PGAL Check-In 3/21

m6agua

This is for those of us moms who are pregnant after loss. If you have not participated on the weekly thread yet introduce yourself first.

Weeks: 

Next milestone/appointment? 

Rant/Rave/Anything else: 

Questions? 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? 

kns1988

Next milestone/appointment? 2nd US on Friday. This time the machine will have a doppler so we'll be able to hear the heartbeat instead of just seeing it. I'm really nervous!

Rant/Rave/Anything else: Going live with a huge project at work tomorrow, and my mind is absolutely not on work. I can't freaking wait for Friday. I just need reassurance that baby is still there and growing. 

Questions? For STMs that had morning sickness, when did it go away? After 2 weeks of bad MS, it seems to be diminishing a little bit. It's still lurking around, though. 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Windows, mostly because if familiarity. 

SunshineJar

Next milestone/appointment; 8th April, first appointment with the midwife!! I'll be 9 weeks then I can't wait!

rant/rave
All over the place!!
Saturday I felt amazing, symptoms were gone, boobs felt so goooood, with every jiggle there was no pain and I decided not to worry and to make the most of it as who knows what was going to happen next.
Sunday I was oh so tired and felt sick, boobs ached with a vengeance I almost regretted feeling so good on saturday
Today!!! Well today, ive thrown up three times (first bout of proper morning sickness weeheeexx) am tired and the ladies are hurting, i have some back ache too.

Rants/Raves/Questions: 
Tmi time 
I had some brown mucus when I wiped this morning, it qas just a blob no big deal but I was wondering what this could be? I had sex on saturday and we used lube (organic), and am wondering if it's old fluids? Anyone else experienced this?

m6agua

I hope everyone who reached their loss milestone last week are doing ok and feeling better this week.

Weeks: 5

Next milestone/appointment? ultrasound on April 12. My loss milestone isn't until May 1st

Rant/Rave/Anything else: even though my symptoms are few right now, I still just have a good feeling about this one. I would like some symptoms back for reassurance though.

Questions? nope

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Mac all the way. We have a desktop/laptop/phones/iPad/and an old iPod. Also for my job macs are better.

juliehollz13

Weeks: 3w4d

Next milestone/appointment? I just want to get past 4 weeks. My OBGYN told me I could come in today for a "confirmation of pregnancy" but i'm scared the test will be negative because I'm so early and my strongest lines are in the AM and my Appt is in the PM. 

Rant/Rave/Anything else: Just completely anxiety ridden. Dr. Google says that faint positives can mean an ectopic pregnancy so I am even more panicked. I'm scared of missing more work and debating if I should at least tell my boss whats going on. 

Questions? Is there anything you ladies do to deal with anxiety? also, is it unreasonable to ask (insist) on beta testing since I had a previous CP and am on progesterone, so if anything goes wrong I won't know. 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? PC all the way

chloe97

Weeks: 5 weeks, 2 days

Next milestone/appointment? Ultrasound on 4/4 at 7 weeks, 2 days

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I've been having chills every night this week, but no fever. I'm worried this could be a sign of my thyroid acting up. I had my TSH levels tested after my loss and they were 2.466. My Dr didn't seem concerned, but I've read they want them under 2.5 during 1st trimester of pregnancy. I'm sure that they probably have gone up, so I sent an email to my Dr to get them tested.

Also I wish my symptoms would come in stronger. I've had a few hours of slight nausea after eating a lot and I've been tired here and there, but everything is coming and going still.

Questions? none right now

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? PC for computers, but I uses apple products for my phone and tablets.

EmmieAnn22

Weeks:  7+6

Next milestone/appointment? Appointment with a doctor in the genetics department to test for Zika on Wednesday.  I'll be getting an ultrasound as well just because that's protocol when meeting with a doctor in genetics.  Not sure how I'm feeling about my first ultrasound.  Excited to see the little one but scared something will be wrong.  

