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July 27, 2005
So Scared
I started spotting today, dark reddish brownish stuff.
It can be a result of the suppositories, but I'm not sure it is.
The progesterone level that I specifically requested, because the clinic doesn't usually do them, came back at 10.2. The nurse said that this was "just fine," although a "little on the low side" and gave me a lecture about not getting upset.
It didn't work.
July 27, 2005 | Permalink
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Comments
Oh, Suz. I'm so sorry. The thing with the supps is that they don't show up in the blood the same way PIO does. I apologize in advance for the assvice, but can you switch back to PIO? Then you'd eliminate the irritation factor and be able to rely more on the b/w results. I'm so sorry for the scare, sweetie. Thinking of you.
Posted by: Amanda | Jul 27, 2005 5:06:22 PM
I'm switching back to the PIO with tomorrow's shot. Not assvice at all, Amanda.
Posted by: Suz | Jul 27, 2005 5:09:40 PM
More assvice: spotting is rampant in early pregnancy and, more often than not, doesn't mean anything. Except that it totally freaks you out. Hugs and I hope the spotting goes away ASAP.
Posted by: Mudbug | Jul 27, 2005 5:11:26 PM
Oh, how terrifying. I'm sure everyone will tell you that spotting is common and that IVF pregnancies tend to experience more spotting, but that doesn't quell your fear. I'm hoping for you.
Posted by: Molly | Jul 27, 2005 5:21:52 PM
Hoping and praying and thinking of you.
Posted by: kiwi | Jul 27, 2005 5:42:08 PM
No words to say except I am thinking of you and hoping for the best!
Posted by: Kim | Jul 27, 2005 5:44:01 PM
I had this with spotting with Noah. It scared the hell out of me. Take deep breaths. I am thinking of you.
Posted by: Dawn | Jul 27, 2005 5:50:51 PM
Day (abeautifulday.blogs.com) wrote this post last fall about all the stuff the RE doesn't tell you happens when IVF works. One of them is spotting-- apparently it is the norm for IVFers.
Also... my progesterone was 10.2 at my first beta and I freaked the heck out, became hysterical. The doctor (an expert in progesterone) said it's okay to be that low that early-- just has to go up from there. I had been using suppositories from ovulation and he said that these tend to go straight to the uterus, not the blood stream, so doesn't show up in your bloodwork. I don't claim to know a thing about PIO but am wondering if this could be the case because don't you inject it right into your stomach? Anyway I switched over to Prometrium pills (which he's planned to have me do anyway) and since that went into the bloodstream, my progesterone shot up a couple of days later.
I'm sorry this is all so terrifying. I remember that sickening feeling in my gut quite well. Thinking of you.
Posted by: Cat, Galloping | Jul 27, 2005 5:54:27 PM
I found Day's exact link for you:
http://abeautifulday.blogs.com/a_beautiful_day/2004/12/when_ivf_works_.html
Posted by: Cat, Galloping | Jul 27, 2005 5:56:48 PM
Hi Suz,
I was exactly in your shoes just recently. I got my positive beta, nice doubling, and then the dreaded spotting, dark brown from 6w4d through 8w3d. (I'm on prometrium suppositories, 11+weeks now.) Having had 2 miscarriages previously, I was a complete wreck the entire time. Then one day, poof, it went away and now everything seems to be fine. It's absolutely terrifying, I know, but it seems to happen in a lot in healthy pregnancies. If it's any comfort, the most important information you have is that your betas are beautiful! Maybe you can you get another beta or an early ultrasound to ease your mind? I hope your clinic understands how stressful this is and will offer you some support. You're in my thoughts.
Posted by: betty | Jul 27, 2005 5:57:11 PM
That is so scary. If it's any consolation, the only time I spotted in pregnancy (out of my many times) was the one that actually worked. In fact, I didn't spot, I bled. My doctor said sometimes it just happens and they don't know why.
Take care.
Oh, and if you're really worried, I believe spotting definitely qualifies as for an early ultrasound.
Posted by: chris | Jul 27, 2005 6:03:25 PM
Not going to tell you not to worry, because I know I'd be worried too.... but just know there are lots of us out here worrying right along for you. You are in my thoughts!
Posted by: Brenda | Jul 27, 2005 6:06:31 PM
Suz--
I *really* hope everything is okay. I am thinking really positive things. Can you do something to treat yourself here? You need a serious treat.
