Rif help: Hi all, I have recently... - Fertility Network UK

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Rif help

Hearts25 profile image
13 Replies

Hi all, I have recently discovered I have RIF as a result of uNK cells. I've had 15 miscarriages at implantation now. I am looking for a Dr who will prescribe prednisolone as my NHS Dr says its off license for this and she doesn't know the dosage. Any Dr's or clinics that will prescribe this would be fab. Thanks.

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Hearts25 profile image
Hearts25
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13 Replies
RACMumm profile image
RACMumm

where did you have the uNK cell test done? Can they help?

Hearts25 profile image
Hearts25 in reply toRACMumm

No, it was a combination of energy testing and conclusion from the timing of the miscarriages plus ruling out everything else.

ClaireB24 profile image
ClaireB24

Where are you based? My Bristol clinic will prescribe it. The usual dose is 20mg until 10 weeks then titrate down. If you’re based in the south west PM me and I’ll let you know the clinics details x

Batsford profile image
Batsford

You could see a consultant in Epsom, but it’s likely he would want to do his own tests and would treat you with more than just prednisone. He is an extremely good NKC and miscarriage specialist. You can PM be for the details if you like.

Poop84 profile image
Poop84

hi i can recommend a clinic have similar

Issues and got testing done and a plan

Doodlebug23 profile image
Doodlebug23

I can’t help with your question, but I was prescribed prednisolone and clexane after 5 failed transfers and RIF being mentioned. Transfer 7 was my lucky one.

I also had a reaction to something that made my skin horribly thick and dry, and was prescribed prednisolone to clear that up by my GP. Not saying that you should try that and self medicate obviously……

GranolaHippo profile image
GranolaHippo

You definitely need proper testing done as both too high and too low levels of uterine NK cells can cause repeated implantation failure.

Prof Brosens at Coventry can test for this and the test is precise -biopsy to see uterine NK cells, rather than a blood test, as levels circulating in blood does not directly correlate to what's active in the uterine lining.

They would prescribe if an imbalance is found. It is midway between NHS and private, because of how clinic is funded. The clinic was set up by Tommy's to specifically look at RIF and miscarriage.

I'm not a big fan of Brosens personally, but the work would fit what you are looking at.

There's also a clinic I have been to which prescribes steroids based on NK blood tests but, as above, I'd caution because it doesn't directly relate and could make things worse -you need NK cells for successful implantation.

I note above you mention energy testing. I assume this is a non-medical test. To each their own, I've used complimentary therapies too, but with this, because of the importance of balance in the lining, you really do need specific testing to improve things and that does involve medical testing (simply because that's whose currently doing the research and can biopsy). Just throwing steroids without testing at it might work but also might make it worse if you're deficient in NK cells. Being out of balance in either direction can cause repeated early miscarriage.

I'd also caution that there are many, many reasons for repeated early miscarriage. It's a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can be, for example, repeated ectopic pregnancies that your body is doing the right thing for, and getting rid of them.

I say this as I'm at 10 losses myself, 9 early, and all my tests, including biopsy and blood NK are completely normal. So, you really do need a full work up to rule things out and, hopefully, find something that can be treated. Not everyone with recurrent implantation failure has issues with NK Cells.

Hearts25 profile image
Hearts25 in reply toGranolaHippo

Hi there, thanks for your message. Can you dm me the other clinic you mentioned you've been to? Thanks 😊

GranolaHippo profile image
GranolaHippo in reply toHearts25

Which one?

If the one that prescribes steroids you'd need to have an initial consultation with them, undertake any tests the recommend (e.g. NK blood tests) and then have a follow up consultation to discus results and next steps (e.g. any treatments that might help, inc. prescription of steroids, if they thought it was appropriate). Prescription would then be a private one.

I don't know if costs are relevant but looks like consultation fees have doubled since we went last year, so I reckon you'd be looking at £1,000 for 2 consults and tests. I'm not sure what prescription charge would be but mine last years was £90 for 1 month of progesterone.

Hearts25 profile image
Hearts25 in reply toGranolaHippo

OK, thanks. What's the clinic name?

Spicycurry profile image
Spicycurry

Hi. I have low nk cells in the endometrium. Is that what you have too? If so, I am recommended two treatments: first is to have neupogen infusion on first day of progesterone for transfer and to have hcg infusion on transfer day. These two methods increase nk cells in endometrium to promote implantation. Steroids only work for high nk cells in the blood.

Hearts25 profile image
Hearts25

Thank you everyone! Much appreciated!

Marylyn profile image
Marylyn

Have your Dr check folate,vit D ,iron,active vit B12 ,homocysteine,vit C levels.Are you taking folic acid in a prenatal? This & low vit b12 can cause recurrent miscarriages,toxaemia,low platelets unbeknown to most Drs .High homocysteine can causes placental abruption.blood clots,heart attacks & strokes.

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