Wednesday, November 3, 2010

CD 1: starting a new IVF? or waiting another month?

I'm baaaaaack!

CD 1 strikes again and, as promised, I'm back. This time armed with more information.

Working with a new RE, Dr. Z, across the bay from where I live. He believes in doing lots of testing. The results are in:

I tested positive for MTHFR gene mutation A1298C - yes, the dreaded F*th*rf*ck*r gene mutation!!!!  Dr. Z. prescribed baby.asparin (81 mg) and Fol.gard to help with absorption of Folic acid.

He does special immunological testing. Results are also in:
Positive for NK - Natural Killer cells and TH1 / TH2 intracellular cytokine. He will put me on Fem.ara (after I have a TB test done) and do intralipid injections at transfer.

Needless to say, I'm going out of my frickin' mind.

Part of me is relieved to know WHY our perfect embryos didn't take for IVF #1 along with the FET. The other part just wants to crawl under a rock and cry like a baby ---- Why me???!!!!!!! Why is this happening? Why can't this be easy?

I know I'm not alone in receiving this diagnosis. I'd love to hear your stories (especially your happy endings) and get advice. 

I don't feel especially ready to start this cycle. I'm not getting any younger tho. Do I just jump right in? Or do I wait a cycle to "digest" all this?

Jem


10 comments:

Kakunaa said...

Welcome back!

What makes you feel safe? Have they come up with a solid plan you feel comfortable with in order to combat these issues? If yes, then I say move forward. If no, then ask more questions and get answers until you do feel comfortable and wait until then to start. That's my 2 cents.

Anonymous said...

Hey, glad to hear from you again!

Wow, I can't believe all of those test results! Even though it sucks that you're dealing with all of that stuff, I'm so glad they found it and it sounds like they have a plan to make this next cycle successful.

Do they want you on any of these treatments for a certain period of time, or are they comfortable with you starting right in on cycling?

Jill said...

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you have to deal with this. But like you said, on the bright side I truly hope it will lead to a great outcome for this IVF! If your head is spinning, understandably, you may want to take a short respite. If you feel ready to face it, by all means go for it! I have seen so many women rave about DrZ and I hope he does great things for you too.

Another DrZ patient just got the same NK cell and MTHFR diagnosis. Her blog is:
bankingonafamily.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you back! Sorry about the crappy news! I don't have much advice, but keep your chin up. (((HUGS)))

Circus Princess said...

Take a deep breath and jump! Lots of love!

Iam veRONIque said...

My prayers are with you.

Melissa G said...

Crazy how much we have in common right now! (most unfortunately, that is)

Can't wait to hear how things progress, our BFP's await!

P.S. Glad to have you back!

Poppet said...

Brave of you to get the genetic testing done!!!! Three of four grandparents had cancer (different types, but still cancer), my Mom and my brother died of it, and now my has it, lots of 2nd cousins have had it.
And I'm scared shitless to get any kind of testing!!! Good for you for the bravery. Sucks to have the answers you got, but at least you have answers that you can start with.

Be brave. Be well.

linda said...

You might want to ask him for a referral to Dr. Stricker's office in Los Gatos (he has a SF office but not sure if he sees immune patients there - worth trying though). Or just take your tests and self refer.

If you have insurance coverage, IVIG is a better option than Intralipids. Stricker can tell you more about this.

MTHFR is fairly common - did you get 1 or 2 copies?

Allison said...

Welcome back, Jem! Sorry about the crappy diagnosis, but... (searching, searching for the silver lining)... at least now you're aware and can treat for them, and the next procedure will have an even greater chance of success?

That's all I got. It is unfair, and sucky, and all of that. Grrr.