AW: No Progesterone Check and Slight Spotting UPDATES IN THREAD WE HAVE A DOUBLE!!

divinemsbee · January 2014

So, just got back from my second beta draw. I left a message about running a progesterone check for my doc yesterday, but either she didn't get it, or she ignored it. So when I asked which tests were going to be run at the lab desk, she said HCG, and that was it. I don't understand why she wouldn't check it at this point. 2 losses, both early, both preceded by spotting, even though my cycles are of a 'normal' length and I don't seem to have a LP defect, it just seems like something to rule out. I used the bathroom after the lab and had some very light tan spotting. It's just barely there when I wipe. I realize that spotting isn't a death sentence (so to speak), but I've never had a good experience with it, so now I'm more freaked. I left a message for the doctor as I left the hospital telling her what was happening and that I still really want the check done. My doctor will call sometime late afternoon with test results (normally around 5) to let me know results, how do I make her listen that I want a progesterone check? If this pregnancy doesn't pan out, when should I be getting a progesterone check in my cycles to give me a heads up that it might be an issue (is it the 7DPO testing)? Should I get another doctor to work with? If this turns out to be a progesterone issue, I'm laying it on her doorstep (figuratively). The way the office works, I can't be seen by my doctor without an appointment, but I can go to the open clinic hours only after talking to a Triage Nurse, which I can't do until tomorrow morning. I'm sorry if I shouldn't be doing this on the board, and I'll update this thread with the second betas tonight. I just don't feel like running through all of this with another close community like PGAL because if I'm just leaving in a few days it makes it harder. Love you all. Thanks for the crossing fingers, maybe this will still work out.

peggels24 · January 2014

That sucks that she didn't do as you requested! In the least, I would expect my doctor to tell me why the doctor isn't doing what was requested. Hopefully she will call you back before 5pm to respond to your worries.

In the meantime, it doesn't sound like you are happy with this doctor so I would start looking for a new one.

Fx that everything is ok and that there is no need to even worry about any of this!

Twinkie0612 · January 2014

MauiBliss said:

Bee, I'd definitely keep pressing this with the doctor. If she won't advocate for you, you need to do it for yourself. If she still won't listen, it may be time to find a new doctor who will listen to and respect your worries and concerns and actually answer your questions. Keeping FX for you!!!

This. Two early losses plus your current spotting definitely warrants a progesterone check.

Not to scare you, but having a normal LP doesn't guarantee that your progesterone is ok. I have low progesterone (between 6 and 8 at 7 DPO unmedicated) and a normal 14 day LP. I am fairly sure my low progesterone is tied to my crappy egg quality though.

divinemsbee · January 2014

@Twinkie0612 That didn't scare me so much as make me more aware that this actually can be/ is a concern. Thank you. I don't know about my egg quality, we were just moving into testing before this BFP, but it's good to know that I'm not an insane person for wanting some testing on this. I feel like my doc isn't used to dealing with women like me who have been through the loss thing before and have educated themselves about possible problems. Who know a little bit about what betas should be and what a doubling time is. I'm very BTDT with stuff like this and I want information.

Jpinky9 · January 2014

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this!! I would certainly keep asking for the progesterone check and if she refuses then I would be looking for a new doctor.

I also had an early loss, even though I have only had one loss and have no real reason to believe that it was a progesterone issue (it was never checked), I will definitely be requesting it to be checked if and when I get another BFP. Just to be safe!

I have my fingers crossed for you!!! Keep us updated!!

Irishcurls · January 2014

Bee, I can't remember, are you Prime? Any chance of switching docs within the hospital? I'm with pp, doesn't make any sense to me why she would deny the test. When she calls, I would ask her if she got your message about the progesterone and firmly tell her that you want it done, re-explaining what I'm sure you've already mentioned. And I would not get off the phone until she told you why she won't do it (assuming she's being cunty about it and not just a flake). Praying it won't even be an issue but advocate for yourself! Don't worry about being an AW, that's what we're here for! Keep us posted!

amberhoothoot · January 2014

I am so sorry you're dealing with this.

