Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

So, Dr. B just called with the results of my immune panel that I had during my loss. My t-cells were elevated, and so were my cytokines. Everything else was okay. He said that this could be treated with intralipids. I know from reading the boards that this is administered at home...how much of a pain is it?

Dr. B said that my t-cells could also have been elevated because of a virus (not that I'm aware of having one), but that we should treat every possible cause of IF. I hate having unnecessary treatment if it was just a coincidence, but he says the intralipids are harmless....I just think the whole thing sounds like a pain!

So, could anyone with similar immune issues shed some light on the subject?

I feel like I'm choosing from a Chinese food menu, and right now, I have a little from column A (ovarian issues - PCOS), a little from column B (borderline blood clotting issues), a little from column C (chromosomal translocation), and finally, a little from column D (immune issues). ARGH!!!

ETA: I just looked at my insurance benefits, and I have full coverage for Home Infusion Therapy, if precertified. Is that what I need? Should I start the process now, even though it won't be about a month until I need it?

Message edited 2/28/2011 8:16:06 PM.

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I am of absolutely no help at all. Just wanted to give you I am sure this must be frustrating. I felt somewhat simlar last week, in terms of so many things going on with IF.

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

Yes, call and see if it's covered and get the ball rolling. You usually do the treatment right before ovulation. At this point, I consider Intralipids a breeze! It's an IV treatment, takes about 2 hrs. No real side effects.

So to hear that you have to add something else to your "plate."

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I'm supposed to do intralipids also.
At my appt on Fri, Linda said that she would call it in to Trinity and that Trinity would contact me to let me know if it was covered by insurance.

(I didn't hear from Trinity today so I will call them tomorrow.)

I'm not really looking forward to the whole process!

Good luck!

Message edited 2/28/2011 8:50:49 PM.

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

That's totally how I feel with the Chinese menu. I thought I was just dealing with PCOS and suddenly I'm more infertile than I thought!

I would start the process now with the insurance!! Great news that you get full coverage for it!

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I have similar issues. I did the intralipids with my first IVF. I think my insurance covered it. I had a nurse named Rich come over, I used Home Health Care I think. He was nice and very spiritual. For my next IVF I did IVIG instead. I used Trinity and had a wonderful nurse named Phyllis whom I really recommend. My insurance did not cover IVIG so that was out of pocket. I actually had the intrallipds delivered with my last IVF meds but didn't use them yet. He is starting me on new meds with my next IVF. Good Luck and I know how you feel.

Message edited 2/28/2011 9:38:18 PM.

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

intralipids are really no big deal at all. they dont hurt and theres no side effects. yes you have to sit there for 2-3 hours while its administered, but its in your house so you can just watch a movie, cruise LIF.. whatever you want. its prob the best that something like this could be.

i also used trinity for all of my infusions. i used phyllis twice, she was great. i also used a few other nurses since i did about 6 infusions. all of them were great and i highly recommend trinity. i have UHC and everything was always covered as wel.

i know what you mean about having small issues in each category, i was the same way. PCOS/anovulation, DH with slightly low morphology, one minor blood clotting issue, one immune issue, and DH and I had a partial HLA-C match. i had 2 chemicals in three tries, but after treatment with lovenox, baby aspirin, intralipids, metformin, among several other things, and IVF... im 22 weeks. so the treatment does work!! hang in there!!

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I was referred to go straight thru the IVIg treatment with IVF as per my results with Dr B. I am really a nervous reck about the whole thing. My ins does not cover a thing I want to do whats best, but feeling overwhelmed with this extreme treatment option. I have been trying for 2 yrs (no pregnancies) I have one child (3yrs old) conceived naturally. I too have a little of this and that. Can you give me any insight on the IVIg???

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

Message edited 3/1/2011 1:44:13 PM.

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

Posted by FlowerWife

intralipids are really no big deal at all. they dont hurt and theres no side effects. yes you have to sit there for 2-3 hours while its administered, but its in your house so you can just watch a movie, cruise LIF.. whatever you want. its prob the best that something like this could be.

i also used trinity for all of my infusions. i used phyllis twice, she was great. i also used a few other nurses since i did about 6 infusions. all of them were great and i highly recommend trinity. i have UHC and everything was always covered as wel.

there!!

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I had the same thing you have and it worked! Do the intralipids, its no big deal, I found it relaxing...go through trinity-I used Gene Marie and she was sooo great!!! I am now 28 weeks preggo!!!

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

Can someone post the phone number for Trinity? I can't seem to find it online.

TIA!!!

Re: Talk to me about elevated t-cells, cytokines, and intralipids

I think its (718) 961-1634.
Trinity Home Care- A Walgreens company