For those of us in the unexplained infertility category, you always wonder. Why is this happening, clearly something is not going as it should, why can't they find it? For the most part, this has been my experience. My first RE's explanation was "It's just nature, we can't control everything" meaning that spontaneous genetic abnormalities happen. And that's why it didn't work for me.
But I always had a sneaking suspicion that something else was going on. Things always went well, stimming went well, ER went well, fert went well, transfer went well. So what's left? Implantation. I always had this lingering, back-of-the-mind suspicion that something was off here. When asking my old RE about it, he just poo-poo'ed me, and said no, that couldn't be it. I didn't have endometriosis. And he would not look into it.
Well, the e-tegrity test results came back late yesterday, and just as I suspected. I lack this beta-3 integrin protein that facilitates implantation.
I knew it!!!
That was my reaction when the nurse told me. I felt vindicated in a way. I was right to ditch the other doc, I was right to push for this test. Ha! I knew it!
But where does this leave me, once the vindication wears off? Well, I'm not 100% sure. I woke up today feeling a bit more scared about the whole thing. The nurse said it was good we were planning a freeze-all cycle, since now they need to treat me before transfer. They are recommending 2 months on De.po Lup.ron, before doing the FET. I have not had much of a chance to ask Dr. Google about what these results mean, and what this treatment is about. That is today's plan. If you know about this at all, please leave a comment about your experience. I'm trying not to freak out without more information and knowledge. After I get that, then I'll freak.
In other news, I also found out that our karyotypes were normal, no translocations! So that's great! And I got my official IVF calendar, because lovely AF showed yesterday. On time, again!
Dear Auntie, I apologize for all the mean comments I've mead about your timeliness, your senility, your sense of direction. I take it all back. You have been right on time, and I thank you for that.
That's where it all stands now. Ordering meds, getting ready to start BCP tomorrow. It's hard to imagine after months of waiting, I am moving again. But it's happening. Keep your fingers crossed for me, hell, keep 'em crossed for the next month!
Repeat: Cold Peace
1 day ago
I'm so sorry that your results came back missing the integrin, but at the same time I know it's nice to finally have an answer which gives you the power to do something about it. Missing the integrin can indicate endometriosis, have you had a lap to rule this out?
ReplyDeleteI have the integrin, so I didn't have to to the lupron treatment, but supposedly it puts you in a menopause state and causes your lining to reset itself. I'm so glad you caught this and can go into this next cycle giving yourself the best possible chance.
Yay for some sort of movement!! That whole standstill portion blows!
ReplyDeleteAnd a semi-awesome about finding out about the e-tegrity results. (awesome for a "reason" not about the results...you know what I mean.)
I'm so glad you got some answers! I am unexplained as well and have always wondered if I had an implantation issue. Good for you for being your own advocate!
ReplyDeleteICLW
Jill - Thanks for your comment! No one has suggested a lap at this point, so I'm going with that. I have not had evidence of any thus far, but I know that doesn't mean it is not there. I am supposed to have that small fibroid out before FET, so maybe they can do both? Like I said, this is all new to me and I'm still learning what the hell it all means.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this cycle! I'm so glad you followed your intuition and pushed for that test. It's sad that some doctors are so quick to dismiss our thoughts and concerns.
ReplyDeleteICLW
YAY for HOPE!!! And you were very right to leave and find someone who WOULD help you. Endo doesn't cause all issues with implanting! We usually are right with our feelings on what may or may not be wrong and it's horrible when you aren't heard!
ReplyDeleteHappy ICLW :)
Forward motion = good. So glad you now have solid information.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered acupuncture to help with implantation? Just asking...
Jem
Jem - yeah, I did electro-acupuncture during IVF #2. I've been told that helps with blood flow to the uterus. According to the doppler u/s I recently did, my ute blood flow is good, so it would not be of benefit to me. I think this protein issue is a hormonal/endo issue, not a blood flow issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's all so complicated!!
HAPPY ICLW!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you were diagnosed, but am SO glad your voice was heard! I hope your doctor treats and you and your cycle goes very smoothly!
*HUGS*
Thanks for your advice on OPKs. I am glad you listened to your gut and make them look at that. I hate when doctors won't listen to the patient. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm obviously not glad that you are lacking the protein, I am glad that your gut feeling was vindicated and that you now have some kind of answer and something concrete to fix.
ReplyDeleteYay for no translocations. Always nice to hear your body is doing something right.
Hopefully AF will forgive you for all the mean things you said. After all, you're family. :)
What a couple of days you've had! I'm glad you got an answer and it sounds like they know how to deal with it. The missing piece of the puzzle I hope! Lots of good thoughts for you as you start this cycle!! XO
ReplyDeleteGood luck for this cycle, cycle twin!!! Mrs and Mrs IVF are sending you heaps of positive vibes!!
ReplyDeleteYou were right-on to ask for another opinion! Wow, you have answers, and a place to start! I'm feeling really excited for you! I hope the treatments make everything fall into place this IVF cycle.
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that you pushed for the test because you knew something was up. I hope that now you know they can treat you and it will end up with a positive on a pregnancy test :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the test results showed something (though I'm also sorry they showed something!) - but the upside of knowing what is wrong means that you can do something about it. Fingers crossed that this is the cycle - armed with new information.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were vindicated!
ReplyDeleteMy fingers and toes are crossed for you my dear.
Forward motion and momentum is good.
ReplyDeleteGlad things are moving forward for you even if the findings are not ideal.
ReplyDelete