Autoimmune Disorders

JourneytoJoy07

I am back after taking a break during the middle of my 3rd IVF cycle.  I was so blessed to be able to conceive on this try with what seemed a normal pregnancy after a 3 week duration of beta hell the previous cycle.  At exactly 7 weeks we saw a beautiful heartbeat, only to have the baby taken from us that very same day in a rapid miscarriage.

The RE ordered the miscarriage panel, and I just recieved the results today.  I am hoping someone is familiar with one or any of my results.  The APRN said I need to go see a rhemutologist to have all of this explained in more detail.  Here are my results.  I apologize if they are unclear, it's all scribbles on my paper.

 

-Abnormal ANA 

- Type A Sjogren's

- Elevated plasminogen activators (normal 4-43) mine is a 64. 

 

Talked to RE quickly and he mentioned it was great to finally have answers and that we will  do heparin 3x/day or lovenox next time in addition to anything I have to do to balance the things mentioned above.  Towards the end he mentioned worse case scenarios and said the increase of meds could put me at risk for preclampsia and possible miscarriage and that if that happens our next step is gestational carrier.  He said adding the above could be all we need but he wanted me to know the worse case..needless to say there has been a lot of crying this evening.  I am very sad/upset/confused and hoping someone is familiar.  Thanks in advance.

MrsSJE2011

So sorry for your losses and this added news, but I hope it is a small relief to you to have some answers as to why this has been happening.  I am not of help with understanding all this as it is not something I have had to deal with, but just wanted to wish you luck with having things work out!

curlylocks3

I'm sorry for your loss- I remember your beta hell and to get this news today must be even harder. I don't have much experience with autoimmune stuff but what stuck out to me was where he was mentioning increased heparin or Lovenox and then pre-eclampsia. This might be totally off, but I wonder if talking to your OB and possibly consulting with an MFM or perinatologist would be a good option for you and your husband. I don't know if your autoimmune issues would mean that you'd be under the care of an MFM or just meet with them periodically while pregnant but I would think they could provide some insight and recommendations in to how you might be managed at that time.

Personally, my OB had me do a pre-conception consult with MFM so that we'd have a plan in place for my medical issues before we needed to deal with them. They gave me a lot of good information and I felt like it helped me feel more confident about my care.

Also, with those test results is your RE recommending you see a rheumatologist or any sort of specialist? Again, don't know a ton about this so not sure how all of it affects you beyond TTC/ pregnancy but that might also be a good resource.

 Big hugs to you and I hope you guys can get a plan you all feel comfortable with. Sorry this was so long. 

Sunny B

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss

I don't have much information- but my mother has Sjogrens. If  you have any questions about it, you could PM me and I'll get some answer for her. 

 Sorry you are getting put through it, girl. 

hmz819

Bumping from phone since stupid upgrade won't let me in on regular computer. Anyway, if it were me I'd see a RI reproductive immunologist. They can make sure you have a complete set of tests done and make recommendations from there.

I can't see where you are located but Dr. Braver.man is in NY. He takes limited insurance. You have to cycle at his office if you are doing any kind of ART.

Dr. Kwak.Kim in Chicago, I have consulted with her. I didn't think I would have coverage but so far my insurance has covered everything. She will work with you and/or your existing RE.

Be.er Center in CA. They do everything via the phone if you can't get to CA. They do not bill insurance but their rates are listed on the website. They will use labs your insurance covers when they can.

All these doctors use immune codes when they bill insurance so even if you don't have IF coverage you should be able to get most of this covered.

There are a couple other RI but these are the main players IMO and research. If you have more questions feel free to PM me.