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Progesterone suppositories w cerclage...extreme discomfort:(

bcnoellebcnoelle member
edited March 2014 in High-Risk Pregnancy
Hi ladies. I'm on week 10 of my progesterone suppository due to IC and am at the end of my rope with itching, discomfort, and pain. I've been averaging 4-5 hours of broken sleep a night. The day time is slightly itchy, but not terrible. My discharge was actually worse the first month, but this last month has been brutal with discomfort and everything just looks swollen. I usually have to get up in the middle of the night and find some relief in a shower and have been applying aquaphor. I'm on capsules, which my MFM said is less irritating than the cream..but maybe I'm allergic to the capsule coating? My MFM also said the the shots are probably not as effective and that because I have no history of a loss, they are generally not recommended. I really don't even understand that statement though. It seems regardless of my history, if the goals are the same to have a full term pregnancy with a competent cervix then shots could be an option. Just looking to see if anyone has found relief if they had a similar experience or did better with the shots. Thanks.
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Re: Progesterone suppositories w cerclage...extreme discomfort:(

  • MissChanandlerBongMissChanandlerBong member

    I'm sorry you're having discomfort, that sounds rough :(  I have only limited experience with the suppositories from my last pregnancy.  I had an emergency cerclage and was on hospital bedrest and my doctor prescribed the progesterone suppositories.  I HATED them and also had a lot of discomfort, and I thought they upset my stomach too.  I felt the upset stomach was making things worse in terms of cramping and general irritability, and luckily he stopped them after I expressed my concerns.  I did not get the progesterone shots instead, though (at least I don't remember it).  However, I am getting them with this pregnancy given my history.

    I'm not sure why the shots wouldn't be as effective, but I feel your pain on the discomfort - I hope things get better! 

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  • erikaja6erikaja6 member
    I started using suppositories after I had an emergent cerclage at 23 weeks and 3 days. I started having contractions and found out my cervix was very short just before I had the cerclage. After the cerclage, I was on strict bed rest until my water broke at 33 weeks and 3 days and my son was born. This pregnancy, I had a preventative cerclage at 13 weeks and my doctor gave me the choice of using daily suppositories or weekly shots. I chose the shots and am SO much happier with that option. The suppositories are so messy and the shots (at least for me) hurt for a second or two and then I'm done. Some doctors say the suppositories help prevent a cervix from shortening, whereas the shots help prevent contractions. However, I know other people have said research studies don't prove this. Whatever the truth is, my cervix has stayed nice and long (I am almost 34 weeks) and I have had no contractions. I am sorry you are having so many problems with the suppositories. Hang in there and good luck!
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  • PrincessBritt17PrincessBritt17 member
    I'm sorry you are having trouble with the suppositories.  I am on them as well for cervical shortening, but I have not had the same issues you are experiencing.  I would think there has to be something that you are allergic to in the formulation.  I had the debate with my doctor about suppositories versus the shot and he is very much in favor of the suppositories, but in this case I would think your doctor would want you to try the shot to see if your symptoms resolve.  Good luck and I hope you find a solution soon!!
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  • ThereBeDragonsThereBeDragons member
    You may have a harder time getting insurance coverage for the shots. But I really can't recommend them enough. I've been through 9 weeks of P17 with no side effects, minimal contractions (only when triggered by over doing it), and no signs of delivering early yet. Also have a cerclage (holding my cervix steady at 1.4cm) and am on bed rest.
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  • bcnoellebcnoelle member
    Thanks for all of the feedback and support.  So, I left a message describing my symptoms to the nurse.  I told her I was up for trying a different suppository.  She left me a message back saying just to stop taking them cold turkey.  I have a cervical length check next week and they'll see how I'm doing.  They think it's fine since my cerclage is in place (was placed at 1.7 mm).  I'm a bit nervous about how this week will go and if this is really the right decision.  On the positive side, I finally had a great night's sleep last night.  I'm supposed to be on "take it easy" and lie down as much as possible.  I work 3 full days a week (up and down) and have an almost 3 year old, so I'm sure that I'm over doing it.
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