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Original poster

Etopic pregnancy

35 replies

Mamainmaking1 · 14/11/2020 16:43

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.

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whambam89 · 15/11/2020 20:00

@Mamainmaking1 it's the best case of a horrible scenario but it sounds like your body is doing what it needs to do. Hope you're resting and looking after yourself ♥️

LyingDogsLie1 · 15/11/2020 19:07

It’s a complete minefield and every symptom can have multiple causes, which is so frustrating when you’re desperately trying to find answers.

Hope tomorrow goes as well as it can xxx

Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 15/11/2020 19:05

@MrsB2019x thank you!!! @LyingDogsLie1 I am back in tomorrow morning to see a specialist and have repeat scan (dreadful). I have been passing blood clots all evening but I have had no pains. I've also learned that it's normal for etopic preganancy HCG levels to drop and still likely require a treatment which is not good news.

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LyingDogsLie1 · 15/11/2020 17:32

I know it’s not positive but I agree with you that it sort of is. Will they repeat in 48 hours?

MrsB2019x · 15/11/2020 16:37

@Mamainmaking1 Sounds like you are at least getting some answers now, even though it’s not great news. Look after yourself 💙

Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 15/11/2020 16:00

Dr just called to say my numbers have dropped to 1007 so that is good news in the twisted world of etopic pregnancy. She said they might consider expectant management where I just monitor it must and hope it just resolves if scan still looks ok etc tomorrow so complete fingers crossed for this!!! Even though I am living on my nerves regarding rupture I am just going to put it into my head that they didn't actually see an etopic so I might be worrying about etopic and there is nothing there and it could just be another miscarriage. (Although she did say that it is more likely etopic based on bloods or something). Bleeding quite heavily now and passing clots but not cramps so really hoping it starts in its own. Thank you all for your messages - never ever thought I would be relieved at my HCG numbers dropping!!

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Kate105 · 15/11/2020 14:36

Also, my numbers were somewhere around 1300 just before the methotrexate, so really low. I was 6 weeks as an absolute minimum by that point. I felt ok on the methotrexate, just a bit tired for the first couple of days. Mind you it didn’t work at all for me so that’s maybe not the most accurate of pictures!

Kate105 · 15/11/2020 14:34

@Mamainmaking1 I’m so sorry you’ve had a crappy time of it! How frustrating! It does seem a little rushed- I had at least a week of bloods being taken and maybe 3 or 4 scans before I got any kind of treatment- but on the other hand the longer this drags out the more stressful and difficult it is, especially if the outcome is as inevitable as it sounds.

If you’re a drinker, have a big glass of wine tonight! If you do get the methotrexate you can’t drink for at least a fortnight afterwards! And sounds like you need it after the day you’ve had...

Keep us posted. We’re with you in spirit!

whambam89 · 15/11/2020 14:19

@Mamainmaking1 I honestly can't remember what my levels were, I was around 6 weeks and they were at the lower end of what "could" be acceptable for about 5 weeks I think - because they did initially ask if I could have been out on my dates. The injection was ok, I felt pretty groggy for a few days and didn't start properly bleeding until over a week after I had had it. Hope you're doing ok x

Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 15/11/2020 12:38

@whambam89 do you mind me asking what were your hcg numbers when you had the injection? How did you find it? Ovarian seems so rare. I am bleeding quote heavily now so I think the thought of any hope is long gone. Just really want answers to a way forward!! Thanks for your reply

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Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 15/11/2020 12:35

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!!!

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MrsB2019x · 15/11/2020 11:43

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

LyingDogsLie1 · 15/11/2020 11:06

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

Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 15/11/2020 10:29

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.

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Tearsfortiers · 15/11/2020 00:02

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. ThanksThanks

whambam89 · 14/11/2020 22:47

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!

Chica1990 · 14/11/2020 22:39

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

Kate105 · 14/11/2020 22:30

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

PolytheneHam · 14/11/2020 22:27

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.

Newmama29 · 14/11/2020 22:21

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 ❤️

Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 14/11/2020 22:05

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!!

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Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 14/11/2020 21:57

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

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Original poster
Mamainmaking1 · 14/11/2020 21:56

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

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PrincessConsuela12 · 14/11/2020 20:44

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

InTheLongGrass · 14/11/2020 20:15

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.