Immune issues- what physical symptoms did you have besides BFN or miscarriage

[Anonymous]

I was on a very low dose of prednisone - 5mg. The only down side of being on it during pregnancy was that I was told that it was the reason I developed gestational diabetes. However, it was very well managed, and I never had to go on insulin. Both times my children were born healthy - and because I followed the "diabetes diet" very strictly I ended up not gaining a lot of weight, and neither of my babies were big - which can be a concern when you have gestational diabetes. I was very comfortable being on prednisone while pregnant, and I was so grateful that it helped to keep my babies safe. Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

I'm pregnant with my second baby after being diagnosed with immune issues. First I saw Dr. Abbasi and then went to Dr. Braverman. I miscarried twice more with Dr. Abbasi and AEB (and IVIG) , which is when I was successful with Dr. Braverman. We could get pregnant on our own but never past 8w. Like one other PP I had unusual symptoms where I suspected repeat implantation failure. One month it was a rash on my face, another month I'd spike a fever, or get a sore throat all around 7-10dpo. Then my normally 13 day luteal phase would turn into 16-17 days all with negative pregnancy tests.

It turns out that I have other genetic characteristics that make me very susceptible to implantation failure. So even though we didn't have trouble getting pregnant, my body had a really hard time recognizing pregnancy and allowing full trophoblast invasion into the uterine lining.

Otherwise I rarely get sick and do not have any outward symptoms of autoimmune issues (no allergies etc). It's only during pregnancy that my immune system goes into overdrive and really needs to be suppressed.

I second what one PP said if your gut is telling you one thing don't ignore it. Our family will be complete with the birth of this baby, but it's still really hard to think about 8 losses we had prior.

[cczbunnie83]

Thank you to everyone that has posted their experience with immune related infertility.. I was wondering what are the risks of suppressing the immune system? One I've heard is gestational diabetes.. but was wondering if there's anything else... I know I will get this info from the doc when I go see her but just curious...

[Anonymous]

During pregnancy your immune system is naturally suppressed. It's just that some people's body does this normally and other people need help.

I was on steroids through 16w of my pregnancy and did not get GD so I think there's more to it than that. All meds during pregnancy are going to have some risk involved. I've seen one woman with lupus treated with 40mg of prednisone in order to avoid miscarriage and while unpleasant it did work for her. Having a doctor who knows how to successfully treat this is the key IMO.

It's possible to over suppress though. Your body needs inflammation in order for implantation to happen. Too much or not enough - either one is bad.

[Anonymous]

I had recurrent miscarriages and with all of the testing from GW and Shady Grove showing nothing out of the ordinary. I was positive it was immunological, even though a lot of RE's don't believe in that, because I would ovulate fine, get pregnant repeatedly, then miscarry (often at the chemical stage... even during clomid/IUI treatment at SG). SG told me I probably had bad eggs, but that made no sense since I have one son conceived quickly with no trouble (and what are the chances that my first egg ever was the only "good" one in the bunch?) Plus I have other autoimmune issues (though those are supposedly unrelated as well).

I tried Dr. Braverman, but it did feel like a sales pitch and I wasn't totally comfortable with what patients were saying was his first line of treatment (can't remember the drug name now). So I went to see Dr. Abassi for IVIG and voila! My first round of Clomid/IUI (preceeded by an IVIG treatment) with her was unsuccessful, but the next month when I was taking a "break" from treatment, I got pregnant on my own with twins! (Just delivered them at 32 weeks!) Dr. Abassi was very supportive and continued to see me as a patient and ensure that I received follow up IVIG treatments. I know this is not the miracle cure for everyone, but I knew it was what I needed and am so glad that she was willing to help.

I should add that I already take a very powerful immunosuppressant for my other autoimmune issues and, although it would be better to be pregnant without it, that medicine was not helpful or harmful in conceiving or carrying the babies to delivery.

[Anonymous]

14:01, what immunology issue did you have and what testing did you do to find out about it?