conceiving but had multiple MC. In the end it was clotting issues, once she was on the correct medication she carried the pregnancy

wishing you the best of look for the future

[Klndmr in reply to Jokiekin11]

Thank you for your reply. I did have the clotting tests a few times and all came normal. In Turkey they've given me Clexane and aspirin as a precaution so unfortunately seems like is not the blood clotting. I wish it was a straight forward thing and we were able to easily find the problem xxx 🤗

[Jokiekin11 in reply to Klndmr]

Oh I see. Are you going to consider the Emma/Alice test? X

[Klndmr in reply to Jokiekin11]

That's what I can't decide. The thing is I had 5 transfers from which all implanted, in Turkey they also give antibiotics prior to transfer as a precaution so I'm more of thinking that Era isn't needed but I can't decide xx

[Jokiekin11 in reply to Klndmr]

I suppose if you get it done, then at least you know. It’s a process of elimination x

[Blueberry211]

Hey dear!! Welcome back. Tbh I did era/emma/ alice and they found I need 12 hrs less prog- the transfers after that were negative, chemical, negative. So I am not quite sure if it helped me tbh. I will def look into hysteroscopy and so should you. What if there is something that can be easily fixed like a small septum?

[Seren0119]

❤️❤️ my doctor said no need to do ERA if you have a confirmed viable pregnancy (6 week scan), but I would speak to Tommys or your doctor about it because I am not sure about your specific case. So glad you are seeing Tommy’s - they are brilliant. Sending love xx

[Klndmr in reply to Seren0119]

Thank you! I really hope they have some insight on what's wrong with me 😂😂😂

[Seren0119]

Remember that nothing is wrong with you - everything is right with you (your amazing attitude, strength, courage, strong body for putting up with so many treatments). The issues are often so nuanced and a combination of many things. Definitely test the embryos, do an HCG shot before transfer and also take at least 25mg of steriods. If there is anything at all I can do let me know. The longer the journey, the stronger the reward. Keep fighting xx

[Klndmr in reply to Seren0119]

Thank you! I'm sure one day when we hold our miracles would be the most amazing experience in our lives, I can even imagine that dy and I always dream about it. I'm saying what's wrong with me but I'm a true believer that things will work out sooner or later, it's just patience and resilience and all hard work would be rewarded with the best gift! I've got two day 5 remaining frozen embryos and I'm planning on giving them a try I'm quite scared to test them as I don't want to lose them 🤗🙈🙈🙈

My clinic gives 4mg of prednol to start with and after a positive result increases it to 8mg. Doc didn't want to give me a higher dose but I'll push for that with my next transfer and will definitely ask about the Hcg shot xxx

I'm never giving up, whatever it takes I'll have my rainbow!

How are you doing? Xx

[Seren0119 in reply to Klndmr]

😍 I love your strength, it is so empowering. I know that it is scary and there are many options on PGS - but I truly believe that knowledge is power. What does your doctor say? Definitely push for 25mg - the immune specialist won't go with anything less. xxxx

[Klndmr in reply to Seren0119]

Yes I've spoken to a couple of ladies who have seen a specialist in London who told them anything under 25mg was pointless and that's the minimum does that must be given. My consultant is one of those who doesn't support PGS testing, his words exactly "no, I don't recommend for you to have the embryos tested no needed" 🤣🤣🤣xxx

[Seren0119 in reply to Klndmr]

I think every case is so unique definately go with what he recommends (good that he isn't pushing for more money!). But definitely go with the 25mg xxx

[Lioness-icsi in reply to Seren0119]

l just had a 4th negative and was on 20mg - he did mention that others put on 25mg but he will do 20mg - how do l push for 25mg for next round.