hcg levels rizing but low...

I posted earlier today, but I was confusing and unclear.  I'm so sorry everyone, I have been out of my mind with worry and wondering what is going on.  When I posted this morning I had just talked to my doctor so I was even worse.  I had also talked to peek earlier in the week about this, so I was probably talking as if everyone knew what was going on.  Which you don't.  

This is my story as clear as I can make it...

Here are the hcg numbers and the time lines...

10/1    possible conception (could be any time that week)
10/15  hcg 10,  progesterone 5
10/18  started prometrium
10/20  hcg 89 (5 days since last hcg)
10/23  hcg 186 (3 days since last hcg)

I am obviously worried about the low levels, and the fact that the hcg rose more quickly between the first two tests then between the second.  I don't think I'm out of the race yet necessarily, but I am concerned.  I'm just looking for any imput and maybe experiences others have had in this situation.  

Thanks!!!

[pcarsey]

you could try this website.....
http://www.betabase.info/
it's very good giving ranges of hcg levels for singleton and multiple pregnancies.

good luck

[Pips]

I did that one already ... I'm at the bottom  :( , but still on the chart!

thanks for the help...

[1nana]

Technically speaking, the hCG levels are supposed to double every 48-72 hours and it appears that yours did (barely, but they did).

RELAX!

[Pips]

trying ... but it's so low!!!

[1nana]

Yes, it's low, but more importantly, it's rising AND doubling!

[peekawho]

Wanna is right.  There is nothing whatsoever to be gained from fretting.  They are rising, and eventually they will be high enough for an ultrasound.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Pips]

Thanks guys ... needed that!

keeping fingers crossed... and toes!

[1nana]

Pips, keep us posted!

[Pips]

Ok ... so last night I started spotting.  Not much ... brown and very light.  I layed down once I got home and it practically went away.  I know, not a good sign.  I get my blood test today and tomorrow I'll have some answers, but I'm wondering what to do with myself in the mean time.  Do I continue on with life as normal, or try to take it easy and rest.  Of course I'm due at work a 1/2 hour before the doctor's office opens...  What do you guys think?

[peekawho]

What you do about work is, or course, up to you.

I don't think working will make any difference if you are going to have a miscarriage, (not that I think you are, I'm just saying)...but if you are so worried, you will be miserable and upset at work and may as well stay home for a day.  

You know that brown spotting is common, but if resting will make your mind feel a bit more at ease, stay home and rest until the docs office opens.

Good luck!

[Pips]

ok ... not to get graphic ... but this is what it is like this morning.  Not a lot, just a tiny bit ... but almost like a string or a teeny tiny clot.  And darker brown.

Does that mean anything to you.

[peekawho]

No, it really doesn't.  I wish I could help.

[Pips]

sorry ... just obsessing I know.

Taking a deep breath and relaxing...  and off to get stuck!!!  

I'll post the hcg levels tomorrow when I get them...

[Pips]

so ... got my stick this morning.  Talked to the doc, and they didn't make a lot of the bleeding, but did put me on one more pill of prometrium a day "just in case".

I'll let you know my numbers tomorrow!

[Pips]

ok ... time for the update!  Talked to the doc this morning.  My number is 468.  He sais it did what it had to (although still on the low end) and we will do another stick on thursday.  It looks like it's back on the roller coaster for a few more days at least.

As for the spotting.  This morning it turned to red, which I took as a bad sign.  But apparently the doc sais it's unlikely to mean miscarriage yet, because the numbers are still rising.  It could be implantation, or possibly I don't have enough of the prometrium in my system yet to have stopped the spotting.  I took the first extra pill at 5:00 last night.  Anyone know how long it takes to see a difference after upping the dose?  I'm up to 3 pills a day, 200mg each.

So... here we wait!!!  WHEN WILL THE MADNESS END?!?!?!?!?!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[peekawho]

I don't know, honestly.

Thurs it should be about 1000 (or close) so you'll just have to keep your fingers crossed.  Maddening, I know.

[Cheyenne_08]

Keep us posted! Good luck and I hope everything works out!

