My husband and I recently found out we are pregnant. We have had two pregnancies before, both of which ended tragically. (At the time of these pregnancies, we did not know I had Lyme.)
Currently, I am about 6 weeks along. I’m getting my hCG and progesterone levels checked. So far, the hCG looks promising. The progesterone, however, was too low.
One of my obstetricians has recommended I do progesterone injections (intramuscular, into each side of my lower hip/buttocks). This is not new to me, as we did the same for our second baby. However, I have bad memories from this, as it was very painful for me. Two years later, I could still feel where the shots were injected.
My first shot for this pregnancy was yesterday. I was hopeful (probably forgot what it was really like), and again am in such pain around the site of the injections. I’m not sure why exactly. I do know I have a peanut sensitivity, and the medicine is usually made with peanut oil or sesame oil (as far as I know). I can have peanuts in moderation, so maybe this is not a big deal. I’ve wondered if it’s just that my body is extra sensitive to needles. For instance, when I get my blood drawn, I experience pain in my arm for at least 1-2 days. This makes me think "of course you have pain, you're sitting all day/putting pressure on the site of injection." I don’t usually have hip pain as part of my Lyme symptoms go.
If this is what has be done to help this new pregnancy, I am all for it. I am just wondering if others on here have similar experience?
Also, any recommendations for calming the nerves? I’ve been trying to take more baths as I find these soothing. I’m just so nervous, sometimes loose sleep because of the anxiety.
Many thanks…
-------------------- :: Chronic Lyme Disease >7 years :: :: Co-infections: Babesia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Bartonella (?) :: Posts: 17 | From Wisconsin | Registered: May 2014
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
Congratulations!
Are you working with an LL as well as the obstetrician?
(just wondering about remission-lyme vs cured-lyme and pregnancy)
I am so sorry about the last two lyme is such an awful disease.
I don't know about the prgesterone, just other injections sometimes have lidocaine in them. Is that an option for the injections?
Is there a progesterone pill as an option?
When I had my period for two months steady one time, I'm pretty sure they gave me progesterone pills to try and stop it. Not sure how the doses compare...
Also I've heard progesterone cream... Maybe not a high enough dose?
Not sure about using during pregnancy, but Bach's Rescue Remedy has helped me with intermittent anxiety. (like flying, stressful family situations etc). Their website may even say if it is safe for use during pregnancy.
Anyways congrats again and my fingers are crossed and prayers are with you and your hubby and your baby.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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My, those oil shots sound terribly painful! There are progesterone vaginal suppositories and gels available, I'd be wanting to try them unless they already didn't work a previous time.
I echo GretaM's question about working with an LL doctor. I believe it is very important to address and maintain ongoing treatment during a pregnancy.
So sorry to hear about your losses. We had a loss last year before we realized I had lyme. It was a rough thing to get through.
Adding magnesium, especially if you are deficient, can help with anxiety symptoms. If taken orally get a chelated form and take small doses spaced out over the day.
With your mention of baths, you can add several cups of epsom salt to the water. Your skin will absorb magnesium transdermally from the epsom salt. There are also Mg sprays and oils available for topical use.
Also be sure your D3 levels are adequate. If D levels are too low the body won't make its own progesterone very well, and D needs adequate progesterone to work well too.
I'm sure this is very stressful for you. Do what you can. I hope all goes well, thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Posts: 474 | From US | Registered: May 2014
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posted
Dr. J, the top LL Pediatrician, has put together a protocol for pregnant women with Lyme which can be followed with your own doctor. Many women have gone on to have healthy babies.
PM sent with his contact info.
You should also be under the care of a Lyme-literare doctor.
Posts: 8981 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
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lyme is such an awful disease. 
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