Slow Rising HCG Level

[41 and counting]

I had an oocyte retrieval on 2/10 and transferred a 5 cell (although it looked like an 8 cell) no fragmentation on 2/13. Had my first BETA on Tuesday and the level came back at 44.3 . Second BETA today and level was 68.5.
It's weird. I get really nauseous during the evening and am not experiencing any spotting, etc. I am hoping the level rebounds when I go in for my next BETA this Monday.
Has anyone experienced/heard of a slow rising BETA that led to a normal pregnancy?
My doc thinks that perhaps I implanted late..
Crossing my fingers...

[siouxsie]

Hi,

We're not sure yet if we'll make it all the way through, but we're sure hoping. Anyway, my first beta was 41 and the second only 45. They told me it was really not a good sign and to watch out for ectopic.(Of course, everything on the internet spelled doom.) Then, my betas went up to 100+ then 1637. Now, everything seems to be progressing as it should -- had an u/s and saw yoke, fetal pole and heartbeat at 5w6d. Nurse attributed early stutter to "lab error."

Hope you pull through.

[41 and counting]

Hi Siouxsie,

Thanks for sharing your story with me. Glad to hear things turned around for you! I hope the same happens for us.

Funny you should mention ectopic pregnancy, because that is exactly what I asked the nurse on Friday. I was concerned about that. She indicated that it was too early to tell - that I would need several more blood tests before making that determination. Next HCG is Monday - cross your fingers for me!

In the meantime, I have a follow up with the doc on Wed to talk about my cycle. I put more stock into what he says than this particular nurse anyway. She's not the brightest light on the porch.

Still no signs of bleeding or cramping. Instead, I felt a bit nauseous this morning and am craving spicy food right now (when I was pregant a few years ago, I drank V-8 the first 8 weeks like it was going out to style).

So, I hope that is all it is - delayed implantation or lab error. Wouldn't surprise me if things are fine because I don't feel like I am getting my period - no cramps - nothing. Is that how you felt?

Otherwise, if it is ectopic I could understand why I am not having any symptoms of miscarriage - that would probably happen later as the pregnancy progresses. The idea of having an ectopic scares me.

Take care

[siouxsie]

My main symptoms have been slight nausea (but no vomiting) and tender breasts. Had another u/s today and everything looked fine.

In terms of the ectopic, she told me to watch out for any sharp pains. Luckily, I had none and it sounds like you don't either. Despite her comments, I think ectopic is pretty rare.

Based on her first remarks, I was convinced it was over and pretty much cried for two days. Definitely don't give up. On some over thread someone brought up PUPO (pregnant until proven otherwise). I'm trying to live by that.

Wishing you the best.

[kbat]

I had an etopic w/ cycle #5. My beta numbers were much lower than either one of yours--I think I started under 5 which technically means you aren't pregnant. But they watched me and at one point, it seemed like I was in there everyday getting blood work. I think the highest I made it to was somewhere in the 40's. We implanted 2 embryos. At one point, I did have some cramping and a little bleeding. But then I "passed" some tissue stuff and almost immediately the cramps and bleeding went away. I just figured it was an early miscarriage. It was no where near the pain I had when I was about 8-9 weeks along and had a miscarriage. They eventually did an ultrasound on me and saw that it was an etopic. I think the cramping, etc had been for the other embryo--so one did seem to take just not in the right place. I was told that the cramping bleeding etc was probably from the other embryo that didn't make it. I didn't really feel any cramping once I had that little episode. I never really had any sharp pains associated w/ it. I forget the exact time line, but from the point I had my 2ww bloodwork to the time this all played out was about 2 weeks--so about a month after the e/r & e/t.

Sounds like you both are progressing nicely--no sharp pains, etc. and the numbers are going up steadily--not like mine.

Good luck to both of you.

