Non-doubling/doubling/non-doubling HCG Levels (Help!)

[Nell D]

Hi,
I am going through an emotional rollercoaster and want to know if anyone has experienced the following and has resulted in a happy ending.

I'm 43. We went though an IVF donor cycle (with a 22 year old donor's eggs) after two failed IVF and two failed IUIs with my own eggs.

We transferred two high quality blastocyst embryos at 6 day transfer, and got a positive pregnancy test.

My first beta HCG test on day 17 (the day we found out about the positive pregnancy test) was 440 - which was a great number since they only needed to see a number greater than 50.

Four days later on day 21, the HCG rose but didn't double -- it was only 740.

Then two days later on day 23, the level doubled to 1514, which was a relief since I was nervous it wasn't doubling. They guessed it might have been two embryos that implanted and then resulted in a vanishing twin syndrome. The doctor told me I didn't need to come back for another HCG test until my ultrasound in a few weeks. They felt comfortable that the HCG level doubled.

But I didn't feel comfortable so they said I could take another HCG test if it made me less anxious. So I did, four days later on day 27. The result there was 2771 -- didn't double in four days!!?

To summarize, here are my numbers:

First beta test (day 17): 440
Second beta test (day 21): 740
Third beta test (day 23): 1514
Fourth beta test (day 27): 2771

I am completely freaked out now. I don't know what's going on. I have not had any symptoms except for off and on breast tenderness and a strong sense of smell. I am not nauseous at all but I don't have much of an appetite (though I am eating properly and enough regardless). I have no cramping, no bleeding. I am taking those horrible progesterone injections daily and also estrogen injections every 3 days. I am SO nervous -- we have our ultrasound scheduled on May 1st and I just am prepared for the worst.

I don't understand these HCG numbers and why the rate of rise is up and down like it is. Has anyone experienced something similar and had a positive result and a healthy baby in the end? Any insight would be appreciated. Please help. I am just a wreck. Thanks.

[Paz2]

I think it is normal for betas to stop doubling after awhile. Not sure of this, but I htink it is after 1,000. Your betas look good. And, I am 43 too—nice to see I am not the only one!!!

[Nell D]

Hi,
How far along are you? I have hardly any symptoms at all at 6 weeks 1 day.

I just don't understand why the numbers would slow down so much after doubling. I thought they slowed down doubling when the numbers were in the thousands, not 1000. All the info I get on the internet is inconsistent on the doubling times.

Did you get pregnant with IVF? Did you use a donor egg? I used a 22 year old donor and she produced quite a few eggs and we transferred two 6 day blastocyst transfers and froze the rest. It was such an agonizing decision to go with a donor. But I felt like such a failure not being able to have a baby with my own eggs....now if this 22 year old donor's eggs don't work, then I'm really going to throw in the towel. I am pretty tired of the whole process and feeling quite beaten up after three years of treatments.

Thanks for your reply.

[Paz2]

Hi Nell,
I am something like 4wks3days. I am unsure because last month I did IVF. Positive beta of 14, failed to double. And I am so shocked to be here again pregnant the very next month — and a natural conception? I just got my second beta. 132 (from 50) I am so happy. Very few symptoms — just a pressure in my abdomen, hungry, little nausea, sweating a bit... I feel much less pregnant than with my other pregnancies, yet I have a hunch about this one.

One of my dear friends is pregnant with donor egg—twins! For months now she has been telling me to give it a shot. She is walking on air.

Now for words of encoruagement. Just 2 weeks ago I was sobbing and thinking I could not take it anymore. It has been about 2 years. 4, maybe 5 or 6, mcs. It is hard. But donor eggs, bionic eggs as I call them, usually work pretty darn well. I see no reason why you are not sitting pretty! 6 weeks 1 day? Oh I hope I am that lucky! Your betas are terrific.

I think you are in the process of getting everything you want. Plus you can go back and get those others. Now I envy that!!!

I think you have every reason to be confident!

Paz

[Paz2]

Nell D, Any news yet? Today was ultrasound right? Been thinking about you and hoping you got great news this am.

Paz

[Nell D]

Thanks for remembering.

Unfortunately I started red spotting on Friday evening. Doctor asked me to come in Saturday morning for my ultrasound and found I had a blighted ovum. Small sac and empty sac. I was really saddened and frustrated.

This was a 22 year old's donor egg we used....we thought at least that would work. When we used my own eggs and I got pregnant with an IUI, we had an empty womb resulted. So I am worried there's something more going on and that this is a pattern.

I'm trying to figure out what tests to have done before we consider using any of our donor egg embryos.

Very frustrating. You never know how things will turn up. It's a crap shoot everyday -- and you never stop worrying because anything could go wrong at any time

[Paz2]

Nell, I am sad and sorry. I was so very hopeful for you. I think your approach to have some testing before moving ahead with the frozens is very, very smart. Hopefully it will be a short, short detour.

I am sorry to hear the news—but glad that you have your embryos for you when you are ready to go back and get them.

big hugs. I know it is a hard day. You are not alone and may next time come very soon.

Paz

[Paz2]

Nell, Just a quick note to you. The end of your sad week is here and I have been thinking about you. I hope you'll be back soon, until that day -- be well.

Paz and friends

[cammy123 - EMAIL BAD - PLEASE FIX]

((((((nell)))))))) i am so so sorry........you deserve better......i am praying you get some answers and your baby soon