New with the IF/RE process-some questions

I am new at the IF/RE process and I have some questions. I apologize in advance for any dumb questions!

1. I had my consult with Dr. B-he is sending me for a thrombophilia test as well as a whole autoimmune workup-first-what is he looking for, second what is the thrombophilia test and what is he looking for? Also the script is looking for MTHFR mutation-what is that. And if I have a normal thyroid from my last round of b/w-why do I need a test for antithyroid antibodies? Basically is this normal testing for someone who is starting out with an RE?

2. Dr. B mentioned that he thinks, (but this can change) that he is going to increase my prednisone to 20mg and add Lovenox. What is Lovenox, how is it administered, and what is it supposed to do for someone experiencing IF? Also, I have been on prednisone since Nov 08 and I was on 60mg and had a chemical pregnancy-does this mean anything?

3. Dr. B does not want us to just try on our own anymore and he said call immediately if I get a BFP. My IF issue according to Dr. B is autoimmune, relating completely at this point to my rheumatoid arthritis? Am I more prone to a m/c because of my disease?

4. Basically what should I expect during the process? What is the normal protocol? What other testing is common that I might expect along the way?

Sorry so long-Thank you in advance!

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

i wish i can help you!
but hugs all the way

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

I wish I could help too....you know who's knows all about this stuff is dilb712 (Diana). I think she's pretty well educated on it and she's such a DOLL. She just had her baby yesterday as a matter of fact ....success story of Dr. B.

ETA: I'm sure she could shed some light on these questions once she gets home and settled.

Message edited 6/16/2009 2:37:13 PM.

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Posted by daisy32

I wish I could help too....you know who's knows all about this stuff is dilb712 (Diana). I think she's pretty well educated on it and she's such a DOLL. She just had her baby yesterday as a matter of fact ....success story of Dr. B.

ETA: I'm sure she could shed some light on these questions once she gets home and settled.

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Posted by MetsGirl07

i wish i can help you!
but hugs all the way

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Hey Michelle. I have experience with a good amount of these things and while I don't 100 percent get it all I have a good understanding. First let me start by saying you could basically copy and paste this post to Dr B in an e-mail and he'd answer all your questions better than any of us. He really would, he is THAT great.

Dr B discovered I have hypothyroidism, I was tested after my son was born and nothing came up. Keep in minds they want the #'s lower when TTC than your GP might. I also have thyroid antibodies which was discovered in a different test as well as some other antibodies. Basically the antibodies attack your thyroid or whatever they are antibodies for. I also have activated natural killer cells which are probably attacking the embryo before it has a chance to even implant, also aiding in my 2 chemicals. I have the prothrombin gene mutation as well, which is hereditary, it is a blood clotting issue and is the reason I take lovenox and one of the reasons I take prednisone and will have intralipid transfusions (edited because I re-read what I wrote and this was wrong, the intralipids are for the natural killer cells and so is the prednisone) as soon as I get PG. Lovenox is a blood thinner, I give myself injections everyday from the time I trigger until my beta. If not pg I stop til the next trigger, if pg I will continue the shots until 6 weeks after I give birth. I also believe I will have to have a scheduled induction or C-section bc of this.

Message edited 6/16/2009 3:22:52 PM.

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Oh and through talking to other dr b patients I can tell you he will gear this towards you and your needs. For me there were some tests done and not others because of the chemicals, because I already have a child etc. I had a milion and one blood tests done and a hysteroscopy, we had a dna fragmentation test done on DH, but no SA, we had the DQ-Alpha which was also a blood test. Put your trust in Dr B, imo he is the best. Good luck. I hope this helps and if I can help with anything else don't hesitate to ask.

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

I won't lie they are slightly painful, but you figure out the spots that hurt less. And it is totally bearable pain, a slight pinch from the needle and a little burn from the fluid but not that bad.

Re: New with the IF/RE process-some questions

Sent you a FM!