Elena, the cost thing is decided on weight because how much of the drug is given to you depends on your weight. So a good incentive to lose a bit!

I presume that the ARGC have already done initial immune testing and you have tested +ve for killer cells. Otherwise I cannot see how they can just decide to give you IVIG as it's not something to be taken lightly (nor in the pocket!).  Basically if you test +ve for killer cells, the first option is steroids and IVIG is given where levels are higher. Usually after ET or just before. In my last cycle I had IVIG the day after ET and another load after my positive pg test.

 

Hi there Elena,

Just a little note to let you know that I have quite high levels of Nk cells.  On my last cycle at the ARGC these cells were just boarderline and they decided to just treat them with steroids.  However I had 2 good blastocysts transferred and a BFN so decided to retest immunes on day of negative result and found that the NK's had shot up so steroids were  not going to do the trick.

On this cycle I have had IVIG and had it before EC to ensure it is totally through my system before ET.  It was expensive - £1600 but I think normally costs about £1100. Mine was more because I needed more than the average dose.

I have my reservations about using IVIG but feel that as we are on our 4th cycle and they cannot pinpoint any other reason for failed implantation that we have to try this.  You will see from my profile that our 1st treatment worked but did not last and this may have been indicative of the immune problems.

I hope this helps and good luck with everything.

Gussy.
xx

 

After my immunology tests, ARGC have told to try Humira. I go in tomorrow for my TB blood test, and to resturn the consent form. I've noticed whiloe doing some research that often times Humira is used in conjunction with IVIG. Any idea why they would be prescribing it on its own?

 

Hi Elena,

I had IVIG on my 3rd tx and am sure it was this that helped my girls 'hang on' as we couldn't really find any other reason for me not being able to get pg. I had 4 doses of IVIG, one before EC, one after by BFP and then 2 more (last one was at about 11 weeks). The cost is based upon how much drug they give you, my 3rd and 4th were more expensive as I'd been on steroids and was pg and had started to pile on the lbs!

perrier - I think Humira is prescrived for raised TNF levels, whereas IVIG is for NK cells.

Good Luck!
Jane
xx

 

Elena - it sounds like we've had similar experiences. Happily my second cycle with hysteroscopy and ivig worked. Can't tell if that's why, but hope it gives you some hope.
Plummy
xxx

 

Hi Elena, I had IVIG on my last (5th) go & that was the only cycle that really worked (had a couple of low biochemical pregnancies before that). BUT I also had LIT & a laparoscopy & laser treatment for endometriosis before the last go so I'll never really know what did the trick. I'm usually around 9st but I had a high dose (£££££) of IVIG, not sure why but I was prepared to do whatever the great man said by then! Good luck for this cycle. 

Perrier I don't really know anything about humira other than the fact it's used for problems with TNF levels like Plummy said. Good luck to you too. 

Mouse xxx

 

Hi Everyone

I have just been to the ARGC and have been told that i will need ICSI as well as IVIG as i have very high NK cells, How is IVIG do you feel uncomfortable and do you think it really does work?  Does anybody know if also if there are any affects on the fetus itself or the placenta?  I'm sorry I'm a little vague but this is my first time with all of this. 

 

Hi

Can't answer the question as to why it's controversial but I've had 4 failed cycles in a local clinic & decided to switch to ARGC - I decided to spend the £780 for immune bloods to be sent to Chicago & they came back that I had NK cells & I've been told that I'll need IVIG either tomorrow (on ET day) or on Saturday & then more if I get pregnant.

I view that hubby & I take is that we want to be able to say we tried everything so that we have no regrets. I'll let you all know how I get on. However looking at the rest of this thread it's so heartening to read these wonderful success stories of people that turned to it & got pregnant.

I guess it will be impossible to actually know what got you pregnant in the end.

S/o asked a question about costs - I was told today that IVIG is between £1350 + £2,000 depending on your weight. I weight 10 stone so I'll let you know what mine costs over the next few days.

Maxie x

 

Hi

I had IVIG at ARGC because of immune issues even though mine was a natural pregnancy. I was bleeding heavily and my NK cells were raised...had IVIG 3 times during my pregnancy and I am convinced that it helped my baby to hang on. It IS expensive and I also suffered from severe shivering (chills) during my IVIG which they said was a side-effect of it. Everytime they had to stop it and cover me with duvets for half an hour and then re-start it later on. I know it is a controversial treatment but I have no regrets.

hugs
Farah
xoxox

 

hi
I had ivig with my 7th cycle and had a BFP and live birth for the first time. I was really desperate after BFNs and 2 chemical pregnancies i  had immunetests done which showed I needed it-I was not completely convinced but I am now-Im convinced it enabled me to have our longed for dc.
I cant take steroids or humira-i did take clexane and aspirin with previous cycles-no luck.
its controversial and expensive. I had 4 infusions, 1 before EC, 1 after EC and 2 more until week 11 or 12, I also conceived naturally a few months after my 1st was born and have another DD.
I had tb as a child so cant take steroids or humira or TNF drugs, its a tough decision to make.
Take care
DanniXXX

 

Hi

I had IVIG yesterday & it cost £1,350 ( I weight just under 10 stone).

Felt very shivery so they had to put quilt over me (but that may have been due to only 4 hours sleep the night before which always makes me cold). No other symptons at all & feel fine today.

Maxie x

 

Thanks for everyone's replies.

ARGC recommended humira but I turned it down (don't like taking drugs if I can help it). Saw Mr T for a scan recently and he suggested I spend money on IVIG rather than PGS (had the embryos screened last cycle) so I may have IVIG this week. I think I've got high levels of NK killer cells (but maybe I have high levels of TNF as well -otherwise don't know why they recommended Humira before).

Ex

 

steroids and heparin are usually tried first, but depends on what yr exact blood results are, can u post them? the cd results are the nk cells.

if u are not happy with advice so dfar, u may want to see another specialist for advice, eg mr armstrong at portland hopital or mr ******* at london miscariage clinic

best wishes