Rant/Rave/Anything else: Got a baby shower invite from our best couple friend today.  They live 6 hours from us since we moved so we won't be able to attend.  They even included a sweet note saying of course they didn't expect us to come but they wanted us to feel included. 

Questions? Not really.

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? While I have Apple everything I can not figure out Macs.  My Husband loves Mac but I can't figure out anything on it. Technology isn't my strong strength.

jrussell16

Weeks: 6 today

Next milestone/appointment? First appointment on Thursday afternoon. Really hoping everything goes well. 

Rant/Rave/Anything else: A skunk sprayed right outside our house yesterday and it woke me up in the middle of the night because the smell was so bad. DH barely smells anything (hello pregnancy nose!). I spent all day yesterday trying to air out the house but I still smell it in some places. It's awful and really not helping the nausea.

Questions? Not at the moment.

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? PC all the way.

comealongponds

Weeks: 7+3

Next milestone/appointment? -Hearing the heartbeat! Seeing my family doc tomorrow, still waiting on the OB appointment.

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I've never been this pregnant before...it feels nice to have my loss milestone behind me, but I'm still anxious to get out of the first tri and into theoretical relative safety. DH said last night he really feels like we're going to bring home twins, makes me feel good that he's optimistic!

Questions? Nope!

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? - My actual laptop is Windows, and I've only ever had Windows computers...but the only devices I use now are my iPad and iPhone so kinda both I guess? Haha

@juliehollz13 - I think most of us have some level of anxiety around here, being PGAL will do that to you! As for betas, you could ask for them but they may end up causing you more stress if they don't behave exactly right. You're so early that they're likely going to be low (FYI that's also likely why your tests are so light...retest in a week and it'll likely get darker), mine at 3w4d were only 30. I did request betas since my first pregnancy had non-doubling betas despite normal ultrasounds; and they didn't really help me much since they were done early and I only had betas done later on in my loss so I didn't trust that things would continue normally. So I mean...this isn't super helpful I guess, if you feel like betas would help you feel better, you can ask for them but proceed with caution since they may not give you what you want.

@chloe97 - are you on levothyroxine? Ideal TSH is below 2.5 during the first tri as you know and pregnancy really increases your body's demand on your thyroid. I had a total thyroidectomy almost a year ago and the moment I got a positive I was told by my endo to increase my dose of levothyroxine and we're checking my TSH every two weeks. Definitely push to get checked and get the actual number, not just an "it's fine" since some docs still go by less than 5 in pregnancy (old school, has now been shown to impair neurocognitive development). Good luck! Thyroid issues suck.

FX for you @EmmieAnn22 - I hope your ultrasound goes well! So sweet of your friends to invite you to the shower, even knowing you weren't able to go

chloe97

Thanks @comealongponds! I'm not on anything. My Dr didn't note it as a problem during my appt and I learned about TSH levels from my own research. I'm hoping my Dr calls me back soon. I want to get this checked out before my first appt.

MissAmeliaPond

Weeks: 5+2

Next milestone/appointment?  April 1st

Rant/Rave/Anything else:  I'm freaking the F out about my job. Today marks the beginning of only my fourth week there, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I've been working in this industry for the past 4+ years, but I've never been an account manager, and people are coming at me right and left saying how they can't wait to dump their clients on me. I haven't had enough training yet, and I'm so uncomfortable with this situation. To top it all off, I'm going to be having client meetings over 2 hours away (without traffic, so in reality, I'm thinking like 3+ hour drives away), and I'm uncomfortable being so far from my doctors in case of another loss. This is hopefully going to be my first kid, so I'm sure I'm overreacting a bit, but I know ya'll know what loss does to your thought patterns. I've told DH that maybe I should just quit so I can take this pregnancy easy... I don't know what to do. I think I need to talk to my manager and tell her the situation, even though it's still so early and I haven't even had a scan yet... 

