F.A.I.T.H. (Forsaking all, I trust Him)

[mommahawk]

MrsKC, my dr has said pretty much the same thing. He prescribed me progesterone suppositories as part of my recurrent miscarriage treatment - I have to start them on 3dpo each month (stopping at 14dpo if I get a bfn at that point), and only having to take them for the first trimester - after that, the placenta takes over.

*INFORMATION OVERLOAD WARNING* Skip this post if you could care less!

Dr. Lee suggests taking progesterone cream (PC) through until the third trimester because that's when your levels really start taking off--maybe just as a precaution. I've never used PC before either and I've had three healthy pregnancies. But as we get older, we produce less and less prog. (See the second Q&A on this page.) I guess I just started producing less a little earlier than normal.

Rant warning: Doctors prescribe suppositories over the cream because 1) it's what they know and 2) the suppositories are not bio-identical so the drug companies can patent them. Patents = $$$ for the drug companies who spend BILLIONS of dollars a year on advertising--more than they do for R&D. Here's a quote from Dr. Lee on the subject (for those who care ):

"The medical-industrial complex refers to the close knit association of organized medicine with the pharmaceutical manufacturers and governmental medical regulatory agencies... The system taken together is neither necessarily corrupt nor evil, but, like any human agency, is subject to the frailties and faults of humankind. Medical research is dependent on the billions of dollars of grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the private pharmaceutical industry. The two are closely interlocked.

Any given pharmaceutical company, like any private enterprise, must make a profit to stay alive. Profit comes from the sales of patent medicines. The system is not interested in natural (non-patentable) medicines, regardless of their potential health benefits. Thus the flow of research funding does not extend to products which cannot be patented.

Few people know that the definition of malpractice hinges on whether or not the practice is common among one's medical peers and has little (usually nothing) to do with whether the practice is beneficial or not. A doctor willing to study, to learn the ins and outs of an alternative medical therapy, and to put what he has learned into practice in helping patients is potentially exposing himself to serious charges of malpractice.

But what does all this have to do with natural progesterone? The answer is quite simple, really. Ample medical research regarding progesterone was carried on from the 1940's through the 1960's, and amply reported in mainline, recognized medical literature. Since the early 1970's, however, medical research has become much more expensive and the grants subsidizing progesterone research, (or any unpatentable medicine or treatment technique), have dried up and been blown away by the contemporary trade winds of synthetic drugs, particularly the progestins. The potential market for patentable progestins is vast-- contraceptive pills, irregular menses, osteoporosis--literally every woman through the age of puberty on is a target for a sale. Do you think the prevailing powers wish to see this lucrative market left to an over-the-counter natural product not in the hands of physician prescribers and not controlled by the pharmaceutical industry?

Thus, when he (the physician) hears of the use of natural progesterone, he wonders why none of his associates know about it. If it is not commonly know, 'it must in some way be false and/or unapproved.' Having given lectures on the role and medical uses of natural progesterone, I have observed numerous instances wherein perfectly fine physicians will inquire about obtaining product for use by their wives or mother-in-law but not for their patients. What can account for such behavior by professionals? I suspect that it is fear of alienation from the flock that is paramount in their minds. If progestins were the equivalent of natural progesterone in effect and safety, the argument would be moot. But progestins are not the equivalent of natural progesterone and never will be."

Just for information (not as an argument b/c I'm just learning myself and we all do what's best for our own bodies):

Why Is A Premium Quality Progesterone Cream Superior To Capsules Or Suppositories ?

Nature did not intend women to put hormones into their stomachs. Consequently, about 80% of orally administered progesterone is intercepted by the liver and passed out of the body, unused. Progesterone in suppository form is also intercepted by the liver and bound up by the wax vehicle. In either case, because there is no sound basis for putting an extra burden on the liver, informed women have chosen to use a transdermal cream which is almost 100% biologically available, as shown by salivary hormone assays.

I just want to get the information out there for those that might need it because I attribute it to my BFP and wish I had known about this 2 1/2 years ago!! But I'm kinda big on the natural health stuff, so take my $.02 for what it's worth.

Anyway, glad to hear everything is going great for you Mrsbrown!!! to you and Auntie!

 

[mommahawk]

thanks! Today is cd10....

I'm CD 15, not far in from of you. I think this will be a 30day cycle. Had a pos OPK today.

Good luck to both you and Auntie!

