| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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 Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 1:39 pm |
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Hi ladies,
I am looking for some advice please.
We have been TTC for 5 years and been pg once following my first cycle of clomid. This sadly ended in a mc at 8 weeks and I went on to have a further 5 failed clomid cycles and 3 failed IUI cycles. I have just been through our first IVF cycle which resulted in a BFN. I am 29 & DH 32, we are currently classed with unexplained infertility.
We are currently at Care Notts and have recently had a review of our first failed cycle. I mentioned to the consultant that I have allergies and after the ET had a migraine for 3 days (post-transfer). Given we have been TTC for so long I wonder if I have autoimmune disease, as we had a normal fertilisation rate but it didn't seem to implant. I have been doing some research and it seems there is a link between allergies, autoimmune and infertility.
The consultant has recommended the immunology testing for DH and I and also a hydrosopy. She has said that these are not compulsory but might offer us some answers and peace of mind. If we have all tests the total cost will be £3500 (The cost of our last IVF cycle)....It is alot of money but was wondering if you think it is worth it? We can in theory have another cycle of IVF next month but don't know it if it worth delaying treatment for a bit whilst we test. The Level 1 tests won't necessarily show autoimmune so might have to go for the full chicago tests.
Has anyone been in a similar position? Any advice?
Many thanks
Dizzi |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| Katht |
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| Joined: 07 Nov 2010 |
| Posts: 109 |
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Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 5:15 pm |
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Hi Dizzi
I know it is such a dilemma to know what to do but given your history it may well be worthwhile having the immune testing. I know it is a lot of money but it certainly gave us some answers. You may regret it if you go for another cycle and have the same outcome it is the "what if" scenario! Good luck with what ever you decide. Kath x |
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Me 38
TTC 9 Years
1st ICSI May 2009 BFN
2nd ICSI Dec 2009 BFP mmc
3rd ICSI Sept 2010 BFN
DQ Alpha match and clotting issues
4th ICSI Apr 11 with immune treatment BFP m/c
5th ICSI with immunes BFN
6th ICSI with immunes BFP m/c |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 5:44 pm |
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Thanks for responding Kath,
They have suggested all level 1 testing to begin with and a hysteroscopy. They they will do level 2 testing if they think it is necessary. You are right about not having regrets about not testing. Going to have a good chat with DH tonight.
If you don't mind me asking: Did you have all of the tests? How long did it take for all the tests to be carried out? |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:22 pm |
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Hi Kcare
I don;t think I would be 18 weeks pregnant without having had the level 2 tests. Yes it is a lot of money, but then I had already spent a lot of money and didn;t want to keep throwing money having more cycles without trying to get some answers
Some of the Chicago tests take 3 months to get back. We had our consultation and had everything ready to start as soon as the last result was in. If it showed anything we could of made some chnages. One good thing they take so long to get back, it gives you a bit more time to save up again for the cycle and any extra drugs you may need
Dianne |
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5th attempt, ICSI with immune system treatment - BFP |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 8:30 am |
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Hi Dianne,
Congratulations on your pg! Your advice makes sense - i'm going to call the clinic today to arrange level 1 & 2 tests together if they will let me.
Thanks for your reply x |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:45 pm |
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Thanks ladies.
After speaking to the clinic again we have decided to go ahead and have all tests (Level 1 & 2). We have been booked in for the beginning of April and will have a review of the results on the 9th May. I feel a sense of relief that we will have some answers and won't have any regrets.
Would still love to hear any stories / thoughts about this.
Dizzi x |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:19 pm |
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Dizzi, I also can highly recommend these tests, quick brief history, we had 2 icsi cycles resulting in bfn, we then opted to have level 1 and level 2 tests, it was found that I carried the mthfr gene, 1 copy of it, also pai 4g/5g and high nk cells think they were 50:1 - 29.7, the level needs to be under 15. Our 1st immune cycle failed but I can now say i am 6 weeks pregnant after our 2nd immune cycle  on countdown to our scan on 30th march. Good luck and hope you get some answers I will be looking out for you xxxx |
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Em n Rick xxxx
TTC for 6 years both aged 29
4th time lucky - Lilly Rose and Tyler James born 03/10/12 😄😄👣👣 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:21 pm |
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Dizzi - I see you have already arranged the tests, but just wanted to echo what others have said - no point in messing around with level 1's to then go back for level 2's - if you can afford it without bankrupting yourself, then have all the tests done that you can.
