I met with my Napro Dr. yesterday for the first time since this pregnancy. We reviewed my charts and cycle of conception and discussed medications to continue taking through the pregnancy. We also checked my thyroid because I've been feeling so cold this pregnancy and checked my progesterone level.
He just called with my progesterone and it's gone down. I have a pit in my stomach and am fighting back the tears. At 4 1/2 weeks my progesterone was 27 (low Zone 3) and now at 6 1/2 weeks it's 21.5 (Zone 2). He said it should more or less stay stable at this point or go up.
After the amazing emotional high of the ultrasound appointment on Friday, I felt down and depressed this whole weekend. I didn't have much of an appetite and just felt like my estrogen was too high or my hormones were off. I guess I'm not surprised then that my levels are low.
Then to make matters worse, I found out that my DH and I messed up with the PIO injection dosing. We thought 1 cc equaled 100 mg, but 1 cc is only 50 mg, so we've been doing a half dose of PIO this whole time! We were supposed to be doing 100 mg injections 2x a week and instead we mistakenly halfed each dose. I feel just sick about it. DH is still hopeful that things are fine as we saw on the ultrasound. My worrying has been taken to a new high level at the moment.
I meet with the OB up here for the 1st time next Monday afternoon. I'm assuming she'll do another ultrasound at that point and we'll see how much progesterone levels are affecting the life of the baby. I hope we still see the heartbeat then, but it looks like it's another long week of waiting for me to know what is going on. I'm really struggling with trusting God and the outcome of the pregnancy. I only want one outcome and that is life!
The good is I haven't had any spotting or cramping. My progesterone levels were actually higher with the first pregnancy (31 then 24 around the same gestational time), but I did have spotting early on when my progesterone was 24. No spotting this time around has to be a good thing, right? And I've seen the heartbeat, which was right on schedule. Another good thing, right? And my appetite came back yesterday with a vengeance. If I wasn't still trying to follow this food intolerance diet, I'd be eating footlongs from Subway every day. But- I just can't shake the thought that I'm going down the same road as pregnancy #1. I so want this time to be different. When I am weak, He is strong. I guess I should thank God for all of the reminders of how weak I am, huh?
Would you pray for the safety of our child and for my body to kick up its progesterone production?? And if you have any stories about rollercoaster progesterone levels early on, I'd love to hear them. I did read some of your comments on Matching Moonheads site, but I'd love to hear more.
He just called with my progesterone and it's gone down. I have a pit in my stomach and am fighting back the tears. At 4 1/2 weeks my progesterone was 27 (low Zone 3) and now at 6 1/2 weeks it's 21.5 (Zone 2). He said it should more or less stay stable at this point or go up.
After the amazing emotional high of the ultrasound appointment on Friday, I felt down and depressed this whole weekend. I didn't have much of an appetite and just felt like my estrogen was too high or my hormones were off. I guess I'm not surprised then that my levels are low.
Then to make matters worse, I found out that my DH and I messed up with the PIO injection dosing. We thought 1 cc equaled 100 mg, but 1 cc is only 50 mg, so we've been doing a half dose of PIO this whole time! We were supposed to be doing 100 mg injections 2x a week and instead we mistakenly halfed each dose. I feel just sick about it. DH is still hopeful that things are fine as we saw on the ultrasound. My worrying has been taken to a new high level at the moment.
I meet with the OB up here for the 1st time next Monday afternoon. I'm assuming she'll do another ultrasound at that point and we'll see how much progesterone levels are affecting the life of the baby. I hope we still see the heartbeat then, but it looks like it's another long week of waiting for me to know what is going on. I'm really struggling with trusting God and the outcome of the pregnancy. I only want one outcome and that is life!
The good is I haven't had any spotting or cramping. My progesterone levels were actually higher with the first pregnancy (31 then 24 around the same gestational time), but I did have spotting early on when my progesterone was 24. No spotting this time around has to be a good thing, right? And I've seen the heartbeat, which was right on schedule. Another good thing, right? And my appetite came back yesterday with a vengeance. If I wasn't still trying to follow this food intolerance diet, I'd be eating footlongs from Subway every day. But- I just can't shake the thought that I'm going down the same road as pregnancy #1. I so want this time to be different. When I am weak, He is strong. I guess I should thank God for all of the reminders of how weak I am, huh?
