I am freaking out- progesterone related

[Elsa]

I mentioned this in the randoms, but I don't know what else to do.

I'm 10.5 weeks. I've been on PIO shots for 12 weeks now. They usually stop these shots at 9 weeks, but my prog levels were low, and so they had me stay on them and come back at 10 weeks for testing. I went back on Saturday for another blood draw. My levels are still low- 13. They said they like to see above 15, but from reading online, I'm seeing that with intramuscular injections, levels should be above 25.

My RE's office usually releases patients at 8-9 weeks to their OB. So when the nurse called me on Sat about my low levels, she told me to stay on shots and call my OB today. So I did. OB cannot help me, she doesn't deal with PIO shots at all. She referred me back to my RE. Who already told me they weren't sure what to try next.

I left another message for my RE, asking her to call me. But neither the RE or the OB seems to know what to do. And I'm freaking the fuck out, because progesterone is what keeps you pregnant, right?

[FastHands]

Take deep breaths, first and foremost. You have a team working on this, and you are in good hands. I know the shuffling is probably not inspiring confidence, but they are all working to get you the best care. My *guess* is that the RE may refer you to a MFM specialist who will undoubtedly be familiar with this type of thing, and I'm sure they will be able to reassure you and find out a plan to go forward. You're just in a weird between-phases spot right now, so everyone is working to be sure you have the best care possible. *hugs*

[icedcoffee]

I have no advice, but wanted to send you good thoughts! Right now you have a healthy pregnancy, so try not to freak out.

[Monica Geller]

Try not to freak out. progesterone drops off as you get out of 1st tri and the placenta takes over. I'm sure your RE is working on this. I agree with Fasty that you will probably be referred to a MFM. ((Hugs)) try to be calm.

[knx9211]

No advice, just wanted to send good vibes your way. Hoping they can get something figured out for you. <3

[ijack]

Nov 30, 2015 11:42:55 GMT -5 FastHands said:

Take deep breaths, first and foremost. You have a team working on this, and you are in good hands. I know the shuffling is probably not inspiring confidence, but they are all working to get you the best care. My *guess* is that the RE may refer you to a MFM specialist who will undoubtedly be familiar with this type of thing, and I'm sure they will be able to reassure you and find out a plan to go forward. You're just in a weird between-phases spot right now, so everyone is working to be sure you have the best care possible. *hugs*

ditto this. they will figure it out. lots of hugs!

[shoeless]

((hugs)) If your ultrasounds look good and the baby is continuing to grow then that is a good sign. I hope you get some answers soon. Anecdotal experience: I was on suppositories (which means lower blood levels) but I never tested above a 9. When I asked my RE how they could know if I had enough progesterone he said as long as I didn't have any bleeding then my body had enough.

[Elsa]

Ok my RE called me a few min ago. Current plan is to stay on PIO till 12 weeks, and then stop. She says she has never had issues with patients stopping after that. I've had no bleeding, and other than RL pain, no cramping, so she thinks I should be fine. I have an u/s with my OB on 12/10 (I'll be 12 weeks then), and then we will reevaluate.

I made the mistake of reading something on google that said 91% of pregnancies with levels under 15 end in miscarriage and I freaked the fuck out. RE wasn't worried though- she said everything else looks great, so there is no need to stress. I'm going to work on believing her.

[cbwm1]

Lots of hugs, Elsa!

[cinnamoncox0]

Good luck Elsa. Please stay away from Google it's not your friend right now. I'm glad your doc has a plan and is confident. easier said than done but try to take it easy ok. Hugs Elsa it's so stressful I know.

[Bernadine]

I'm sorry. It sounds like everything is progressing well in spite of the low number, so that has to be good, right?

[sequins]

It's so easy to say it but I'll say it. Try not to worry. Go with what your RE says.

[nursewife]

I know this might be a dumb question, but are you sure you are getting them intramuscularly? For some people, it takes more than an 1 1/2' needle to get to the muscle. Medication can be absorbed differently if it's only going subcutaneously, even with perfect technique. I remember one of the doctors I worked with saying the percentage of IM needles actually being injected that way was rather low (I think partially due to the average size of most people now a days, not trying to say anything about your size, small or big) low, and that a longer needle was needed for most people. Could you bring this up with your doctor to see if that could be a cause? Just one thing I thought of. Thinking high progesterone thoughts for you

[bania]

I know nothing about this but I am sending so many (((hugs))). Keep us posted, I'm sure everything is fine.

[speckledfrog]

I'm glad she called back with reassurances. Now, STOP GOOGLING! It's bad for you.

[sapphireblue]

Oh no, that is so worrying, I understand. However, I think it will all be okay. My RE had us stop progesterone around 9 or 10 weeks, but I was worried about what I had read on the Internet, and we had some extra, so we kept giving the shots. My OB said it wouldn't hurt anything to use up the medication we had if it reassured me. So if you still have some, keep going.

I'm sorry you're worried, it is so stressful being pregnant and worried about it all. I will keep my fingers crossed that all will be well with you and I think it will be!

[venice2007]

Sending t&p to you!!
Huge hugs!

[fuckyourcouch]

I don't know how any of this works, but I'm glad your doctor feels fine about it.
Hugs and try to let it gooooo lol.

[Deleted]

If you're like me you can benefit from anecdotes (but not google) so here's mine: they only ever took my progesterone the first two times in each of my pregnancies and after that they just took my hcg levels. I asked about my progesterone (like a crazy internet IF patient) and they said it didn't matter. Hang in there.

[Muddled]

Listen to Rexy.

Hugs.

[yourmother]

Thinking of you, Elsa! Sends by good vibes. Please step away from Google!