[PHATJILL]

Hi there! I have been tested for just about everything except immunological problems. I've been reading through your posts, and many of you have suffered miscarriages. I was wondering if there's anyone out there with immune problems that has never been pregnant? My husband and I have been ttc for 3 years, and never once have we conceived. I was just diagnosed with stage 1 endo last month, and always wondered about this. Do you have any other symptoms or just the miscarriages? My heart goes out to each of you, I'm so thankful for this message board so we can help each other with our struggles.

[samantha27]

I have never been pregnant, and we have been trying for 6 years. I requested to be tested for immune issues. I was unexplained, and knew something was going on. I was right. I tested postitive for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies (which are antiphopholipid antibodies). They are known to cause recurrent miscarriage and some studies show that they can prevent implantation from occuring. My doctor went on and put me on heparin (blood thinners) for this cycle. By the way, he was shocked that I was right, and my levels were really high. He said he wasn't going to wait around for me to have a miscarriage. If this cycle doesn't take, I am going to see if he will let me continue the heparin while trying naturally. I find out tomorrow if I am pregnant. Sorry you are going through this. Being "unexplained" is so frustrating. I would definitely have some testing done. I wish I would have asked for them to do it along time ago, when I first thought of it. Good luck to you and your husband. I hope we will all be parents soon! Keep us posted!

[PHATJILL]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement! If we don't succeed in the next 3 months I'll definately ask for that test. Good luck to you, hope you get your ASAP!!!!

[TMareaS]

Originally Posted by samantha27

I have never been pregnant, and we have been trying for 6 years. I requested to be tested for immune issues. I was unexplained, and knew something was going on. I was right. I tested postitive for lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies (which are antiphopholipid antibodies). They are known to cause recurrent miscarriage and some studies show that they can prevent implantation from occuring. My doctor went on and put me on heparin (blood thinners) for this cycle. By the way, he was shocked that I was right, and my levels were really high. He said he wasn't going to wait around for me to have a miscarriage. If this cycle doesn't take, I am going to see if he will let me continue the heparin while trying naturally. I find out tomorrow if I am pregnant. Sorry you are going through this. Being "unexplained" is so frustrating. I would definitely have some testing done. I wish I would have asked for them to do it along time ago, when I first thought of it. Good luck to you and your husband. I hope we will all be parents soon! Keep us posted!

Hi Samantha,

I think it's great that you advocated for additional testing and your doctor agreed. If you have not already done so, you may wish to consider follow-up with a Rheumatologist who should monitor various levels during your pregnancy. I started seeing a rhuematologist after testing positive for ANA and RA. Upon further testing she found that I was also positive for additional antibodies (Sjogren's). While in my case none of these positive results were indicative of a clotting disorder, I was placed on Lovenox during my pregnancy by my OB as a precautionary measure. My rheumatologist did however, recommend regular ultrasounds during my pregnancy due to issues (though very rare) that could have developed with the baby (actually twins) because of the positive antibodies. I actually had bi-weekly and then weekly ultrasounds beginning at about 18 weeks. No issues were found and I delivered healthy twins at 37 1/2 weeks. The frequent ultrasounds gave me great peace after a long battle with infertility. I was followed by a Perinatologist, OB, and Rheumatologist during my pregnancy. A lot of appointments for sure, but worth every visit.

Good luck to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.