Girls I really need your help. I got a call from my NP this morning (she's been out of town for a week), and I'm afraid I really screwed up.
For those of you who have been prescribed progesterone... have any of you taken it before your IVF/IUI and if so, how long before? What exactly is it for? I always here "to support a pregnancy" but what specifically?
As for estrogen, has anyone taken a pill vaginally?????????
So here's what happened... yesterday I call my NP cause I wanted to see if I was supposed to take my progesterone suppositories (which I added to my protocol on Thurs, continuing w/ my 2 estrace tabs 3X/day) Tues nite and Wed nite (tranfer on Thurs). She was on her cell and she said to take it Tues nite but not Wed nite.
So I wake up to a call from her this morning and first thing she says is... "when you asked me yesterday about taking the progesterone vaginally, you meant estrace vaginally, right?". I tell her no, I had been taking my 2pills of estrace still orally but last Thurs started taking the progesterone suppositories vaginally. (Side note... she wasn't there at my u/s last Thurs) When my RE said to add the vaginal medicine at my appt last Thurs, I assumed it was the progesterone suppositories which were the only suppositories I HAD at home. I didn't know you could take a little pill vaginally. No one gave me specific instructions.
So I ask NP if I screwed up and she said not to worry I just added some extra progesterone to my body, but today, when I take my estrace, I should take 2 pills orally and 1 vaginally.... this 3 times per day. Of course I hung up the phone and cried my eyes out, which thoroughly ****** off DH, and now I'm a wreck and have my interview at the Childrens hospital in less than 2 hrs! Girls, I am so sorry this was such a long post. I am just afraid I screwed things up.
Oh Kari...I'm so sorry you're scared. Honestly, I don't know what I can help you with. But, I would say that your nurse would tell you if you really screwed something up, don't you think? They're not going to let you go through with an expensive procedure if it's not safe or if it's been compromised in any way. I know this doesn't do a lot to calm your nerves, but I think it will be okay. Obviously I'm not a doctor, but I'm thinking, especially since you're doing an FET, that the extra progesterone won't hurt. I hope this helps a little. On a side note, I want to wish you good luck at the Children's Hospital. You'll do a wonderful job and they'd be lucky to have you.
Keep us posted. - April
Last edited by douglasap8; 02-06-2008 at 08:25 AM.
You poor thing, I am sorry you are going through this extra stress. I know you are really scared but I agree with April, I imagine that nurse would have told you if you compromised your procedure. I have only ever taken progestrone after my IUI, not before. I have done both pill and suppositories, but not both at once.
I know the progestrone helps support the preg once it fertilizes in case your body does not produce enough on its own. Usually you take it up until your 12th week of pg.
I hope this helps and please try to stay calm, I can totally relate to your dilemma. I was told to do two suppositories a day, 12 hours apart and somehow I screwed up and was only doing it at night, I think it was because I clearly remember the nurse saying to do it right before bed so I am lying down, somehow that confused me. I realized my mistake a week later and was absolutely freaking out thinking I completely blew our chance. The nurse was wonderful at calming me down and saying it is okay. So, I believe that you are fine as well.
Hi Kari, I am so sorry that you are upset. But I think you will be just fine my dear. The estrogen is supposed to help your lining and the progesterone is supposed to help relax your uterus to get your body ready for pregnancy.
I took estrogen starting right after my ER, and progesterone shots too. Then I added the progesterone suppositories the morning before ET. My RE said to give me an extra boost and really make sure my uterus is relaxed. I think the suppositories offer minimal support anyway because it leaks out. The PIO is the one measurable on P4 tests.
Basically when you go through ER, all the progesterone is taken from you, because its fluid inside your eggs. So they have to give it back to you so your body can support a pregnancy. I had to take it until 12 weeks when the placenta takes over and produces progesterone by itself. If anything I think you helped your chances......maybe it will be a new protocal once you get your BFP in a few weeks.
Just hang in there sweetie, only 1 more day. I am sure if your NP thought this would hurt your chances they would tell you. They want you to be pregnant just as much as you do.
One another note, have you heard how your embies are doing? Please update us as soon as you can. Hang in there, and good luck with your interviewAimeeM
Oh Kari, I just saw this post.
I started taking prometrium 6 days before ET. Relax, you didn't do anything wrong.I think you started that 6 days ago, so you are very much OK.
I know the estrace pill, I had to take it vaginally too, when I was doing the clomid thing, I know how weird it sounds to take an orally pill vaginally. They pretend that if its closer to the uterus it gets there much faster, but who really knows. Its such a tiny pill, I doubt that it makes much difference.
