Hi...(long intro, sorry!)

JE2249

Hey ladies,

I've been on the Bump since my second loss (ectopic/tube removal 2/2013), although have not been active in the past several months. I'm a midwest girl, and am an ICU nurse. My DH is in business administration, and we have 3 furbabies, two dogs and a cat. We love sports and concerts, and our time at home. I'm also a chocolaholic, and love to shop, and read.

I charted/temped for a few months, just to get the hang of my cycle, as my previous BFP's were NTNP, but were exciting nonetheless. We have been actively TTC since March, with no luck, and my OB sent me for an HSG, and my DH for a SA in September. Needless to say, everything looked fine. She went on maternity leave beginning of September, so I haven't been able to be in contact with her, and have not had great luck with the rest of her office staff (those stories deserve their own threads, but now is not the time or place).

I got a BFP on an FRER yesterday morning, not a clue on DPO or ovulation, only that I was on CD27 (cycles have been 27-29 days the last several months), and a darker BFP today on an FRER, along with a positive digital. I stopped using OPK's and charting a few months ago, as I found it only made me more anxious. I went in for blood work yesterday, and my beta was 17, progesterone was 19.6. The nurse at the clinic told me that the doctor that signed off on it wanted me to come in next week for another beta. I asked to have one tomorrow or Thursday, as my OB was very proactive, telling me that when I did get a BFP, to call and we would do serial betas to make sure my levels were rising appropriately, along with an early US to confirm intrauterine implantation. I'm also a spotter (although none currently, thank goodness), so I asked for the progesterone to be drawn, which they didn't have a problem with. The nurse called me back and told me that the doctor didn't think that I needed more blood work until next week since my levels were so low, and "anything could happen", but would draw another one if I was insistent (I was!). Are all offices this difficult to work with? I've had SUCH a good experience with my OB, who has been more than helpful with both of my previous losses, along with proactive with treatment. She comes back in the next two weeks, which is great, but until then, I guess I'm just frustrated that I have to ask (and ask and ask) for what I know needs to be done.

Sorry for the long, rambling background/situation, and thank you if you have made it this far. My DH obviously knows, but I do realize how early it is, and have opted to not tell any family/friends quite yet. I know that betas can start low, and of course, that doubling is all that matters. I just feel like I'm constantly reminding myself of that, especially when I'm talking to healthcare staff that don't know me or my past situations.

Any ladies who have started low who are well into their pregnancies? Also, the nurse that I talked to told me that they wouldn't do a repeat progesterone tomorrow since mine is "within limits". Is this something I should be pushing for? What progesterone level would most doctors want to supplement? I'm just so worries/nervous, and am trying to cover all of my bases.

Thanks in advance for any advice/words that you have for me. When I figure out (or remember) how to use gifs and post pictures of yummies, I'll do so!

meli1025

Congrats and welcome! Sorry you're having a hard time with your Dr's office. My OB does betas a week apart as well and it did leave me very anxious. Your progesterone number sounds good though, my OB likes it above 12.

JE2249

Thanks SO much for your replies! Like I said, I feel like I'm constantly trying to talk myself down. And of course, am reminding myself that "today I am pregnant, and I love my baby". You guys are so wonderful. Thanks for the info on progesterone @meli1025. I have tried to google (shame on me, I know), but end up with different reference points. I think I will trust at this point, and wait on another progesterone level. Maybe next week...

ksyknelvr73

Welcome and congrats! I'm sorry you're having to deal with the office staff who aren't as proactive, that would frustrate me as well. I don't really think your beta is low considering you just found out you are pregnant, and you know as well as anyone I am sure it's more about doubling time than anything! Also, with progesterone, my OB personally likes to see it at 20, so yours sounds okay. I remember with my son, my progesterone started at 20 and they drew it again a week later and it had dropped to 13 so they put me on supplements.

JE2249

@ksyknelvr73, that is SO helpful! I thought I'd read somewhere that it could drop, and that supplementation could end up being necessary, but, like I said, there's so much information, and so many reference points (OB vs. RE) it's hard to keep track! I will definitely push for a recheck next week, just to make sure. Thanks again!!!

ksyknelvr73

JE2249 said:

@ksyknelvr73, that is SO helpful! I thought I'd read somewhere that it could drop, and that supplementation could end up being necessary, but, like I said, there's so much information, and so many reference points (OB vs. RE) it's hard to keep track! I will definitely push for a recheck next week, just to make sure. Thanks again!!!

@JE2249, no problem! I had a different OB the first time I got pregnant and he liked to see progesterone at 10 I believe, so I know many OB's/RE's have different guidelines. But I feel much better about 20 than 10 in my case, especially after having losses. Definitely push for another blood draw to check progesterone when you have betas done!

deren1em

Congrats! I am a midwest ICU nurse myself I would be happy with the progesterone level but I would push for the repeat betas. I hate it when people makes comments like "anything could happen"...umm duh I know that, anything has happened before! Sigh...good luck!

jhs121

Congratulations and welcome!

MommaAshley12

Congrats and welcome. Your first beta sounds just like mine. My hcg was 14 and progesterone was 20 I think. It was really early. Next beta had doubled appropriately and progesterone went up a bit. Hope your hcg rises appropriately and it's a happy healthy pregnancy for you

JE2249

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all of the warm wishes and kind words. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate them, and all of you! It helps to know that someone has been here, has done this, and understands what I'm saying/thinking and going through. BIG (((HUGS))) to all of you!

jackiemary

Welcome and congrats on your BFP. Hope you have a happy, healthy 9 months!

MrsWallick

Congrats and welcome!

toomanycats1

Congrats!  I'm sorry you've had to fight a bit for testing.  I've definitely been there, and know first hand how frustrating and helpless it can be.  My GP no longer delivers babies, so I'll have to see someone that doesn't know me as well.  (OB only follows if high-risk).  Hopefully once this office gets to know you a little better, they are more able to meet your needs.  

Welcome!

Pixiesmom73

Welcome and congratulations! FX your betas double nicely!

Havlous

Welcome & Congrats!