 

[Dahlia]

yes, I have just read a story about a woman who had 3 MC b/c she stopped the progesterone too early - she stopped at 14 weeks b/c supposedly her body would produce enough by then...but it didn't. but they finally figured out that ALL the doctors were wrong and she used it to 3rd tri and carried full term. thank you SO much for sharing your research, Mommahawk. I am NOT a fan of the medical community and prefer the natural approach myself.

ps - not trying to scare anyone - just encourage you all to read up and take charge b/c I don't believe docs are the smartest ones out there.

 

[mrskcbrown]

@mommahawk: I understand your research and your passion for health foods, etc. Thanks for the info, I was just curious.

And for whatever its worth, I too do not think they are the smartest ones out there either. I also do not know if Dr. Lee is the "know all" either. I know that Drs. are "practicing medicine" and Dr. Lee is basing his info off "research". Im sorry that that woman lost her 3 children to miscarriage for whatever reasons, progesterone etc. but I do feel safe enough that I feel my baby will go to term and will be healthy. I claim it! I put my trust in God and not progesterone or man.

Didnt mean for this to be a big thing. I was only curious if the cream or suppositories were the same. I also simply stated that I dont feel like its necessary for me to continue taking it. Im sure Im not the only one who has not used progesterone until 3rd tri, and had a healthy baby. You just have to do whats best for you and Im doing whats best for me.

Hope no one takes offense and is having a good evening!

 

[willbamom1day]

Hey guys! We heard a very fast and strong heartbeat yesterday and the doc was super happy about that. We have our first scan to see baby next week.

On vacation right now so my time on here will be limited for a few days but as always I must let you all know your in my prayers

 

[Cornbread]

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well. Willb and Mrskc, I can't believe how far along you both are already!

Me, I'm still doing well. Still tired a lot and definitely more confrontational and blunt than usual. I'm usually pretty laid back and tend to end up a doormat a lot but right now, I'm having NO problem telling people I think they're being stupid in no uncertain terms. Actually I'm having more trouble stopping before I get unnecessarily rude. LOL No nausea yet, thank God. I'm hoping it stays that way. I finally found an OB that's covered by my insurance and has office hours late enough that I can go to appointments after I get done with work while I'm in training, and they deliver at the best hospital (for deliveries) in town. VERY happy about that.

I keep having to remind myself not to worry b/c I keep having friends who miscarry. I keep telling myself that stress will up my chances of that and that I have no history of issues conceiving or carrying to term, and that the friends m/c'ing all had issues conceiving/history of miscarriages in the past but it's still hard to trust God.

 

[Terangela]

Cornbread- I believe the devil likes putting seeds of doubt in our minds. My two SIL's both had miscarriages weeks apart and then one of my best friends had hers shortly after they did. So I started to think maybe I would experience it too. I had to remind myself I am younger and they have different factors. My one SIL smokes, and is 37 almost 38. My other SIL is 38 about to turn 39 and has had a miscarriage before. My friend is 37 about to turn 38 and has also had a miscarriage before. I have been PG twice and delivered 2 full term babies. So why did I doubt, because I let the devil bring me down and worry about things out of my control.

MrsKC- I am with you on doing what you feel is right for your body. It was suggested to me that I could continue taking my metformin until 13 weeks with each PG to reduce the chance of a mc. I took it for an additional 12 weeks with my first, as it took me so long to conceive I didn't want to loose the baby. I didn't take it after getting my BFP with my second and the same this time. I believe God has given Dr's wisdom and discernment and they can advise us to the best of our ability and it is then our job to take that information and seek God's will. If it wasn't for Femara and Metformin I may still be waiting for my first BFP. Actually I would have moved past TTC and adopted. But I believe God has a hand in medication and if it is going to work or not work in our bodies.

Isi- How are you doing?

Rdy- I wish I had your singing talent. Every week I marvel at the talent up on stage and wonder why God didn't choose to give me the ability to hold a tune or memorize lyrics... I am still trying to find some of my spiritual gifts.

Willb- I had my Dr's appointment today and my Dr wouldn't even try to find the hb. I was rather disappointed. I waited 50 min for my appointment to have a 2 min. appointment. Seriously, I peed in the cup, had my blood pressure checked and was weighed. I told the Dr about my near fainting spells. She thinks it might be anemia (but isn't sending me for blood work) just told me to take it a little more easy and get an additional iron tablet and make sure to take my B12 tablet each day. End of visit. I was kind of sad that I didn't get to hear the HB.