I would definitely insist on a progesterone check. I don't understand why they are denying this request since it's definitely warranted. That being said, I don't think OB offices are very informed on this front.

Will have my fingers crossed awaiting your update.

Twinkie0612 · January 2014

divinemsbee said:

@Twinkie0612 That didn't scare me so much as make me more aware that this actually can be/ is a concern. Thank you. I don't know about my egg quality, we were just moving into testing before this BFP, but it's good to know that I'm not an insane person for wanting some testing on this. I feel like my doc isn't used to dealing with women like me who have been through the loss thing before and have educated themselves about possible problems. Who know a little bit about what betas should be and what a doubling time is. I'm very BTDT with stuff like this and I want information.

There's no real way to assess egg quality short of IVF, so I wouldn't worry about that. I was just saying that I think that is the reason for my low progesterone (I ovulate crappy eggs with crappy corpus luetums which leads to crappy progesterone levels), I just didn't want you to have more to worry about.

I hope that your doctor will listen, I still have a hard time believing that she hasn't tested your progesterone. When my sister went through her m/c she had betas and progesterone tested. Her progesterone was low and she was prescribed supplements. She ended up having a blighted ovum. She has LPD issues and her doctor prescribed her progesterone to use after ovulation. She was put on progesterone in her next pregnancy just as a precaution. She also had lots of spotting with that pregnancy, but it turned out to be nothing.

divinemsbee · January 2014

@Irishcurls I am Prime, and I'm sure I could switch within the OB/GYN department, but I don't know if I could switch now. I switched to Prime because this MTF is supposed to be one of the best in the country and it has a RE/Infertility clinic that is a lot cheaper than going private. I know that if I wasn't having issues I wouldn't see an OB until 8-10 weeks, and I'm getting testing through this doc because she is the one who I was seeing before the BFP (I saw her in December to get the ball rolling on testing). I hate this is happening because I did actually like her. I think my other option is to call the Triage Nurse and convince her/them to run the test if my doctor won't. They can order tests and then I'm seen by the open clinic, which can be hit or miss.

RayRay007 · January 2014

I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't have much advice about the testing. I'll be watching for an update.

joshua+rebecca11 · January 2014

I'm so glad you posted here, I've been thinking about you. Seems like if your doctor won't give you a progesterone test she should at least give you a reason why. I would really push for it though!! Good luck!

Irishcurls · January 2014

Yeah I think I would honestly try that route (triage nurse) because once you have the information, you don't need to see whomever you see again, kwim? I know sometimes the clinic care can be meh but if she truly won't do it then I think you have no choice.

divinemsbee · January 2014

Just got a call from my doc. No betas yet, probably in a couple of hours, but this is what she said about progesterone, let me know if this sounds screwy. She said that if the betas weren't doubling/rising, then progesterone isn't going to help, which sounds right. She also said that there wasn't much evidence that the progesterone would help me if they are doubling, but that she would do the test and give me supplementation if I wanted it. Basically progesterone testing could help for next time (ugh, just those words) if I started on it in my TWW but before a positive test, but that it wouldn't help much now. So, thoughts? I know nothing will stop an already occurring m/c, but should it help now? I'm waiting to see what the betas are, and if they've risen I'm going to get the progesterone test tomorrow.

rlyttle · January 2014

If you are pregnant then getting your progesterone tested is very important. Some people do need it during their TWW, but it's not too late to detect a deficiency and get supplements if needed. They should test it at the same time as your next beta draw.

Hegi627 · January 2014

I have literally no advice for you, but I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you. Or simply sending good vibes your way, if you prefer. I'm glad your Dr at least called to address your concerns. Thanks for updating us, please continue to! FX for these beta results!

