Hello!

[Jess]

Hi I am new to this site but not to IVF.
I am 31 and my husband is 29.
My husband has been diagnosed with severe oligospermia (I hope I have spelt that right!) and we have been through 2 full IVF cycles. The first cycle we got pregnant, but my HCG levels were low right from the start and I lost the pregnancy at 5 weeks. We then attempted a FET but the 2 embryos we had didn't survive the thaw.
We then had another go with a full cycle which went well and we ended up with 8 blastocysts. One was transferred and we got pregnant, but at 8 weeks I had a missed miscarriage and went in for a D&C Since then we have tried a FET with 2 blastocysts, one did not thaw out very well so they didn't replace it, and the other didn't work.
So now I am waiting to try another FET with the 5 remaining blastocysyts we have left.
I am just looking for some hope and reassurance that one day we will get there. I have had some tests done in case I had a problem that was causing the miscarriages but everything has come back normal and the doctors say its just really really bad luck.

Looking forward to chatting with you,
Jess

[leigh]

Hi Jess and welcome
You have had some really bad luck but you've come to the right place for help and advice, there's bound to be others here who have had a similar experience to yours. i hope you fins the support you need.

xxxxxxxx

[Sand]

Hi Jess. Glad you've found us. To jump all the hurdles and actually get 2 x +ves, then for them to be taken away from you must be heartbreaking. Do you know what tests your doctor has done ? I thinking particularly of one for NK cells (Natural Killer) that is frequently talked about on here.

Sandra x

[Jess]

Hi Sandra!
Thanks heaps to you and Leigh for your replies - I wish I had found this site a couple of years ago!
I am not sure about all the tests I had, but I know I did have one for antibodies and one for blood clotting. I came in on the high end of the 'normal' range for that and although the specialist said he wasn't concerned about it, I think I would still like to try using low-dose aspirin for the next transfer.
Its been heartbreaking to get so close and then to lose them
Is there anyone else out there who has tried the low-dose aspirin?

[DebraP]

Hi Jess, there's often debate here on aspirin. If you scroll down the General Forum you'll find a thread in the last 2 weeks or so. Opinion seems mixed but the bottom line is some clinics recommend it and others don't. It's definitely not used as a uniform preparation and carries some possible side effects for those who shouldn't take it. You're obviously fine as your doctors think it will help.

On the General Forum there are several threads 'limbo' and 'waiting for tmt/AF' for people inbetween tmts and then monthly buddy boards for people who have started the preps for tmt. The board is full of women (v.occ a man) in a similar situation to you. I've found it a HUGE source of support over the past 18m.

Good luck,
Debra

[LittleP]

Hi Jess

Welcome to the boards - I hope that you find as much support here as I have. The girls here are incredibly helpful and full of encouragement when you need it.

As the girls above have said, pop over to the General Forum and come and talk to us when you are ready.

Little P

[bubblymichelle]

Jess
I just want 2 say hello and welcome this is a great place for help and support and we will help you the best we can. If u need to ask any questions fire away and we will be by ur side.
Love
Shell.
xx

[dancola]

Jess, coming to this late I know, but just wanted to say that I am about to undergo 3 different blood tests this week. My first cycle in Dec resulted in a +ve but unfortunately I then lost the pg a few days later, having had my first blood test with levels of 70 on day 15, which was normal. My 2nd attempt in April was a –ve. Both times, 2 good quality 5-day blastocysts were transferred. Our problem is male factor like yours.

I had my consultation last week and the consultant has told me to take these tests, to rule out killer cells, and lack of blood supply to the womb. Whilst it’s fairly early for me to have these tests (some clinics, like yours, wait for more cycles before doing this) and we could just have another go and be lucky next time, my consultant thinks it’s worth doing now. Blastocyst gives you a 50% change of pg, up from the average 30% (at our clinic anyway), so he doesn’t want us to waste any more cycles/money (and time with me being 39) when these blood tests could confirm or rule out killer cells. Treatment for NCK would be steroids; if it’s a lack of blood supply they prescribe a combination of Heparin and baby aspirin.

I posted separately on this on the General Forum, but because DH’s count, quality and level of abnormal cells had worsened considerably since the first cycle, I was told about this drug/supplement from the US called Proxeed. It’s not cheap but my consultant told me it can improve count and quality by a fair bit. We’re going to give it a go, because our problem could well be just poor quality sperm. Even if ICSI fertilises the egg, the quality of the sperm is still important.

In your case, I would by now be asking to undergo tests for Natural Killer Cells to rule it out.

[AliasR]

Hi jess

welcome to the boards. there's plenty of support and always someone to have a chat to.

i'm very sorry to hear about your story i cannot imagine how hard it must be.

I remember reading this Ever Wondered Why IVF Fails? Read On and you can find it on the general board. maybe it will help you somehow. There's never too much information to me...

There are daily chat threads on the general board so if you feel like it, pop in, there's something to laugh about... and we all know that life is already too serious...

A big hug

Rita

[taylorjools]

Just wanted to add my welcome to Jess

It is always an inspiration when someone who has already been through a lot joins the board, well done you both for keeping at it. I wasted a lot of time when we had problems in our first IUI, and now I am 42 and dh is 48, so I can only urge you to keep up the impetus and not loose faith, it doesn't get easier later

Love bigJ

[Jess]

Hi I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has replied to me! Its been so wonderful to find such great support, and to not feel so alone anymore. Because of everything thats happened over the last couple of years our circle of friends has got smaller and we tend to keep to ourselves a bit now - does anyone else find this? Its so hard to know who to tell, and what their reactions will be.

We have decided to take the plunge and try again with a FET - so we book on tomorrow (eek!) and I guess start the cycle monitoring in 10 days time. So here goes!
(I am a bit shy of posting on the General site cos I'm just a new girl....!)

[LittleP]

Jess

When you feel ready to take the plunge and join in on the General Forum we will welcome you with open arms. There are threads over there for both May and June cycling, you never know you might find it handy to have people going through the same experiences to talk to.

My DH and me have chosen not to tell people about what we are going through because we have always been aware of the different ways that people react. Just remember that the people that matter are you, DH and the little person waiting to join you.

Sending you loads of PMA and hugs

Little P

[AliasR]

Dear Jess

Don't be shy, join the boards and follow LP's advice - i can't tell you how many new people have arrived and joined just this week so we're waiting for you...