The Estrace is supposed to build up the lining and progesterone to soften it and making it more receptive for implantation. And you honey got both covered.
Good luck and relax.
Mady
Sweet Kari, ma belle, you most certainly did not screw up. I agree with April and Hopeful, the nurse woudl have told if you made a mistake. And she was hoenst with you, she did say that there is a little too much progesterone, and the instructions she gave you are to balance your body. You did not screw up at all, and your nurse is very honest. She would have told you if something was wrong. She and you both found a solution, and it's going to be fine!! And I also agree with Mady, you started that 6 days ago, you are perfectly fine. I really want to empahsize that your nurse is very honest, she would have told you if something was wrong. But there isn't. You're fine, and the meds are fine, everything is fine.
I want to wish you lots of luck at the Children's Hospital. You are such a dear, and they are so lucky to have you.
nd on a sidenote, I just have to comment once again how alike your Dh and my Dh are. I also have to try to not cry abotu IF or anyhting pertaining to it in front of DH. At first, i thought it was because he didn't want to ttc or that he was being a jerk. But you know what he told me when we were calm? And I tell you this because I think your Dh is thinking along the same lines as my Dh....... He hates seeing you cry. It tears him up inside. He loves you so much, that he gets really angry with anythign that makes his beloved wife cry. He's not angry with you, he's angry with the situation and the fact that he can't do anything to help you. It's not you crying that made him mad, it's the fact that he can't fix it completely. Because all he wants is for you to be happy.
It's just frustrating that they can't get it through their thick heads that all we need is a hug from them and to listen to us with soft eyes.
Anyway, dearest, cheer up, you did absolutely nothing wrong and all systems are still full steam ahead!
I really hope that you are feeling a bit better, and a little less worried. I really do agree with everyone, and I truly think you are okay. Your nurse would have told you if it was a problem, and if anything there's just a little extra progesterone floating around.
I took progesterone during my BFP to try to boost it up a bit, and the RE's office, admittedly overprescribed it to really try to up the dose. So, a little extra can't hurt.
Good luck at the Children's hospital today!
I really hope your mind is a bit at ease this afternoon! Try to relax! We need you nice and relaxed for tomorrow!
Oh girls thank u so much for your relpies and words of wisdom. I am so comforted by each of your posts, more than you realize I'm sure.
Mady it really is weird taking that tiny pill vaginally... I haven't used the restroom since this morning and I fear when I do the dumb pill will be sitting in my underwear
April I gotta believe that u and the other girls are right... They wouldn't proceed if my cycle was compromised. That's my hope, but the embies started thawing yesterday and I know they won't refreeze them so its not like they'd cancel me anyway. DH is about to call the NP to verify evertything and I'm sure he'll ask for more reassurance that all is ok, so I'll let u know what she tells him.
No word on the quality of the embies but of course when I saw my doctor office was calling this morning I got excited thinking that's what they were calling for. I asked my NP about it while I had her on the line, but she said she knew nothing.
Today has been crazy. Things started off really bad with the childrens hospital interview but ended up working out very well. I'll fill u in later, but I have to go get a nail wrapped that broke half way down my nail bed but won't fall off...(clearly not a good day . ). Talk to u guys soon.
Oh Kari, honey, try not to panic. I can understand how you feel but I agree that if anything the extra progesterone will have helped, especially as you are having FET. I've only taken progesterone suppositories after IUI, and I started this time the night after E/R but I have never had any estrogen, it was never even mentioned here. The progesterone, as the other girls have said, is just to help the lining. I think all clinics have different med protocols so I'm sure it's no big deal. You should have a nice receptive lining ready for tomorrow! And I agree, they really would have said something if they thought you had screwed up, so don't be hard on yourself. I really think they are at fault for not giving you clear instructions anyway, but I'm sure - no harm done.
Do let us know how it went at the hospital. Hope you're ok. Love you loads, Lizzie.
I'm sorry your day has been a little rough . I hope it starts looking up! Tonight, sit back, relax with DH, go to bed early. We will all be thinking of you tomorrow!!!
Kari, we just posted at the same time - I'm intrigued to hear about the hospital when you have a minute, and very pleased that you're feeling calmer and that DH will find out what you need to know from the clinic. Take care my sweet. Hope your day gets better!
I'm so sorry your office wasn't very clear with you, things like that are just so frustrating to meI sure hope your DH got all the info from your office straightened out and you are now feeling better. I agree with the other ladies, your DH is just mad because he doesn't have the answers to make this all better and go away, he loves you very much and just wants to do whatever he can to make you happy I hope the extra meds were just a positive for this cycle, and tomorrow goes smoothly for you and DH, and your frosties will be back where they belong, enjoying the extra cushy surroundings
I just remembered something too. My friend had her E/R on Sat and will do her day 5 transfer tomorrow, Thur, and she started her progestrone shots on Sun night. So she did do them before IVF, before Transfer, but after E/R. She is doing her first cycle of IVF so she is my guinea pig for when it is my turn. LOL!!