[Pips]

thanks guys ... it's hard, but I'm trying to remain positive.

peek - do you know at what hcg level they will do an ultrasound?  You may have already answered this, and I know my doctor did, but for the life of me I can't remember!

[Pips]

Here's the update:

hcg was 739.  Last test 3 days prior was 468.  Obviously did not go up enough.  Doc is giving me the option of stopping progesterone and letting nature take it's course, or staying on for one more stick on Monday.  I am opting for staying on the prometrium and testing Monday.

Any thoughts?

Keep fingers crossed!!!  Pray for a miracle!!!

[peekawho]

Do what makes you feel like you did everything humanly possible.  I'm hoping your levels really rise by Monday.

Peek

[Pips]

Do you think there is actually a chance they will rise?  I can't help but feel like there is, but think I am probably just grasping at straws at this point.

[Sunny222]

Hi:) I am in your EXACT position. I feel like I'm stuck in this horrible limbo - like I can't be happy yet, but I shouldn't be sad just yet either. So, I'm stuck trying not to worry, but failing miserably. This is my very first pregnancy and everything seems like this giant mystery!

Here's my story...
--- I took SIX pregnancy tests at home on Saturday, they were ALL positive.
---Went to the doctor Monday, took two urine tests and BOTH were negative! ROLLERCOASTER BEGINS. I was so confused!
---They then took blood and did a quick test with the blood and it was Positive!
---The lab came back the next day with my HCG levels at 28. Really low, about 2 weeks pregnant, my doc said.
---The ENTIRE week, I have been spotting (brown, almost taupe, light) every day. Almost every time I went to the bathroom.
----Then Wednesday, there was red blood. I panicked of course and ran back to the doctor for an exam. More blood was drawn. (I've continued to have some light bleeding, brown spotting every single day)
----Thursday, the doc calls and says my HCG levels rose, but only slightly. She said I'd have to come back in on Monday for another test.
----.....which leaves me WAITING for days!!!!!!!

To make matters more difficult, when we first found out we were pregnant, we told both our families and our closest friends. They were all sooooo excited. If this doesn't work out, we'll not only be personally saddened, but we'll have to inform everyone else and make them sad too. I feel SO lost!

Anyway, Pips, I absolutely feel for you and if you want to talk, I'll be on here often!
Let's try to stay positive:)

[Pips]

Thanks Sunny!  I hate that you are stuck on the same frustrating rollercoaster as me, but it is good to share the ride with someone.  Do you know what your second hcg was?  And did they check your progesterone levels?  Sometimes low progesterone can make you bleed.  It's the stuff that thickens up the lining and makes a good home for the baby.  Also, do you know what day you most likely conceived?  Or the first day of your last period if not?

[Sunny222]

No, no one checked my progesterone levels...I will ask my doc about that on Monday! She didn't say what my second Hcg levels were -- I asked and she said "well, they've risen slightly" I have a feeling she didn't want to scare me by giving me another low number. I was already a mess.
Conception is also a mystery. She said on Tuesday (10/28) I was about "2 weeks pregnant" but I don't know if that means two weeks since conception or 2 weeks since implantation? Or what else that could me? My last period started on 9/24. I did an ovulation calculator and it said I likely conceived around Oct. 9....
I hate how all of this is so full of unknowns. I wish scientists would take a break from Mars and dinosaur bones and start figuring out what goes on in these first weeks of pregnancy! Okay, that was a little harsh:)
Thanks again:)

[Sunny222]

(that sentence up there should read "or what else could that MEAN."  Sorry:)

[Pips]

Yes the conception date does sound a little mysterious, but if they are basing how far along you are with your hcg numbers, that isn't all that accurate because they actual number varies greatly and the most important thing is that it doubles every 48-72 hours.

Try to keep your chin up and hope for the best!

[Pips]

so, over the weekend I had a slight increase in the bleeding, mild cramping and am now seeing clots.  I'm thinking ... it's over!  I got myself ready to hear a similar if not lower hcg number today (thursday was 739).

So here I sit ... four days after the 739.  My new number.... *drum roll* is 1246!  What the hell!

Ok ... so I'm getting stat blood work tomorrow to see what's going on and then probably an ultrasound Friday if numbers continue to rize.