Dahlia- I have to agree about the not scaring anybody part. So many PG woman just wait to get to their 12th week to breath easy. My SIL had her 12 week scan everything looked fantastic. 2 weeks later she had a MC. My whole thought about the whole process is it is all out of our hands. If we do our best to gain knowledge, be good to our bodies and listen to God Almighty, we have nothing to fear. Not to say bad things can't happen, but that God is there for us and unfortunately when Adam and Eve sinned bad things happened as a result.

Mammahawk- The verse Js. 1:17, had the song in my head for about an hour now. One of my favorite verses.

ASF- I am counting down until my next u/s. I am dying to know what this baby is! I am not too thrilled that I have already gained 8 lbs and I am only 12 weeks. I was hoping to only gain about 25. Looks like that is not going to be a reality. I can't see myself only gaining 10lbs per trimester from her on out.

At my Dr's appointment today the Dr suggested I might be anemic. Taking extra iron and B12. I am hoping that is the solution to getting rid of the horrible feeling that I am going to faint. My BP is perfect and my heart sounded perfect. Nothing in my urine. I bought the extra iron tablets and more B12 today. I am going to take them everyday and hopefully that helps. I am also planning on telling them tomorrow at work that I am going to switch from f/t to p/t once the month is over. My Dr suggested working a lot less so that is what I intend on doing. I am all about listening to the Dr when they suggest something like that.

 

[Darkest]

Hi all, thought i'd check in.
Willb, fantastic news about the heartbeat. Bet you can't wait for the scan!
Mrskc, Tera, momma and cornbread. Glad to hear babies are well. Hope you guys are feeling ok.
Tera, i had anaemia in both past pregnancies(i am borderline anaemic anyway so it just drops to the floor when i get preg!) but the tablets sorted that. Some not plesent side effects but better then the anaemia symptoms for sure!
Cornbread, glad you managed to find a good OB. One less thing to fret over.

 

[mommahawk]

@mommahawk: I understand your research and your passion for health foods, etc. Thanks for the info, I was just curious.

And for whatever its worth, I too do not think they are the smartest ones out there either. I also do not know if Dr. Lee is the "know all" either. I know that Drs. are "practicing medicine" and Dr. Lee is basing his info off "research". Im sorry that that woman lost her 3 children to miscarriage for whatever reasons, progesterone etc. but I do feel safe enough that I feel my baby will go to term and will be healthy. I claim it! I put my trust in God and not progesterone or man.

Didnt mean for this to be a big thing. I was only curious if the cream or suppositories were the same. I also simply stated that I dont feel like its necessary for me to continue taking it. Im sure Im not the only one who has not used progesterone until 3rd tri, and had a healthy baby. You just have to do whats best for you and Im doing whats best for me.

Hope no one takes offense and is having a good evening!

MrsBrown
No offense taken here! And you didn't at all make it a big thing...I did! I just hope I didn't offend you, because I wasn't trying to say that you didn't do the right thing...not at all!! I wasn't speaking specifically to your situation, just generally.

And I'm obviously not saying that PC is the end all and be all. Our bodies are all different and we all have different reasons for our infertility--I just wanted to share what worked for me! And I'm not saying that Dr. Lee is the "know all" doc either. But I do know that his research is well-backed and respected. My sister is a pediatrician and neonatologist who is always trying new things on her babies to see if one thing is more effective than another, and does research as well, and she is always telling me that "medicine is an art, not a science." No doctor knows all, except for the Great Physician!!

Oh, just one word on taking your health into your own hands...Dahlia, you're not kidding! If I hadn't been the "mama grizzly" and fought for my son to get his celiac diagnosis, even when doctors and nurses were telling me that his test results came back normal (they didn't, which I had to request the actual results to see for myself...plus they didn't even do all of the tests they needed to), and when the Ped GI said his intestines looked normal (they weren't, which a biopsy proved), I'm not sure how things would have turned out. Poor little one had already fallen dangerously off the growth chart, was diagnosed as "failure to thrive" and having "chronic diarrhea." Based on all of my research, I *knew* that he had CD.

We need to be our own advocates because doctors can only learn so much in med school, and in their subsequent research. I always try to go to doctors who are humble in what they know and willing to do new things as regards to treatment based on new research, and really listen to my concerns. I once had an OB who worked back and forth with my lactation consultant/aunt to prescribe a special topical cream that was specially mixed by the pharmacy for my severe thrush with my oldest. So, there are great docs out there, but only WE can be our greatest advocates!

