[Gem23]

Hello everyone! I need some help/advice. My RE wants me to stop PIO at 7 weeks exactly and I am not feeling too comfortable with this order. I thought it was safer to stay on PIO until at least 10-12 weeks. Should I go against the order and keep doing injections? I would ask him about it, but every time I "challenge" something he says, he gets upset with me. I feel like everything that it took me to get here, why risk it now? Can it hurt to keep taking it until 12 weeks? He didn't even order any blood tests to determine what my level is right now or recently. I am thinking that maybe because he saw a heartbeat, he feels like I should be off it, but AHHHHHH, I am freaking out. Anyone know what I should do? My gut is telling me to keep going, but I don't want to ruin anything. Thanks ladies, you all always have good advice!

[ladub]

That has to be really frustrating. You need to do what feels right to you. I would ask him his reasoning for stopping and you should ask him what your level is. The day of my first u/s they did bloodwork as well. I asked if I was going to be able to go from 1.5 to 1 cc and they said they liked the way my numbers looked and didn't want to mess with it. I don't know if that helps you or not! Good luck!

[hannah01]

this is not the time to worry about upsetting someone (him) ... if you have concerns, you should voice them and expect a reasonable answer in return. i'd explain your concerns to him (i completely would feel the same way if i were you), and mention you've read online that the placenta doesn't take over until 12 weeks, that women who've done ivf typically require progesterone longer, etc. my RE used to get a bit defensive when i questioned him on things too - i was constantly riding him to check my thyroid, my progesterone, etc. i think this forum must be a doctor's worst nightmare because we go in armed with so much information! at the end of the day, your peace of mind is worth his getting a little annoyed.

[stayingpositive]

I absolutely agree with Hannah--you have every right to question what he's saying based on your own research. Yes it's important to trust in our doctors, but I think it's equally important to ask questions as well so we're fully aware of what's going on! You've come so far and been through so much to get to where you are and he should be able to give you an explanation as to why he's having you stop PIO at seven weeks. Is is possible for you to call other clinics around you to ask them when they cut PIO off so you can come in with some stats for him....in this way he can see where you're coming from. Either way, he should be able to give you a full explantation for his reasoning. I think it's early myself but of course my basis for comparision comes from my own experience. I stopped PIO injections this past week, at 9 1/2 weeks and I'm on suppositories for a week or two now. Definitely question until you get the answers that make YOU feel comfortable!

[jimena03]

My RE had me go off of PIO after 6 weeks. I was so nervous I considered continuing them on my own. He explained that after 5 weeks your body takes over progesterone production to support a pregnancy and that the PIO injections don't leave your system for a few weeks after you stop. It's time to celebrate - you're done with injections!

[jenedens6102]

Meg, each RE is different. While the placenta doesn't fully take over until 10-12 weeks it doesn't mean that the levels aren't sufficient. I'd ask for some blood work just to be on the safe side. I wasn't on the PIO shots with either of my natural pregnancies this year but I did take prometrium capsules until 11 weeks 5 days this pregnancy. I was told it wouldn't hurt anything to take it even if levels were within normal range. Best of luck to you.

[mazariee]

My RE had me stop my PIO shots at 6 weeks. I had all the confidence in the world with my RE so I never felt scared to get off of the shots. He actually always explained to me why he was making his decisions. Your Doctor needs to understand that you hired him to do a job and that means you are the boss so if you have questions or doubts feel free to ask him whether he likes it or now.

Also I had read that the progesterone says in your body for a few weeks after stopping and that after 5 weeks your body is producing its own progesterone. My RE also said why stay on meds while pregnant if they are not necessary because all your bloodwork is returning with great numbers.

Hugs!!

[Lotus]

I stopped PIO at 9-1/2 weeks, but my RE did bloodwork first to make sure I was making enough progesterone on my own. I wonder if you could you ask him to take blood and measure your progesterone level before getting off the shot?