Results just in (finally!)
Beta: 690!!!!!!!!! Doubling every 42 hours!! A 136% increase!
Estrogen: 574
Progesterone: 21.75
Will and I have been stalking the lab today beginning around noon and were so relieved when the results were finally posted! Phew! I was so worried! These numbers seem great to me and at last we heard the magic words from the local RE's office: "Looks good!" Even those sourpusses couldn't say anything negative about these results! no word yet from Colorado but I will post when I hear.
I have a message in to the local RE to schedule an u/s for later this week to check that the gestational sac is in the right place (the right place being the uterus, rather than a fallopian tube). And then the step after that will be the big hurdle: heartbeat.
Over the weekend, Will and I did a lot of reading about immune issues, especially increased natural killer cell activation (which we have) and DQ Alpha sharing (we're a 50% match). Bottom line, I think we may add a monthly intralipid infusion to our regimen, even though Dr. Schl. doesn't give credence to such issues. We're a little late to be doing this - we should have started it before the transfer, but better late than never (this issue could theoretically account for how we transferred three chromosomally normal blasts and ended up with a piddly beta of 27). We've consulted on the side with a couple of reproductive immunologists (not the one we saw before) who felt that I should add intralipids in until my 20th-24th week just to be on the safe side. There don't appear to be any major downsides, apart from another needle stick once a month and the cost. Apparently, if this immune stuff is a legitimate issue (I'm not completely sold on it and the data seems equivocal), my body may be making natural killer cells right now that are attacking those little fledgling connections the embryo is making to my bloodstream. Yikes!
More on that in future posts.
But for now, over the moon with happiness and SO relieved to have gotten more reassurance that things are progressing ok.
We want this to work out so, so badly. Everything crossed.
Mo
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That's great news!! So crazy about the immune stuff though!
ReplyDeleteYES!! That is excellent news!! I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!! This is wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteYippee! Everything is crossed for you over here too!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME beta
ReplyDeleteand yes to the plan for immune stuff too-- I say, bring out all the guns on this one Mo--
NO REGRETS
you are doing all the possible things.
and the number? AWESOME.
great news
and gosh darn
I am all goosebumpy about this for you and Will.
xoxo
Kate
Great news!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to read up on the immune stuff.. interesting. I have an auto-immune disease and so I'm used to my body attacking everything its not supposed to. I hadn't quite thought about it attacking my baby though.
Congrats to you and your bean - keeping fingers and toe crossed for you.
That is an awesome number. I have been thinking abt IVIG myself. I haven't got myself tested for the NK cells but I will always wonder. But I don't have any antibodies like the APA or the ANA for which IVIG is usually recommended. If you even have the slightest thought that IVIG will help you, go for it. I know it can be expensive though. All the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that number growing so nicely! I'm doing a small happy dance over here for you. I'll do a full dance once we get that heartbeat confirmed. I'm so happy for you. And good for you for doing the research and making a plan to combat any immune issues. Can't wait for more updates.
ReplyDeleteOh that is great news! I am so happy for you and Will!
ReplyDeleteI hope all goes well with your u/s!
ReplyDeleteYay!! I log in every day, nervous to see your news. I'm glad that it has all been good so far. Pulling for you guys.
ReplyDeleteAMAZING news!!! Can't wait until your u/s!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mo and Will! I have done the immunologic testing as well. I thought you might be interested in the study links pasted below. Lynne
ReplyDeleteExpensive immunotherapy shows no advantage over placebo for recurrent miscarriage patients
August 25, 2010 (PhysOrg.com) -- The University of Chicago Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program (RPL) recently completed a comprehensive study examining the use of immunotherapy to help couples that had experienced recurrent miscarriages for unexplained reasons achieve a successful pregnancy.
http://www.physorg.com/news201979976.html
More information: Paper: http://humrep.oxfo … ct/25/9/2203
Provided by University of Chicago (news : web)
Best thing I've hears all day! Congrats! Just curious: how did you find out about the elevated NK cells? Is that an endometrial biopsy thing (that's just about the only test I *haven't* done)?
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!! So happy for you guys!!!! I had my killer cells checked too even though Schoolcraft said not to worry. It's hard not to worry when my local clinic payed a lot of attention to immune issues. So confusing! I think it's worth it for peace of mind and just in case!