Hugs to everyone for letting me ramble!

 

[mommahawk]

Terangela,
I had those fainting spells with my oldest. I couldn't walk or stand for ANY amount of time without feeling like I was about to faint (I have a history of fainting). I never did find out what was wrong, but eating lots of small meals seemed to help some. I hope you can find a solution. They are not fun! I haven't really had them with the last two that I can remember, though!

 

[Deb111]

So excited to hear your news Willba - can't wait to see a scan pic

 

[mrskcbrown]

Awesome willbe! I am so happy for you!.

Terangela you are 12 weeks????!!! Wow! Glad you are doing well!

Tomorrow I will be in 2nd trimester. I am so happy. My DR appt is for this upcoming tuesday. Cant wait, not sure if I will get scan but we will hear the heartbeat. Im definitely getting bigger.

 

[Guppy051708]

Rdy - WoW! $700 per month! Sounds like the Lord is sending you Blessings on getting this babe!

mommahawk - CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you! May you have a H&H 9 months!!! Praying that SPD stays away!!!! Maybe you wont get it this time Nice siggy

Cornbread - doll! Glad you havnt been striken with MS! that is great news! Having a baby is such a trusting in the Lord type of thing. Getting the baby, keeping the baby, and then having a healthy baby in the end. Its a lifetime of trust and its only the begining. Dont worry. God is GREAT. Put your trust in HIM.

sterretjie - Praying your scan goes AwEsOmE!!!! Im sure the Lord will be giving you that baby gift soon A friend of mine is starting the injections this month as well. I hear they have a pretty good success rate

rubygirl - Hope your 3 hour glucose test went well! Do you have results?

DEB - sounds like you had a successful session. Now, what is the plan of action? Im sure all will work out in your favor!

HappyAuntie, Darkest, & Lara - Praying you all catch the EGGY!!!!! The Lord WILL provide

Mrskcbrown - EEKK!!!! One more day until the 2nd TrImEsTeR!!!!! Welcome!!! Bump pic anytime soon?

WillB- That is GrEaT NeWs sweetie!!! Our God is a GREAT God!!!!! Bet you were on when you heard that lovely sound! Im 38 weeks and i NEVEr get sick of it. Such a wonderful, beautiful sound that is for sure!!!!! Hope you're having fun on your VACA!

Terangela - Sounds like you have a great appointment overall! Our health is all we have (next to God of course ) Anemia is easy to take care of (especially with that God of ours ) B12 & B6 are EXCELLENT for reducing MS too, btw!


AFM, the Lord has been tugging at me to be more of a servent (or should i confess, to be a servent. I never really took that on before now, so im gonna start. Jesus is the perfect example!) Anyways, not sure if this sounds crazy or not, but i've always wanted to work with poor children that need food love that sort of thing. Well, i have been praying about this for a while now, and as crazy as it sounds, i think the Lord wants me to donate my breast milk to sick/poor babies. I figure, im already breastfeeding and these babys need human milk. What a way to help! It has to be God. A year or two ago we visited my family in Austin, TX. My cousin gave my sister (who was pregnant at the time) a hospital, high quality electric breast pump with everything. Well, my sister only fed for about a month (her baby is now 11 months old :cloud9) and she gave me the breast pump before we moved to New Hampshire. So this HAS to be a God thing. I dont know much about it. Been doing research on it tho. and I pray that the Lord give me more knowledge on the matter!

 

[Terangela]

MrsKC-12 weeks and one day now. It is going fast. Being very busy is seeming to help. I am looking forward to the 17th when I will officially be in the 2nd trimester. I am hoping the second trimester brings more energy. That is what I keep telling myself anyway.

Guppy- That would be awesome if you can find an organization that does breast milk donation. Morning sickness isn't too bad this time around. I have only vomited a handful of times. The nausea has pretty much left.

Darkest & Mammahawk- Really hoping the extra tablets help. I started taking them yesterday. I have a feeling my already low B12 has played a factor in me becoming anemic. I am hoping that my stores of iron and B12 replenish quickly.

AFM- I am telling my boss today that I am reducing from f/t to p/t. I know she will be understanding, but disappointed. They wanted me to take a higher position that required more hours than I was able to give as it was. Now they are going to also have to hire someone else full time. I really hope it goes smoothly.

