Hiya
Does anyone know about / experienced this? We went for our 1st appt for IVF and before I get sniffing and injecting, the Dr wants to rule out that my womb lining isn't rejecting embryos that I may be producing. (I have endometriosis but tubes clear and hormones OK, ttc 2 yrs)
We have to go private due to my age (37 & too old for NHS) and have to pay £700 for this blood test because its not available in the UK. My blood sample will fly to the USA for testing! (1st class I hope- could go in person for that price)
Be good to hear anyone elses experiences
Thanks
jane
It sounds like it might be some sort of immunology test? They frequently run a series of them over here prior to someone going through the IVF cycle. I know they did run a few of them in my case.
Here is a link to an article describing some of the tests and why they are done (actually, I can't insert the address as a link so you'll just need to copy it and paste it into your browser)
I have endometriosis too but I didn't have to have a test like that. I am paying privately as well. It would be interesting to see what they come back with. Keep it posted and I hope the results are good.
Shellie
DH 37, me 28 with Endometriosis
First attempt at IVF in May, now pregnant with twins. Fingers still crossed.
Hi
I am new to the board and hope it is ok to post. I too have endo and had this test after 2 early misscariages it showed that I had a high level of natural killer cells apparently common in patients with endo. I had the IVIG infussions on my 4th attempt and was succesful,I now have twins. The reason I am lurking on the board is I am thinking of trying again but think that might just be greedy. Hope you dont mind me butting in.
Ellie
Welcome to the mad house!! I am sure no one minds you 'butting in' as your story gives everyone hope especially those girls with endo. Well done on the birth of your twins. Are they girls, boys or one of each, how old?
Don't think you are being greedy there are a few girls on here who have been successful and got their baby or babies and trying for another one or two!! Jules R has got 2 year old twins and is looking to have another bash so don't worry.
Keep in touch
Love Dagny xkx
Me 38 DH 40
1st 2nd & 4th IVF/ICSI -ve
3rd +ve DD Katelyn born @ 24wks & sadly died
5th +ve m/c 9wks
6th +ve Twins Sadly DD Leah stillborn @20wks and DS Kieran born @22wks but sadly died too
7th +ve - DD Chloë Mae born @38wks our precious miracle
I also had to have the blood test for Natural Killer Cells at a cost of £800 at ARGC. The test came back positive and now I have to be treated with IVIG - an immunoglobulin. during treatment cycle, again bumping up the cost of IVF. On top of this I will also need to take aspirin and Heparin as I have tested positive for Anti Phospholipid Antibodies.
To add insult to injury my last blood test revealed a high FSH level, which has delayed treatment.
It seems I take one step foreward and two steps back!!!!
The test you'll be having is being offered more and more now to girls who've had repeated miscarriages (with or without IVF). The theory is that the NK cell activity may be raised in these cases (everyone has NK cells, some of us have more than others) which increases the risk of the body 'rejecting' the embryo. There is, as you can imaging, a lot of controvery and lots more research needs to be carried out.
Anyway, for our purposes, if there is a chance that something will increase the success rate, it's worth a try, right? Well, I was really in two minds, I had two m/c (first with IVF and second time I fell pg naturally). Both were at 7weeks. The NK cell test was suggested but I was reluctant (I heard IVIG is quite involved treatment). I finally gave in, had the test and was borderline NK +ve.
The clinic I go to has a different protocol from the ARGC (where they use IVIG). They basically give you a 12 week course of steriods (it's a really low dose actually) which you start just before the ET. They just need to keep an eye on your BP and make sure you don't develop an ulcer if you are prone to that.
I don't know the outcome of my treatment because I'm still on the 2ww, but I've heard good things about it. Iwish you all the luck and hope this has been helpful.
Hi Girls
Thanks for all your replies. They have really cheered me up and the info you have shared with me has been really useful. I will raid our piggy bank and go for it. This web site is fab
Good luck to you all
jane
