5 week hcg test results:
5 weeks 1 day – actual hcg reading 1293 (not the “1200-ish” result previously given) up from 197 seven days earlier
Progesterone – 19 down from 33 seven days earlier.
Medications:
Additional 200 mg progesterone pessary (making total of 3 x 200 mg daily) commenced three days ago on the day of the follow up hcg test.
Progynova 3 x 2mg daily.
Taking a deep breath and thinking of all the blog encouragement I had received on the matter of asking for actual results, I phoned in and left a message for the nurse. It is rare to reach them directly and immediately.
I then went about making the appointment for the early pregnancy scan. This time my practical nature took over from my superstition. The 6.5 to 7 week scan will have to take place next week. To get that appointment then, the booking had to be made today. There was an opening for Wednesday, which would make us 6 weeks 6 days, so the timing seemed perfect. I emailed Wobbles the details, he had told me last night that his calendar would be clear.
Eventually the nurse returned my call. Again, it was an odd conversation. She was clearly nervous about what I wanted to ask, making mention of our “up and down conversation” of Friday. I decided not to buy into it, and pressed ahead saying I wanted the actual details for my own records. She seemed relieved, yet afterwards launched into a story of another patient who had bled heavily for weeks in early pregnancy and still had a Take Home Baby at the end of it all. I was not sure about being compared with such an extreme case, and still felt nervous that the clinic knows something through my results that I do not.
I understand the nurse is kind. She actually is the nicest we have ever had in a long line of some real horrors. In her efforts to not be seen to be giving anything away or giving guarantees she allows doubt and worry to creep in via great whooping holes in her conversation. After today I decided to try and stay immune to her “we just have to wait and see” speak.
According to JourneyGirl’s hcg calculator, this gives us a doubling time of 61.89 hours, an increase of 556.3%, making the two-day increase 71.1%, which again is in the ‘normal’ range.
With slightly adjusted hcg results, I decided to phone Wobbles at work to update him. After another hcg/progesterone conversation he casually dropped in the fact that he is due interstate again next week, that the trip would clash with the scan day. He briefly spoke of cancelling his trip, I was hopefully we could get a scan for one day later. I waited while he confirmed his travel plans and phoned back in to the ultrasound clinic and got an appointment for Thursday (29/09) the day we will be 7 weeks exactly.
I have no clues what to make of the progesterone levels and their fall. I invite and welcome comment. Interestingly, it is blog comments that proven to be Wobbles’ and my chief source of hope and support. Although I am grateful, I somehow wish that fertility clinics did not make this situation necessary.
If there were something to be made of the progesterone levels (other than the wild speculation in which I’ve already engaged), I’m sure the clinic would have told you instead of beating around the bush. I suspect that, given your impression of the nurse’s discomfort, that the clinic thinks it’s not a good thing. But, they can’t say that definitively, so all we can all do is wait and see. Maybe all the people hoping for the best will swing the pendulum of good luck in your direction.
I wish I understood the process more so I could offer some meaningful advice… unfortunately I don’t know enough. Was each progesterone test done at the same time of day? Thursday week is not too far away and we will all be here with you hoping x
Hi Sweetie, Just came around to check on you. Can’t give you great words of advice on the progesterone levels and all. I wish your clinic people were more ‘straightforward’.
It would be nice if Mr. Wobbles stayed on for your next appointment. Wishing you the very best.
Hi Slurp. I went to dig up my numbers for you. I hope this gives you some hope.
hCG increased from 1169 to 2624. Progesterone dropped from 25 to 18.6. A few days later p4 back up to 31….. For the record, if p4 dropped below 15, the PIO injections would be upped to 2 units (originally 1, increased to 1.5 – increase remains in effect). Doctor would have ordered beta 5.
Rocco and I changed the process for our p4 shots – slow it waaaaay down. Let that thick med seep all the way in slowly.
Sitting with you every single day, ok? Available by phone day or night, say the word.
The waiting and seeing is really, really hard to bear. I wish I could make it easier for you.
The appointment is still a while away, but I hope it shows you good news.
Keep yourself distracted meanwhile!
Okay, all good, glad you put the call in! After I hung up the computer last week it occurred to me that I should have said that I am aware that P4 can fluctuate and probably doesn’t mean anything – but it’s good that you have been prescribed extra for the safe side.
Am glad that you and Wobbles can be at the scan together.
Well done on extracting some actual numbers out of your nurse
Your hCG does fit within the so-called ‘normal’ doubling time, so that’s good!
I take it they’re not doing any further BTs then?
I’m not sure what to make of the progesterone situation, I have very little knowledge in this area. I guess the only thing I can share from actual experience is that abnormally sky-high levels don’t guarantee a good outcome (with one of my chem pgs my P4 was over 300), so I’d extrapolate and say that slightly low levels don’t guarantee a bad outcome either!
I’ve seen a table from QML Pathology showing preferred levels in each trimester, I’m happy to share that if you like, but as the others have said, fluctuations can and do occur with no ill effect. I thought Roccie’s info was very encouraging.
I think for now all that you can do is wait, and see… You have great reserves of strength within you. Focus on self-nurturing, BREATHE, and keep sending positive, loving vibes to the Wobblybub. And rant and rave in here if it helps!
I have your scan date in my diary x
Big hugs and hope from Tireegal:) xoxoxoxxo
Just came by to wish you good luck!
xoxo
I am sorry you are going through a roller coaster, I sometimes think that people dealing with IF shouldn’t have to go through all of this.
Sending you lots of sticky vibes!! I hope the week flies by until your ultrasound!!
I know someone whose progesterone dropped drastically. They re-tested two days later and the level was back up. The concluded that the first results were read wrong. Hoping for great news tomorrow!