 

[Darkest]

[HappyAuntie, Darkest, & Lara - Praying you all catch the EGGY!!!!! The Lord WILL provide
AFM, the Lord has been tugging at me to be more of a servent (or should i confess, to be a servent. I never really took that on before now, so im gonna start. Jesus is the perfect example!) Anyways, not sure if this sounds crazy or not, but i've always wanted to work with poor children that need food love that sort of thing. Well, i have been praying about this for a while now, and as crazy as it sounds, i think the Lord wants me to donate my breast milk to sick/poor babies. I figure, im already breastfeeding and these babys need human milk. What a way to help! It has to be God. A year or two ago we visited my family in Austin, TX. My cousin gave my sister (who was pregnant at the time) a hospital, high quality electric breast pump with everything. Well, my sister only fed for about a month (her baby is now 11 months old :cloud9) and she gave me the breast pump before we moved to New Hampshire. So this HAS to be a God thing. I dont know much about it. Been doing research on it tho. and I pray that the Lord give me more knowledge on the matter!

Thanks hun. I ov'd yesterday, and we DTD. Fx'd but lacking a lot of PMA at the mo.
Still, am off to doc in the morn and hoping she's going to refer me for a scan.
That's a great idea about the BF. A friend of a friend did it for a while, it really helps those who are physically unable to BF, to get human milk into their babies.

 

[Guppy051708]

[HappyAuntie, Darkest, & Lara - Praying you all catch the EGGY!!!!! The Lord WILL provide
AFM, the Lord has been tugging at me to be more of a servent (or should i confess, to be a servent. I never really took that on before now, so im gonna start. Jesus is the perfect example!) Anyways, not sure if this sounds crazy or not, but i've always wanted to work with poor children that need food love that sort of thing. Well, i have been praying about this for a while now, and as crazy as it sounds, i think the Lord wants me to donate my breast milk to sick/poor babies. I figure, im already breastfeeding and these babys need human milk. What a way to help! It has to be God. A year or two ago we visited my family in Austin, TX. My cousin gave my sister (who was pregnant at the time) a hospital, high quality electric breast pump with everything. Well, my sister only fed for about a month (her baby is now 11 months old :cloud9) and she gave me the breast pump before we moved to New Hampshire. So this HAS to be a God thing. I dont know much about it. Been doing research on it tho. and I pray that the Lord give me more knowledge on the matter!

Thanks hun. I ov'd yesterday, and we DTD. Fx'd but lacking a lot of PMA at the mo.
Still, am off to doc in the morn and hoping she's going to refer me for a scan.

You caught the eggy i just know it!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see your !!!! Good luck at the doc tomorrow!

 

[HappyAuntie]

A good friend of mine has also donated breast milk, but to her brother's baby - he and his wife adopted an infant right around the same time she gave birth, so she just pumped extra to give to her nephew. It was pretty neat.

 

[HappyAuntie]

and thank you for the pma! It's only our second month TTC after all the miscarriage testing, so I'm trying to stay relaxed about it. I know we'll get a bfp sooner or later (hopefully sooner), I'm just more anxious about staying pg than getting pg... and trying to keep that anxiety in check.

 

[Guppy051708]

NP Happy Auntie. I totally get were you are coming from! Ive MCed 1x and even that one time had me wondering (even past 1st trimester) if we really were going to have that baby this time...even now i feel as if im not guranteed this babe...what if he is still born i dont think he will be but sometimes those doubts do happen. i feel like if i never MCed then i wouldnt feel that way but i guess i would never know either way.
Rest in the Lord. Your baby will be full term

 

[Darkest]

NP Happy Auntie. I totally get were you are coming from! Ive MCed 1x and even that one time had me wondering (even past 1st trimester) if we really were going to have that baby this time...even now i feel as if im not guranteed this babe...what if he is still born i dont think he will be but sometimes those doubts do happen. i feel like if i never MCed then i wouldnt feel that way but i guess i would never know either way.
Rest in the Lord. Your baby will be full term

I had Prenatal depression with both pregnancies. Mainly because i felt nothing for the baby and couldn't bond. My Health visitor thinks it was a defence mechanism incase anything happened(MC, still born). But look now, 2happy healthy kids.
Nothing will stop you worrying. Even when he's born. Totally normal. xx