Questions?  I'm just hoping someone will tell me what to do about my job situation (see above). 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC?  I can use both, but I really dislike the iPhone. I need widgets. #Android4Lyfe

comealongponds

@MissAmeliaPond I'm sorry you're so stressed out by your new job (and the people who said they can't wait to dump clients on you sound like jerks!). I would definitely talk to your manager and if you're comfortable, mention your loss as your basis for your anxiety with this pregnancy. And let her know you feel like you need more training or a mentor to help you settle into your new role. I totally get wanting to take it easy...I'm on self imposed modified bed rest because of the SCH around baby B, and basically told my doc he's filling out the paperwork for me because despite what the literature says about bed rest, I'm not comfortable spending 12h on my feet in a stressful environment. 

*internet hugs*

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt

Weeks: 7 today

Next milestone/appointment? Ultrasound on April 6th, I'll be 9+2

Rant/Rave/Anything else: My son got better but then went downhill again so he's home with me today. I love having extra time to spend with him but I have a LOT to do today and he's very needy when he's sick. 

Questions? Nah, I'm good. 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC?  I use both, and also Linux. My current primary computer is a Microsoft Surface Pro and I am surprised by how much I love it. 

MollySm

@SunshineJar - Yes, if you had sex on Saturday it's very likely that's what the brown came from.  Totally normal to have for a few days following sex.  

MollySm

Weeks : 5

Next milestone/appointment?  I have my first appt on Wednesday.  But it's just a group appt with the nurse practitioner.  I cannot wait to make my first appt with the OB so I know when the ultrasound will be.  Waiting is so hard.

Rant/Rave/Anything else: My symptoms have decreased significantly, and even though I know it means nothing, I wish I had more.  

Questions?  Nope

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? I was always a Mac person, but H is a PC guy and cares much more than I do, so I've changed.  

lilwonder

Weeks: 6 (today)

Next milestone/appointment? Milestone isn't until 5/30... First appt. and u/s are scheduled for 4/4- 2 weeks and counting!

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I REALLY need this cold to go away. The fact it's exacerbated by my asthma doesn't help either. Every time I cough, it sounds (and feels) like I'm hacking up a lung and I feel like it cannot be good for the baby. I've had 3 doctors tell me they PROMISE it won't hurt anything though. I had a cold/cough during the pPROM in Dec. and this cough has me terrified that something else will happen. I keep trying to think that it's early enough and the baby/sac are tiny enough that they're not being affected (which is what my doctors have said)-- all easier said than believed. 

Questions? None for now.

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Mac(book pro). iDevices for everything else.

rspalding001

Weeks: 5

Next milestone/appointment? April 7 Ultrasound, still so far away!

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I may be a bit obsessed with getting HCG tested. I've had three so far (Tu, Th, and Sa last week) and I plan to get three this week as well (M, W, F). The first 2 came back good, I haven't gotten the results for Saturday yet, but I'm a little nervous I'm going to jinx it by getting so many tests done and I wont like the results. Its my PGAL brain taking over, plus I'm a facts kind of person. I need to know but on the same note its driving me a little nuts too.

Questions? nope

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Windows for work (can't function with a mac when you need to use excel extensively). But a Mac would be col for home I think.

chloe97

@MissAmeliaPond I've been in my job for 10 years and I sit at a desk all day and I'm still concerned about how the stress of my job is going to affect my pregnancy. I agree with @comealongponds that if you feel comfortable you should have a conversation with your boss about what is going on. Can you take a break during the day to zone out/meditate and try to relax? 

doraleigh35

Weeks: 7+5

Next milestone/appointment? 1st appointment w/OB is April 5th. My second loss milestone is this week. I've been looking forward to getting that one over with and will be relieved once I get past 8+4.

Rant/Rave/Anything else: Still dealing with sore boobs and throwing up. Constipation was new this week and it's making me super uncomfortable. The gas pains and bloating are brutal.

Questions? Is anyone else dealing with constipation? Any suggestions or advice?

