Two pink lines

[Lady Venom]

So, as I outlined in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=442636) we have been trying for a really long time to have a baby.

So, the IUI was not successful, but we were successful on our own :D

I found out last Monday evening at 9:30 pm, after humming and hawing about doing a test. 2 weeks late isn't unusual for me! I'm about 6.5 weeks along. Gestation, about 4 weeks.

I had a blood test on Tuesday and my hCG was 182.9 and progestrone was 17.89. I had another blood test on Thursday and my hCG was 512.34 and my progestrone was at 17.09.

I received a call from the Fertility Specialist, who said after reviewing my levels, stated that she thought it wouldn't be a good pregnancy.

Of course, I was very upset and left work. When I got home, I did a little investigating.

Progesterone levels in the first trimester should be between 7 - 49. That is a huge variance. Most doctors like to see a minimum of 10. Mine likes a minimum of 20-30.

I'm confused. Should I be worried?

On Friday the Dr. gave me a prescription for Progesterone suppositories, with the hope that my progesterone will go up and help thicken the lining.

Now, I had some very light spotting off and on over the past week. Barely enough to make the paper pink. That has all but stopped since Saturday.

I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow who will hopefully answer some questions.

I feel pregnant. Nauseous, dizzy, tired, VERY sore breasts.

Anyone want to ease my mind? Now, I know that given my history this may not work, but at least we tried, right?

[fatgail]

I had low progesterone with my first pregnancy and lost the baby at 13 weeks...but my progesterone was FOUR, and never increased. My doctor would have been ecstatic to see a 17. With my daughter, I had about 15 for the first few weeks, took the progesterone and got it up to like 20, but that little bugger wouldn't budge :D she stayed in that womb until we evicted her.

That was with IVF (three tries). I know how hard it is to keep your spirits up, but do that...I'm convinced it helps. I also had quite a bit of spotting with Charlotte, until like fourteen weeks! But like I said, all was well.

You know the chances, you know what can happen, so I'm not trying to blow smoke up your ass, just keep positive, stay healthy, get your rest, and I'll be thinkin' of you. We're about to start trying for number two with our frozen embryos, so I know the rollercoaster will start all over :)

[freckafree]

I bled for something like nine weeks, beginning with a gush of bright red blood. I was convinced I was having a miscarriage. The bleeding slo-o-o-o-o-o-o-owly diminished until it dwindled to nothing in about the 16th week. The rest of the pregnancy was pretty uneventful. (My water broke at 37 weeks, so he was a bit early and on the small side, but healthy as a horse.)

Good luck, LV. Let us know what you find out.

[ENugent]

Your doubling time for the hCG is 32 hours, which is maybe on the long side but I think it's within normal range. You can get more data than you can handle about hCG levels and doubling times at http://www.betabase.info (but it was down when I tried to check it just now). If two weeks late isn't unusual for you, then you may not be right about how many weeks gestation you are, either, which could account for lower hCG levels. Were you temping or using OPKs? How confident are you of the conception date?

The progesterone suppositories are supposed to work very well. If your difficulties have been with staying pregnant, rather than getting pregnant (entirely possible without your knowing it), then they may be just the thing to help this one stick.

Good luck! Are they going to do an early scan for you to look for the heartbeat? Do you have another blood draw scheduled for the hCG?

[Drain Bead]

I've always heard that the doubling time should be between 24-48 hours, which it seems like you're right smack in the middle of. Hopefully the progesterone will help. I'm sending sticky baby vibes your way!

[ENugent]

OK, the betabase is back up, and I see that for hCG levels between 256 and 512, the median doubling time for a successful singleton pregnancy is 38.6 hours. So yours are moving quite nicely. The levels are kind of low if you're really 6 weeks pregnant, but that could be explained by late ovulation (and they're not outside the levels that have been measured for a successful singleton pregnancy four weeks after ovulation - but on the very low end of that).

Good luck - I hope this is it for you!

[Lady Venom]

Thanks everyone, I'm definately feeling a lot better with your stories.

ENugent - We weren't temping or using OPK's or anything!!! It just happened. I'm not at all sure of my ovulation date, I'm just going by my lmp, which was December 8th.

January 8th, I had quite a bit of bleeding, and it started exactly like my period does, so I didn't think anything of it. Now, I'm quite sure it was implantation bleeding.