I'm going crazy here!

Peek ... please give me your opinion of what's going on.

[cantwait4baby]

maybe there is more then one baby and you are loosing one?  I am sorry I have no idea but I will keep you in my prayers - that number is going up - I am pretty sure that if you lost the baby they would go down

PS.  I had lots of bleeding - sometimes clots and I now have an 18month old.  I had many ultrasoudns early on - is there any way they can give you one now to ease your mind and to see what is going on?

[Pips]

I don't think there could be more then one baby because the numbers are so low for how far along I am.  I am 6 weeks 6 days today.  The numbers have been low all along and not doubling as they should for about a week now.  I've also been bleeding to some degree for a week and 2 days now.  We have been expecting a miscarriage from the start, however... the numbers aren't acting as they should for either a miscarriage or a viable pregnancy.  They just keep hanging out somewhere in the middle leaving us in this horrible limbo.  I don't think he'll do an ultrasound until the numbers are a little higher.  I think it's because he knows he can't see a heartbeat at this point, and may not even be able to see the baby.  That just wouldn't give us any more answers then we have right now.

so here we sit...  I'm wondering if this is just one of those babies that don't act as they are supposed to (hcg numbers) and the bleeding is a completely different issue, such as a subchorionic hemmorage or something.  Who knows though really...

[peekawho]

This is sure frustrating.  You should be getting an ultrasound very soon.  Usually they will do one if your levels are between 1000-2000.  So you're about there.

This week should tell the tale.  You should have an ultrasound after you have this next bloodwork back.  

I'm sending hopeful thoughts your way!

[Pips]

what do you think the chances are that this could be viable given the slow rizing numbers and the bleeding.  Of course I don't really understand why I've been bleeding for more then a week and there are still rizing hcg numbers if it's a miscarriage.

Also ... why would he want to do another test in only 24 hours?

Sorry to always be bombarding you with questions.  But you always seem to put me at ease.

Thanks again!

[Pips]

Got more numbers today ... I was a little wrong about the last.  It was actually 1212.  Today it was 1515.  So it went up about 300.  Doc wants to do one more hcg test thursday and then should have ultrasound on Friday.  The kicker is the bleeding is worse.  It's a little heavier, but more clots as well.  It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Anyway ... wanted to update and see what you all thought.

[cantwait4baby]

I am sorry - it does not sound good but keep praying the numbers are rising?  I am just as confused as you but I am not sure why your doctor is waiting on an u/s he should give you one right now.  When was your LMP?

[Pips]

lmp was 9/11, but I'm pretty sure conception happened on 9/30.  That would make me 7 weeks today.  I think he just really doesn't want to do an ultrasound until he is sure he'll see as much as possible and is therefore waiting until the end of the week.  If he saw a sack and no fetal pole it wouldn't give us any more information.  I know ... I wish I could have an u/s right now!

Thanks for your thoughts...

[cantwait4baby]

my LMP was September 8th and I had an u/s on October 18th and there was a baby and hb.  I think they should go ahead and give you the u/s .

[Betsta]

They like your numbers to be between 1500-2000 before they do an u/s.  You are just over 1500, so that's probably why he is waiting a few more days, so your #'s will rise a bit more.  When my #'s were just over 2600, they did an the first u/s and were only able to see the sac, nothing else at that point (I was 5.5 weeks along).  I think we can all say that after reading all the amazing stories on this forum, that "anything" is possible.  Stay positive and keep us updated.  Good luck!

[Pips]

Thanks ... that is what I was thinking as well.  It is very hard to be patient, but I think an u/s without any answers would only be more frustrating.

I am staying hopeful, but trying to remain realistic as well.  I have set myself up for things to go good or bad so many times already.

Thanks everyone for all the support.

[peekawho]

Betsa is right--if they do an ultrasound too early, it only adds to the agony of it all, since not much may be seen.

All you can do is what everyone else said--wait and see.  That's not a very good answer, but no one knows why your numbers are doing what they are doing, and why you are bleeding.  

I'm sorry--its very hard.  

