Ghost, likely another chemical?

[4ourbaby]

Hi Ghost,

I'm sure this has been asked and answered many times already, so forgive me for asking again!

This is my 4th IVF cycle and my 2nd BFP, but with a low beta number. With my first chemical, my beta started at 28.2 (14dp3dt) and then dropped to 15. My beta today was 34.6 (14dp3dt). I was told to continue my meds and come in for a 2nd beta on Thursday. But the nurse didn't sound too positive as they are concerned about the low number.

I had 5 embryos (2 A's, 3 B's; 6-8 cells) transferred on 5/5. I had brown spotting on day 8 and day 10 after transfer. I began getting positives on the HPTs on 5/16. They have gotten darker each day.

Since I have had a chemical pregnancy in the last 7 months, am I more likely to have another one?

Also, in your honest opinion, what do you think the likelihood is of this pregnancy continuing on? I know anything can happen and I am desperately clinging to hope, but I would appreciate your feedback.

Thank you so much. I learn a lot from your posts!

[valerie68]

I know this question is for Ghost but I just wanted to give you a word of encouragement. I just went through a chemical and I wanted to tell you to keep believing it will work, don't give up. Some women have delivered babies with low starting betas. You might be one of them. Not everybody has big betas as far as I know.
Stay strong and positive, you will be in my thoughts !!

Great big hug for you.

Valerie
________________________
39 years young
1 ovary shy of a pair
IVF #1 Apr. 08 - Chemical
IVF #2 coming up

[4ourbaby]

Thanks Valerie68! I know you're right, it's just so devastating to get that phone call! I really am trying to stay positive, but it is just so hard today! I'm hoping tomorrow will be a better day. I am hoping and praying that for some reason I just implanted very late and that they still have a chance!

Thanks for thinking of me! I appreciate your kindness and I am very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is. Good luck on your next cycle!

[aims327]

Please keep the faith that your beta will keep going up. I believe your embie could be a fighter. There is a woman on these threads by the name of cornybaby that had a first beta of 13. She is now pregnant with twins! Her doctor told her to quit taking her meds because it was a chemical pregnancy. She didn't give up and proved her doctors wrong. Keep your PMA!

[4ourbaby]

Thank you aims327!! Wow, cornybaby really has an amazing story, huh? I just went and read a few of her posts. I hope she is feeling better now...I see she has been on bed rest and has had a big scare!

You are right...I may just have a couple of fighters in me! I've been known get my Irish up, maybe they'll get some stubborness and fight from me Wouldn't that be great??

Thank you so much for sharing this story with me and helping me to remain positive. Anything is possible at this point and it is important for me to stay positive and happy.

Thank you Thank you Thank you

[Ghost]

Hi Ghost,

I'm sure this has been asked and answered many times already, so forgive me for asking again!

This is my 4th IVF cycle and my 2nd BFP, but with a low beta number. With my first chemical, my beta started at 28.2 (14dp3dt) and then dropped to 15. My beta today was 34.6 (14dp3dt). I was told to continue my meds and come in for a 2nd beta on Thursday. But the nurse didn't sound too positive as they are concerned about the low number.

I had 5 embryos (2 A's, 3 B's; 6-8 cells) transferred on 5/5. I had brown spotting on day 8 and day 10 after transfer. I began getting positives on the HPTs on 5/16. They have gotten darker each day.

Since I have had a chemical pregnancy in the last 7 months, am I more likely to have another one?

Also, in your honest opinion, what do you think the likelihood is of this pregnancy continuing on? I know anything can happen and I am desperately clinging to hope, but I would appreciate your feedback.

Thank you so much. I learn a lot from your posts!

I saw your post earlier on another thread. I did not comment because it's difficult to praise a 34.

Being completely open and honest, as you requested, I regret to say the odds are you're not going to keep this pregnancy. I've seen some that low work out before, but it's very rare. So yes, it could work out to live birth from a low reading like this. But the chance is very low, less than 1 in 10. Your positive HPT on 5/16 does not bode well, either, as that suggests your values were near or above 25 a few days ago. To go from 25 to 34 in 3 days is very slow, along with the low values. Your prior biochemical is also not a good sign.

