@mrs_massie its sweet you want to do something for her. What about Spoonful of Comfort? It is a soup gift box and they have other things you can add if you want.
Hi, hope this is the right place for this question. How do y’all deal with pregnancy anxiety? I am pregnant for the second time after an early miscarriage in July. I am over analyzing every symptom, so nervous that “oh my boobs don’t hurt as much today, so my progesterone is low and I’m probably miscarrying again”. It’s toxic for me (and the little one). Had my levels drawn and waiting to hear back from OB. Any advice or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated :)
@misscray oh girl, I totally get where you are coming from. A lot of us here seem to have experienced loss and PGAL is a mind F**k for sure. I tell myself “today, I am pregnant” take it day by day. PGAL can really rob you of joy in pregnancy. I hope your labs bring you comfort and help you relax a bit.
@misscray I ditto what @sgrn18 said. You take it day by day and live in the here and now. “Today I am pregnant.” Meditating may help to equip you with a way to take any thoughts that are doing you a disservice and let them pass without dwelling. I’m so sorry about your loss, my 2nd pregnancy was similar. It was so difficult to not read into every thing, but you’ll gain more confidence as time goes on.
Married August 2010 DD1 August 2011 DD2 August 2013 DD3 February 2017
@misscray I completely get it. I haven't miscarried before but im still super anxious and paranoid. I had levels drawn too and mine are good which eased my anxiety yesterday but man it's real. I wouldn't analyze each symptom and just know you're doing everything you can be doing
@misscray adding to everyone else's great advice, don't beat yourself up about the emotions either. Anxiety is just an emotion, it cannot hurt you or your baby. You cannot worry yourself into a miscarriage. My previous OB put it perfectly, that the stress isn't the problem it is how we react to it. If we just eat a ton of unhealthy food or turn to unhealthy outlets that can be harmful, but just feeling the emotions will not physically do any damage even though they feel like they could.
I have found that anxiety lasts for me because I don't let myself actually feel the "scary" emotions. I'll spend the day just fighting them, which just makes them stronger. If I let myself just cry it out and be scared for a bit it passes so much faster.
PGAL is terrifying. So don't beat yourself up for being scared. Sending you comforting vibes
@misscray My anxiety has been through the roof too. Hopefully getting your results back will help. I went to the doctor yesterday because I had been spotting, and hearing that my levels are ok, cervix is closed, and uterus looks normal for early pregnancy all helped me feel a lot better. Some gentle prenatal yoga helped too, I found good first trimester videos on youtube. I still have to go back and get a second blood draw today and won't get the results back until Monday afternoon, and I'm sure no matter what the results say I won't feel 100% better.. but as long as all you have in this pregnancy is good news, all you can do is try to focus on the good. Hoping your results come back soon and that they show good progress.
@misscray oh this is tough. I also suffered a MC in June this year and it is so hard on the heart to be pregnant again. I echo what others have said above, let yourself know that you are pregnant today and be in the moment. Sending positive vibes your way.
Has anyone taken lexapro, or an anxiety medication like it, and diclegis at the same time? I’m having the worst “morning” sickness of all my pregnancies right now. Lost 4 pounds last week, haven’t eaten a meal in a week, and so dehydrated because I can’t keep fluids down. I was prescribed diclegis but the pharmacist was apprehensive because it interacts with lexapro, which I am on. I’m on a very low dose, 10 mg, but the side effects of the two together are dizziness and drowsiness. I had planned to go off the lexapro, but the OB said no because of how anxious I’ve already been. (PGAL brain) I would feel better if I heard from others who have taken both before and were fine.
@misscray I know how you feel! I miscarried in 2015 and then had two successful pregnancies after that. However, even now I’m still anxious in this one and analyze everything. Anxiety after loss can be so intense. Hugs. ❤️
@JournoGrl23 is it possible to switch to a different medication that doesn't react with the diclegis?
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 I think all SSRIs interact with it, unfortunately. And so far Lexapro is the only one I found that doesn’t give me side effects. I was hoping for something other than diclegis, but my OB hasn’t seemed open to it. The issue is that they both get taken at bedtime and they both make you sleep.
@JournoGrl23 hmm my quick google search shows you look to be right. I'm currently on bupropion to manage my anxiety and thankfully my OB was fine with me being on it during pregnancy, but I know not all OBs are comfortable with that since it's category B. I believe they try to switch people to Zoloft but that interacts with diclegis too. Aree the side effects that much of a problem when you take it before bed? I would totally understand though if you don't want to feel those side effects from the interaction every day before bed though.
