CARE Fertility Bulletin Board

julien · 09 Nov 2003

Hi everybody,To summarise my situation again : I have had 6 failed IVF's. I have recently done the blood test for immune issues and I have met Dr. Beer in 12/03. Results : NK activity is too high - bad reaction to IVIG.....so : Humira has been prescribed by Dr. Beer.First of all, I am myself quite reluctant to Humira because of all what I read (new drug - side-effects...) Secondly, I live in France and here you can not get Humira without prescription of a reumatologist and you need to be hospitalised for the first 2 injections....they are shocked hearing that Dr. Beer prescribes this for fertility problems...... Those reactions of course only confirm my own concerns with the medication....But, after all what I have experienced.....Dr. Beer is the only one who gives an answer to the question ....howcome.....no implantation....According to him, the 'NKC-activity' problem is most probably the result of a too close match between the DNA of my husband and myself. So, I am now wondering if I do not need to continue searching in that direction; i.e. really find out if there is a match. And if there is ..... then go for LIT ?Do I see this right ? May I hear your opinion ?To know the match .... I suppose a blood test has to be done on both of the partners....does any lab do this test and what is the exact wording .... I will need to do this here in France.Thank you for your help.

nagina · 20 Aug 2003

Dear Julien, I am sorry to hear that you have been through so much. I thought I would email as I have used Humira & although I had to stop I found that it did do some good in reducing my NK cells pretty quicky by 4th injection. Unfortunately on my 8th injection I had a flare up when my TH1/2 went rather high. So I am now working on reducing these by using IVIg. I too found this all very confusing. I had m/c at 22wks, 16wk & 1 ectopic & I was fed ups with drs telling me they could find nothing wrong with me. Dr B was able to tell me why all this happend to me & was able to recommend theories & solutions where no one else could. If you do decide to use humira you can obtain it directly from the US & Dr B's clinic recommend a pharmacy there if you can't get it in France. I thought it was easy enough to administer myself. You will then have to have monthly blood tests to check humira is working. I think you should also ask Dr B what other form of treatment you can take other then humira. Dr B can do the other blood test you mentioned in connection with DNA. I also had it done but can't think what they call it. I really wish you good luck. You have come to the right place to find advice, the ladies here are supportive & informative. Nagina x

julien · 09 Nov 2003

Nagina,Thank you for your quick reply. Indeed it is good to be able to share what we are going through with people who experience the same troubles.......for me they are the only ones who can give an adapted answer.You too have had quite a lot to go through and I really wish you for 2004 the good and healthy baby you are longing for. All the best to you.

lvd · 11 Jul 2003

Hi Julien There are several other posts on this site and, i think, on the general forum regarding LIT which might be helpful for you to read. Ther ehave also been lots of posts regarding LIT on the Yahoo board.I haven't had the treatment myself so I can't offer any specific advice. However, I did have a consultation with Dr Paul Armstrong last year and was impressed with him. He's one doctor (perhaps the only one) in London who offers LIT treatment. I consulted him regarding other immune issues and didn't discuss LIt but I thought he was thoughtful, well-informed and considerate. Perhaps it would be worthwhile trying to arrange an appointment with him either in person when you're in London or by phone. He sees private patients at the Portland Hospital and you can reach his secretary there. Good luck!

bunnyfuller · 14 Dec 2002

I am sorry, I am not sure if the LIT can solve the NK problem. I know you need it if your DH and you share antigens, but really don't know whether in turn it would have a knock-on affect on your NK's?Wish I could help more, but good luck anyway! Nic xxxxxxx

julien · 09 Nov 2003

Thank you Ivd for your information. Your comments about Dr. Armstrong are certainly interesting to hear....I am waiting for the results of a uterus biopsy .... and then we will have to further examin what to do....Thank you Bunnyfuller for your support. You can be right.....but apparently the higher NK activity could be the result of a DNA match....so my reasoning is, to get everything solved, we really need to know the cause of failed implantations. I have to discuss this more deeply with Dr. Beer...and as you could read above ....I am just thinking, studiing...analysing....to be prepared when the results of the uterus biopsy come....then I will need to discuss this all with Dr. Beer.All the best to you all and thank you so much for your support.

won't stop trying · 22 Nov 2003

Hi Julien, I think your doing all the right things. I've had 6 failed cycles, all with good embies but none have been successful. I had LIT done with Mr Armstrong last June and IVIG but unfortunately it didn't work. I'm going for a 3d scan of my uterus on the 26th January to see if I have a problem with blood flow into my uterus. I'm also getting more testing for my killer cell levels. I agree that the elevated level is caused by DNA of husband being too similar and this seems to get worse with every attempt at IVF. Hope you get some answers soon. love Wendy.

julien · 09 Nov 2003

Thank you Wendy for your support and information. Keep us informed. I will do on my side. All the best, and lots of courage.