[41 and counting]

Just got my third beta back today = 176.9!!
Woohoo

Doctor is optimistic - I will repeat the BETA one week from now.
Feeling better although I know I am not completely out of the woods. Anything can happen in the first trimester.... But, I am PUPO and happily craving V8 again!


Thanks everyone, for your stories and support.

Hi Souxsie,
Keep me posted on your progress


First BETA 44.3
Second BETA 68.5
Third BETA 176.9

[41 and counting]

Just got my third beta back today = 176.9!!

Woohoo


Doctor is optimistic - I will repeat the BETA one week from now.
Feeling better although I know I am not completely out of the woods. Anything can happen in the first trimester....

But, I am PUPO and happily craving V8 again!


Thanks everyone, for your stories and support.

Hi Souxsie,
Keep me posted on your progress


First BETA 44.3
Second BETA 68.5
Third BETA 176.9

[Liam'sMommy]

Congrats!!

[siouxsie]

Kbat
Thanks for the info and encouragement.

41 and counting
Way to go! Sometimes all this science still feels like voodoo.

My latest u/s progressed as it should – at 6w3d my little bundle of joy was at 5.9mm and 116hb. I’m trying to keep breathing.

[kbat]

41 and counting--Congrats on the rising beta....


Siouxsie--keep positive thoughts--I think it's a good sign that your beta is rising and it's much higher than mine was. I think this will turn out for you... Keeping my fingers crossed. For me, once they did an u/s, which was pretty early on, they could tell right away it was in the tube and if they haven't indicated that to you yet (you seem further along than I was), I think it's a good sign.

[41 and counting]

Hello Ladies!
I spoke with my doc today and received some interesting information. Apparently, because my progesterone level is "strong" he is not concerned about ectopic (I idid not know that there was a connection). Also indicated that in my case, it could really go either way - I could have a "normal" pregnancy or we could discover that this is a blighted ovum (no fetus - just a sac). So, we will see what the HCG levels are this Monday and then determine how to proceed (whether to obtain another HCG or perform and ultasound). In any event, doesn't sound like I am past this hurdle until the ultrasound.

The good news is that despite my age, I have plenty of eggs left. We talked about the results of this cycle and apparently, it was lack of DH's motile sperm that impacted us. So, if this cycle fails we will need to obtain a fresh cycle from DH.

DH had a vastectomy several years ago, and eventhough we tried to reverse it 2 years ago, it was not successful. So we used frozen testicular sperm (taken when the reversal was performed 2 years ago) for this cycle.

Doc was right - when I told DH about obtaining the fresh sperm sample he squirmed! LOL. They will need to use a needle - hopefully, he will be knocked out if it comes to this. As if IVF is a walk in the park...

[siouxsie]

Thanks for the update. Compared to the 2ww, the new 5 day wait should bee a breeze. I'll be thinking of you.

[kbat]

41--good luck.... I know when they did u/s on me it really revealed a lot, so sounds like you'll know what the deal is once that happens...Good luck will be saying a prayer for you!!

[41 and counting]

Hi Everyone,
Had my follow up beta today and level was not as high as would have liked. Specifically, HCG was 605 as opposed to 700.
Follow up level again this Friday - DH is hopeful but I am not sure.
It's horrible, actually, because I feel really pregnant. But I know that is irrelevant when it comes to HCG levels - this could be a blighted ovum
I just want to know one way or the other and soon
This is agonizing

[LMV]

41 you are not alone. I am going through the same thing. 3-5 level was 75 3-7 level was 98 today level was 147. Dr was a little happier with today's number than with Saturdays but wishes it was a little higher. I go back on Wed. DH and I fear blighted ovum as well. We had that the first time we got pg. The big difference then was that my levels went up and were normal.
It's so scary and so discouraging I know. Looking on the internet only makes me feel crazier. You have some people saying slow rising level means doom and others say, sometimes it just happens and sometimes you get a healthy baby.
Try to think positive, you'll be in my thoughts...best of luck to you!!!
Lesley