My problem has been getting & staying pregnant. We've had two miscarriages in 10 years of trying. I had surgery 2 years ago to remove a huge fibroid in my uterus, which, the RE told us likely caused the miscarriages.

I am going to see my GP tomorrow and get some answers. I trust him, he's been my doctor since I was 12.

My RE scheduled an ultrasound for Feb 20th, "if everything goes well" I love my RE, honestly, but it seems like....I don't know, like they're miffed that I did this on my own!! Keep in mind, my RE said that there was NOTHING that could be done about my Progesterone, I had to insist on the sups!

I'm going to see if my GP can refer me to an OB that I can get in to soon, or at least do an ultrasound and more blood work this week to see if everything is okay.

Thanks for all the sticky baby vibes, I sure could use them!!

I'll update again tomorrow after my GP appointment.

Thanks ladies!!

[The Real Thing]

Nothing to add baby-wise, just wishing you well!

[Eliahna]

Good luck Lady Venom. I hope it all goes well for you.

[lavenderviolet]

Good luck to you!! I can understand why the doc's pessimism would be upsetting. Most doctors try to avoid making any promises about outcomes just to be sure the patient doesn't get mad or want to sue if things don't go as hoped, so maybe she's just erring on teh side of caution. I definitely hope things go smoothly for you. :)

[Lady Venom]

Update:

Well...after an ultrasound on Wednesday, we've confirmed the worst.

My pregnancy was a blighted ovum. An egg that fertilized and implanted, but did not result in an embryonic sac, thus, no baby.

We're bummed, but okay.

[Zsofia]

Good lord, you'd think they could come up with a better name for it, wouldn't you?

I'm sorry it didn't work out but I hope this gives you hope for future efforts.

[Khadaji]

Update:

Well...after an ultrasound on Wednesday, we've confirmed the worst.

My pregnancy was a blighted ovum. An egg that fertilized and implanted, but did not result in an embryonic sac, thus, no baby.

We're bummed, but okay.
My condolences. Sending supporting thoughts our way.

[lavenderviolet]

Sorry to hear the sad news. :( I wish you well with whatever path you decide to take from this point on.

[TroubleAgain]

I'm sorry.

[ENugent]

I'm very sorry. Take good care of yourself, and of each other.

[Tenar]

What a shame. I was pulling for you. Hang in there.

[Kythereia]

Dammit. *hugs you both very tight*

[MikeG]

I'm sorry.

[Lady Venom]

So, I'll start off by saying thanks to everyone for their thoughts....and say that I'm pretty scared about now.

My RE and my family doctor both received my ultrasound results from last Wednesday. My GP called me at 6:00 last night and said that it showed no sac at all. My RE called this morning and said the same thing and suggested that I come in for bloodwork to see where my levels stand.

HCG is still at 14,000+

My RE is thinking ectopic (even though I've had no symptoms as of yet).

I've been bleeding since Thursday evening, pretty heavy with minimal cramping.

I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow morning.

I'm scared. :(

[freckafree]

Gosh, Lady Venom. I'd be scared, too. We're all thinking about you. Please let us know what you find out.

[Reepicheep]

Good thoughts, lots and lots of good thoughts.

[norinew]

Oh, my, no wonder you're frightened! Lots of good vibes are headed your way!

[ENugent]

Oh, wow, that is scary. Good luck!

[TokyoBayer]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that its out well.

[[[[hugs]]]]]

[Yllaria]

Add all my best thought, too. Hope things work out.

[Drain Bead]

*hugs*

[gardentraveler]

And more hugs.

[Helen's Eidolon]

Oh gosh. My thoughts are with you.

[Lady Venom]

Well then...

So, the large fibroid on the outside of my uterus is blocking the view!! *sigh*

I had an abdominal u/s, and because my bladder wasn't full enough, they couldn't see much. I then had a vaginal u/s and they pinpointed my tubes, but still, the view was hindered because of the fibroid.

So, at this point my doctor isn't sure WHAT is going on. She's fairly sure that it's not ectopic. Mostly because of the lack of symptoms and I wasn't having any pain during the u/s.

Tomorrow morning I go back for more bloodwork and another abdo. u/s. Fun fun! :(

*IF* they can't see anything again, I'll be going on meds to terminate the pregnancy. If THAT fails, it will be an emergency D&C.