I hope that helps.
Lots of luck tomorrow, Lizzie, lots of luck to you as well. My friend will be doing hers right along with you. How ironic. Ladies, can't wait to see all the BFP!!!!!
I am going to say tons of prayers for all of you!!!
Thx Christin, I'm def feeling a lil bit better about it all now. The NP told my DH that it's okay I took some extra progesterone. In fact she said if I were just a bit older, they'd prob have had me on that dose anyway.
So here's the short story of what happened with the childrens hopsital... the lady assigned to interview me was sick today (keep in mind I attended orientation on 1/3 and submitted my app that same day!). Well basically I ended up being interviewed by another coordinator (thank God since I rushed my medicines this morning & considering the stress of getting all ready after an IF meltdown ). It worked out cause this coordinator who I wasn't initally assigned oversees 2 areas that I had been most interested in volunteering! So, I will be working the front desk at the kids kidney center every Wed 9-12 and then twice each month I'll be a pet escort for the animal assisted therapy program!!!! I still have lots of admin work to do like health & background checks and specific training, but at least I'm not delayed another 2 weeks cause my coordinator was sick!
Well girls, I am just beat right now. My eyes still hurt from crying this morning, and I think I'm fatigued cause I woke up unexpectedly to my cell phone ringing and then had my tearful breakdown as soon as I hung up. I feel like I should take a nap, but I don't want to have trouble sleeping tonite. Today has been so crazy it's barely occurred to me that tomorrow is transfer day. Not sure I'll be on-line much tonite, but since I don't leave my home till 10:30 tomorrow for my appt I'll prob get online for some final good luck wishes from you girls Love to you all!
Kari
Hopeful, just saw your post. Thx for the info on the progesterone. How exciting that there's a third person we know doing a transfer on 2/7! Hope it's a lucky day for all of us!!!
Kari so sorry I am late posting been so busy today.Looks like your nurse said the same thing I was going to just a little extra progesterone the only thing you did was thicken your lining which was a good thing.Maybe just what you need to get that BFP my friend.This misunderstanding might have been a good thing.Plus it could have happened to any of us having to remember when and what to take is so confusing.My dad had this little joke he would say so I went to the dr he gave me a pill for this a pill for that and in the end he says I asked the dr if he could give me a pill so I can remember when to take all the pills he gave me...........lol.My dad is to funny has a great sense of humor.Anyway my friend all is good and no harm done.Tomorrow is the big day cant wait to hear about those little embies.Well enjoy the rest of your day.
Kari,
This is off topic but I read your post about pet therapy. Two of my cats are therapy cats and it is an amazing thing! We have worked with kids but mostly we do rehab hospitals where people have had strokes and have not moved their arms in weeks but they reach out to pet an animal. Some of the people wait for days when they knew the pets are coming. One lady in a mental hospital we went to swore my cat was her son and spend the entire moring putting on make up and dressing up when she knew Gabby was coming. Good luck with it!
Jennifer
I'm sorry to hear about all your dramas over the last few hours. You poor darling, you must have been so worried! It sounds as though absolutely no harm was done though so that's good.
I'm glad that the interview at the children's hospital went well despite having a shakey start. It sounds as though you are going to be kept nice and busy and I think you are really going to reap the rewards. Good on you....... it takes a special person to do something like that.
Kari, I'm just catching up on the events of your day. Sounds like it's been a very emotional one, but it also sounds like everything has worked out. I really think the girls are right that the extra progesterone might actually work out to your advantage, but I totally understand why you were so worried. I'm really glad you have managed to calm down in time for tomorrow's transfer. I'll be thinking of you.
Kari, wow, so much going on all at once. But for now, it's YOU time. Do you get a vallium like I did for my transfer? It seemed silly on paper, but in reality really did the trick in getting me fully relaxed for the transfer. If not, be sure to do some nice deep breathing and go to your happy place.
All the best of luck for a successful transfer. I will be thinking of you and praying for you!
No one gave me specific instructions.
). It worked out cause this coordinator who I wasn't initally assigned oversees 2 areas that I had been most interested in volunteering! So, I will be working the front desk at the kids kidney center every Wed 9-12 and then twice each month I'll be a pet escort for the animal assisted therapy program!!!! I still have lots of admin work to do like health & background checks and specific training, but at least I'm not delayed another 2 weeks cause my coordinator was sick! 