ReplyDeleteGwinne, we saw a reproductive immunologist after our fifth consecutive loss and had bloodwork done (both of us) that showed we have the issues I mentioned in the post, plus a marginal LAD level, increased TH1:TH2 ratio, positive antiovarian antibodies, and elevated CD 19+ and CD5+ cells. I also had an endometrial function test done by a Yale specialist and had minor glandular abnormalities that could potentially impact implantation. And I have endometriosis, which can affect implantation. CCRM also does endometrial biopsies to look for a beta integrin protein, but we skipped this and just did the two months of depot lupron they prescribe to treat it, since I needed it anyway to improve my lining because of the endometriosis. let me know if you have any questions. we've found the land of reproductive immunology very confusing...
ReplyDeleteYay...great numbers. I'm so excited!
ReplyDeletekd
oh, how fantastic!
ReplyDeleteOMG, things continue to look good and solid. Many, congratulations to you for this very good news.
ReplyDeletePlease let us know what CO says and about u/s. You really want your levels to be around 2,000 so you are sure to see something.
Hi! Delurking to say congrats! I love it when patience and persistence pay off!
ReplyDeleteThat is so, so great! I hate the hurdles. I really do. hopefully you'll clear them all this time.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who after multiple IVF miscarriages was diagnosed as a Turners mosaic. After the diagnosis they cycled with PGD and IVGG (IVIG?) and were blessed with their first child. Next time around they felt a little cockier and just did PGD. That time they had twins. I'm just saying that I too would throw everything at this one!
Keep us posted!
Mo, I'm really glad to hear things are going so well for you. Although I've been lucky enough not to suffer through multiple miscarriages, I feel like our situations are similar. We just finished cycling a donor and are awaiting our CGH results. In the meanwhile, I had my first shot of Lupron Depot last night (definitely not looking forward to the 2 months of menopause). In addition to my endo and beta-3 integrin problems, I've been diagnosed with immunologic implantation dysfunction. The bottom line is that your success gives me hope.
ReplyDeleteI think it's absolutely the right decision to pursue the immune treatment. Yes, the data is contradictory but as MeKate said, I think it's important to pull out all the stops on this one--no regrets.
And to make things even more confusing, here's a study that shows very different results from the one anonymous posted above (call me a skeptic, but I'm personally not buying the explanation that re-current miscarriers just need more TLC from their doctors):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19055656
Keeping fingers crossed for the first ultrasound!
So excited for you!! At last!
ReplyDeleteJust posted the study b/c i thought information is always good and it was a long prospective study. I wish they hadn't put the TLC stuff in there either, sort of blaming the victim - miscarrying mom. I wanted to post again b/c I did not want you Mo and Will to think that I didn't support your decision. Lynne
ReplyDeleteI've been following another blog where the mama who has the natural killer issue as well and has been doing the infusions - thought I would pass along the link if you wanted to read about her journey.
ReplyDeletehttp://lettheivfrollercoasterridebegin.blogspot.com/
Yes! yes yes yes yes yes!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm delighted you're doing the intralipids. Doesn't seem to be any reason besides the hassle & expense not to, and yeah, at this point? Why the hell NOT?
So happy. So exactly the news I was hoping to hear when I saw your post. SO HAPPY!!!
Whew and WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYesssssssssssss!! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteHurrah!
ReplyDeleteThe news just keeps getting better! So thrilled for you, there are no words! =)
ReplyDelete*does the 690 cabbage patch*
ReplyDelete:D :D :D
Great great news!!! Everything crossed!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have been following your journey and it has been a long one. I think this might be "The One"
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo, hope things continue to go smoothly for you! Happy ICLW!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, agree that the immune stuff is real. What does CCRM or Dr. Sch suggest? IVIG? LIT? Steroids?
ReplyDeleteIs Dr. Sch having you continue on with the Inositol, CoQ10, and Melatonin still?
Your numbers are fabulous!!! I can't even imagine how elated you two must be. Let's keep our fingers crossed that your sac is in the right spot and that you get a perfect HB scan too! :)
Praying hard for more great news in the form of a u/s with the gestational sac snuggled in securely, and later, a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot of info on natural killer cells, but I tend to fall into the camp that if it's not contraindicated, I'd throw the kitchen sink at the problem, KWIM?
Anyway, so delighted to see great numbers, and will continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
hey mo...i've been following along and wanted to tell you i'm super excited for you. i've got everything crossed over here for you, too!!