They will continue to monitor you. That is for 2 reasons. First, they want to see if this pregnancy will work out. Second, they will be watching for an ectopic. Ectopics are associated with low and slow hCG curves. I hope your pregnancy works out, but if it does not, they should track it until the hCG resolves to near zero just to be sure there is no pregnancy in the wrong place.

Sorry, but you asked for it straight on.

Time for a miracle.

[4ourbaby]

Hi Ghost,

Thank you for responding so quickly and for your frankness. It is tough to hear, but does not come as a total shock. I just really thought this would be the cycle for us because we had positive signs from the beginning, starting with my response to the meds.

I think the most frustrating part is that I seem to have "unexplained infertility". Other than losing both my tubes to ectopic pregnancies and slight endometriosis, there seems to be no reason why I can't conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.

I have been through a battery of tests over the years which all came out great, my uterus is "perfect" (according to the doctors), my eggs are fine, dh is fine, I respond well to all meds, etc. We've been going through fertility treatments for 4 years now. We're just a little frustrated, as I'm sure you can understand!

Anyway, I really learn a great deal from all your posts. I don't know how you find the time to do your research AND help all of us out on this board. But I know you are greatly appreciated by all.

Thank you!

[beachbaby]

4ourbaby,

I am so sorry you are having such a bad time, and i have everything crossed that this one goes on to be a viable pregnancy.

I just wanted to ask if you have had any further tests done, ie: miscarraige screening tests, i had these done after my second bio-chemical and was found to have factor v leiden, a blood clotting disorder and one of the biggest effects it has is early miscarraige. The treatment depending on the type can either be aspirin or heparin before and during pregnancy. I have the milder type and take one junior aspirin per day and as you can see from my ticker it worked. We were lead to believe from our clinic the problem was slight male factor and nothing wrong with me at all.
Hope this helps, and good luck on the next beta.
Beach

[valerie68]

Just to let you know I'm thinking about you and hoping you had a much better beta today.
One way or the other, I hope you're doing well.
We're here for you if you need us.
Hugs...

Valerie

[4ourbaby]

Hi Everyone!

First, I appreciate everyone's concern and blessings! I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately, my beta dropped to 15.4. Another chemical pregnancy. I'm devastated and heartbroken and have spent several hours crying

Second, I haven't had any time to post because my grandmother was just admitted to the hospital. She was supposed to have a pacemaker/defribillator installed today and I have been at the hospital all day yesterday and today with her. They couldn't go through with the procedure for various reasons.

She is tentatively scheduled to have the surgery on Tuesday now, but everything relies upon how she does up until then. She is retaining a lot of fluids and they are giving her medicines to try to alleviate that problem. She may remain in the hospital until next Wednesday.

As you can imagine, my mind is all over the place right now and I am completely exhausted...emotionally and physically!

I will write more when I can and let you know what the doctor says when I have my discussion appointment. It is scheduled for next week, but I may have to reschedule for the following week.

I am sorry this is so short, but I really am exhausted.

THANK YOU all for all of your support. It means more than you know! I hope you are all doing well.

xoxoxoxoxo

[Ghost]

Sorry to hear of all of this, especially hitting you all at once.

[valerie68]

My heart really goes out to you. I hope your grandmother is doing better and that she stopped retaining fluids. You have been through so much and are going through a lot right now. You must be a strong person. I wish I could do something to help you and all I can do is to offer you support and let you know I'm thinking about you.

Perhaps your RE can do some further testing to figure out if there is an underlying problem that wasn't seen before. But all that is for later.
Most important is that your grandmother gets better soon and that you give yourself some time to deal with all this.

I wish I could give you a great big hug in person. Hang in there !!

[SDtrying]

4ourbaby- I'm so sorry about your beta. I will be thinking of your grandma and hoping she is about to respond to the treatments well and without too much discomfort. Check back in with us when you are feeling a little more rested and feel up to telling us how things are going for you.