- We really liked the doctor. He was very thorough and talked about what he wants to do and what we don't need to do. He also explained everything quite clearly.
- He doesn't believe in the need for an endometrial biopsy (apparently he led a major study) or in giving progesterone supplements
- He wants to focus a great deal on immunological testing. I forget the terms (there are three different sets) but one is testing for natural killer cells. The bad news about the immunological testing is that he said for many of them (not the killer cells though) the treatment will be baby aspirin or hepa.rin, both of which I've done and both of which weren't successful
- He feels that we have every reason to be hopeful and that all things are treatable, it's just that some things are more difficult than others
- If all else is "normal", then he'd think it's an egg quality issue and he'd recommend IVF with PGD. He said that good news for someone with RPL is that some of it will be covered by insurance, since it's not deemed a "fertility treatment"
I get the sense though that he feels like it's an egg quality issue.
In a way, the consultation was anti-climactic. Why? Well, from all the reading I've been doing and from all of you, I've already learned so much and knew what to expect. He was talking about things I knew exactly what he was talking about. To Mr SC though, much of it was like a foreign language.
We're still waiting for me to get my period from the miscarriage. Should be any day now. I'm going out of town for a week and I'm not sure if I'll get to have the testing done in the window that it needs to be. If not, it will be next cycle. It looks like I'll have answers by the end of the summer at least, which was my hope.
Thanks for all of your support with this. Thanks also to those of you who talked about the "last straw" for you. It helps me to gain the points of view of others. With all that's happened, it's easy to get tunnel vision and not see things clearly, if that makes sense.
Hi Kelly - I am glad you liked the doctor and that he is going to investigate more testing and such. What is RPL if I may ask? I have not heard that term before. That would be great if your insurance would cover some of your costs. SHER in St. Louis did not even take mine, or my husband's insurance. Although, I did not like the one in St. Louis, I have heard good things about other clinics and I will say they do spend lots of money on studies and such. I'm sorry to hear you think it is an egg quality issue too. That is what all the RE's think about me too, which was just something else to add to my lovely list of issues. I hope your period shows soon and that you enjoy your summer off and have lots of fun things planned. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you like the doctor. It's so important to have that foundation. And, even though you were already so well educated and prepared, it's good you have a plan and will learn some more. The "egg quality" issue always seems to be the suspected cause when they can't figure it out otherwise...that's what my RE thought w/me. I really hope they find something "fixable" and you find a quick path to being a mom. You so deserve it.
ReplyDeleteI hope the new perspective does wonders- maybe the testing will turn up something easily treatable (although we know with all this, that is a relative term really) Glad the appointment went well though, even if it was anti-climactic.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the doctor and you are getting a full list of tests. some of the immune problems (NK for example) are treated with steroids (prednisone). You could end up on a combination of all three. Best of luck, I hope you get some answers.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. OK! I'm glad you liked the Dr/RE. That must be a relief. The NK test is a biggie and the immune testing is too. I'm hoping that this isn't an egg quality issue that would require IVF w/PGD, but if it is, PGD will be a way that you can assure quality embryos.
ReplyDeleteI feel hope wrapped up in all of this Kelly, I really do.
Having answers by the end of the summer is a good thing for sure ... it gives you something to work towards.
Hello, just going to echo the others in saying, it is so important to like your doctor. In so many ways it is helpful to get fresh eyes to look at the challenge, I hope the new prospective brings answers.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I read your post yesterday about the last straw and realized I haven't reached it yet, not even close. Two surgeries under my belt, a thyroid issue, and a lot of time off but I am still hopeful. Perhaps I am crazy but I need to believe.
Good luck!
I'm so glad you liked the Dr. I have so much hope that you will get answers & be able to move forward soon! (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you liked the doctor and that he's moving forward and has a plan. I hope so much that he finds something that can be treated.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you like the doctor that is so important. I also know what it's like to be handed an egg quality diagnosis. I never got to post on your wall about the "straw" but I do think if you read my blog, I have reached it. Three IVFs was my goal and I had decided to stop with one more loss as it couldn't do it anymore. And they both happened at the same time. This whole thing is such a muddy mess and there are no easy answers for sure. I am so sorry we have to go through any of it.
ReplyDelete- Jess
I'm glad that you had a good apointment, and a mapped out plan.
ReplyDeleteWe too did IVF with PGD at Sher. Unfortunately, because I overstimmed we have yet to do the transfer. We have two PGD perfect embryos frozen. We also have two more frozen that came back as "no-read." This means that they cannot confirm that it is perfect, but that no abnormalities appeared.
ReplyDeleteMy doc feels confident in transferring them all (not all at once of course).
Good luck to you on all your tests! I hope that you can get some answers.
Glad you like the RE..that is important. I hope you get the answers you need sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteVery happy for you that you liked the RE, and are getting more tests. I think answers will definitely help!
ReplyDeleteBiggest and most important thing: you like your doctor. It sounds like he is ready to do whatever it takes to figure out what's going on and try to fix it. I know that IVF makes you nervous... it makes me nervous, too, so I can't definitely understand the hesitation about the risks (all of them). But just remember to take things one step at a time. Get through this testing phase first and go from there. We are right here with you, every step of the way!
ReplyDeletexo
Overall, it sounds you had a good appointment. It's nice to have doctor you can trust. It's also great to have a plan outlined for you for both tests and for treatment options. Things will be moving forward for you very soon! I am excited for you.
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteSo happy that you liked the Dr. at Sher and I have FAITH that he wants to get to the root of your problem. I'm praying for the answers that you so deserve. As for immunological testing, my Dr. ordered that testing on me (I've had 1 loss, but am 37) and I am waiting on the results. Fingers Crossed. And, egg quality, well, I'm in that category too.
Keep you chin up sweet friend and know that I'm sending prayers and lots of hugs your way.
xxx
Very glad that you like the doc and that you feel confident in his abilities to get to the problem. I hope that you get answers, finally.
ReplyDeleteHugs.