Hi Caitriona,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I have not been on this forum for a some time now and took a break somewhat over the summer. Also, it was very quiet with few replies, so it wasn't very encouraging! I have been to the SIMS clinic and we got the Chicago Blood tests done. Results showed slightly elevated levels of cytokines 36.6, normal between 12 and 30. I had some health issues over the summer to contend with so had to leave things for awhile. Feeling alot better now so am hoping to proceed wih treatment soon. Treatment will include Intralipids  plus clexane, prednisolone and  baby aspirin. The first choice would have been Humira but because of its effects on the immune system and the danger of getting the N1H1 virus, they are currently not prescribing it. I managed to persuade the doctor to allow us to do some natural cycles first, before progressing to IVF. So , obviously it would be wonderful to have success on a natural cycle rather than go through the ordeal that is IVF. Thanks for your concern, CAitriona and for all your advice. Will keep in touch. Molly

Hi Caitriona,

I have just posted a message on the incorrect thread. See Donor conception thread for my message. Just to let you know that my DH and I succeeded in getting pregnant on our very first cycle of immune treatment without having to undergo IVF treatment. It has been an amazing few weeks. I did not believe I was pregnant until we had our first scan last Monday and discovered to our amazement that we were indeed pregnant, 7 weeks and 2 days. The little heart beat throbbing away without a care in the world. Now we just are praying that the pregnancy will go well and of course, I'm a bit concerned about the meds I'm taking. Anyone with unexplained infertility, please read my message on the Donor Conception thread. There is hope out there for those many couples who have been unable to conceive and who are not getting satisfactory answers from IVF clinics. Thanks Caitriona, for all your advice and support. It was really great to hear some good news, when I really felt like giving up.

I intend raisng awareness of this issue through the NISIG and also through the media. I would not wish anyone to go through what we have been through , over the past 5 years. I want to let everyone know that there is help available here in Ireland at SIMS Clinic, Dublin for those with inmmune related infertility and this treratment may not necessitate IVF. Best of luck to everyone,

Molly 

Hi Caitriona,

I'm very interested in the whole auto immune issue as we have been through 4 failed IVF cycles.  I have had some auto immune testing in SIMS (no obvious problem detected) but wonder if there is more that can be done.  Donor egg has been suggested but I am concerned that the issue may not be embyro quality (as they have always said that they are good prior to transfer but then say that is the reason for failure in the review)

What was the name of your consultant in Nottingham? Also I was wondering if you had to be referred to the consultant to get the tests done or how did you arrange it?

We would like to pursue all avenues at this stage so any advice appreciated.

Thanks

M