Note: Last October 4, 2013, I lost my second baby. While I am happy that I have a little angel in heaven, the pain does not really go away. I was talking to a friend the other day about the loss that we feel for a loved one and we agreed that it still does not become easier despite the years.
To celebrate the two months that I have carried my little one, I would like to re-post about APAS and my current condition to hopefully shed some light to those who are suffering from the same disorder. I am lifting these articles from my other blog and decided to centralize all my journey here. There has been an alarmingly increasing number of people who are suffering from repro-immuno disorder. It is a grueling and challenging journey and I hope that you could send a little prayer along our way.
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Once confirmed with APAS, there are so many tests that one has to undergo. This, I will put in detail in my next posts. One of the tests being done for Category 1 patients is LIT or Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy. LIT, according to www.repro-med.net is procedure whereby white blood cells from the prospective father are injected into the skin of the prospective mother.
According to the website, this is to "allow immune recognition of fetal tissues under circumstances that identify embryonic tissues whether they be the product of maternal or paternal genetic programming as friend. Failure to recognize embryonic tissues leads to insufficient development of tolerance mechanisms and, by extension, a decrease in the generation of tolerance-producing T regulatory cells. LIT may augment the development of tolerance possibly by increasing the numbers and appropriate distribution of T regulatory cells."
While I have not fully grasped the whole notion of LIT, I would like to share with you the tests needed for it. Me and my husband had to undergo a Tissue Cross Matching Test which actually determined that we are "too compatible".
To celebrate the two months that I have carried my little one, I would like to re-post about APAS and my current condition to hopefully shed some light to those who are suffering from the same disorder. I am lifting these articles from my other blog and decided to centralize all my journey here. There has been an alarmingly increasing number of people who are suffering from repro-immuno disorder. It is a grueling and challenging journey and I hope that you could send a little prayer along our way.
--
Once confirmed with APAS, there are so many tests that one has to undergo. This, I will put in detail in my next posts. One of the tests being done for Category 1 patients is LIT or Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy. LIT, according to www.repro-med.net is procedure whereby white blood cells from the prospective father are injected into the skin of the prospective mother.
According to the website, this is to "allow immune recognition of fetal tissues under circumstances that identify embryonic tissues whether they be the product of maternal or paternal genetic programming as friend. Failure to recognize embryonic tissues leads to insufficient development of tolerance mechanisms and, by extension, a decrease in the generation of tolerance-producing T regulatory cells. LIT may augment the development of tolerance possibly by increasing the numbers and appropriate distribution of T regulatory cells."
While I have not fully grasped the whole notion of LIT, I would like to share with you the tests needed for it. Me and my husband had to undergo a Tissue Cross Matching Test which actually determined that we are "too compatible".
This test was done in St. Luke's in Global City. When I first got the results, I rejoiced a little because "negatives" were all over the document. When Dra. Guinto explained to me that this was, in fact, a positive for Category 1, I was dumbfounded. It meant that I had NOT formed antibodies needed for the pregnancy to progress.
After Dra. Guinto explained to me my categories (I am Category 1 and 2), she requested me to see Dra. Gloria. That same week, Dra. Gloria was able to squeeze me into her busy schedule and requested for several more tests. Specific to this one, she requested my husband to undergo a Donor Blood Screening as well, in preparation for LIT.
I canvassed some establishments for the Donor Screening rates although Dra. Gloria recommended HP Diagnostics just across Asian Hospital. Since that was the time when I wanted to have my KCT tested as well, I also called up Asian Institute of Immunology (AII). HP's rates were way cheaper at PHP1,800, St. Lukes and AII at PHP3,500++.
We decided to have the test in HP. I asked if fasting was needed and their receptionist said that there was no need such for the procedure. The next day, we were there at around 2:00 PM. Queue was manageable. They extracted six vials from my husband.
After Dra. Guinto explained to me my categories (I am Category 1 and 2), she requested me to see Dra. Gloria. That same week, Dra. Gloria was able to squeeze me into her busy schedule and requested for several more tests. Specific to this one, she requested my husband to undergo a Donor Blood Screening as well, in preparation for LIT.
I canvassed some establishments for the Donor Screening rates although Dra. Gloria recommended HP Diagnostics just across Asian Hospital. Since that was the time when I wanted to have my KCT tested as well, I also called up Asian Institute of Immunology (AII). HP's rates were way cheaper at PHP1,800, St. Lukes and AII at PHP3,500++.
We decided to have the test in HP. I asked if fasting was needed and their receptionist said that there was no need such for the procedure. The next day, we were there at around 2:00 PM. Queue was manageable. They extracted six vials from my husband.
Unfortunately, after ten minutes of "evaluation", they said that my husband's blood was invalid because it was too thick. Sigh! So now, we have to go back again the next day for the retest (no additional fees)! Nevertheless, it is still troublesome to be going back and forth with six vials of blood gone to waste. I suggest that you guys should just fast anyway. HP Alabang is just in front of Asian Hospital and is open from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays. For more information about the other branches, click here.
While I see the challenges and difficulties that we have to face, I still keep a positive and prayerful disposition that everything will work out in the end. Praying for all of you who are waiting for your own blessings as well.
Babydust to all who needs it.
While I see the challenges and difficulties that we have to face, I still keep a positive and prayerful disposition that everything will work out in the end. Praying for all of you who are waiting for your own blessings as well.
Babydust to all who needs it.