[norinew]

I then had a vaginal u/s
Heh. I've had a couple of those! They left me feeling like the tech could have at least bought me a drink first! ;)

Seriously, though, I know it sucks to know (or at least suspect) something's wrong, and not know what it is! Hope you get this ironed out sooner rather than later!

[ENugent]

Heh. I've had a couple of those! They left me feeling like the tech could have at least bought me a drink first! ;)
I had so many during my IUIs and IVF that I was totally taken aback when I got a pregnancy ultrasound and I didn't have to take my pants all the way off. We'd been using the phrase from A Little Pregnant (http://www.alittlepregnant.com) - "riding the dildocam". (Although I think my favorite coinage from that site is the "wankatorium").

Good luck with tomorrow's ultrasound, LV.

[Lady Venom]

Yeesh!!

So, I just got back from my ultrasound, and again, the fibroid is hiding my uterus.

So, they can't see....well....anything. Kinda to be expected with a fibroid the size of a GRAPEFRUIT blocking things, huh??

Checking my ovaries, they don't see any abnormalities either. So, an ectopic has all but been ruled out. They can't rule it out 100%, because they can't see my uterus!

BUT, this is where it gets majorly confusing. This morning, my beta was 22,778!!! So, in spite of the bleeding the past week (which is slowing down), it appears that I am still pregnant. :confused:

WTF is going on!? I've got some of the best fertility doctors in Eastern Ontario stumped!! *shakes her head*

Next step is another ultrasound/bloodwork day on Tuesday. I'll keep you all posted!

[mmouse9799]

Venom, I've heard and read that bleeding during pregnancy could just be the fetus/placenta repositioning in the uterus. I'm not a doctor or medical expert of any kind, but it seems like this could be what's happening...maybe?

[Slypork]

Lady Venom, I wish you the best of luck. HCG levels that high is a good sign but you must have a fibroid made of lead or something. I hope it’s just a case of them not being able to get a good angle.

When my wife and I were going through the IUIs she called it “Willy the Wonder Wand”. One time she brought a flavored condom in for them to put on the wand. :D

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Yeesh!!

So, I just got back from my ultrasound, and again, the fibroid is hiding my uterus.

So, they can't see....well....anything. Kinda to be expected with a fibroid the size of a GRAPEFRUIT blocking things, huh??

Checking my ovaries, they don't see any abnormalities either. So, an ectopic has all but been ruled out. They can't rule it out 100%, because they can't see my uterus!

BUT, this is where it gets majorly confusing. This morning, my beta was 22,778!!! So, in spite of the bleeding the past week (which is slowing down), it appears that I am still pregnant. :confused:

WTF is going on!? I've got some of the best fertility doctors in Eastern Ontario stumped!! *shakes her head*

Next step is another ultrasound/bloodwork day on Tuesday. I'll keep you all posted!


Maybe you're giving birth to the savior?

[Least Original User Name Ever]

(and yes, I want to say it before someone else does)


"He's not the savior! He's a very naughty boy!"

[Lady Venom]

Least Original User Name Ever:

LOL Maybe!! *shrug*

Slypork:

This fibroid, well, is huge. about the size of a grapefruit, and it's right in front of my uterus. So, yea, it's an angle thing.

From what they said today, if this pregnancy keeps going, the fibroid will be pushed out of the way.

mmouse9799:

Who knows at this point!! Your guess is as good as anyones!

ETA: Also, just a quick thanks...to everyone. Talking this out has helped me TREMENDOUSLY!! :)

[Tenar]

Jeezus. What a rollercoaster ride. Here's hoping that all is well after all.

[Autolycus]

Geez, sounds like a really rough time. [[hugs]]

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Least Original User Name Ever:

LOL Maybe!! *shrug*

Slypork:

This fibroid, well, is huge. about the size of a grapefruit, and it's right in front of my uterus. So, yea, it's an angle thing.

From what they said today, if this pregnancy keeps going, the fibroid will be pushed out of the way.

mmouse9799:

Who knows at this point!! Your guess is as good as anyones!

ETA: Also, just a quick thanks...to everyone. Talking this out has helped me TREMENDOUSLY!! :)

However it ends, I hope it ends well.

[Lady Venom]

I am sooooooooo happy to share some good news...

WE FOUND BABY!!!! :p

He/she is hiding under my bellybutton. Munchkin is 8 weeks 3 days gestation and about an inch long. I'm due September 18th, but I'll likely be having a scheduled c-section towards mid to late August because of the fibroid crowding my abdomen. There's likely not much of a chance of a natural birth because the largest fibroid is almost below my uterus.

