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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Asking RE for additional testing...
Just wanted some advice. DH and I have been TTC for over 2 years. We're basically unexplained.
My RE (at Cornell) did all the standard tests.
There are 2 additional tests I want to talk to him about. The first is the sperm fragmentation test. The second is a test for activated uterine natural killer cells (I found out about this via the SIRM website).
I trust my RE and I know Cornell has a good reputation. I would think there is a reason why they never ordered these tests. I don't want to come across as pushy, or as a know it all. But at the same time, I'd rather know everything that's wrong before moving on to IVF. Is it rude to ask for tests that your RE hasn't ordered? Does it come across as not trusting their judgement?
Thanks.
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Posted 6/26/15 11:35 AM  |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
You should ask your RE what they think about the value of those 2 tests. This will bring up the topic and their thought process on the matter.
I think both are considered to be very controversial & have questionable impact on clinical course & treatment.
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| Posted 6/26/15 12:03 PM |
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Lillies
Grateful for my babies!
Member since 2/12 4571 total posts
Name:
<3
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
I would def ask. It can't hurt to hear their opinion on the tests and their experience.
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| Posted 6/26/15 12:10 PM |
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cateyemm
Twins!
Member since 7/10 8027 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
I dont think Cornell and SIRM are aligned in philosophy with NK cells and immunology in general. It's definitely worth asking but they may tell you they dont believe it's a factor in infertility.
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| Posted 6/26/15 12:18 PM |
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Lillies
Grateful for my babies!
Member since 2/12 4571 total posts
Name:
<3
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by cateyemm
I dont think Cornell and SIRM are aligned in philosophy with NK cells and immunology in general. It's definitely worth asking but they may tell you they dont believe it's a factor in infertility.
This is very true. Many REs do not believe the immune system plays a part in infertility. SIRM does believe this and will do these kinds of tests.
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| Posted 6/26/15 2:33 PM |
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babyfever24
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 3340 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by cateyemm
I dont think Cornell and SIRM are aligned in philosophy with NK cells and immunology in general. It's definitely worth asking but they may tell you they dont believe it's a factor in infertility.
This. The doctors at Cornell do not believe in immune testing. If you feel this is a factor you should consult with Sirm. Good luck!!!
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| Posted 6/27/15 3:28 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by babyfever24
Posted by cateyemm
I dont think Cornell and SIRM are aligned in philosophy with NK cells and immunology in general. It's definitely worth asking but they may tell you they dont believe it's a factor in infertility.
This. The doctors at Cornell do not believe in immune testing. If you feel this is a factor you should consult with Sirm. Good luck!!!
Interesting. Someone on one of the other TTC/Infertility websites said the same thing. I wonder why Cornell doesn't believe in something that SIRM takes so seriously.
I'll definitely ask my RE about the tests.
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| Posted 6/27/15 4:01 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by Joann
Posted by babyfever24
Posted by cateyemm
I dont think Cornell and SIRM are aligned in philosophy with NK cells and immunology in general. It's definitely worth asking but they may tell you they dont believe it's a factor in infertility.
This. The doctors at Cornell do not believe in immune testing. If you feel this is a factor you should consult with Sirm. Good luck!!!
Interesting. Someone on one of the other TTC/Infertility websites said the same thing. I wonder why Cornell doesn't believe in something that SIRM takes so seriously.
I'll definitely ask my RE about the tests.
It's not just Cornell. Many don't believe in it.
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| Posted 6/27/15 7:43 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Asking RE for additional testing...
Don't ask TELL them you want those tests. I was unexplained too and my first RE didn't believe in immune issues. I knew something else was wrong so I went to SIRM and got immune testing done. An issue was found and I got preg on my first IVF with them. This is after 3 failed transfers elsewhere. You have to be your own best advocate. I don't believe in the diagnosis of unexplained...
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| Posted 6/29/15 12:13 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by babydreams21
Don't ask TELL them you want those tests. I was unexplained too and my first RE didn't believe in immune issues. I knew something else was wrong so I went to SIRM and got immune testing done. An issue was found and I got preg on my first IVF with them. This is after 3 failed transfers elsewhere. You have to be your own best advocate. I don't believe in the diagnosis of unexplained...
Thanks. I tend to believe that there is an explanation staring us right in the face. I consulted with Dr. Sher via his blog and he suggested I get tested for activated natural killer cells in the uterus. I think that my and DH's numbers were just too normal for nothing to happen in 2+ years.
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| Posted 6/30/15 11:49 AM |
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Asking RE for additional testing...
Run and get the NK cel test. 3 failed cycles and once I was seeing a doctor who treated them I was pregnant. He found other things too. Definitely explore that option.
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| Posted 6/30/15 12:49 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: Asking RE for additional testing...
Posted by Joann
Posted by babydreams21
Don't ask TELL them you want those tests. I was unexplained too and my first RE didn't believe in immune issues. I knew something else was wrong so I went to SIRM and got immune testing done. An issue was found and I got preg on my first IVF with them. This is after 3 failed transfers elsewhere. You have to be your own best advocate. I don't believe in the diagnosis of unexplained...
Thanks. I tend to believe that there is an explanation staring us right in the face. I consulted with Dr. Sher via his blog and he suggested I get tested for activated natural killer cells in the uterus. I think that my and DH's numbers were just too normal for nothing to happen in 2+ years.
You should definitely get tested for that. If your RE won't do it then go to SIRM. Dr. Tortoriello was my miracle worker after 3 failed transfers and also 6 IUIs. I was on intralipids and Prednisone which I think was key to be getting and staying pregnant. Don't waste time with another cycle until you get immune testing. I wasted too much time and regret it.
Also our numbers were great too...we looked good on paper until the immune testing!
Message edited 6/30/2015 11:26:27 PM.
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| Posted 6/30/15 11:25 PM |
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