Etopic pregnancy

[Mamainmaking1]

Has anyone any experience of etopic and the treatments for it? They can't clearly see an etopic on the scan and are assuming based on tenderness during the scan and the fact I am bleeding that that is what it is. Today they said there was a tiny sac visable in womb but that it could of been a blood clot and they would expect to see a bit more at this stage (5 weeks 1day). I am in no pain but I am bleeding daily. My numbers went from 488 tuesday to 1127 Friday. My progesterone was 36 and I think it rose to 47. Scan again in the morning and then have to make decision - Any advice or stories etc I would be really grateful.

[ButterscotchBabe]

Sorry I don't have experience with ectopic pregnancy but are you able to wait until 6 weeks? By then they should be able to see where the foetus is. I know I wouldn't feel comfortable aborting if they weren't 100% sure it was ectopic. Some women experience bleeding throughout pregnancy and go on to have healthy babies, so they need to be sure its definitely not in your womb. Wishing you luck xx

[Kate105]

Hi @Mamainmaking1 I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I had a diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy in September- I went to EPU with bleeding (no pain) assuming it was a MC but my HCG was all over the place and they couldn’t see anything on the scan, so that confirmed it. I was about 6 weeks at that point. I spent a lot of time on here desperately looking for miracle stories but I think it’s helpful to try and think about worse case scenarios too.

It’s a really shitty thing to happen, if that is what is happening. But at the same time, I found the uncertainty to be far worse. Once I had the diagnosis and I knew what treatment I had to go through, things felt a lot better (or at least less shit and scary!).

Good luck for your scam tomorrow. Let us know how you get on and if you have any questions please do just shout xxx

[Kate105]

Scan tomorrow! Not scam 😂🙈

[MrsB2019x]

Oh what a horrid position to be in!

I’m surprised they are making you decide so early at 5+1 when they aren’t 100% certain. I had an ectopic in April, they refused to scan me at 5+0 because they didn’t think they would see anything, I pushed and was eventually scanned at 5+4 where they noticed the embryo in my tube. I was bleeding like a regular period but was also in quite a bit of pain too - it felt like someone had their thumb where my ovaries are and was pushing down as hard as they could.

Best of luck for your scan tomorrow, keep us posted xx

[LyingDogsLie1]

I had an ectopic, i started bleeding at 4 weeks, I was told I’d likely miscarried. Two weeks later my tests were still positive so I was actually seen and had a scan. Nothing, followed by blood tests that initially showed my HCG doubling (Nurse rang me to congratulate me on being pregnant still) levels continued to rise but only steadily. Next scan after I’d passed a massive clot showed the lining of my womb was thinner. Still thought I’d miscarried. More bloods (every two days), I was due to have methotrexate which is a heavy drug to end the pregnancy, but my levels dropped v slightly and I started bleeding again. The drug was actually being prepared and I said I’d like to return the next day as I needed to go and collect my son and didn’t want to deal with the ill effects and a toddler. My pain continued to increase and I was finally seen by a competent Dr who asked a consultant to scan me. Consultant found the ectopic pregnancy and internal bleeding almost instantly. Expressed disappointment in her colleagues and my care and got me into theatre. Suddenly I was being offered morphine and v closely monitored where before nobody had taken my pain seriously. I was told it wasn’t “too bad” despite experiencing one sided pain from the outset of the pregnancy. I actually rang urgent care and said I was concerned re my one sided pain and was told “you know you’re miscarrying and there’s nothing we can do, we won’t scan you.”

It was super shit.

I’m sorry to share that but hope this isn’t the case for you.

[LyingDogsLie1]

It’s a really shitty thing to happen, if that is what is happening. But at the same time, I found the uncertainty to be far worse. Once I had the diagnosis and I knew what treatment I had to go through, things felt a lot better (or at least less shit and scary!).

I agree. I was devastated but after several weeks of back and forth and being told I’m pregnant/not/am it was a relief to have some closure.

[ivfbeenbusy]

I had 2 ectopics both ruptured and lost both tubes. With my first the ectopic wasn't visible until hcg went over 3500 - I didn't experience any bleeding.

