Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Things get better (not)

On Friday, which was 4dpo I went to have a blood test to check my luteal progesterone level. I called on Monday to find out the results. The Midwives place called me back but didn't give a result -- only a phone number to call back. I didn't call for a couple of days, but I called again today to get the result. I asked that they leave the actual results and whether it was normal or not as the message.

After a frustrating day at work where I had a very animated discussion with my carpoolers about politics and taking a test at work that I felt like I didn't do very well on, they left the message.

Apparently, my progesterone level is low and I should be taking supplements. My level on 4 dpo was 9.5. Does anybody know anything about this? I don't normally have a short luteal phase.

I have some progesterone from my cycles, which though it is starting to get old still has not expired. And I can get a new prescription from them. But starting on 9dpo with the progesterone is just too late. It should be earlier.

How did we not test this until now? We have been having fertility problems for two and a half years, people. I have had FOUR miscarriages including one with non-genetically problematic sperm. Why did we not know this? To say that I am incredibly frustrated by this is an understatement.

You know how some things just make you want to lie down and just completely give up? That is how I'm feeling today. I'm just so exhausted by all of this stuff. Could this be the straw that breaks the camel's back? We still have 2 more vials of donor sperm and we still will use them up. And next time I will start the progesterone immediately. I will pee on a stick on Friday. But what the hell. Sometimes I just feel like we cannot get a break of any kind.

8 comments:

Pepper said...

I'm confused about why they tested your P4 level at only 4dpo; it's usually done at 7dpo. Here's a link to a really helpful site that lists fertility-related hormone levels: http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html. According to this site, at 7dpo P4 levels should be greater than 15. I would think yours easily could have made it there with another few days.

So I'm not sure a) why they tested so early; and b) whether you really have low P4.

Sorry to hear hasn't been the best of days. I hope this helps a little.

beagle said...

I know this kind of exhausted. I'm sorry you're feeling this way.
It's all so frustrating.

Anonymous said...

I know anything over 5 confirms ovulation. I think my RE likes to see it around 20. This is all so frustrating. I am sorry.

luna said...

so frustrating! pepper's right, they usually test at 7dpo (or cd21 for standard cycles), so I'm not sure what your levels mean. but I understand your frustration with one thing after another. iit's so exhausting, depleting. and t's all so unfair. wish it could just be a little easier, or a lot. thinking of you and holding out hope.

Natalie said...

I feel your frustration with every word you write. Your weariness. If you do have low progesterone, man, I'm just angry for you that no one checked this. I mean what the hell?

Almamay said...

First of all, big (((hug))). I can completely relate. It is too much. I would feel angry and overwhelmed if I had the same news as well.

Samantha said...

I'm sorry about the progesterone confusion, hope some of the comments will help you feel better. My P4 levels have also always been checked on 7dpo, so maybe things are better than you think.

Gumby said...

I'm so sorry you're having a hard time. I haven't even made it to pregnancy yet in my cycling so don't have much to offer by way of prog advice.

I hope things get better for you soon. :)