Hi Meredith - I honour you for being so proactive and searching for the answers you need. I know how scary but also how exhilarating the journey can be.
It does show some NK cell over activity and as Dr S no doubt explained NK cell losses are most usually in the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.
You probably remember that I also was on prednisone - and I know you have a medical (albiet furry one ) - so you no doubt also know prednisone is steroidal. It is a heavy and potent drug that carries significant side effects.
My personal experience was that I gained heaps of weight. I was on 25mgs from week 2 of the cycle prior to conception. I also became extremely insulin resistant. My body type is curvy - big breasts and curvy - however I have never been "fat" but on the prednisone I was - and only now almost 12 months along am I beginning to shed my weight.
I have had many babies and many pregnancies and never before have I had stretch marks but I did this time - even though Imogen was extremely premature. Another of the lovely steroidal side effects.
Your age makes it more likely that you will develop GD - and the steroids will make that risk even higher. I was insulin dependent and incredibly scarily at times unstable.
The day I had Imogen (I am "normally" 60kgs) I weighed 105kgs. 9 days later I weighed 82kgs. Right now I am about 75 & falling. However much of that weight (obviously) was due to my kidney failure etc etc. But the prednisone didn't help me if you get what I am trying to illustrate!
Would I do it again - in a heartbeat. But I went in eyes wide open and so will you. I believe that my weight gain was largely as I was quite depressed really. Incredibly anxious and afraid - as I just didnt think my Soul had it in me to deal with another goodbye. But steroids by their nature create insulin resistance which increases your weight. I think I remember from pictures that you are a skinny minny so you may not have such a problem.
BW and Flowerchild - thankyou for your experiences. I had hoped to get a reply from you both.
I am a touch scared about potential side effects from pred but really, if it gets me a live baby, bring it on!!
I must admit, DrS downplayed any ill effects, saying he rarely sees any but who knows, maybe I will be lucky. I am fairly slim so hopefully the weight gain won't appear to bad. He did warn me of the insomnia and not looking forward to that as pregnancy does that to me anyway. May not sleep at al!!
I will probably be on 20mg and tapering from 12-20weeks. will also stay on the clexane. Along with all the fertility meds, I'm going to be rattling!
Just hoping I get a result like you girls in the very near future.
WTH - when do you start your stim meds for IVF? Very keen to see how you go as we are very likely to go the IVF/PGD path along with prednisolone. Covering all bases, so to speak.
) - so you no doubt also know prednisone is steroidal. It is a heavy and potent drug that carries significant side effects.
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