HT & Autoimmune disorders

[Dana-Alicia]

I guess I'd defo need a reproductive immunologist to check me out, as I've had thrombosis en pulmonairy embolisms a few years back I've been so ill and my pregnancies were so hard. I do get treatment though (injections to prevent my blood from clotting) but I've always feared for my babies and my safety. I'm not from the US though, so I should see a specialist in the EU or in Africa once we moved there. I did find a clinic in SA where they use acGH for medical reasons, so am hoping they can treat me or do part of the treatment. I was told SA is much more advanced than Europe medical wise. Strange, but I've seen their private hospitals, gah amazing!

[Dana-Alicia]

Ah they're specialized in reproductive immulogy in 'my' hospital, gah! Well appearently they never felt the need to do more research on my body. I've been to a hemaetologist a few years back to look for any bloodclotting disorder, but they couldn't find anything to cause my healthproblems. I wonder if there is a link between AS and embolisms?

[fresas]

This is a great thread. I don't have the means for HT now, but definitely want to watch this thread because it is very insightful.

[willtherebe4]

Well I thought I would update...

Had an appointment with my Rheumatologist over the weekend, with some good news and some pending ...

I didn't realise it had been 4 years since I last seen him so that was good in that I haven't had any major issues in that time. We discussed changes since then being MC #3 and DS#3. Discussed massive family history of heart disease / stroke and I mentioned a few other things that I wasn't sure whether or not applicable. Then I focused on whether my MC's are linked to my AS and that we were planning on TTC next year. I asked whether there is any diff as to whether you try naturally or ivf (didn't mention about the plan for IVF). He said there definitely could be a link and that it can affect implantation but more likely that it can cause the placenta to clot hence ending in MC, so no difference whether natural or ivf really. Even in my successful pregnancies I had early bleeds. I asked if it would be helpful to be on aspirin whilst ttc and he suggested that it was funny that I say that as that's whats often suggested but didn't go in to specifics.

He is testing me for ANTI PHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODY SYNDROME
I have an order for blood tests of the following:
Lupus Anticoagulant,
Cardiolipin Antibodies,
B2 Glycoprotein 1 Assay.

I believe these tests are no out of pocket cost but not 100% sure on that until I get them.
He said I don't need to see him for 3 months but if these results don't also get sent to my GP I will definitely be going to see him much sooner.

So much to organise for HT anyway now this pending, I think I am feaking out a little bit :'(

[HopeandDreamG]

You should ask if you should be on lovenox. Not just a baby aspirin.

[Dana-Alicia]

So if I understand correctly, the AS can cause your placenta to clot? Which can cause infarcts in the placenta? But would that also mean you have a higher chance of thrombosis or clots on your end? Sorry you're having to do all these tests. I really hope all is well other than this stupid AS.

[Dr. Potter]

Hi,
I was hoping if someone coud tell me what impact, if any, Autoimmue disorders on the females side has on HT. In particular I'm referring to Ankylosing Spondylitis (positive for HLA-B27 gene). Does it make any difference if the disease is active or not at the time of cycling?

Is there anything that can be done to minimise the impact when cycling?

If anyone can attach any links or refer me to any sites where I can read up on this further, that would be most appreciated.

Thankyou.

It is best to avoid trying to establish pregnancy during a flare-up. Most doctors would want a 6 month wait after a flare-up. It would be important to consider Clexane/Lovinox and/or Intralipid infusions as well. Immunosuppresive therapy with high dose steroids is fine during stimulation and might also be helpful

[willtherebe4]

It is best to avoid trying to establish pregnancy during a flare-up. Most doctors would want a 6 month wait after a flare-up. It would be important to consider Clexane/Lovinox and/or Intralipid infusions as well. Immunosuppresive therapy with high dose steroids is fine during stimulation and might also be helpful

Thankyou Dr Potter, I look forward to consulting with you once I have these results and pretesting completed. We were hoping to cycle in March 2014...

[Lolo]

Hi hopeanddreamG, I hope you don't mind me asking this question not sure you could help in answering it, I have ulcerative colitis had for the last 5yrs in a flare and haven't been able to control it very well before that remission for 4 yrs before that 4 yrs flare but got pregnant naturally with a boy aged 11. I am on Mezavant xl and azathophrine to control it now its taken a good 6 months to calm it I am actually pregnant at the moment with a boy and only have 7 wks left a naturally pregnancy this is, I feel very blessed in that I have felt better than ever with this pregnancy not with my last son thou, and my sysmtoms are almost gone!! I don't want to get my hopes up incase I have a huge flare after woulds like I did on my last son who is 11. I emailed Genesis in Cyprus about doing ivf/pgd for a girl hopefully about 8 months after birth all being well and I am hoping I will be more fertile for it to work, I mentioned I had colitis and he didn't say anything about not cycling because of my health I don't think I am in remission as it feels like its there but no acting up if I am making sense, my consultant was hoping I would go into remission on Aza but then turned around said don't wait any longer just get on with it because of my age I will be 39 this yr. my question is I wil be paying for this out of our own pockets do you think it's l don't want to waste it if there is chance my colitis will get in the way have you been advised then to be in remission before you start ivf?? Xx

[Lolo]

Hi, hope some body can help? I am new to this forum I am not sure how I can re send my above message to a doctor on pgd/ivf about cycling with my colitis still active can anyone help please thankyou in advance xx