[Pips]

Thanks, everyone keeps screaming "why won't he do an ultrasound".  I just keep saying ... "what good would it do to send me away with no more answers".  I can wait if it means a definite answer.  Although at the rate I'm going, it'll be inconclusive even on Friday.  Gggrrrr...

[Pips]

I just wanted to add that I didn't mean everyone here was screaming about an ultrasound.  I have heard it here, but I'm refering to family and friends.

Didn't want to offend anyone!  :)

[peekawho]

Its hard when everyone keeps asking that.  Even if everything is going perfectly, if your numbers are too low, then not much may be seen.  Then there is more anxiety about why nothing was seen, which leads to another ultrasound.  

But your numbers are just about there.  Something definative should be seen when they do one soon.  I'm so hoping you will get good news!

[Pips]

THANK YOU!  I'm glad we have your experience and wisdom here.  It is helpful in the midst of the craziness, raging hormones and endless frustration!  :)

[peekawho]

Pips---LOL!  I haven't told you a thing you didn't already know!  I'm appreciative of the compliments, but I don't think I've given you a single "answer"!  

[Pips]

it's just nice to be validated I guess...  Maybe I'd feel differently if I didn't agree with you!  ;)

Hmmmm... now that you mention it, I think I did ask what you thought was going on ... you know a gut feeling, and you did remain very "safe" in your answer.  tsk tsk

[Pips]

So ... dh had to run to his mom and dad's last night (4 hour drive) because she was admitted to the hospital.  She has been fighting cancer for the last 6 years and apparently things are NOT GOOD!  Can we add any more stress???

Well, I called my doc this am because I was concerned I was going to get "the call" and am supposed to be getting more blood drawn on thursday and u/s on Friday.  Can I leave town with a threatened miscarriage???

He said come in Thurs morning at 8:45, we won't do the blood work and we'll just do the ultrasound!  Yeah, I'm getting my ultrasound early.  Hopefully we'll have answers and I'll know how to treat the weekend and join dh and his mom if possible.

I'll let you all know what happens.

[Pips]

back from the u/s ... not good news.  There is no sac ... only a little line of tissue.  I actually passed something that looked suspicious yesterday and when I described it to him he said it was probably the sac.  So I guess it's now a miscarriage for sure.  He gave me two pills to take orally (Cytotec I think).  He said because there is little tissue remaining and thin lining it shouldn't be bad.

So there you have it...  Thanks for all of your support during the last few weeks!

[Betsta]

I am so sorry to hear this news and I am very sorry for your loss.  Please know we are all here for you, as many of us have been through very similar situations.  I wish you a speedy recovery both mentally/emotionally and physically.  Susan

[Sunny222]

Hi again. I am so sorry to hear about your news. I, too, got bad news this week. My levels started at 28, rose to 36 and after 4 days, only went to 96. The waiting game was terrible. My doc told me it wasn't a viable pregnancy and to expect to miscarriage. I've since been slightly cramping, bleeding and passing what seems to be clots/tissue. It's so traumatizing and I feel just terrible. I am so sorry you have to deal with all this. It's not an easy situation. I've been bleeding/spotting now for a week and a half straight. I just want to get back to normal so I can start trying again. This happens to the very best of us, and I'm sure you are destined for a happy, healthy future pregnancy! I'm planning for one too:)
My thoughts are with you.

[Pips]

Wow Sunny, I'm so sorry for what you are going through.  I have pasted a couple of links below that I obsessed with when I was watching my numbers so closely.  The average time it takes for hcg to double is 2.7 days.  This tells you what your doubling time is.  I don't know if you are still looking at numbers or not.  But if so this may help.

http://www.perinatology.com/calculators/ect.htm

http://babymed.com/tools/pregnancy/hcg/

[peekawho]

I'm so very sorry to hear this.  I really was hoping it would work out for you.  

I'm so sorry...there isn't much else to say.  I hope it goes smoothly for you.

[Pips]

Thanks!  Things went smoothly last night with the pills.  I had mild cramping and mild lower back pain ... but there wasn't a lot of bleeding either.  I did pass some tissue last night and this morning, but I don't think there was much left.

Thanks for all your support...