s/o HPTs, I have a question, trying to track HCG down to zero/low

HadleyS

My doc isn't following my levels since I never even got to meet her, she's great isn't she!?  Anyway, I did order some HPTs off the internet, but I'm only getting 4 and they are the EPT brand.  I now know that I missed out on much better deals, but this is what I have.  I don't want to waste them, but am anxious to start testing HCG down to zero. 

When would be a good day for the first test?  My levels were around 8100 on Dec 31, and then around 7000 when I naturally and passed everything on Jan 5.

jmckeag

If you're doctor was going to track your HCG returning to <5 then she would only check once a week (at least that is what mine did).  If I were in your shoes I would take one test with FMU a week after your last blood draw, and repeat this once a week until you get a negative.  To do it more frequently than this will probably cost you a lot of money in HPTs.  Sorry for your loss and hopefully you get a BFN soon (sounds weird to say, but I know what its like to anticipate that post m/c).

myaddiwaddi06

Everyone is different but I can tell you what I did. My dr took mine the morning after my m/c and then not again for a month. So I tested around 3.5 weeks and was getting a faint positive. I got a faint positive on a Saturday and then never tested again. My levels were drawn that Monday and the were -5. The tests are sensitive so I would say take them once a week since you only have the 4. I hope this helps!

I know it has taken some ladies a lot longer to get their numbers to go down. I am sorry your dr. won't test them down. To me that is a bit strange. My dr. said it was really important.

JulsW

If you want to test more frequently check out amazon.com, they have lots of cheapies and then it wouldn't break the bank finding out when your levels were back down. GL

HadleyS

Thanks everyone, and I guess my doctor is a d*ck.  We moved to Boston from Arkansas and are moving back to Arkansas in June (Hubby came up here for a fellowship at the hospital where the OB is practicing).  Since I hadn't established care in our short time here, my first appt with the OB was only scheduled by me once we got pregnant.  Well, after the m/c, the doc's office called and said,  "Well, since you never met the OB and you're not pregnant, there is no reason for us to see you or follow you up."  I mean, it's not like I am uninsured or even on Medicaid, my husband is a friggin women's and perinatal pathology fellow there, he's a friggin doctor!  It's a good thing I had my big girl panties on then, I just took the high road, and said "Okay, thank you.  I hope to be calling you soon to make another appointment then." 

erb911

I was a 22 on December 29 after miscarrying on December 16.  AF came today!!!  I didn't get blood work done last week but did yesterday and am awaiting the results. 

HadleyS

erb911:

I was a 22 on December 29 after miscarrying on December 16.  AF came today!!!  I didn't get blood work done last week but did yesterday and am awaiting the results. 

Those aren't bad numbers at all, I would like to see mine do that.  Actually, it seems a little like you had a pretty "regular" cycle that time.  Here's to hoping you get your BFP this month if that is also what you are hoping for.

ewilliams1127

My doc did a draw the day I was seen for the m/c and my levels were low enough to suggest I waited too long to come in after the m/c symptoms started.  She then drew blood again at my f/u appt. two weeks later to check and I was back to negative range (5 hcg).  She said in a few days I would be at a zero.  So for me at 5w6d it took two and a half weeks.  GL!

rock-elle

Be careful though, just because you might get a negative pg test does not necessarily mean that your Hcg has returned to "not pregnant" levels (less than 5.)  A negative test just means you have less than the required amount of Hcg to be read on a test.

HadleyS

rock-elle:

Be careful though, just because you might get a negative pg test does not necessarily mean that your Hcg has returned to "not pregnant" levels (less than 5.)  A negative test just means you have less than the required amount of Hcg to be read on a test.

Right, I am keeping this in mind.  I think mine are either sensitive to 20 or 25....likely 25, but at least when I know it's under that, it won't take long to get to zero.  I wish I had something more sensitive, butI have to work with what I've got. 

I am curious about FMU though.  I know for sure that there is no new HCG production, but I guess it's best to still test with FMU because even though I have m/c'd, I figure that's when it's not diluted...?

Fallon621

I am just kind of baffeld that this OB will not see you.

And aslo by what some of you are saying that your doc's had no interest to follow your levels down to 0.  My MW said that it was very important to do!!  I had to go in  1 or 2 times a week for draws.  Thank god she did because My levels were rising and had to have yet again another U/S that showed there was still retained tissue in there and had to have a D&E on tuesday after 5 weeks of testing and (tmi) bleeding!