Shady Grove or other local doctor who can really talk about data/theory re immune issues (or not)

[Anonymous]

I know the practice has its limits and its protocols. I tried talking with my RE about immune issues, and why SG does or does not do what it does, and I have to say that I was underwhelmed. Basically I got an answer that the data doesn't support doing what SG won't do, and that the data doesn't support doing what SG will sometimes do for people. But anything as to what the data does or doesn't say -- or what empirical results do or do not teach was entirely lacking. I found the set of notes on a consult with an RBA doctor in the attached link interesting, and felt that this was the type of conversation I wanted to have: http://theunexpectedtrip.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/consult-2-with-dr-shapiro/

I know Dr. Abbasi will do immune treatments, though I don't know if she is the one to have a frank conversation about pros/cons and data. I was thinking of doing a consult with SIRM in NY.

Any ideas? I know about Dr. Braverman, KK, and Beer Center, of course. But I am looking for more than a proponent or an opponent - but for someone who actually has time and willingness to discuss data.

[Anonymous]

SIRM is knowledgeable but will not do detailed testing like Braverman or KK. I have spoken with Dr. Sher as well as Dr. Peters. Both of them do believe in immune issues and order testing that they think is relevant and important. SIRM NY is also good. Other forums have pretty good feedback on Dr. Wang and Dr. Tortilello (excuse my spelling capabilities) and they do immune testing too. Braverman should be able to discuss the data/empirical results with you but it depends on what mood and set of mind he is in that day.

[Anonymous]

Shady Grove is the biggest clinic in the country so if they don't believe in immune issues maybe you should listen to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shady Grove is the biggest clinic in the country so if they don't believe in immune issues maybe you should listen to them.

Don't agree. If natural killer activity is very high there is no way the pregnancy will last.

[Anonymous]

Go see Dr. Abbasi for at least a consult. I felt like my RE at SG wasn't listening to me and my thyroid went haywire during my cycle, so I left. They were not working for me as a clinic. The point is, I saw Dr. Abbasi and she ordered autoimmune testing, a thrombophila panel (I told her about my MTHFR gene from 23&Me, which SG also told me was fine), and an immunological work up. She can be gruff but she is clearly a doctor and it is clearly a doctors office. There are no bells and whistles. I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. Not every clinic or RE is for everyone and you have every right to walk away from a clinic if you are not happy with the protocol or their treatment of you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. And I want also talk to someone who doesn't "believe" in immune issues, but will explain why with reference to specific studies and data. Or anyone who has a good explanation as to why three CGH donor egg cycles failed.

[Anonymous]

Pulling this thread back up. If I get treated for immune issues by Abassi, could I still use SG to transfer my remaining embryos?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure she will treat you unless you're cycling there. I believe I asked her about doing that because I was in the shared risk with SGF at the time and didn't want to pull out. What I ended up doing was testing and consult with Abassi. After results were in, I asked her opinion. Then I got a consult with SIRM - Dr. Peters. I used all my results and information to convince my doc at SGF to adjust my protocol.... added steroids, baby aspirin and claratin. All docs were in agreement so I went ahead and cycled again with SGF since I had a consensus...and thankfully that next round was successful.

[Anonymous]

yes the most SG will do is baby aspirin and a steroid. The problem with immune issues is that there is no scientific data to support it so most doctors wont buy into it. I have hashimotos which is an autoimmune disease and my endocrinologist told me she'd be more concerned with the steroids in pregnancy than any "immune issues."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure she will treat you unless you're cycling there. I believe I asked her about doing that because I was in the shared risk with SGF at the time and didn't want to pull out. What I ended up doing was testing and consult with Abassi. After results were in, I asked her opinion. Then I got a consult with SIRM - Dr. Peters. I used all my results and information to convince my doc at SGF to adjust my protocol.... added steroids, baby aspirin and claratin. All docs were in agreement so I went ahead and cycled again with SGF since I had a consensus...and thankfully that next round was successful.

What was Claritin for specifically? Is this a recent protocol?