In the end it may not provide the much wanted for answers (I too am unexplained, and although we have had some immune issues discovered I am not convinced they necessarily explain the unexplained), however I do believe that things should be eliminated and knowledge is power and going through these tests do provide you with a good level of knowledge and understanding that you can then hopefully use to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Good luck
Yellow |
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Me 40, DH 45, TTC 7 yrs, unexplained
IVF 1 - Oct 10 - BFP - MMC
IVF 2 - Mar 11 - BFN
IVF 3 - Immune tx Aug 11 - BFN
Oct 11 - Natural BFP M/C after HB
IVF 4 - Immune tx Feb 12 - BFN
IVF 5 - aCGH & Immune tx Jul 12 - BFN
IVF 6 - DE - BFN |
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Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:22 pm |
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Dizzi - you have done the right thing!!! I highly recommend the full tests. They are expensive but worth every penny if you get to the bottom of why you are not getting preg. You actually sound very similar to me in that we always had great fertilisation/embryos but they just failed to implant. There has to be a reason! I don't believe in 'unexplained'
I wish I had had the tests sooner. There are so many positive outcomes on here, often with the first immune cycle following several failed cycles. (although you do need to be realistic - not everyone has success first time with immune drugs. We were third time lucky with the full immune drugs)
Good luck!!!
Em - wonderful news about your bfp!!!!!! Brilliant news! All the best for your scan. Im a few weeks ahead of you - just over 9 weeks x x x
Anna x x |
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Me & Hubby 36 TTC since 2006, Natural pg Nov06 mc Jan07. Clomid x 3, IUI x 3 2008 all BFN.
#1 ICSIs 2009 BFN, #2 ICSI 2010 BFN, #3 ICSI April 2011 immune BFN, #4 Immune FET Aug 2011 BFN, #5 immune FET Jan 2012-BFP!! |
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 5:51 pm |
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Hi Dizzi
I am so sorry i must have missed your post to me on the other thread i have only just seen it i am sorry.
Yes i had all the immune tests at Nottingham CARE and they were worth every penny, i only wish i had had them done sooner. We were told we had unexplained infertility but so nobody did any other tests etc. By the time we got to Nottingham it was our 4th IVF attempt so we spent a lot of money with no results. My GP said he would do most of the level one tests to save us some money but there were a couple he couldn't do so we had those and the level 2 Chicago tests at Nottingham.
The tests showed i had a clotting problem and also raised killer cells. Changes were made to my protocol and with a few extra drugs, injections and intralipids our 1st attempt with Notts resulted in our little girl.
I cant recommend them highly enough. I personally believe there is always a reason you are not getting pregnant its just a case of finding out the problem and not just labelling it as unexplained infertility.
Im so glad you have organised the tests and i hope we see your BFP soon! Keep us posted on how things are going.
Seabreeze xx |
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3x IUI - BFN
3x IVF - BFN
4th IVF (1st immune cycle at Notts) BFP!
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 12:37 pm |
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Thanks for all your responses.
It is lovely to see success stories after having the immune testing. Congratulations to everyone who has had a BFP!  Sorry for your loss Yellow.
After reading your responses I am really encouraged and think we are doing the right thing by having the tests. My tests are all booked for next week so we will have the results by early May. I will keep you updated.
Dizzi xx |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| Zo Bo |
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| Joined: 27 Sep 2010 |
| Posts: 175 |
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:31 pm |
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Hi Dizzi
We sound similar we have had 3 bfn and a biochemical pregnancy, we are having level 2 blood tests next Monday at Nottingham, when are you having yours done, I was asking some girls that are at care Nottingham if they fancy meeting up as be nice to talk to people that are having ivf as my friends have children.