ReplyDeletexx
wow- I'm just staggered by all the testing you guys have had! How exactly does the intralipid infusion suppress the immune system? I'm an immunologist, so would be really interested in the answer!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on the beta, things are looking good!
WOOHOO!! I'm so happy for you guys. :-)
ReplyDeleteT.
I feel a little foolish, my friend. I have been this excited since the very beginning.
ReplyDeleteI hope I didn't come across like a crass fool who knows nothing of the real road to the crib. I see your challenges and do not dismiss them.
I am just a whore for hope and joy.
Such good news! And I really encourage you to go for the immune therapy, a dear friend lost five pregnancies before their DQ problem was identified, did IVIG even though her RE was skeptical, had a perfect boy, then was told the IVIG was beside the point, lost another pregnancy, finally intralipid was available, did that and is expecting a healthy girl.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's semi-un-proven, but for the people it helps it is absolutely worth the extra sticks and the cost. Especially since intralipid is so much easier than IVIG. Katie always says if her experience can help anyone else that it helps her heal a little bit from all her loss, so on her behalf I pass on her story.
Lots of good wishes to you!
Just soooo happy for you two!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the numbers:) and also Im living proof that Immune tx work...we had 4 losses this past year...then dx with the 50 percent dq alpha match and also nk cells along with other things....that I had been treated for in the past but Immune tx was only new thing...Prednison....Intralipid...and for us IL didnt supress the cells enough we did lose one embryo but I then switched to IVIG and we are now still Prego at 22wks!!! I def say go for the immune tx...We see Dr. Kwak Kim from Chicago she is the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteSqueeeeee! I'm hoping this is the pregnancy that brings you your real live baby. I can't wait to hear more about the immune treatments if you decide to do them.
ReplyDeleteHappiness!! I'm thrilled to goosebumps for you two. The "hurdles" never really stop, but each one you leap brings you closer to a take-home baby. It couldn't be happening to a nicer pair (I suspect... have to go by what I read). Great beta! Hurray!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Mo - I truly hope this is your and Will's turn!
ReplyDeleteYay! We both got great news yesterday! I'm praying for you and Will that this little one sticks around.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post until now? YAY!! So happy for you. I would be shocked if the gestational sac were any place but your uterus. From my observation, it seems that with ectopics, betas sometimes rise but don't properly double. Your little one is doubling like a champ!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you guys!
ReplyDeleteI am ECSTATIC for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd wanted to also add my clinic in Jhb routinely now does the intralipids for all IVFs and EVERYONE is getting pregnant, it's fantastic :)
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!@!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you guys!!!! I am keeping everything crossed for you too!!! I came on here to check on you and it looks awesome! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteKami
So absolutely thrilled for you and Will!!! Really incredible news!!! Cheering you on...Grow lil one grow!!!
ReplyDeletehi, HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
ReplyDeleteI AM SO THRILLED TO FIND YOUR BLOG WHEN YOU ARE POSTING YOUR WONDERFUL NEWS!!
i'm a new 'follower'! i found you because i'm hoping to switch to ccrm.
can i ask you if i can email you or you can email me as i'm a former NYC patient now going to ccrm also. and it would hugely help if i could hear your input because my DH isn't entirely sold on clinics yet. thank you!
are you able to email a person through blogspot? how do i give you my email address without posting it in a comment? which is ok if i have to! THX!
Awesome news, you two amaze me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful News!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers continue to remain with you.
I wonder if knowing too much is a disability? Anyways, I want the killer cells to stay at bay and kill themselves before anything.
I want this to work for you.
Woooo hoooooooo! So happy you are considering intralipids! We did 3 rounds with my pregnancy. I am convinced that this is why the babies stuck around this time. Good luck. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from ICLW ... so great to find such wonderful news. May your journey continue on a joyful path.
ReplyDeleteICLW #15
Hoping for the best for you guys!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteWe have very similar stories. I went to Cornell many failures, then recently been to Dr schlcft n Denver for banking.. I only have to eulpoids for fet. I too just found out frm perinatal immunologist that I have elevated nk cells activity. And I m starting my first ivig a wk before transfer. Did u use a perinatal immunological? I spoke with famous Dr bravmn no love connection.. who was ur doctor here in NYC? Which doctor did u use for ivig