CARE Fertility Bulletin Board

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Dear Ladies, I really badly need your thoughts. I've decided to change my treatment to Chelsea & Westminster Hosp.I can't afford another £6k for a cycle at ARGC. Prob is C&W don't follow Dr B & immunology. They say there is no definite proven facts etc. I have seriously thought about continuing treatment with Dr B & not telling C&W. I thought I could have IVIg after EC & maybe before I start the treatment. I am await re-tests after my first IVIg & if they are good & Dr B says I can cycle I want to go for it. Has anyone else had this problem? I deeply believe I have imm probs as I have lost preg wk 20, wk 16 & ectopic at wk 5. I would appreciate any advise good or bad. Thank you. nagina

maggs · 28 Sep 2003

Nagina,Hi bud,I know just how you are feeling. My last clinic was lovely but they didn't recognise all the immunology issues.I was at the Chilterns under a Mr Norman-Taylor and I think he also works at the Chelsea and Westminster. It was him that referred me to Care at Notts (although he recommended PGD and not immunology studies). I can't fault my treatment at the Chilterns. I did 3 cycles, 2 had positive tests but sadly I miscarried on both occasions, however I think that they were reluctant to explore the reasons for this.I understand how expensive the ARGC is and that it why Im choosing Care at Nottingham for my next cycle. They are experienced in all the immunology issues but do not seem as expensive as ARGC. It is a long distance to travel although they try to fit as much every appointment as they can.If you are already under Prof Beer then maybe JNT-(Julian Norman Taylor) will work alongside him but I would see how the land lies before committing yourselfHope that everything works out for you love maggs

Aich · 23 Jun 2003

Nagina,I am a self referred patient of Dr Beers. I have used Essex Fertility Centre for my IVF and met DB in July and August, then spoken via e-mail and on the phone to his staff. My IVF clinic have been totally supportive of my treatment. DB wanted me on clexane on cd6 when my clinic would normally not start me till a positive, but they still wrote the prescription. My only worry for you is that you will have to make sure that whatever prescriptions you need, you get them in an acceptable form from DB. My only other need is IVIG and Chris Sanow faxes from USA to Healthcare at Home and they go with that. I was promised by ARGC staff that I could get my IVIG there, but when the time came-well lets just say it didn't happen.Good luck. Love Helen x

kar · 18 Sep 2003

NaginaHave you thought of doing a cycle with CARE. Apparently George Ndukwe at CARE Nottingham is a top specialist in immune issues. (I think he may have even trained with Dr Beer). You would have to go for your initial consultation with him to Nottingham, but then you could probably be treated at their office in Northampton for the IVF cycle. I am sure if you bring all your test results up to him, he could use them and you.Best of luckkaren

Wilko · 11 Sep 2003

Hi NaginaI too can recommend George at Care in Nottingham. He is currently sorting me out with Immune issues and I have a lot of confidence in him. I am travelling 120 miles each way to see him, but I feel its worth it. Karens suggestion seams to make sence, I didnt realise they had a clinic nearer to London.I hope you come to a decision soon, its very hard changing clinics and you never really know what is for the best.Wilko

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Ladies, Thank you so much for your brilliant advice. I'm of the opinion that I will to ahead & have my appt at Chelsea & West on 3 Feb, as need to discuss when my NHS turn will come (not holding my breath). But then I will also book appt at Care Nottingham & go for consult there & arrange for ivf to be done in Northampton. I would like to start cycling as soon as I can & I really think this is a great solution. Thanks nagina xx

Briony · 06 Apr 2001

HI Nagina,I'm a Care Northants patient and have just been to see George Ndwuke at Nottingham about immune issues (we've had 5 cycles and 2 biochems). George said it would be fine to continue to have my IVF treatment at Northampton and he will liaise directly with my consultant about any issues which arise from the testing. I got the impression that if I need IVIG or remicade that treatment would take place at Notts initially, but could then be with Homecare (but remember I'm new to all this and easily muddled!).One of my friends did a donor recipient cycle at Notts, but had all her scans etc at Northampton to save travel and just went to Notts for DH to do sample and then ET. Northampton patients who have aneupleidy (sp?) testing done have to go to Notts for EC and ET.Good luck with your NHS appointment, fingers crossed for that!Love Briony

