I am preparing for the worst. The nurse, on the other hand, was positive when she gave me the number. In fact, she wanted to go ahead and schedule the 6 1/2 week ultrasound. But me? I freaked out. Beta #1 was 167 at 10d5dt. Beta #2 taken 96 hours later was 482. 482 at 14dp5dt.
She assured me that betas do not have to double. She said doubling makes the math easy. They just need to increase by 1 1/2 times over the course of 48 hours. Mine did and are within normal range (she said). They increased somewhere around the minimum amount, twice. They doubled in approximately 61-62 hours.
I'm having a really hard time convincing myself that it is okay that they did not at least quadruple in 96 hours. Every guide I read online states that normal doubling times range from 48-72 hours. Shouldn't that range be more like 24-72? Anyway, my betas have always doubled faster than a rate of 48 hours. Ha, the ones that weren't viable pregnancies. Maybe I should take this as a good sign.
I guess there are one or two possible reasons they did not double perfectly. 1. There were two embryos for beta #1 and one bailed for beta #2. 2. I used two different labs for beta #1 and #2. Different labs may obtain slightly different values? I don't know about the second possibility. Different labs have discrepancies in values for other tests so maybe for hcg as well? I've used different labs in the past though.
I asked for a third beta and now I am terrified. Beta #3 will be on Wednesday. Like I said, I am preparing for the worst. I want to trust the nurse, I want to believe everything is okay. I know my numbers fall within normal ranges. I just want flying colors. I want my results without a doubt. I just want things to work out this time. I'm holding out as much hope as I can.
14 comments:
Oh no, you did not need this stress! I have definitely heard about different labs having different calibration (or whatever it is) for their testing. I know that my clinic prefers to have patients use their lab because they know how they run the tests. Will you be going back to lab #1 or lab #2 for beta #3?
Good luck. I can totally understand your concern and hope that Wednesday brings good news. Hang in there!
I completely understand your state of mind, I'd be exactly the same. When numbers don't behave like we expect it's just impossible to think positively. Yet, sometimes Nature does surprise us and your explanation as to what may have happen makes perfect sense. Absolutely, two different labs may have significant discrepancies and of course there is the possibility that one of the two is no longer growing. Or they may both be fine and I'm not sure if you follow Alex but her beta started skyhigh, didn't double as expected but both her sacs are measuring perfectly! The next beta she did was just as it should have been. So there is hope, though I know it feels it only happens to others. Much love and hang in there, Fran
I totally get your worry and I never really trusted what the nurses said 100%. I do however know quite a few people who didn't double in 48 hours and they had very healthy pregnancies. Sorry you are going through this!
Yikers! I would be freaking out, too. Those darn betas.
But you are probably on to something. Maybe beta 1 was measuring 2 sacs, but now it is only one.
Hmmmmm..
I know it's hard, but try not to read too much into the numbers, they can vary to widely for different people. My first beta was 48 and my RE thought it was a beautiful number! Of course I freaked! My beautiful son is now two. Sending you many prayers!
The best thing to do in this situation is request a third beta - and you've done that! Good for you for being proactive!
I never trusted the nurses when I had a low beta that wasn't quite doubling. Some nurses are all flowers and sunshine, and some are more frank and honest. I wouldn't read into anything at this point - just look forward to that third beta!
I think the two differnt lab thing could be a major culprit -- the uncertainties in these numbers can be pretty big even with one set of calibrations much less two labs.
Sending lots of good thoughts your way for beta number 3. I'm so sorry that this is leading to so much stress.
Sorry you are dealing with beta uncertainty. I can totally relate to all the anxiety around each draw. :( I am hoping for the best for you! Good luck with your third beta.
Understandable how you are feeling right now. Hoping all goes well with the ultrasound. Good luck!
I hate beta uncertainty! Thinking of you as you await the next one!!! Fingers crossed that all will be great!
Ugh...stress is the LAST thing you need right now. When I was having my betas done, I did some research and found that they say they should double in 48 - 72 hours. Take good care of yourself and don't give up! Will be thinking of you tomorrow!
I used arguably the best RE clinic in the nation, and they just want to see a 66% increase in 48 hrs (which is what mine did). I now have a healthy 11 month old. I think your numbers look right on! Hang in there hon.
This waiting game never gets easy. I hope the third beta will get you a re-assuring good answer. FX
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you!
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