Hands up who honestly thought I was going to make it to the 10th September heartbeat scan. Anyone? Yes - you? You too? Good grief, you should know me better by now.
I started to get anxious last night, and then I remembered my motto, which is this: don't spend time worrying when you can spend money getting doctors to worry for you. Actually, as mottos go, that isn't very catchy. How about: don't worry, see your doctor in a hurry! Hmm... Ok I've got it: don't fret it - check it! Yeah. That'll do.
In any case, this morning, when the clinic opened, it was to the sound of me ringing to ask for an urgent followup beta NOW if not earlier, and after some toing and froing and mucking around (When was my last blood test? It doesn't freaking matter! No, don't bother going to ask the doctor...), I got my blood drawn and I got my results.
My doubling time is about 55 hours. I know 2-3 days is considered normal by many sources, but I've never actually seen anyone take home a baby from a doubling time like that. I think it'll be over within a few weeks.
**Update**
Thanks to the magic of the message boards, I now know one person who took home a baby with an initial doubling time of 55 hours. Even though I can name several gazillion people for whom things did not go nearly so well, I find myself cheered. Apparently SOB isn't just shitting me when he says there's hope, although I still think he's exaggerating wildly. In any case, as many of you have pointed out, there's little to be done about it either way. I think I'll be on 2-3 day checks for the next little while, though. The knowing has helped.
Posts
33 Comments
A steady rise is considered normal. 55 hours doesn't sound far off at all. With mine, I didn't have repeat betas (except for the one that started in the 20's), so I don't know what the doubling time was, but do take into consideration that with IVF you also have the chance that one embryo is on the way up and one is on the way down. I have *definitely* heard of people take home babies with a doubling like yours.
Well, in any case, whether you stop believing or not, things will work out the same (and I believe it will work out well).
Take it easy :-)
I'm so sorry to hear that things are stressing you out. It sucks waiting and reading things into beta's in the absence of other ways to tell what's going on in there.
For your sake, I hope that all *is* well. You deserve it.
I never even had betas (they don't do them in Sweden), so I can't tell you mine or compare to mine. I certainly hope you are very wrong when saying that you think it'll be over within a few weeks. Once again I have to say that betas are just betas and in your case don't say much yet. I am not giving up the hope base on that doubling time at least. Lot's of love to you.
Fuck, who needs the stress? I won't say stop stressing because you won't, but I'll be down here keeping everything crossed for you.
Ah bollocks bea, why does this always happen? I agree with you, it's not encouraging. I agree with the others, too, it's not over yet. I'm going to keep on hoping until there's no hope left.
I have no idea about rising betas because all mine in the past looked ok, so this time i didn't even bother and waited, impatiently, for the first scan and as you say, there isn't anything that can be done about it except worry as we do.
I can only wish you strength, lots of patience and a whole lot of luck, obviously :)
Here's hoping that things work out for you.
I hope 55 will be your new lucky number. It isn't over yet, and it doesn't mean it will be.
Just adding my hopes and good wishes to the others. Sigh . . . why can't it ever be easy?
Hang in there Bea.
55 hours still sounds in the realm of possibility. I know you don't like posting the exact numbers, but I would think the fact that the number is in the normal range should also be a reassurance. Low beta, long doubling time sounds a lot more ominous than normal beta, longer doubling time.
I'm hoping for you.
The actual number is starting to look a little on the low side, Samantha.
Bea
" don't fret it - check it! " - LOVE IT! so catchy and witty! Just like you!
Sorry about the doubling numbers. I can't imagine the emotional rollercoaster of being pregnant and then thinking the pregnancy is failing.
I really hope this works out for you.
Mine doubled in 62h and I freaked out and then had heavy bleeding... arrgh... but it was twins on the scan... and they have heartbeats now...
Oh, Bea. I am sorry to hear your #s weren't what you might have wished for. I'm hoping you are wrong about the few weeks, and this little bugger is in for the long haul.
Fingers crossed for ya.
I'm holding out hope for you.
A girl on one of my IF boards transferred two pretty crappy looking embryos. And then she had the exact SAME doubling time as you - 55 hours. She now has a beautiful daughter.
It CAN happen and there IS hope, though I do agree that it's certainly not the most encouraging news.
However. I will NOT give up hope for you.
Hugs and love, Bea.
Everything I read said 48-72h considered normal.
http://babymed.com/faq/content.aspx?13508
"About 85% of normal pregnancies will have the hCG level double every 48 - 72 hours."
"Within the first 2-4 weeks after fertilization, hCG usually doubles every 48-72 hours
An increase of 60% in 48 hours is still considered normal
More than two in three normal pregnancies have a doubling of the hCG every 72 hours
"
I hope you get to be the example that other women cite for taking home a baby with an initial longer doubling time.
Good luck, sorry you have to go through the stress!
I arrived here after the update was posted so I'm glad you've received some reassurance to ease your mind. Wishing all kinds of positive thoughts here on your behalf.
I wish you could just get cut a break! I know the numbers aren't what you had hoped for, but it doesn't mean that this still won't happen. I'm holding out hope!
I'm still holding your hope, Bea. It's not over 'til the fat u/s tech sings. That's my philosophy. My first scan is on the 4th.
I just dont know enough about doubling times to give you any assvice, but I just am holding out that its ALL GOOD in there...and want you to know Im sending lots of prayers your way.
I had some early doubling times this go 'round of over 100 hours. Seriously.
I'm keeping everything crossed.
Thinking of you, and holding out hope that it's just a blip. Take care!
My betas doubled at almost exactly 48 hours... and you're just seven hours off. I think this could very well be something you won't regret.
I bet.
;)
-D.
At first, your post made me cry. I want this for you so much Bea. Then I read the comments, and I was immediately cheered. What an amazing group of people we have here.
I feel very positive about this one, Bea. Hang in there girl!
Hugs!
Mands xx
Damned if you do, damned if you don't, eh???
All these effen numbers! It gets exhausting trying to remember which are good, which are bad, which are normal, which are ......
I hope your number at the end of it all is ONE ~
One healthy baby.
Now ma'am- let me just tell you- my doubling time was 54.10 hours and this pregnancy has been successful so far. So, it's time to put those negative thoughts behind you and start visualizing this pregnancy being successful for you. I am still hoping, wishing, praying, crossing body part, etc. for you and your little bean. Hang on!!!!!!!
Hoping that your 55 hours is all it takes!!
:)
Hoping that you're wrong, but understanding why you're thinking what you're thinking - you need to protect yourself and your hopes. Wishing you all the best, Bea.
As i'm a beta novice, no make that no-hoper(!) i'm afraid i can add nothing other than my support.
I do know that anything seems possible in pregnancy and that the most dismal looking start can end in a healthy baby.
I'm thinking of you and crossing my fingers, toes and anything else cross-able.
x
55 hours vs. 48 hours--can you really tell when the test was drawn or the blood was used? It is within the normal range. It's hard to feel hopeful when you've been beaten by the statistic stick once too often, but it does reset once you get pregnant. You sucked on the side of statistics when it came to fertility, but for all you know, you're going to rock the house when it comes to pregnancy and always slip onto the side of good. Which is what I hope.
Post a Comment