With both I had one sided pain - more like a stitch. I've had multiple miscarriages and so can tell the difference and it definitely didn't feel like the low down cramping pain, heavy feeling in your uterus you get with miscarriages

They did attempt to treat my first with methotrexate but unfortunately it failed and baby still went on to develop a heartbeat. My second ectopic hcg was very high and a heartbeat was detected in the morning and I'd ruptured within 12 hours

As awful as methotrexate is - and it means you mustn't get pregnant for 3 months as it can be dangerous to a new baby/pregnancy - it means the process is over quicker as you could have to go through medical monitoring with weekly blood tests tracking hcg back to zero which could take weeks and weeks anyway? Also the threat of rupture would still be present until hcg is zero - I've known people rupture with a level of 5

[Chica1990]

I had an ectopic removed 6th October.

I didn’t have any pain but had constant bleeding (I was probably bleeding for over 4 weeks) and continued to get positives, so I posted on here asking if anyone had the same experience. Half the people who responded had the same and were ectopic but half said they went on to have full term pregnancies (one said she couldn’t believe how much blood she had).

My blood hcg on the Friday was 221 and Sunday it was 248. It’s supposed to double in a good pregnancy and your numbers look pretty good going by that logic (ectopic is usually static), and I would have thought the progesterone going up was positive?
Despite being 8 weeks (which I found out later) they couldn’t find it on two scans I had. After a third blood test on the Tuesday morning (which was 201) I went for a laparoscopy.

I don’t think you could see anything on a scan until 6 weeks? Have they mentioned something called a blighted ovum to you so far? Hopefully this is just some random spotting and everything is ok! I have my fingers crossed. Please let us know!

[Newmama29]

I had an ectopic pregnancy 2 years ago. I attended EPU with bleeding & sharp pain in my right side & back. I was around 7 weeks pregnant, they could see something in my tube but not in my womb but couldn’t confirm ectopic until blood tests. Your hcg levels should double every day if a healthy pregnancy, mines had risen but not doubled therefore ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed. I was given the choice of medical or surgical management, I chose medical but a couple of weeks later I ended up needing surgery anyway as I had ruptured resulting in the loss of my right tube.

The fact they see something in your womb & your hcg levels have risen so much seems more promising than my situation but seems unfair to ask you to make such a decision without proper confirmation. I understand the waiting is horrendous, I felt like a ticking time bomb the whole time just waiting to rupture

To give you some hope, I am now sitting feeding my ten week old baby 2 years later, so as horrible as it is now, don’t give up hope ❤️

[Tearsfortiers]

I'm also surprised that they are expecting you to make a decision tomorrow, it's very early. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust used to advise having a scan at six weeks.

If you are not in pain, are well and have someone at home then they may be happy to manage it expectantly. This was the way my first ectopic was managed. I had hcg tests every 48 hours for three weeks and was rescanned a couple of times during those three weeks. Eventually I had to have methotrexate which stops the cells dividing and my hcg levels then began to drop.

The other option they may discuss would be an exploratory laparoscopy. However given that you are well and your hcg is below 1500 I would hope that they would go for expectant management to be completely sure that you do not have a healthy pregnancy. Sorry you are going through this worrying time. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust is a great source of information.

[InTheLongGrass]

The best information I had 12 years ago came from The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.
I went from insisting I went back to work after my repeat HCG test to being summonsed back to the hospital to emergency theatre in half a day. My tube was removed.
A year later I conceived DS1 quickly, and 2 years after that, DS2 was conceived in 2 months.
My bleeding was very dark, stringy and not like any form of period bleeding I've ever known.
I'd be reluctant to make a decision right now while your HCG is still doubling every 2 days.

[PrincessConsuela12]

I had an ectopic pregnancy 2 years ago.

I went to the hospital because I was bleeding & had a sharp pain on my left side. I wasn't too far along & the nurses presumed I was miscarrying so took blood to check my HCG levels to confirm this however they were shocked to see my levels did not significantly drop. I had to go for several internal scans and repeated blood tests, from these I was diagnosed as having a pregnancy of unknown location. I was very 'lucky' and my HCG was quite low so I was offered the injection. I had to go back for weekly blood tests to make sure my numbers were dropping, I got to 0 around 4 weeks later.