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Mac 

MrsBinPA

Weeks: 3+5

Next Milestone Appointment: I had my first beta & progesterone drawn today & go back Thursday for a repeat.  I suspect it will be weekly visits.  US will get added in the mix once by beta is >1500.

Rant/Rave/Anything else:  I was told basically I'm on pelvic rest until further notice.  No strenuous exercise, lifting or orgasms.  I guess I'll be walking the dogs instead of Crossfit for a while.  A small price to pay for a take home LO, but I really need to make sure my eating is in check.

Questions?:  The nurse today told me that they leave taking progesterone (oral prometrium) supplements up to the patients, I guess because I am an RPL.  Now I don't know what to do.  I took them last time with no side effects, but needed them.  This time if the value is >20 IDK what I am going to do.  Part of me feels like I should just take it so I have nothing to point to that I didn't do to make it stick.  Anyone else have this option?  

GTKY: I was always a PC gal, but DH is all about the Mac. Our home computer is Mac, my work one is PC.  I still don't feel super savvy with the Mac, but I try!

zrain

Weeks: 
4w5d
Next milestone/appointment? 
Appt next Wednesday. Milestone, I guess around 8 weeks because that's when I saw baby's heart had stopped
Rant/Rave/Anything else: 
Still very calm! I did EMDR with my therapist after my MC to help with the anxiety I knew I'd feel when I got pregnant again and it seems to have worked very well! I'm so happy to not be the basket case I thought I would be (and so is DH!)
Questions? 
None today
GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? 
Windows! I've been using a PC since I was 2 years old. I don't mind Mac, but I'm so much better on a PC

@m6agua I'm looking forward to getting symptoms too. It'll be a nice reassurance to actually feel pregnant.

@juliehollz13 I would highly recommend EMDR if there's someone who does it in your area. It's been a huge help for me in the past with anxiety related to PTSD and has put me in a really good mind state with this pregnancy

break is over, back to work. More responses later! I'm so happy to be here!!!

DunkinDecaf

Week: 6w2d

Next milestone/appointment: Friday is my loss milestone, and then I have another ultrasound on 3/31. Hopefully we'll see a happy little heartbeat and everything will be swell.

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I'm starting to get excited about this pregnancy. I can't help myself, so I'm giving in to it. I figure I might as well be happy now, since there's nothing concrete to suggest it won't be okay.

That being said, I'm throwing a baby shower for my best friend in June and in the back of my mind I'm still afraid that if I have a loss I'll ruin her joy. She's a FTM and she started TTC at the same as I did for this little one. She got pregnant right away and she was so supportive as I waited for my BFP.

Questions?: not really

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Just switched from my Mac to a Lenovo because my Mac got really shitty and slow and the track pad stopped working. My husband is a PC guy because they're way better for all his work software so I thought it would be easier for us to have the same stuff. My only complaint is that I really miss the easy volume control buttons on my Mac. I know that seems like a little thing but it's really been bugging me. I do have an iPhone & iPad also though.

@kns1988 m/s is different for every pregnancy, so no way to know unfortunately. With my daughter I had intermittent nausea for the first tri and then it got worse at 12 weeks, right when it's *supposed* to get better. Fx that doesn't happen this time around...

@juliehollz13 light normal when it's so early, they don't mean ectopic necessarily. I didn't get a dark positive until the middle of week 4. Dr Google is a worry factory. I hope your appointment goes well!

DunkinDecaf

mobile app is making me insane. I think my post was too long so it deleted the last part. Grumble.

@chloe97 I hope you get super nauseous (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). I always feel better when I'm super symptomatic too. I'll take vomiting over worrying any day.

rspalding001

@juliehollz13 there is no reason for them to deny you an HCG test especially since you have had a prior loss. Have you asked for one yet? I bet if you ask they will order it. They probably just don't offer unless you show interest is my guess.
Also yes light HPT is totally normal prior to week 4, but the test they do at the Dr apt should be able to detect even small amounts of HCG and confirm your pregnancy even if its early.