Would you pray for the safety of our child and for my body to kick up its progesterone production?? And if you have any stories about rollercoaster progesterone levels early on, I'd love to hear them. I did read some of your comments on Matching Moonheads site, but I'd love to hear more.
Why don't you make up on the PIO shots what you shorted yourself? I did a 2cc PIO shot everyday (or more if needed!) until week 18 or so. It won't hurt and will make you feel better (maybe!). Extra progesterone does not harm you or the baby.
ReplyDeleteRoller coaster progesterone - yep, I know it very well!!!! Can you take the suppositories on the days you are not getting the shots, just to be on the safe side? Also, who is testing your blood draws? My Napro dr. in Mpls said that there is a huge variance in what levels could be depending on where they are read and the only place that she is very comfortable with is PPVI testing the blood. However, I didn't switch over to their care until about 4 weeks ago, but even under them, I have seen some variety in the #s. From what I have read, I think that is just how progesterone works in some people - it varies from time to time. That doesn't make it easier - I know...more prayers coming!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePraying like crazy this afternoon. Cyber hugs going out to you.
ReplyDeleteSunshine- you were on 2 ccs of PIO every day! Holy cow. How did your backside handle that? I'd love to hear more about why your doctor decided to do that much.
ReplyDeleteJBTC- yes, I have 600 mg suppositories and was actually thinking of using them the 2nd or 3rd day after a shot just to be safe right now. My first progesterone level was drawn through the hospital here, but it's sent to SLC. The draw yesterday was from my doctor's office. They might actually be processed from the same place, but I'm not sure. I also heard a morning progesterone draw is more accurate and both of these were done in the afternoon?? Who knows.
All- thanks for the extra prayers!
Praying like crazy!
ReplyDeleteHugs coming your way, girl!
No stories, but I'm praying for you!
ReplyDeleteOh man, the progesterone roller coaster is no fun. I was always told that it goes up and down like crazy all the time. Try not to worry about it. It's really good that you aren't cramping or spotting. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThe nurse at PPVI told me it's more like a zigzag, and it's normal to go up and down. She said most patients are like that. I think since you caught your shot mistakes that should help. Keep thinking about that ultrasound and how great it looked!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, and yes, I do think it's a good sign that there is no cramping or spotting. I would focus on that, rather than the numbers.
ReplyDeletePlease take more progesterone in a variety of ways. you can do more shots, you can do suppositories, you can take it orally, you can do a compounded kind and a prepared kind.
ReplyDeleteDefinately take 100 mg twice a day in addition to you PIO shots.
Definately.
Definitely praying for you!
ReplyDeleteMine was only 11 at 6 weeks this time, and my Napro doctor thought I would surely miscarry. At 22 weeks, Baby is still here, with progesterone only around 40. Keep hoping and praying!
ReplyDeleteoh man, i KNOW that pit so well. mine turned into hysterical bawling after i wrote that post last week. whatever you do, do NOT play the progesterone compare game and go look up past bloggers P levels. It will not end pretty. What started to comfort me (as well as the fact that we're doing what we can) is that as much as Dr. H. classifies the "zones of progesterone" I couldn't find any literature linking a specific zone to miscarriage. Of course, higher is better but, there was no other half of that statement. That combined with the PROOF of those women who commented with their progesterone levels was SO HELPFUL. That and, I guess symptoms really do come and go. One day I feel a little "off" and the next I'm feeling totally normal and hungry. I will keep praying for your little one and for you both to have peace with His call.
ReplyDeleteBe not afraid.
Definitely will be praying for you. I hope it can be rectified by teh correct progesterone dosage. STay strong.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. I was one who had very low progesterone without supplementation. I fluctuated doses a lot. Just keep doing the PIO. It works!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others, take more progesterone is alternate ways then IM, by mouth or supp. My OB and Napro MD have two totally schools of thought, I am going with my Napro MD. My OB said, anything over 16 is good. He goes by the cervix and other measurements. I am still on 200mgs by mouth every day. I am praying for you C, and yes, Be Not Afraid. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteI asked my bible study to prayer for you tonight, PPIW! --Casey
ReplyDeleteI will pray for you and your baby.
ReplyDeleteMy progesterone was always around 20-25 so I think you are doing well, of course, I don't follow NAPRO so I may be off base here. PRaying it goes up though because I know that will make you feel more secure :)
ReplyDeletePraying all is okay.
ReplyDelete