Is this overkill? I have high NK cells and very high cytokines as well as a need for a blood thinner.
My clinic's plan involves both IVIG and intralipids (as well as steroids and clexane) a few days before transfer.
I've not often seen this being done (intralipids as well as IVIG) so I thought I would ask if anyone has had these within the same FET cycle.
Is this a good thing or is it overkill? The plan is to move to donor eggs if this fails as this is my last own embryo. I am terrified of making a bad decision and having regrets.
My last cycle I had IVIG, steroids and clexane (no intralipids) with a tested embryo and it failed.
This embryo is not tested which actually makes me think maybe I should save the IVIG money for donor egg cycles (as I am less confudent than I was with the tested embryo)?
Please help by sharing your experiences and wisdom.
Thank you xx
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Skittles11
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hi yes my daughter had both and she is now pregnant with twins, she also had LIT therapy which she has now decided not to continue with and is just continuing with the intralipids, she also has the same as you high NK cells and high cytokines x
It's a difficult decision. I also had a tested embryo fail (while using intralipids and steroids) - I read an interesting article which eased my mind a bit. It said that sometimes embryos fail simply because they don't have enough energy to keep growing. Nothing to do with chromosomal abnormalities, immune issues or your uterus conditions not being right - they just were never going to implant and grow.
My point is that just because it didn't work last time, doesn't mean it won't the next time. Even using the same protocol....
Personally the idea of IVIG scares me a little! I've always stuck to Intralipids. Having said that, intralipids are a food supplement and not a strong substance, so I imagine if you're comfortable with IVIG then adding Intralipids wouldn't be a bad thing. Cost wise it can all add up - and one thing that clinics are very good at is making you feel like you should spend as much money as possible to give you the best chance possible - when it's just not always needed. As you say, would it be better to save that money for a possible future cycle.
I haven't heard of both, my clinic suggest ivig only with steroids as it's hard on your body. Intralipids are only egg whites and fats I hear so nothing significant on your health. I'd imagine no harm but just costly to you.
Was the tested embryo graded? And normal?
My understanding is that ivig is done the month before to prep and then again before a transfer and then after a bfp.
X xxx I hope this is the one for you your so so ready xxx
Hi Skittles, not sure if I've mentioned this before, but there is a FB group called "Reproductive Immunology Support". Vast majority of ladies on there have knowledge and use of IVIG extensively, as opposed to only a few on here. Might be a good place to ask! Also heard some sources say that endo excision may be a way to reduce stubborn cytokines in some - but I never did do a before and after. Sometimes it takes a high dose of steroids (like 50mg), which is what I was on at one point, but everyone is different. I know you were attempting to get them down for a long time, so I'm not sure if you already tried that. Wishing you lots of luck xx
interested in this too, as have been recommended both. I’m also trying to choose a clinic for the IVIG in London as treatment is so expensive… Has anyone done this research? My doctor is happy for me to go somewhere else for it.
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