I was a very stressful time so you have my sympathies 💐

I now have a beautiful DD (6 months) so even if this does turn out to be ectopic please do not lose hope (I hope this part doesn't upset / offend you, it is just to let you know that despite having an ectopic it doesn't mean any future plans to have children are gone).

I hope everything turns out OK for you x

[Mamainmaking1]

Thank you all so much for all your answers it has been so nice to read other people's stories. I am completely emotionally drained right now, I am scared of any outcome tomorrow and this sounds horrendous because it's all I want but I'm nearly afraid of the pregnancy proceeding at this point because I am completely living on my nerves. Has any of you had treatment with the injection? The Dr thinks this is best option but she states if it is etopic it's likely an ovarian etopic not tubal and I've read that this is not as effective for ovarian etopic than it is for tubal. I think I'm edging towards a surgery to just get it over with as I'm so afraid of rupture. I have a history of endo and I've had 3 surgeries so I'm grand with the prospect of surgery I just don't want to go and loose a tube or ovary if I can avoid it. Basically the Dr thinks the rise isn't sufficient because it was 488 to 1127 over 72 hours not 48 hours but she did say the fact that progesterone was high and rising that it is more indicative of etopic because it shows that there is a pregnancy and it is stuck to something in order to grow but they can't really see anything in my womb (but there was a tiny sac today because I seen it - she did say that at my numbers she wouldn't really expect to see anything bigger) but then said it could easily be a blood clot and the fact I am tender on my left side during TV ultrasound along with the bleeding makes her think it is etopic. That is another reason I feel like the surgery more because if there is a normal pregnancy the surgery will not end it but the injection will. I am tender tonight but I have had 4 lengthy TV ultrasounds over the past 5 days (two today, one by nurse then another by consultant ) so I've no idea if this is why I am so tender or whether this is the suspected etopic. She is taking me back tomorrow at 9:30 for bloods and another ultrasound then I've to wait at hosp for the outcome of the bloods and go from there - at this stage I think I've decided for the OP and to have it over and done with when I leave the hosp. Has anyone any opinions on what yous would do if you's were me? Thank you all so much again!! @MrsB2019x @PrincessConsuela12 @LyingDogsLie1 @ivfbeenbusy @Kate105 @InTheLongGrass @ButterscotchBabe

[Mamainmaking1]

@Chica1990 @Tearsfortiers @Newmama29 sorry I missed yous guys on my above post. Thank you all so much for your help.

[Mamainmaking1]

Also can I add that the consultant was nearly thinking of doing something today but said she wouldn't because she hadn't give me time to process everything. She also said she has my name's on all the op lists so they can take me straight to theatre if I was to present to A&E - scary stuff and seems so drastic given that I have had a decent rise and very slight possibility of a sac in my uterus. Maybe she knows more than me who knows!!

[Newmama29]

I had methotrexate to begin with as I was terrified of surgery & losing a tube! However, I spent the 3 weeks it takes to go back & forth for bloods to make sure it’s working, living on my nerves & terrified of ever ache & pain! I ended up needing the surgery anyway, as although my levels were falling, somehow I had already began to rupture which formed a blood clot on my tube. Although I felt emotionally drained from grieving my baby & also my tube it felt freeing to know that nothing further could happen. It’s best practice to remove the tube once ruptured as the chances of another ectopic are 50% as the tube has been damaged.

No one can tell you what to do OP, you’ll do what’s best for you. Hand hold here ❤️

[PolytheneHam]

I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy eight years ago. The scan was inconclusive but my hcg levels weren't rising as expected. I was advised to have the methotrexate jab to end the pregnancy because obviously ectopic pregnancies are incredibly dangerous to the mother. I had the jab and went home.

A couple of days later I was admitted to hospital in intense pain. I was taken for a transvaginal ultrasound the next day where they discovered that the pregnancy was in fact in the womb and that it had a heartbeat. It was too late by this stage of course, and I miscarried (does it count at miscarriage?) a few days later.

