Monday, April 20, 2009

Doubling slowing down

Yes, my beta is still doubling, but, it has steadily been slowing down:

So, the logical part of me says that this is OK. While we all look for doubling in the 48 hour time frame, really, it's 48-72 hours and this is still well within that range.

But, the broken part of me...the person who has had so much pain and devastation from this process, is scared in ways I can't even put into words. I've never had betas that doubled this well, but, the slowing down, well, that I've seen before and it led to something awful.

Now, I should also report that my ultrasound this morning was good. They definitely saw a gestational sac and a yolk sac. No heartbeat yet, but, we all know it's still a little early for that. They're bringing me back on Thursday for another ultrasound where we should see a heartbeat. If I'd had a beta rise like the others, honestly, I'd be fine until Thursday. Now, well, now it's going to be torture.....

28 comments:

Polly Gamwich said...

Let me (the one who is freaking about dealing with her own betas) encourage you.

1. The further you get into pregnancy the slower the doubling time. So your numbers still look good - although I COMPLETELY understand what you mean about being afraid ... why can't your betas just be stellar? ARGh!

2. Heartbeat is usually seen AFTER hcg levels get above 6000, and totally normal not to see a heartbeat at this early of an ultrasound.

Now, pls encourage me with my betas/ultrasounds in the coming weeks - I'm sure at some point you'll be able to just copy and paste what I typed to you ... it's so much easier to tell other people that things are going to be ok, rather than beliving it yourself *sheesh*

Emily said...

DITTO what Polly just said!!! I think your little bean is just settling in - you have had HUGE increases and I think things are just leveling out. GOOD LUCK hon!!!

katedaphne said...

Yep, ditto Polly and Emily. It is normal for doubling to slow down, and your numbers are still quite good. And seeing what you were supposed to see in the u/s is GREAT news.

Now, some people don't see a heartbeat until 6-7 weeks. So try to breathe between now and then!

All that said -- I know hearing all that doesn't make a whit of difference. Be good to yourself, and know that we are all here waiting right beside you. Good luck.

xo

Christi said...

I was about to write the same things as Polly!! sending you tons of good vibes and prayers!! hang in there and **HUGS** It will get easier, I promise!!! I wish I could fast forward time for you!!

Molly said...

I don't know much about doubling betas and understand how it's hard to be optimistic BUT you know it's too early to hear the heartbeat yet and you did see the gestational and yolk sac. Wasn't the purpose of the u/s to see the sac, and that's what happened.

By the way, I deleted the post on the "other" board.

Dagny said...

Ok, I know it's going to be hard, but try to not get worked up.

But man, I know (or at least imagine) what this is like for you. You are a IF Veteran, and you deserve this to work!

Saying that, I am with the non IF part of your brain that's telling you that this is ok.

Fingers and toes and eyes and everything else I could possibly cross for you right now.

Much love your way. :)

xoxo

Jessica White said...

yup, ditto every other post about it slowing down.

We didn't see a heartbeat until after 7 1/2 weeks. Hang in there :-)

Hope C said...

It's just fine, once you get past 2,000 doubling slows down it's a normal part of pregnancy and nothing to worry about. And normally the heartbeat isn't seen until 7 weeks, as long as it's seen in the 7th week all is well so hang in there!

Everything is going great.

twondra said...

Thinking of you. (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

When we did IVF we didn't hear the heart beat until 7 weeks, so hang on to the good that you've had so far this round and keep positive. It helps!!

Beautiful Mess said...

Thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs and good vibes!

Anonymous said...

Agree with the others. Focus on what you saw... the gestational sac and the yolk sac. That is the best news you could have gotten! The heartbeat will come very soon. Sending good thoughts your way.

Brian and Debbie said...

Thinking a million POSITIVE thoughts for you!!!!!

Hugs!

Gillian said...

You know I'm still crossing everything.. I am a veritable PRETZEL for you darlin'!! Can't wait to hear your update on Thursday!!

squarepeg said...

Betabase says you are JUST fine :)

http://betabase.info/showDailyDoubling.php?type=doubling&multiples=Single&bucket=12

Hang in there, and be prepared to give me the same pep talk in about a week!

Anonymous said...

Lisa, I am so happy that you have made it this far and am saying lots of prayers that everything continues to go as well as it has so far!!
Kim

Lollipop Goldstein said...

After your hcg hits 1200--1600, it slows to a doubling time of 72--96 hours. After 6000, it slows to a doubling time of 96 hours+. So you're totally fine.

Ms Heathen said...

Just to say that I'm thinking of you, and hoping as hard as I can that everything continues to progress as it should.

Anonymous said...

lisa -- i completely understand your fear and stress. but, i'm going to remain positive for you. please try and do the same... and i hope thursday comes quickly and gives you a huge amount of joy from seeing your little one's heartbeat.
- kristin

Cara said...

Thinking of you as you sit within the wait until Thursday and praying for another good number!!

my hope my faith my love said...

Praying for you that this is it!

Kami said...

I think what you see on the u/s is more important than the bet so I would be encouraged.

Hang in there and enjoy being pregnant!

Linda said...

Sending TONS of hopes and prayers and good thoughts for that heartbeat on Thursday!!

Michelle said...

Sending you tons of prayers and good thoughts for tomorrow morning. I PRAY you see a wonderful strong heartbeat tomorrow morning.

I'll be thinking about you.

Anonymous said...

oh lisa - I was checking up on you & I have everything crossed for you & sending all my positive energy your way. I'm holding on to what Richard said!!!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say that I'll be thinking good thoughts for you tomorrow. Stay positive!

-Nicole

The Pifer's said...

I found your blog through another, I hope it's ok if I follow you!

I am praying for you sweetie!!!!!

Lots of love, hugs and prayers-
Tiffany
http://thepiferfamily.blogspot.com/

Rhonda said...

Lisa! So glad that your spirits are up and that you're on your way. My fingers are crossed and I'm praying for you and your family.