Posted by: Katie/WannaBeMom | Jul 27, 2005 6:15:52 PM
Hey Suz,
Not to heap Assvice on Assvice, but I'm eight weeks pregnant, and spotted for four days right after my missed period. My spotting was first dark, then bright red (which my OB said is a little more concerning) She ran betas every 2 days for a week, and I was scared to death, but the more people I've talked to, the more people tell me it really is very common. Focus on those NICE HIGH betas you've had and try to rest. Definately ask for an ultrasound if it will calm your fears - they ought to be able to see the gestational sac at 5 wks or so. I am saying lots of prayers for you and sending big hugs your way!
Posted by: Heather | Jul 27, 2005 6:29:31 PM
I've often had spotting on progesterone suppositories. I know it's scary, but I hope the PIO will reassure you (and make the spotting stop). Thinking of you.
Posted by: susie | Jul 27, 2005 6:41:24 PM
So sorry for the spotting. There are a few other young ladies I talk to now that all had spotting and one had heavy bleeding and all are still very, very pregnant.
Hopefully that reassures you somewhat,
Hugs . . . .
Posted by: Sara | Jul 27, 2005 7:39:24 PM
Okay, that scared the crap out of me too, but reading all the wonderful comments, it sounds like it may not be the worst case scenario. I will keep you in my thoughts and preayers. I really want this to work out for you.
BTW, your betas kick ASS! Hang onto that, and I'm glad for one that you're going back to the IM injections. They hurt, but if they work, that's all that matters. I'm rooting for you and your little baby bee : )
Posted by: Anna | Jul 27, 2005 7:47:21 PM
Thinking of you. Hope the spotting is nothing but a huge scare. Will they do another beta to give you some reassurance?
Posted by: Rosanne | Jul 27, 2005 8:04:37 PM
More assvice- with both my pregnancies, I did suppositories and also had brown spotting. My RE ended up switching me to suppositories with vitamin E because the regular ones were irratating me and they think that's what caused the bleeding. Also, brown blood is better than red blood, even if its still freaky and awful to see.
Hope it all works out!
Posted by: Leggy | Jul 27, 2005 8:26:31 PM
Well, crap. The last thing you need right now is an additional source of worry.
For what it's worth, progesterone supps ALWAYS made me spot, exactly like you describe.
Hang in there, sweetie. Easier said than done, I know.
Posted by: deborah | Jul 27, 2005 8:42:16 PM
So sorry you have this to worry about, dear Suz.
Sending much love to you.
xxoo
Posted by: Anna H. | Jul 27, 2005 9:23:16 PM
Hang in there Suz. Sounds scary and very worrying but gee you got some great (and reassuring) comments about this. Hoping it's all fine and sounds like your decision to go to the shots is a good one.
Posted by: OvaGirl | Jul 27, 2005 9:23:31 PM
Oh my God. Trust me that I know how terrifying that is. And I know that nothing any of us say is going to make your fears go away. I never did the shots or the suppositories (I did 100 mg Prometrium 2x/day orally), so I can't say that it's common for that.
The one thing that I will say is that it is so very common to have that brown spotting (even some red) in the early stages of pregnancy -- scary as fuck, but more common than the world lets on.
Thinking of you and praying for this all to turn out alright; also for peace of mind for you as you deal with all of this.
Posted by: Miss W | Jul 27, 2005 9:30:24 PM
Suz, Thinking of you. Even if the spotting doesn't mean anything, I hope it stops. Your beta numbers are great. Keep holding onto that!
Posted by: Cathy | Jul 27, 2005 10:02:13 PM
So sorry Suz - all my assvice has already been mentioned, so I'll just have to say - thinking of you.
Posted by: T | Jul 27, 2005 10:19:57 PM
Just hanging on and praying for you, my dear!
Posted by: Amyesq | Jul 27, 2005 10:21:38 PM
Glad to hear you're back on PIO. Trying not to assvice, but my RE has all IVF patients on PIO. Suppositories are only for those that have progesterone issues with ovulation induction and/or IUI.
And get some rest and try to relax. Your betas have been beautiful.
Posted by: Heather | Jul 27, 2005 10:37:09 PM
I'm praying for you!
Posted by: Katie | Jul 27, 2005 10:46:54 PM
I can't imagine how scary it must all be for you. I love your commenters though! Hoping to read another wonderful update soon.
Posted by: Lioness | Jul 27, 2005 10:51:12 PM
Holding my breath for you and praying. Please update as soon as you can.
Posted by: Emily -- who will now only eat veggie burgers | Jul 27, 2005 10:56:10 PM
Argh. Apparently the cosmos didn't get the memo that you don't need this kind of scare. Consider the memo resent and my fingers crossed for you.
Posted by: MM | Jul 27, 2005 10:58:03 PM
What Cat said. I too spotted the full first trimester of my third IVF, the one that finally worked.
