Back after a break!

[MargOZ]

Hi guys, I did just post this in the LTTC forum but then thought i should probably be in here since I am using assisted conception (and I think this is where I used to post as in the past - need to jog the memory!!!).

Well, I haven't really been in the forum much since around this time last year! I'm not sure if there are any Long-Termers from back then still around or not!

Just a bit of background info. I started my fertility journey back in 2004 when I was diagnosed with fibroids and had 9 removed (the largest 15cm!). Two were left behind because they were too close to the main blood supply and at the time were also out of the way.

Since then I've had 2 x DI attempts (I'm single - can't find Mr Right!!!!) and 4 x IVF attempts - all with no success. Each time I only had around 4 to 5 follicles, 2 eggs and only one of those was suitable for transfer.

May last year was my last IVF cycle and since then I haven't been too well unfortunately (one hurdle after another!!!). In June I hurt my neck and shoulder at work and my boss couldn't have been more unsupportive if he'd tried! The six months following were just awful. Thankfully both he and my neck have improved this year BUT from January I've been feeling really sick (bloating, nausea, stomach pains, joint pain, tiredness) which my usual GP has basically ignored. I changed to a new GP recently and she has mentioned I could have a gluten intolerance. Still investigating it at the moment (and am on a gluten free diet to see if it makes a difference).

In the meantime I also caught up with my FS a few weeks ago and it seems the two remaining fibroids have grown and have now started causing me grief with my cycle! GREAT!!! He doesn't think I have a chance of getting pregnant while they are there BUT the catch is that because of their location, I only have a 50/50 % chance that removing them will work. So I could end up having a hysterectomy during the surgery.

SO! I currently have a lot to think about - and not much of it very good!!! I've pretty much decided to go ahead with the fibroid surgery in the new year, as the fibroids are only getting worse anyway. I guess the catch is whether I end up with another chance to try and get pregnant, or whether it will all be over. I've thought about trying to 'move on' even now but while there's even a glimmer of hope I can't let my baby dream disappear just yet! So if the surgery doesn't go well, then I guess I will have no choice but to move on - but then I don't want to think about that too much yet!

And of course I need to get fit and healthy before the surgery as well, so hopefully I can get this gluten thing sorted out, or find out if it is actually something else and get back to feeling healthy again!

Okay, so that's my long-winded update!!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Will try and catch up on threads and who's doing what. Good luck to all those going through cycles.

Marg

[Chez67]

Hi Marg

Welcome back. I too am at the age where quality of eggs becomes an issue, however, here I was feeling sorry for myself (3 unsuccessful cycles - only one transfer) and then I read your post. What a position to be in to have to choose the surgery for health reasons but know that there is a chance of having a hysterectomy because of it. You're very brave to choose the surgery and risk your dream. I have unexplained infertility, apart from being 'older' of course.

I wish you every success in the surgery and attaining your dream. And maybe you are onto something with the gluten intolerance? Maybe everything will come together for you next year and you will fall pg. Try not to lose hope.

Take care
Chez

[Lenny]

I remember you well MargOz.
Wishing you lots of sucess with the surgery and then starting AC again.
Good luck!

[MeredithD]

I remember you too Marg! What a brave and remarkable woman you are.
Praying that things go well for you and that there is a dream outcome for you very soon
Also just listening to your current symptoms and wondering if you could have any immune-mediated condition? Just could also play a big role in infertility issues too.
Hope you get things sorted soon

[MargOZ]

Thanks so much for the replies. I guess all I can do at the moment is just keep my fingers crossed!!!

Actually I was wondering the same thing Meredith. I've heard others talking about auto-immune issues and fertility, not that I know much about it tho. I might mention it to the FS at my next appointment and see what he has to say about the issue. And in the meantime I guess I could do some googling on the subject!!!

Marg

[MeredithD]

Marg - Not sure who your FS is but I know that most in Vic don't really believe in immunologic causes of infertility. I flew to Sydney to see a reproductive immunologist and got a positive result to his NK cell test. Basically, theory is that high level of NK cells can attack new embryos and thus lead to lack of implantation or m/c. Many women with such problems have responded very well to prednisolone and gone on to have healthy babies.I will be taking it next cycle and praying it brings me a dream come true!
Unfortunately, the current data just doesn't seem to be enough to convince all Dr's that this is a "real" cause of infertility/m/c. Seems a lot more accepted in Sydney - probably because there are a couple of specialists researching it all up there. Has been "big" in the USA for a number of years.
There is plenty more info around on BB and also if you google.
Let me know if you want to know more

[MargOZ]

Hi Meredith, thanks so much for your reply. If you do have any info on the subject I would love to get a copy or link. I'd at least like to be a bit more knowledgeable on the subject before I go back to my FS in the New Year.

I'm going to Ballarat Reproductive Clinic. They've been great so far but not sure what his opinion is on the whole immune thing!!!

Thanks heaps,
Marg

[MsPink]

Hey Marg....lovely to have you back...

Sounds like you've had a rough year..hope all goes smoothly from here for you..

[rach81]

HI Marg

I didn't meet you last time. But I just wanted to wish all the best with the decisions you have to make. Not easy at all. I really hope the Drs can find an answer which will help you achieve your dreams. Also I hope your GP is onto something - at least then you can try to control it a lil better..

Rach xx

[SeaChange]

Hi Marg,

Good to see you back again!

Sounds like you had a full on year - and have some big decisions to make.

Good luck with it all.