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 I took diclegis last night, but skipped the lexapro because I was desperate. I do actually feel a bit better today. I got dizzy overnight but I’m OK with that as long as it doesn’t extend into the day. I don’t want it to interfere with work and taking care of my two little ones. But tomorrow is Sunday and my husband will be off work so I guess it wouldn’t hurt to take them both tonight and see how I feel tomorrow. I’m just always nervous when it comes to drug interactions. Thankfully I’m on a very low dose of lexapro and I can get by with a half dose of diclegis, so maybe it won’t be bad?
@JournoGrl23 Ooofff! That really stinks. I didn’t know there was an interaction. I found that I built up a tolerance to the Diclegis the more I used it last time meaning that didn’t make me as groggy the next day at work. I’m on Prozac now and have absolutely zero intention of stopping if and when I need Diclegis. It’s hard to decide but you know your body the best. I hope you can push your OB for a different one.
@hillbillywife I am seeing a reproductive psychiatrist who specializes in pregnant and postpartum women and she said it was safe to take through all 3 trimesters. You basically have to decide if the pros outweigh the risks for you. The risks were things like very rarely underdeveloped lungs, very rarely premature birth/weight, and very rarely that when the baby is born it’ll be fussy for a day or so while its seratonin evens out. The premature birth/weight thing is also associated with untreated depression and anxiety which I strongly believe was a factor for me last time when I had preeclampsia, premature birth, and PPD.
@mc0303 woah! I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Thanks for all that info. I def was nervous about having to stop because I’m pretty stable right now for the first time since I became a parent almost 9 years ago.
Also I wasn’t trying to step on toes, just was curious because of my limited knowledge.
@hillbillywife oh my goodness, you weren’t stepping on any toes!!! I’m sorry if I gave that impression! 😭 I wanted to give all the info I heard bc I was under the same impression before. Prozac is the only thing that’s helped me. I hope you can continue taking it. It’s the best.
My OB recommended the NIPT (natera) for me at my appt since my last pregnancy a lot of my screening tests came back abnormal with nothing being wrong. I’m not AMA either. BUT they do the NIPT in place of the NT ultrasound. Is that the norm? Last time I just had the NT scan so I didn’t even know.
@sgrn18 I’m not sure. My OB recommended the NIPT too last time and I did it but it wasn’t covered by insurance bc I wasn’t AMA or another risk factor. I ended up doing both because I wanted to see the baby again 😊 If you go with the NIPT, try to get it covered by insurance. I did Natera and their payments are so weird. I was charged thousands of dollars but only paid $270 bc I paid within 30 days or something ridiculous.
@sgrn18 yes they do the NIPT in place of the NT ultrasound and yes thats normal. They don't usually do both. The reason is because the NIPT is far more accurate then the NT alone. I experienced this in my last pregnancy that I lost in July. I wanted to do both tests and they told me no, so I just had the NIPT done (which turned out to be bad news) The OB will always tell you to do the NIPT cause if that comes back abnormal then the NT results doesn't matter as the NIPT trumps that one.
Question for those that have been/are on progesterone suppositories - Is your progesterone regularly monitored during 1st trimester once you're on them? I'm not supposed to go back to the RE for an US for another 2 weeks but I would think they would want to check progesterone weekly or something. Just thinking "what if I needed to be on progesterone 3x a day?" you know?
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 My circumstances are a bit different since I am pregnant from IVF, but I have my estrogen and progesterone checked weekly until I graduate from my fertility clinic to my regular OB (I think at the end of first tri). FWIW mine is also on the low side (11) but my team doesn't seem to be too worried.
*TTC History*
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
@inthewoods23 As of tomorrow I am going on progesterone suppositories (still doing PIO injections every 3 days). I'm not going back to RE until my ultrasound on 11/9 so I won't be checked. My progesterone numbers looked good today which is why they gave me the option to switch to inserts but I will likely be a little anxious about it.
History and blog link in spoiler
2016 - dx with super low ovarian reserve; failed cycle with clomid, failed IUI, 2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks May 2020 FET; BFN July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate Oct 2020 BFP!