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Hi Briony, thank you so much for you email. Its really given me lots to think about. I also wanted to wish you good luck with your treatment. I would love to hear further how you get on at both clinics. From what I have read the other ladies attending the Care clinics seem happy enough. Thanks nagina

Kiki · 23 Sep 2002

Nagina Just wanted to say hi and hope all is going well with your IVI'g, change of clinic etc.. Any results from the IVI'g yet? Also wanted to mention that the Hammersmith where I have been having my treatment is fairly cheap compared to many clinics, don't have the prices to hand but might be worth a call. Have been very happy with them although they are non-believers in the whole immunology thing so best to keep quiet on that one!Had my ec today, 12 eggs so just waiting out to see what happens on Monday. Had IVIg last week in Germany where I can get if for free hopefully. No problems to date just hope it has done the trick. Are you taking Dexamethasone and Heparin also?Hope all is well and let me know your news.Kiki

Briony · 06 Apr 2001

Dear Nagina,How are you doing? Good luck to you with whichever clinic you decide on in the end. Facing changing clinics is a hard decision, but one thing I thought of was maybe going to an open evening at Notts or Northants and having a chat with them? I know it would be a bit of a drive for you but it would be free at least and you might get a good 'feel' for the place?Love Briony

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Hi Briony, Yes I will definitely go to one of the opening evenings. Northampton have got one on 3 Feb & like you said its free & I'm not committing myself. They did tell me over the phone I could do the immunology stuff at Nottingham & icsi at Northampton which is only 1 hour drive. thanks naginax

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Hi Kiki, Congrats on producing your full dozen!! you must be chuffed. Hope they have divided & fertilised well this weekend. Please let me know how you got on. I'm going to the open eve at Northampton on 3/2/04 in eve & also have appt with Chelsea & Westminister that same afternoon. I'm still feeling that I might do what as yourself & keep shussh on the IVIg if I stay with C&W. It doesn't seem to have done you any harm. When will you sneak in next dose of IVIg? I get my results back from Dr B on my IVIg last month in the next day or so. Hope its worked. I'm on junior asprin, clexane & cyclogest but I haven't been taking any clexane for the last month as I didn't see the point as dh has low motility & one of my tubes is blocked due to ep so there is only small chance for me to get preggas naturally. I will start it all up again once I do more ICSI. Did you clinic know about the Heparin? I'm wishing you lots of luck with your treatment. I'm praying this is it for you. Hugs & good luck Nagina x

Kiki · 23 Sep 2002

Well had my transfer today of two seven cell embryoes (day 3), Drs said they were happy with this and have a further four to freeze but they are not such great quality and were not dividing too quickly. Still think it is worth doing the freezing though as can save you a lot of time and money! So just have to sit out this dreaded 2WW now, this is my fourth time now so should be good at it by now, will test on the 30th Jan, the day we move into our new house and husband starts a new job! Not the best timing but am just hoping it's a sign that good times are around the corner and definitively say goodbye to a very shitty 2003.Nagina, keep us posted on your results for the IVI'g and good luck with the different open evenings you are attending. In answer to your question I will have my 2nd IVI'g on Weds, am so hesitant about doing this as it is so expensive and no guarantee at this stage that things have worked. Will start the Heparin this evening, I did Dex, IVI'g, Baby Aspirin, Fish and Nettle oils, also had LIT but no heparin as just thought it would be too obvious to the hospital. Now concerned though as my Hosp have put me on antibiotics (standard procedure) but it is clearly stated that one must advise Dr if taking Heparin and antibiotics, nightmare, will call Chris at Dr Beer's office tonight and post here to see if anyone has any similar experiences.Please cross fingers, toes and anything else for me!Kiki