MollySm

@EDK2010 - I've dealt with bad constipation with previous pregnancies.  My midwife told me to eat wheat bran.  It was flaky stuff (I bought it at Whole Foods) and I just shook some on my food daily.  It really helped.  

comealongponds

@EDK2010 - I've had it on and off. My MD recommended stool softeners, Metamucil, fiber cereal, prunes and lots of water!

EmmieAnn22

@EDK2010 Doctor recommended a daily walk.  I know for me in a general way it helps with my digestion.  Also, eat your vegetables if you can they have lots of fiber.

doraleigh35

@MollySm- I know exactly what wheat bran is, I'll pick some up. Thank you!

@comealongponds- Thanks for your suggestions. I definitely will try a few and see if they help.

 @EmmieAnn22- Thanks! I do eat a lot of veggies, but maybe I'll add even more into my diet.

I've never dealt with constipation before, I'm usually quite regular. This has been so frustrating!

juliehollz13

Thank you everyone for your encouraging words. My OBGYN suggested I check with my RE as well, to see what they want to do. My RE's office ordered a blood test to confirm pregnancy (still waiting for results), if it comes back positive I will get some beta's done and they said they would love to follow me through my early pregnancy if I wish (until 8 weeks). So a HUGE relief!!! My OBGYN also said to contact him with any concerns between now and when I see him. *whew* 

UPDATE: Got my 1st beta back and it's 45.7 @ 11dpo! So i'm definitely pregnant! Just hoping and praying the levels will double. I AM a little surprised that the pink dye HPT's are as faint as they are even with a level of almost 50. Maybe it's just the many pee breaks I take lol.

MrsBinPA

Update:  Beta was 36 and progesterone was 31.  Progesterone is my highest ever! Now IDK what to do about the supplement.

Now the agonizing wait until Thursday to see if it is doubling appropriately.

aquasocks

Weeks: 7+3

Next milestone/appointment? Second ultrasound a week from tomorrow!

Rant/Rave/Anything else: I know my RE is just being cautious, but I'm still on progesterone suppositories and I only had my progesterone checked at 14dpiui. So I've been on it for 3 1/2 weeks (will be 4 1/2 weeks by my next appointment) with no follow up bloodwork.  

Questions? Those of you on progesterone suppositories, are you having your levels checked regularly? 

GTKY: Mac or Windows/PC? Windows computer but iPhone forever!!

chloe97

@juliehollz13 My FRERs weren't nearly as dark as the control line on the day my HCG level was 588, so like PP said don't worry about the darkness of the line. I had a major freakout about this last week and my betas were doubling just fine. HPTs weren't meant to be quantitative test, but qualitative- meaning they are supposed to just give you a yes or no answer.

Also as a PSA-  Wondfos don't get the 2nd line right away even when your HCG levels are in the 1000s. That's freaked me out every time. They eventually darken up, but no initial line like the FRERs and other tests.

rspalding001

@MrsBinPA great numbers! Are you currently on Progesterone or just thinking about starting it? If you are not on it yet I might not take it. 31 is a great # for progesterone. If you are already on it then don't stop

Randerson42

weeks: 6 w, 3 d


milestone/appt: our loss milestone won't be until the end of May, but at this point I'm dreading our due date in June more. 1st appt is April 5th.

rant/rave/anything else: I'm not having a lot of symptoms either. Just very fatigued, sore boobs every now and then, and the slightest nausea occasionally. Oh and crazy dreams! It makes me nervous not to feel more pregnant. Anybody else get really cold for no reason? It happens every evening.

mac or Windows/PC? PC all the way! And Android

Speaking of Android i don't think i can tag people on my tablet but wanted to reply some of you.

I've had good luck with Citrucel for constipation, it's not as gassy as Metimucil (tmi lol)

To those who got good news on test results, yay!!!

