natural killer cells Archives - Page 2 of 2

Just saw my new Fertility Specialist today to find out my new treatment protocol now that I have been diagnosed with Natural Killer Cells. I arrived with my box of tissues in tow – not because I was sad but because I have a cold. It was hard to concentrate but the Doctor seemed to think that being diagnosed with natural killer cells a good thing as it gives him (or maybe me) hope that I might become a mother.

In any case, because Aunt Flow arrived yesterday and I am now in day 2 of my cycle, I have discovered that I need to start taking two Dexmethasone tablets from today, see my new nurse tomorrow and get booked in for an “infusion” Thursday week (5th August). Sounds like a lethal cocktail to me.

For those wondering, dexamethasone is classed as a steroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant. Mmm – I wonder if this will hinder my recovery from my cold….

The “infusion” on the other hand refers to Intralipid. This involves intravenously feeding me with a syringe in the arm for half a day with the Intralipid Treatment.

Treatment is at the clinic and so I will need to take some time off work. The Intralipid is used to down regulate the Natural Killer Cells. The substance is synthetic and is cheaper than the natual IVIG which is not available in Australia. It apparently has no side effects and is therefore safe to use.

This time I get off lightly. Not a lot of drugs considering that I am just doing a simple embryo transfer and not full blown IVF where my ovaries are stimulated. Perhaps this is a good way to be introduced to the treatment.

In any case, all my and my partners blood tests came back normal and the blood tests worked. Thank goodness for this as I really didn’t want to sit through another blood test again. The last two have not been fun at all. The first blood test didn’t work and the second one took ages (even with three separate needles).

Sheesh – I just found out I have tested positive for natural killer cells. It seems my body kills embryos. Now that might explain why I have have 13 IVF failures. I wish I saw my new Doctor sooner. Now we just have to worry about my husbands sperm, my natural killer cells and our age – well my age!

From what I can gather the next step in the process is steroids and medication to suppress my immune system. Goody – I wonder if this means I am more likely to get sick. I have been disgustingly healthy – I think I had all my illnesses as a child. However, if they suppress my immune system I guess I am now more likely to catch various illnesses. I don’t like being sick and I don’t make a good patient.

Do how does one get tested for natural killer cells. Well basically you have to book your appointment for day 21 of your cycle. Your fertility specialist will then dig into your uterus and take a specimen for testing. This is not a pleasant test. It hurts for 10 seconds it takes for the specialist to get the speciman as well as afterwards.

My next step is to see the good doctor when he returns from his conference to get the low down on the treatment. Now this is going to be interesting. It seems the more you do IVF, the more drugs get pumped into your body. Anyways, my fertility specialist seems to think that 60% of women get pregnant after being treated for natural killer cells.