Zo Bo x |
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| Elizas |
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| Joined: 05 Jul 2007 |
| Posts: 48 |
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:54 pm |
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| Hi Zo Bo where in Lincolnshire are you, I am also at Nottingham care and live in Lincolnshire. Eliza |
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| Zo Bo |
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| Joined: 27 Sep 2010 |
| Posts: 175 |
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:31 am |
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Hi Eliza
We live near Lincoln, are you having the immune tests
Zo Bo |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 10:08 am |
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| We are having tests next week at Nottingham too. |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| Elizas |
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| Joined: 05 Jul 2007 |
| Posts: 48 |
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 11:02 pm |
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| I have had level 1 tests awaiting review next week to see if level 2 need doing and at what cost |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 12:58 pm |
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| Good luck with your review next week Eliza - hope you get some answers. Let us know how you get on |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:03 am |
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We begin our immune tests today! Whoop!
Not looking forward to the blood tests later but really excited about finally getting some answers.
We have the review of the tests results booked for 9th May. |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:22 am |
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| Good luck for this afternoon kcare, you will be fine when we had ours my hubby passed out bless him lol xxxx |
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Em n Rick xxxx
TTC for 6 years both aged 29
4th time lucky - Lilly Rose and Tyler James born 03/10/12 😄😄👣👣 |
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| Elizas |
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| Joined: 05 Jul 2007 |
| Posts: 48 |
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:52 pm |
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| Had my review option of having level 2 investigations - thinking it through as to the added expense. Eliza |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 2:55 pm |
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All level 1 & 2 bloods now complete! 12 tubes taken this AM - Not fun and my arm still aches 
Eliza: What did they say about your level 1 results? What has led to them thinking it is worth the Level 2s? |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:27 am |
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Thought I would include a list of the immune tests I have been tested for at Care Notts. I believe some GPs are able to complete some of the Levels 1s.
Immune Tests @ Care Notts April 2012 (Copied from my invoice)
Level 1 tests:
FBC
Coagulation Profile
Antithrombin III
Factor V Leiden
Factor II Prothrombin Gene
MTHFR
PAIP - polymorphism
Activated Protein C resistance
Protein S
Lupus Anticoagulant Abs
Anti cardiolipin Abs
Autoantibody Screen
Karyotyping (For me & DH)
FT4
TSH
Level 2 tests: Chicago Full
NK Assay Panel
TH1:TH2 Cytokine Ratio
HLA DQ Alpha Genotype (For me & DH) |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| Elizas |
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| Joined: 05 Jul 2007 |
| Posts: 48 |
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Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:51 pm |
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Hi kcare
My GP did most of level 1 investigation commenced thyroxine as a result. I am keen to know why I have repeated implantation failure and mmc at 7 weeks. I am in a dilemma as to cycle again now or have level 2 tests done and postpone cycling for now. Last treatment Iwas on aspirin,clexane and thyroxine. |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 10:16 am |
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Hi Eliza,
I was in the same dilemma but have finally decided to have all the tests completed so we know what, if anything, we are dealing with. It's a difficult one hun, the level 2 results will be back in 4/5 weeks so it's not too long to wait for results if you do have them done.
Did Care offer to change your protocol?
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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| kcare |
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| Joined: 16 Jul 2011 |
| Posts: 188 |
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Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:51 pm |
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Our results are all back with Care Notts...waiting for our follow up result consultation on Wed to finally get some answers.
Feeling a little anxious but excited at the same time. Hoping to cycle again at the end of this month all being well
xx |
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IVF #2 @ Care Notts
Started DR:23/05/12
Stimming: 08/06/12
EC: 20/06/12: 16 eggs collected, 15 mature, 9 fertilised!! Whooop!!
ET: 23/06/12: 2 embies. BFP (M/C)
FET: 28/02/13 2 blasts (Day 5) OTD 13/03/2013
2 Embies on ice xx |
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