@inthewoods23 I am on progesterone by mouth for this and my last pregnancy. I’ve gotten them checked once this pregnancy and it was 16 and I had been on the supplements a week when they checked. My last pregnancy I bled a lot so they checked more frequently and I never got above a 12. Usually hung around 9-10. They kept me on progesterone til 12 weeks, it’ll be the same this time.
@misscray Wow I'm sorry you feel that way, but I almost envy you. I got pregnant at the same time last year and miscarried. It was a blur of finding out I was pregnant for the first time ever, and simultaneously finding out I was losing it. It was a catastrophe. Now I'm pregnant again w twins, but I don't feel anxious at all. I don't feel happy, excited... I don't feel anything. I'm somehow certain these babies will be born, which is good, but I wish I could be a little excited or nervous! I wish I could lend you some calm and you could lend me some anxiety
@inthewoods23 My progesterone levels arent checked regularly. I dont go back for another 2 weeks. Full disclosure though, there was never a concern with low levels. I was automatically put on progesterone supplements (injections and suppositories) as a part of my treatment protocol. I'll be on supplements til 10wks.
However if in a similar situation as you, where testing showed low levels/concern, I would expect more frequent checks and monitoring. Im starting to see more and more why you dont have much faith in your RE.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Waited a long time, tried a lot of stuff, science made me a mom.
Loss and IF veteran. Current mom of DS 5.5, DD 2, and sometimes DH 40. Due June 2021 with TWINS
@jaztastic I had very minimal pain from my egg retrieval and hysteroscopy/polypectomy surgery so she's good at what she does in that regard. I know had this been a transfer I'd be on the PIO for a while. I'll give them a call later today and ask if they can at least check my progesterone just for some reassurance - and also to make sure it does or doesn't need to be upped to 3 a day!
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 I think thats a good idea. It doesnt hurt to ask. Even if they still dont check, the reasons/explanations may make sense as well.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Waited a long time, tried a lot of stuff, science made me a mom.
Loss and IF veteran. Current mom of DS 5.5, DD 2, and sometimes DH 40. Due June 2021 with TWINS
@inthewoods23 remind me, are you on oral or inserts? My RE doesn’t check levels at all when on inserts because she says the blood levels aren’t accurate for how much gets absorbed ‘at the source’
@halfanewt suppositories. I have heard that about blood levels not reflecting what gets absorbed. I guess as long as my brown spotting doesn't get any worse to bright red/heavy I can assume my progesterone is sufficient. I'm one to like at least doing something when I'm anxiously waiting for time to pass. I've been so busy at work this morning I haven't even had a chance to call and see if they would entertain it.
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
*lurking* @inthewoods23 I'm still on both suppositories and PIO and my RE wasn't going to keep checking it. His logic is that there isn't really any exact science behind progesterone levels, they know what constitutes "low" progesterone but every women absorbs/metabolizes progesterone differently so it's hard to pinpoint an optimal level. And yes, the suppositories are notorious for irritating your cervix so the brown spotting is absolutely nothing to be worried about.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
@inthewoods23 I didn’t have my progesterone levels checked throughout bc I was using the suppositories for a totally different reason. My cervix was on the short side so I had to use them to keep it long and closed and the suppositories worked great. The discharge was...ermmm...colorful 🥴. I didn’t really think much of it besides ‘ew what a weird color’.
1st Q: Is anyone still nursing another baby? I've been advised to start weaning and I'm very torn about it. I wanted to wean at 1 year anyway...but I don't like being told what to do. I've had bad experiences with preterm labor/contractions and I don't want to add any unnecessary cramping...but I also don't want to wean just because.
2nd Q: For those that have successfully weaned, any tips? I'm doing don't offer, don't refuse, but he's been weirdly clingly lately and asking to nurse a lot. I feel like my milk supply has dipped so maybe that's why.
@mc0303 - I'm still BFing my 9 month old. I have not been advised to stop BFing and I know multiple women have been able to BF during a pregnancy. That being said, it's wise to listen to your doctor since you have a history of preterm labor. Maybe ask for a 2nd opinion from another OB at your practice?
