The results are in!

Well tonight we went to get the results from Dr S.

The good news is… I’m mainly normal! (In blood at least! Shame about the personality!) We went through all the tests I mentioned on my previous post and they were mainly in the normal range.

There was a tonne of info to take in (lots of printed numbers which we cantered through) and we just got home and took Dog out (it’s 8pm in the UK) so I’m just doing a quick update – can provide more info later once I’ve had a chance to digest, if anyone’s interested!

There was some minor genetic thing that he said is already being treated by the folic acid that I’m taking as part of his recommended protocol. However the main finding was that I have a slight abnormality with the NK reaction. I have natural killer cells within the “normal” range (just as all the other tests were within a normal range, including liver function – good job I’ve almost given up drinking!) apart from there is a test where they put the NK cells into a pregnancy-like state and see how aggressively they react. My reaction was borderline, in that it was just above the “normal” range of reactions.

Therefore Dr S recommends I do the excitingly named “Borderline protocol”. This means that I…

• Carry on taking the supplements he recommended (Pregnacare, Vit D, baby aspirin, Omega 3)
• Heparin injections to start around day 4-6 of stims (I had normal sticky blood but Dr S recommends all his patients do heparin as it helps with implantation)
• Intralipid infusion (one off at same time as starting heparin – works out 7-10 days before egg collection) plus another if pregnancy is confirmed
• Prednisolone to start around egg collection (This is steroid to address the NK cell reaction)
• Omeprazole at same time(ish) as prednisolone (This is to address the stomach upset prednisolone can cause – T actually has this prescribed for heartburn)
• Progesterone to continue further past the progesterone you get with IVF if pregnancy is confirmed

He also said I could consider endometrial scratch. I’m not sure about this as I managed to get pregnant in IVF 1, so I’m not sure if I need help with implantation… Will have to give it some thought.

He said not to worry about the bleed I had last week as I’ll be down regulated during IVF anyway.

It was a lot to take in, and T was able to listen to most of it although he got there a bit late. It was the first time he met Dr S, who was very debonair in a cravat. (All doctors should take a leaf from Dr S when it comes to sartorial choices! Very cheery!) He’s still moderately sceptical I think but at least understands that it’s worth exploring every avenue and giving ourselves the best chance. Of course, IVF2 could work just because. But at least there has been one (borderline) reason identified and it can be addressed fairly easily.

I also had to sign a disclaimer that I understand the treatment is not approved for medical use / during pregnancy etc and that I’m okay with that. Well I figure in for a penny, in for a pound. (The medication cost today which they gave me was a lot less difficult than the bill two and a half weeks ago! Phew! Was a pleasant surprise after the last one!)

Anyway, not quite sure how I feel yet. I’m glad there’s nothing huge wrong with me but then I wonder if it would be better to have more that gives an obvious explanation as to why I’ve never had a natural pregnancy. But Dr S thinks it’s a good thing. He seems optimistic, but perhaps that’s just his manner!

I’m making dinner so going to think on it – I don’t have to start doing anything until after down regulation anyway, which means the bulk of treatment won’t happen till April. That seems ages away. Off to eat my baked potato!