Also, as long as it's brownish, not a prob. Even if it's red it may not be a big deal (that's the kind I had during Polly's pregnanycy), but you do need to get that kind checked out right away.
So easy to say "don't worry", so gut-wrenchingly difficult to do.
Hang in there.
Posted by: Menita | Jul 27, 2005 11:28:02 PM
I'm so sorry. I know how scary it is. Hopefully the PIO will do the trick.
Posted by: Jenn | Jul 27, 2005 11:40:44 PM
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this worry. Hoping for all I'm worth that the number goes up nicely for you, and that the spotting stops.
--Bugs
Posted by: Dead Bug | Jul 28, 2005 12:37:01 AM
If prayers and crossed fingers have any effect, you are all healed.
I think of you many times during each day.
Hang in there.
Posted by: Julianna | Jul 28, 2005 12:51:39 AM
Suz, This must be terrifying, I'm so sorry. Yet another incidence of the universe turning around and kicking you when you're vulnerable. I hope I hope it stops soon. Thinking of you.
Posted by: Thalia | Jul 28, 2005 3:18:00 AM
Suz, I am thinking of you and hoping for you.
I am on the Crinone gel progesterone; earlier in my pregnancy the gel applicator would sometimes bump by cervix, causing spotting. I hope it is nothing more than this.
Posted by: Juno | Jul 28, 2005 7:53:37 AM
I know this is scary, and as others have said nothing anyone can say will make you stop worrying. I really hope they switch to PIO does the trick and stops that damn spotting. You don't need this.
Posted by: Lisa | Jul 28, 2005 8:27:30 AM
Galdurnit, why can't anything ever be easy, right? Like everyone else, I'm sure the spotting is nothing. Hang in there and keep faith that it's going to be okay. I'll be thinking about you.
Posted by: Claudia | Jul 28, 2005 8:48:26 AM
Nothing to say but {{{{HUGS}}}}
Posted by: Julie | Jul 28, 2005 9:35:58 AM
Oh Suz, it sucks that you have to go through this worry, but, as you well know by now, it doesn't mean anything is wrong. Wishing you all the best - may the beta numbers be with you.
Posted by: Mellie | Jul 28, 2005 10:04:36 AM
Hang in there, Suz! I have no personal advice to share, but you must surely be feeling a bit better with all of these experienced women supporting you. Still keeping my fingers crossed. :)
Posted by: Jenny | Jul 28, 2005 10:17:52 AM
Brownish spotting is fairly normal. It's just your body getting rid of "old blood". Hang in there hon :-)
Posted by: Another Amanda | Jul 28, 2005 10:41:48 AM
Just one more person who spotted during her first pregnancy and evrything turned out fine sending all of the best thoughts your way.
Hang in there and take good care of yourself!
Posted by: Tania | Jul 28, 2005 11:09:42 AM
I really feel for you, I know this is terribly scary and just feels like the universe f*cking with you. I hope it will be OK!
Posted by: reprogirl | Jul 28, 2005 11:32:16 AM
I know everyone's already said this, but spotting is so normal, esp. in IVF pregnancies. I had TONS--and some outright bushing blood--and it didn't effect the pregnancy at all (no, just the nasty early preeclampsia--sigh--not related at all).
Sorry you're so scared. It's really rough.
Posted by: Cecily | Jul 28, 2005 12:53:46 PM
Suz- Dark blood is old blood. It could just be what was supposed to be your period. Keep positive thoughts in mind since logically you know this is on the normal-side, but emotionally this is a hellish discovery.
My assvice: Call the doc and insist on another beta (or two or three or five... as many as you need) as well as insist on an early ultrasound. Switching to PIO is a definite.
Hang in there. I'm still thinking great thoughts for you!!!!
Posted by: Melissa | Jul 28, 2005 2:21:14 PM
Another one joining the chorus to say that I spotted brown and red early on in my pregnancy for several weeks and it all turned out to be fine.
But I know it's so damn scary!
Posted by: Sol | Jul 28, 2005 2:49:04 PM
Joining the ranks to tell you again that this can be very normal. I bled bright red for weeks after my pos. beta post IVF. Subchorionic hematoma are common with IVF and typically did not cause long-term problems and disappear. But often cause bleeding.
I'll be holding a very positive thought for you. BTW - I agree with Melissa - beta beta beta ultrasound!
Posted by: Katherine | Jul 28, 2005 3:41:59 PM
All I can say is I wish I could be your "surrogate spotter"--since it's one of my favorite pasttimes lately.
That, and I'm wishing and hoping for you...
Posted by: JennaM | Jul 28, 2005 4:55:09 PM
I can't tell you not to worry...just sending good vibes.
Posted by: em | Jul 28, 2005 5:33:52 PM