I can't tell you in words what it was like when the ultrasound tech finally said AH HA!

I saw the baby...saw his/her heart beating.

Ugh, I'm beside myself here!! :D My husband is just as amazed.

[Autolycus]

Huzzah! Dont worry. C-section babies are totally fine. I was a C-baby!

[norinew]

Yay for Doper Babies!!

I had all of mine C-section, they were all fine, and so was I!

[Eureka]

Congratulations! And my very strongest wishes that the most difficult/stressful part of your pregnancy is behind you.

[lavenderviolet]

Wow, that's totally amazing. :D Glad that your baby is doing so well (seeing the heartbeat is a really good sign of course :) ) and hope that the rest of the pregnancy goes smoothly!

[Helen's Eidolon]

That's so fantastic! I was hoping there would be a good happy ending, but it seemed so unlikey further up the thread.

YAY!

[ENugent]

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you!

[whiterabbit]

Yay!!!!

[Tenar]

Absolutely amazing. I'm so very happy for you.

[freckafree]

Awesome, wonderful news!

LV, I had HUGE fibroids, too. Kid was transverse, would not -- nay, COULD not turn. He was pinned in place by them. One kind of pressed on his head, so he came out looking like Gumby, despite the C-section.

Unless there's some correlation between C-section due to fibroids and being a smart-ass pre-teen, there were no negative sequelae.

[TokyoBayer]

Huzzah! Dont worry. C-section babies are totally fine. I was a C-baby!You're not supposed to give additional worried to pregnant mothers!

Anyway, that's great!

[Lady Venom]

Thanks guys :)

This is a huge relief. We're so happy right now. Hopefully the rest of the pregnancy goes well.

[mmouse9799]

Cheers for your 'sticky' baby!! :) I'm so happy for you.

[MLS]

Not a criticism, just a question, because I don't know very much about fibroids. How long have you had the fibroid, and did they know about it before this? I would think that would be a major issue with trying to conceive. Is it?

[goldenmean1975]

Man what a rollar coaster ride reading this thread! Can't even imagine how you felt living it! I just want to congradulate you, and wish you a much less exciting rest of your pregnancy!

[Lady Venom]

Not a criticism, just a question, because I don't know very much about fibroids. How long have you had the fibroid, and did they know about it before this? I would think that would be a major issue with trying to conceive. Is it?

I've had it for a while, but this one is on the outside of my uterus. The reason it was not removed is that it's risky when removing something from the outside. It would cause scaring on my uterus, which could rupture during pregnancy, so it was left alone. I had one large one removed from the interior of the uterine wall 2 years ago, that was causing problems with conceiving and keeping a pregnancy.

I appreciate the questions :)

[Lady Venom]

Man what a rollar coaster ride reading this thread! Can't even imagine how you felt living it! I just want to congradulate you, and wish you a much less exciting rest of your pregnancy!

I love rollercoasters, but this one I could have lived without!! hehe

Thanks for the congrats and wishes of a less exicting pregnancy.

One thing that I am finding right now is that I am EXHAUSTED! Wow! I told my boss today that naps should be mandatory :D

[norinew]

Not a criticism, just a question, because I don't know very much about fibroids. How long have you had the fibroid, and did they know about it before this? I would think that would be a major issue with trying to conceive. Is it?
Speaking solely for myself (notwithstanding LadyVenom's experience), many fibroids require surgery. Surgery, in and of itself, carries risks, therefore, doctors tend to leave the fibroids alone until and unless they start causing problems that outweigh the risks of surgery.

One thing that I am finding right now is that I am EXHAUSTED! Wow! I told my boss today that naps should be mandatory
A-freakin'-men! With my second pregnancy, one of my very first symptoms (after breast tenderness) was extreme exhaustion for seemingly no reason at all! Good news is, for most women, this passes after the first trimester (often to return during the final stretch, if for no other reason than that you're carrying all that extra weight!)

[Cartooniverse]

Fantastic news !! MANY congrats and wishes for a very booooring pregnancy from here out.

You will, of course, be naming the baby Cecil, right? :D

Cartooniverse

[irishgirl]

Yeay!
Glad to hear "sticky" baby stuck.
Get your rest, eat your greens and try to enjoy the wait!

[Coup Fourre]

Tears of joy for you! Congratulations! So, so happy for you!!