@marebear15 thanks! I’ve asked my primary care doc and my baby’s pedi and they both say it should be fine to continue. I just keep having this nagging thought that what if it’s not fine? I’ll talk to my OB more in depth at my first appt. In the meantime, I guess I’ll continue with the don’t offer, don’t refuse
Re: The Great Big Questions Thread
DD1
DD2
DD3
Married: 8/10/13
BFP- 12/18/15, D&E- 4/8/16 @ 21w5d- confirmed Thanatophoric Dysplasia
BFP- 11/7/17, M/C- 11/18/17 @ 4w6d
BFP- 8/25/18 ~ EDD- 5/9/19 ~ DD born 5/2/20 *Lillian Hazel*
BFP- 10/9/20 ~ EDD- 6/21/21
I have found that anxiety lasts for me because I don't let myself actually feel the "scary" emotions. I'll spend the day just fighting them, which just makes them stronger. If I let myself just cry it out and be scared for a bit it passes so much faster.
PGAL is terrifying. So don't beat yourself up for being scared. Sending you comforting vibes
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos
moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos
Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC
Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks
May 2020 FET; BFN
July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate
Oct 2020 BFP!
Take a look at my blog
However if in a similar situation as you, where testing showed low levels/concern, I would expect more frequent checks and monitoring. Im starting to see more and more why you dont have much faith in your RE.
Waited a long time, tried a lot of stuff, science made me a mom.
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
Waited a long time, tried a lot of stuff, science made me a mom.
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 I'm still on both suppositories and PIO and my RE wasn't going to keep checking it. His logic is that there isn't really any exact science behind progesterone levels, they know what constitutes "low" progesterone but every women absorbs/metabolizes progesterone differently so it's hard to pinpoint an optimal level. And yes, the suppositories are notorious for irritating your cervix so the brown spotting is absolutely nothing to be worried about.
TTC History:
Me: 36 MH: 39, TTC since Dec 2017
Aug '18: PCOS dx
Nov '18: MH SA - 19mil
Dec '18-Mar '19: Letrozole + TI - all BFN
Apr '19: Letrozole + TI, - BFN. Repeat SA (27mil) & DNA fragmentation test (17%)
Aug '19: Letrozole + HCG trigger + IUI + prog supp - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Sep '19: 2nd IUI, same protocol - BFN (MH: 16mil)
Dec '19: IVF #1 w/ICSI, PGT. 5 retrieved, 4 fertilized, 3 blasts, 3 PGT-A normal.
Mar '20: FET #1, perfect 5AA blast transferred. BFN.
Sept '20: FET #2, 5BB tsf. 9/18/20 BFP!! EDD: 5/27/21. MMC 11w
Feb ‘21: FET #3, last 6BB blast transferred. BFP, EDD 11/2/21. MC 5w3d.
May '21: IVF #2 w/ICSI, PGT. 8R, 7M, 6F, 6 blasts - 3AB, 3AB, 3BB, 4BB, 5BB, 6BA. Fresh tsf 5/13/21 - BFN.
June '21: PGT-A results = 3 abnormal, 1 low level mosaic. Referred to new REI, had consult with 2nd RE in between.
Sept '21: RPL, immune testing normal
Oct '21: IVF #3 w/IMSI, PGT. 33R, 26M, 23F, 9 blasts (7 day 6, 2 day 7). PGT-A = 5 normal, 1 mosaic
Dec '21: Positive for endometritis, RX Flagyl & Keflex
Jan '22: FET #5 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol incl. PRP, intralipids, prednisone, medrol, nivestym, fragmin - CP
Feb '22: FET #6 - Kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol w/higher doses of pred & fragmin - BFN
Mar '22: Mock cycle for ERA - cancelled, repeat endometrial biopsy instead. Still positive for endometritis. RX ciprofloxacin & amoxicillin.
Apr '22: IVF #4 w/IMSI, PGT. 28R, 23M, 16F, 11 blasts. PGT-A = 6 normal.
June '22: FET #7 - Microdose lupron downreg w/kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol - double embryo transfer. BFN.
July '22: FET #8 - Mini stim w/Puregon + trigger, kitchen sink immune/RIF protocol. BFN.
Sep '22: Taking a break
Dec '22: Attempted abdominal myomectomy, fibroid too close to cervix and major blood vessels. Wasn't removed.
Feb '23: FET #9 - Modified natural w/baby asp, HCG trigger, PIO, PRP, Medrol, HCG wash, embryo glue - BFP!! EDD 11/11/23
2nd Q: For those that have successfully weaned, any tips? I'm doing don't offer, don't refuse, but he's been weirdly clingly lately and asking to nurse a lot. I feel like my milk supply has dipped so maybe that's why.