[goldylox]

Hi, I went through 3 IVF's....the first one successful but ended in a miscarriage. The next 2 unsuccessful. I am now going for a myomectomy (fibroid removal) and have one last shot at IVF after that due to finances. I am nervous and ready to give up. Any suggestions besides "stay positive"? Thanks

Heidi

[slobin]

Have you been testing for clotting/autoimmune disorders? I know those should be ruled out when there are failed IVF's. Have they done PGD? I haven't done IVF but have read a lot about it. I have had "unexplained" infertility and 2 miscarriages over last 2 years (the last one it was confirmed the chromosomes were normal- so not a "chance" miscarriage). But I recently found out they missed my diagnosis- I insisted they test for thyroid antibodies and sure enough I tested postive for TPO antibodies and this is a known cause of infertility and miscarriage. So now I'm taking thryroid hormone hoping this will resolve my problems but still very nervous- about to do IUI after doing injectibles. But my advice is do A LOT of research yourself and look under every rock. Do not take doctors' word that they've looked into everything- do it yourself. I think I never would have found out about the antibodies if I didn't research it myself and demand a test. Nobody once suggested that test. Then I did research and basically EVERY article out there said that if a woman has "unexplained" infertility and recurrent miscarriage and even has normal TSH (mine was borderline high but nobody would even discuss it because it was in "normal" range) they absolutely should be tested for antibodies. I was seen by two leading fertility clinics and numerous doctors at Kaiser and nobody thought to do it, and worse they all completely dismissed me every time I said I was concerned about my borderline TSH and the fact that it kept creeping up. All the doctors replied that it was "normal" so there was no reason to worry about it or do further tests!! So I can only say be SURE that everything is ruled out- do your OWN research. (TSH should be around 1-2. NOT above 2 so be sure yours is in range)

However, having said that, since fibroids are known cause of infertility/miscarriage it seems like you're on the right treack. I'm surprised they did 3 IVF's with fibroids. Don't they usually remove them before IVF? It seems like once they're removed you should have a good chance of success IF IN FACT everything else has been ruled out. If you tell me all tests you've done I'd be happy to see if anything jumps out to me (as being missed) because I've gone through "unexplained" infertility for 2 years, I don't think there is a "cause" that I haven't looked into so I may be able to help you look for missed tests, etc. I know the hell of this situation so I'd be happy to try to help. You may have already looked into everything.

Good luck and let me know if you want to run things by
me.

p.s.- did they send tissue form miscarriage to pathology to try to determine cause (assuming you had a D&C- maybe you miscarried at home?) This can help determine cause of miscarriage and inform treatment.