Posted by Serena Chen, MD on August 13, 19100 at 16:31:29:
In Reply to: Progesterone shots - Dr. please posted by Carla on August 12, 19100 at 21:25:22:
Dear Carla:
Congratulations on your positive beta. I think ice is often more helpful than heat. Definitely have the physician or nurse take a look at the site. Sometimes people can have severe reactions to these shots and need to be switched. Sometimes changing the type of oil the progesterone is dissolved in is helpful. Some people cannot take them at all. Many programs try to keep people on injectable progesterone for several weeks, but that can be detrimental if you have a bad reaction.
You must have someone look at the site! Hope you feel better, good luck.
Serena Chen
: I've been taking progesterone shots for 18 days now, following a sucessful IVF retrieval. I have two questions:
: 1. What do you recommend that I do to stop redness and itching? I'm developing itchy rashes and welts on my skin. A friend who has been helping me with the shots says that I should put a hot water bag on the red areas to prevent infection. But I find applying heat to be uncomfortable, and I find it more comfortable to apply an icepack even though the area still is red afterwards. I've also applied betadine creme today (is that ok)? What do you recommend that I do to stop the redness and itching? Is she correct to be concerned about possible infection?
: 2. How much longer would I probably have to take these progesterone shots? I feel blessed that my first pregnancy test (last Tuesday) showed positive. My next preg test is Tuesday, Aug 15, and then I think it's about two more weeks until my sonogram. Do patients normally have to continue taking the progesterone daily until the sonogram? I would ask my RE before my next app't, but he is very busy, and the nurse who answers the phone is quite hasty and rude.
: Thanks!