NKC

[scooby]

Hi,

I have been told you can be tested for NKC, but not sure what this is, can anyone help?

scooby

[dancola]

Think I’ve explained the NKC on the other thread. I would suggest that, when assessing what clinic you choose, you make this one of your questions. Some clinics don’t ‘believe’ in NKC and some do. The test itself is simple – you give blood which get sent away (Holly House send it to a centre in London) and the results come back in about 2 weeks. I also got tested for anticardiolipins and anticoagulants at the same time. These two measure your clotting – another potential cause of early m/c or failure to implant is lack of bloodflow to the uterus. The ‘cure’ for this condition would be a prescription of either baby aspirin and/or Heparin. I tested –ve for the lipins but don’t know the other result yet. Either way, for all 3 conditions the treatment starts only after EC.

The tests cost around £ 350 all in. I think it was money worth spending even if just for peace of mind. A cycle is expensive and it’s gutting to know that you’ve just washed £5K down the drain if you tested +ve for something that could be preventing success. The reason why women aren’t generally tested for this is that it only affects a minority of women, therefore is not something that everyone gets tested for before starting.

[LittleP]

Hi there

NK cells are Natural Killer cells which we all have. The test is to see whether your levels are higher than normal. If they are there is a thought that these cells are strong enough to fight off an embryo and kill it, hence causing early miscarriage or no implantation at all.

I had the tests done because I had a history of excellent embryos and m/c and had unexplained problems - nothing wrong with DH, nothing obviously wrong with me. The tests came back showing I have a high level of NK cells and hence my treatment this time has been entirely different.

The immunology blood test I had cost just under £800.00 and is shipped off to Chicago to be tested. It takes a few days to get the results but it was well worth it from our point of view. There are a lot of hospitals who do not recognise this treatment and it is important that if you do want to go down this route you get full support from your hospital because there is a totally different drug protocol that goes with it should you show high levels.

I wish you loads of luck - if you have any questions let me know.

Love

Little P

[HM]

I posted my question in another topic, but I think you gals have given the answer here. It really concerns me that I have possible blood clotting. My doctor ordered me for further blood test and subscribed Heparin injection.

I'm so upset with this condition and worried about the outcome. Hope Heparin works and my embies stay safe. I don't know how many embies I have now, my HCG level is 700 as of day 15 test. The nurse said normally it should be 200 or so. Is this true for everybody? I think my condition is too complicated to have multiple.

I'll go back tomorrow for second HCG test to confirm the first one. Hope it goes well.

[LittleP]

HM

Good luck tomorrow - I'm sure everything will be fine, it sounds as though they are just dotting the i's and crossing the t's which is good.

Take care of yourself and let us know how you get on won't you.

As to levels I can't really compare - I had a 5-day transfer (blastocyst) and tested on day 10. They said to me that my levels are lovely and high.

Just keep believing and stay strong.

Little P

[HOLLY SANDERSON]

bringing this back up for someone