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Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
Hi, my name is Michelle and DH and I have been TTC for 8 months now. We had a chemical in January and an anovulatory last month.
My real issue is that I was diagnosed over 10 years ago with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am classified as moderate to severe. Currently, I cannot take any medications as they are unsafe for pregnancy, so I am active right now. I also had a lupus panel and a new ANA drawn, which we are awaiting the results of.
So here is my question, and I apologize if it is confusing. I know that there is some correlation between autoimmune diseases and IF. I also read that there may be problems if one has an ANA titer over 1:40. Mine is above 1:40 and my b/w from my rheumatologist shows that my disease is active and I am inflammed. My SED rate is also high-29. We are trying to decide whether we should start consulting with an RE, because I am concerned about whether I am producing killer cells that could stop me from conceiving. Has anyone else experienced this or have this type of problem? If so, what should I expect with an RE?
Thank you so much in advance and  to all!
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Posted 6/9/09 5:02 PM  |
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MaMaTeenie
Party of 5
Member since 4/08 6489 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
I don't know much about RA or other things you mentioned but I was diagnosed with activated natural killer cells. This appears to be one of the 4 or 5 things going on with me that seems to be responsible for my 2 early losses. I take prednisone at different doses through out my cycle and will also do intralipid transfusions once I am pg. It was recommended that I do them now, but they are costly and plenty of people have been treated with prednisone alone so I will hold off until I am actually pg. Not sure if any of this has helped, but feel free to ask if there is something else I haven't covered. Oxoxoxo
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| Posted 6/9/09 5:57 PM |
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
Posted by MaMaTeenie
I don't know much about RA or other things you mentioned but I was diagnosed with activated natural killer cells. This appears to be one of the 4 or 5 things going on with me that seems to be responsible for my 2 early losses. I take prednisone at different doses through out my cycle and will also do intralipid transfusions once I am pg. It was recommended that I do them now, but they are costly and plenty of people have been treated with prednisone alone so I will hold off until I am actually pg. Not sure if any of this has helped, but feel free to ask if there is something else I haven't covered. Oxoxoxo
Thanks so much Christine! I will bring this up to the doctor! I am on a steady dose of prednisone right now.
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| Posted 6/9/09 6:41 PM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
My ANA was 1:320 before I got PG via IVF. I do not have RA. I saw Dr Kwak-Kim in Chicago who worked under Dr Beer who is really the pioneer of studying pregnancy and immune issues. She worked in concert with my IVF clinic and I was on prednisone until 18 weeks and Vit E for my whole pregnancy plus lovenox. She recommended that I do IVIG but I could not afford it since I had to pay for IVF out of pocket. My babies were born healthy and a little early as I had developed preeclampsia. They are 6 months old now and doing great.
A close 2nd in the area would be SIRM(Sher Institute for Repro Med) Dr Braverman is the Dr on LI for that practice. I would suggest you see one of their RE's
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| Posted 6/9/09 11:20 PM |
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
Posted by DRMom
My ANA was 1:320 before I got PG via IVF. I do not have RA. I saw Dr Kwak-Kim in Chicago who worked under Dr Beer who is really the pioneer of studying pregnancy and immune issues. She worked in concert with my IVF clinic and I was on prednisone until 18 weeks and Vit E for my whole pregnancy plus lovenox. She recommended that I do IVIG but I could not afford it since I had to pay for IVF out of pocket. My babies were born healthy and a little early as I had developed preeclampsia. They are 6 months old now and doing great.
A close 2nd in the area would be SIRM(Sher Institute for Repro Med) Dr Braverman is the Dr on LI for that practice. I would suggest you see one of their RE's
Thank you! Unfortunately I am in South Florida now-when I was in NY I was planning on seeing Dr. Braverman. Is there a way to find an RE around here that maybe works under Dr. Beer, who as you said was the pioneer of the nexus between immune issues and pregnancy.
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| Posted 6/9/09 11:29 PM |
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Phoebee
LIF Adult
Member since 11/06 1623 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
I have autoimmune issues as well.
I switched Dr.'s after a year of trying/ 6 months w/ a different RE.
Dr. Braverman was the only one who did all this bloodwork on me and found the root of my issues.
He is wonderful and will answer e-mails. Perhaps you can write him what you told us, and see if he can't recommend a Dr. in Florida. (you never know who knows who in the medical field)
Best of luck to you!!!  
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| Posted 6/10/09 9:50 PM |
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Re: Question about Autoimmune Issues and IF
Posted by Phoebee
I have autoimmune issues as well.
I switched Dr.'s after a year of trying/ 6 months w/ a different RE.
Dr. Braverman was the only one who did all this bloodwork on me and found the root of my issues.
He is wonderful and will answer e-mails. Perhaps you can write him what you told us, and see if he can't recommend a Dr. in Florida. (you never know who knows who in the medical field)
Best of luck to you!!!
Thank you so much-that is a great idea, especially since I know so many of his patients! 
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| Posted 6/11/09 2:22 PM |
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