Twinkie0612 · January 2014

divinemsbee said:

Just got a call from my doc. No betas yet, probably in a couple of hours, but this is what she said about progesterone, let me know if this sounds screwy. She said that if the betas weren't doubling/rising, then progesterone isn't going to help, which sounds right. She also said that there wasn't much evidence that the progesterone would help me if they are doubling, but that she would do the test and give me supplementation if I wanted it. Basically progesterone testing could help for next time (ugh, just those words) if I started on it in my TWW but before a positive test, but that it wouldn't help much now. So, thoughts? I know nothing will stop an already occurring m/c, but should it help now? I'm waiting to see what the betas are, and if they've risen I'm going to get the progesterone test tomorrow.

I agree that if your betas aren't doubling, then it probably isn't a viable pregnancy so progesterone won't help. If your betas are doubling and your progesterone is low, I would ask for the progesterone supplements. It's not going to hurt anything to supplement progesterone. GL I have my FX for some doubling betas and good progesterone levels.

ColinTheRobot · January 2014

Please continue to update here! Fingers crossed & every good thought in my brain heading your way.

peggels24 · January 2014

I'm so glad that she called you back to explain her thinking. I don't have an opinion one way or the other with regard to her thinking (due to nothing more than inexperience on my part) but it's good to know that she was responsive and wasn't ignoring you.

Now, FX for awesome betas!

FemShep · January 2014

I'm so glad you're updating. My fingers are crossed for you. Good for you for pushing the progesterone testing with your doctor! It will be one less thing that will worry you. Please keep us posted on your betas, and lots of good thoughts going your way!

KrissyLeighN · January 2014

I just want to let you know I'm still here, I'm glad you're updating... still patiently waiting and cautiously optimistic.. Hopefully the betas are good and in that case, I too woulf add the progesterone supplement.

Edited: spelling

divinemsbee · January 2014

We have a double!! I was hoping to get into triple digits, but I'll take what I can get. Betas doubled from 28 to 61 in 48 hours. In the low 60s are pretty much the highest beta I've ever had done, so I am more optimistic. I have to make it through the weekend, and my next beta will be Monday. As of next Weds. I would hit 6 weeks from my LMP, and I've never gotten that far before. My doc has put the order in for the progesterone testing, so I can go ahead and do that tomorrow or do it Monday with the next beta, I'm thinking I may go ahead and do it tomorrow. Doc's going to keep checking on me until we reach about 2000 to try an ultrasound, so let's hope we start some skyrocketing numbers so that arms aren't a total pincushion (but if that's what it takes for this baby, bring it on). Thank you all so much for the support! I'll probably still be hanging around for a bit, I'm pretty nervous, and I'll miss you all.

peggels24 · January 2014

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Great news! Absolutely wonderful! I'm so happy for you.

TJD12 · January 2014

Thanks for the updates! Still got my FX for you and your little one as well!

divinemsbee · January 2014

I love you all, seriously, so much. This board has kept me sane. I was hurrying to finish that last update and feel as though I didn't say enough in terms of thanks. I'm doing a little dance in my chair right now. I hope to see all of you on 1st Tri and BMBs. I'm still holding my breath (and checking my pants every 5 minutes, so much CM, so scary feeling), but the guidance I've gotten here has helped so much, both as support and in helping me advocate for my health.

LeadMitten · January 2014

Good news yay! Thoughts and prayers.

Pintobean39 · January 2014

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. I'm keeping my FX for you.

I had this discussion with my RE about progesterone during pregnancy. Three of my 4 miscarriages I was put on progesterone. 2 of those my progesterone was low and the other was just a precaution. My RE told me the progesterone does no good once you are pregnant you need it right after ovulation. He said in my case since we had genetic testing and 2 of my babies had trisomy it just wasn't a good pregnancy to begin with and that's why the progesterone was low not necessarily because I have a progesterone problem.

On another note, so many people spot or even bleed and go on to have a normal pregnancy. I totally understand how you feel spotting is bad but I'm trying to be optimistic. So let's just pray that your betas double and you are going to go on and have a happy and healthy 9 months. (((Hugs)))