@missameliapond like others have said, I'd talk to your manager. If you are seriously considering leaving, they'd probably appreciate the chance to fix things. And hopefully they can make it better so you feel comfortable staying. I'm sorry that it's an added stress to an already stressful time. :-/

Randerson42

Guess tagging does work lol

MissAmeliaPond

@comealongponds thank you I talked to my manager's manager briefly today (because my manager wasn't in the office), and he said he would talk to the people that have been trying to dump things on me. I'm still going to try to talk to my manager tomorrow about creating a real training schedule before they put me in charge of clients. I really don't want to be responsible for a client leaving because I wasn't trained properly! I definitely think that you are entitled to not be on your feet for 12 hours straight given your SCH! I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow! 

@chloe97 I wish I'd had time to take a break today, but it was kind of crazy busy. I really want to call us cycle buddies, but we're more like due date buddies? But anyway, I haven't really had symptoms yet either. I was hot and cold all weekend, but no MS, no sore boobs, no "traditional" symptoms, really. My face decided to break out in a rash all around my mouth, though, so that's cool, and my eczema has gotten bad, too. I'm assuming all of this is pregnancy related? But I don't really know. I keep waiting for the "normal" symptoms, but I just haven't gotten any yet. I had ALL of them with my CP, so who knows. 

@Randerson42 Thanks, yeah I think I'm going to try to talk to her more tomorrow. Hopefully she's in the office tomorrow. 

@juliehollz13 Ah, I wouldn't track the darkness of the HPTs. I took my first tests with 3rdMU (13dpo) and got pretty dark lines, and tested again the next morning with FMU thinking I would get blazing dark lines, and they were a tick lighter than the 13dpo tests. My betas were 361 at 13dpo and 1935 at 17dpo, so please don't depend on the darkness of the tests to tell you "how pregnant" you are. The only time to worry is if you go from positive back to completely negative. I also recommend not charting your temp etc anymore (if you're still doing that) it will only make you over-analyze everything and just generally stress you out every day. 

chloe97

@Randerson42 We are symptom twins! I've also just had fatigue, slightly sore boobs, and slight nausea once in awhile. I've been getting chills every night. Today I had them all day long. Kept taking me temperature and I didn't go above 98.8, so it's not a fever. I've read that this can be because of hormone fluctuations, but I had my Dr test my thyroid levels today because I read it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. I've never had true hypothyroidism, but my levels have been at 2.5 which is the max they want you to be at in your first trimester if you have hypothyroidism. I may be the victim of Dr Google, but i will see what my Dr says about my TSH levels.

Update---I got my TSH levels back and they are 3.4. The Dr is starting me on Synthroid today. If you haven't had your TSH levels checked, I'd do that soon.

@missameliapond Yay due date twin! I also had some sort of weird acne situation around my mouth of all places. I thought it was a cold sore at first, but this is a huge whitehead zit taking up my upper lip. It's so gross. I want to pop it so bad.

RiverSong15

*******TW********






Well ladies, this is the end of the line for me. Ultrasound did not go well today. I was supposed to be 7+2, and the sac and yolk sac were measuring at 6 weeks. They saw a possible fetal pole, but nothing else. I'm now just waiting to start bleeding, and trying to decide what to do depending on how long that takes. H and I are devastated and defeated and generally feeling hopeless about our chances to be parents. Of course, my MIL is here for the next two weeks and has already said some unintentional but still insensitive things.

I appreciate all the kind words and support I got here during my short time on the board, and I wish you all H&H 9 months. I hope no one else on this board has to go through this again.

m6agua

@riversong15 oh no! I am so sorry. Take care of yourself. Maybe your MIL can help out around the house so you can take it easy.

zrain

@RiverSong15 I am so very sorry to hear that. I wish there was something I could say to make it hurt less but I know there isn't. I'll be keeping you and your husband in my thoughts. *hug*

MissAmeliaPond

@RiverSong15 Oh no, I am so so sorry to hear this. I hope you and your DH will be kind to yourselves. (((hugs)))