[Kate105]

I had methotrexate which didn’t work so ended up having the surgery and my right tube removed a week later. I could have had a second dose of methotrexate but I decided to go straight for the surgery because the first dose had had literally no effect- HCG was still rising as it had been before. They said afterwards that my tube was just starting to go so it was definitely the right call in the end. Only you can make that decision but it sounds as if you know what you want to do now. Good luck tomorrow and keep up posted. Sending you lots of hugs xxx

[Chica1990]

Bless you OP, where you are is a horrible place. The just over a week I spent in limbo was mental torture and I really do feel for you.

My progesterone levels were really low with my blood test so I had assumed this would be common with ectopics.

I would wait to see what the blood test results are tomorrow and listen to your gut and take your time in thinking things over.

I have my fingers crossed you have a much higher hcg rise and that they might be able to see everything is where it should be! Good luck to you tomorrow xx

[whambam89]

Hi OP, I've not read through the thread completely but I was in a very similar situation at the beginning of the year. I went for an early scan as I'd had some bleeding and they couldn't see anything, had my bloods done and they were close to doubling every 48 hours. I had a scan a week later and still nothing could be seen on the scan and was assumed an ovarian ectopic like yourself. I was treated with methotrexate and although it did take a few weeks for my levels to go back down to 0, it did work.

As others have said, I'm concerned they're giving you this option so early on - my sister had a very similar situation to myself a few months after me and nothing was seen on the scan - a week later she went back for another scan and baby was there!

[Tearsfortiers]

I would not be wanting surgery or methotrexate at this stage. How far do you live from the hospital? If you are relatively close and feel well I would ask them about expectant management and whether they feel you are a suitable candidate for that.

I became pregnant after two ectopics. My hcg level wasn't doubling. Because of my history they admitted me to hospital for a week whilst they continued to monitor me as they thought it was another ectopic and were concerned I would rupture again. It was a successful pregnancy. Please take a look at the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. They have lots of useful information and it might help you with your discussion with the doctors.

[Mamainmaking1]

A different (whole lot less thorough) Dr seen me today and was a completely different plan. Had to make no decisions today they just did bloods for the injection and my HCG and progesterone. Didn't ask me to wait for results to come back and told me to go home - I actually had to ask could she atleast ring me later to let me know what way they were. She said they are looking at miscarriage or etopic and did not state another outcome so looks like they are pretty certain. I had an awful awful night of pure worry and now I'm still no clearer. I now have to go back tomorrow to see a specialist after being told by the consultant yesterday that she would not let me home today without treatment unless she seen something significant on the scan or my numbers had atleast completely doubled. Can't help but feel like the Dr today just didn't want the hassle of this on a Sunday and I can't understand why the consultant did not follow up with me today like she said she would. So much worry caused by all of the urgency yesterday and then nothing to come out if it today and now I've another day of sitting and waiting and worrying. They seem to be pushing the injection but at this stage I have no intention of taking it and will ask for surgery since they can't actually detect the etopic and if there is one it is around my ovary which can be removed - whether they will agree or not I have no idea. Thank you all for your helpful comments and checking in, such a horrible place to be but hearing all your stories and opinions has really helped me.

[LyingDogsLie1]

Sorry to hear your update OP. The uncertainty is dreadful, I hope you get a way forward soon. Please keep us updated.

[MrsB2019x]

Oh @Mamainmaking1, it sounds like you are having such an ordeal 💙 I’m so sorry you are being treated this way.

My advice to you is not to accept any treatment/surgery until they scan you again and they are certain where this pregnancy is. It sounds like they have already written you off when they still aren’t 100% sure.

I had methotrexate, I felt awful for the first 3/4 days, incredibly tired, some abdominal pain but it did get easier after those first few days. My HCG was negative within 2 weeks, however mine only ever got to 500 at its peak.

Best of luck for your further appt, let us know how you get on x

[Mamainmaking1]

Thanks so much @LyingDogsLie1.

Thanks @MrsB2019x for the info on the Injection - maybe it will be easier to make a decision on it today when I hear blood test results. I just read that there are so many side effects for other organs such as bowels etc and that makes me so nervous. The Dr was meant to scan me today but it didn't happen and I'm glad because I was so sore all night after the two yesterday. Another one in morning.

Having heavy red bleeding now with some dark red also but no cramps. Seems to mainly happen when I use the toilet. Also have a sore head and slightly tender side. Hope everything remains ok!!!