Graves disease

[Blackmito]

Hi I have Graves disease (an autoimmune disorder) and am worried I should be looking into this side of things more, when going through IVF. Has anyone else got Graves disease and did you do anything differently than the 'regular' IVF patient? Thanks

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

I don't have an autoimmune disease but both my parents did - so after we'd had a few failed transfers I had my natural killer cells and cytokines tested and they were over active - and basically preventing the embryos from implanting.

I would absolutely mention your AI and suggest testing your immune levels. Your consultant should know more but definitely worth flagging.

If you haven't already chosen a clinic it might be worth finding one specifically for immune issues like the Fertility Academy (Dr Gorgy) or speaking to Dr Shaheta who specialises in AI.

xx

[Blackmito in reply to Millbanks]

Hi thanks for replying! Yes, that's a good idea. I'm pretty sure there's a doctor at my current clinic who specialises in this kind of thing so if this one doesn't work (currently on TWW) then I'll look into it a bit more. If you don't mind me asking, did they do anything different for you because of your over active cells?Thanks

[Millbanks in reply to Blackmito]

Ahhh good luck! Fingers crossed you won’t need to worry about it.

So I had 5 failed transfers then did the immune blood tests and for our 6th transfer was given intralipids and steroids to lower my immune system and we were lucky because it worked!

Xx

[JA-fnuk Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Have you discussed your fertility concerns with the Dr you attend for your Graves Disease ? Also take a look at btf-throid.org "Pregnancy and thyroid disorders -guidance for patients "

Good luck for the future

Janet-Partner

[Blackmito in reply to JA-fnuk]

Hi Janet, thanks so much for your reply. I'll have a read of that 🙂