Levels not doubling and abdo/shoulder tip pain

[Alice8688]

After some advice/any experience (good or bad)

I was referred to the EPU with spotting, sharp one sided pains and shoulder tip pain on Thursday. Bloods were taken and HCG was 3429. Scan showed only a very small sac (in uterus) but empty (to be expected so early on. I was 5+1 or 2). I was prescribed codeine as my pulse/BP were high with pain. I was told to return today for repeat bloods.

Today I had my bloods taken. Was asked about pain. Explained it hadn't gotten any better. And if anything shoulder tip pain was worse.

I got the results. I wasn't told the number but was told they had increased 60-70%. So I know this doesn't look good. But she said she didn't want to see me til Thursday. When this morning I was told this would only be the case had my HCG doubled.

But to add insult to injury the nurse went into robot mode and basically read from a script

"If you have bleeding, one sided pain or shoulder tip pain before your next appointment you're to go to A&E..."

I interrupted with: "but that's exactly what I do have? And it's not getting better..."

And she just repeated:

"If you have bleeding, one sided pain or shoulder tip pain before your next appointment you're to go to A&E..."

This went round in circles 3 times. I ended up crying, saying thank you and ending the call.

I don't want to go to A&E for a problem I've already been seen about (or one that the same hospital doesn't seem that bothered about) but the codeine is barely touching it.

And I'm worried about the prospect of ectopic. Also of something going wrong: I have 2 children who need a well mama.

Has anyone been in this position? Or can anyone just tell me I'm being over sensitive and I need to just shush 😔 xx (Sorry for the epic post)

WTF.

You need to go to a&e immediately.

I had a heterotopic pregnancy: miscarried a uterine twin two weeks before an ectopic twin ruptured.

I nearly died.

What are you waiting for? Go!

Yes definitely go to a&e now. Sounds like classic ectopic symptoms - it may be a twin pregnancy. That nurse sounds an utter idiot to be honest. Take care and let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed for you.

Thank you ladies. I settled early with painkillers! So didn't see your replies til this morning. I'm going to sort the kids then either go to a&e or make an appt with the OOH docs at the hospital.

I appreciate your replies. Thank you for not dismissing me as a drama queen! Because I definitely felt that way when the nurse kept repeating herself. 😢 xx

Definitely go back to A & E. They will take your symptoms very seriously.

If your HCG levels are that high though, it would be likely to see the second sac, if there was one and it was ectopic. (I'm not a doctor but had an ectopic myself)

Once mine ruptured, I had severe one sided pain but I just thought it was a bad period pain, which subsided after a couple of hours.
I was totally fine the next day (but must have been bleeding internally without realising)

My partner fortunately insisted I went to A&E the next day, even though I felt fine. They did an US and saw it was ruptured and had to have emergency surgery (obviously).

So my point is, you might not be in horrendous pain, but it is important to still go. They will likely do am ultrasound on you again.

Thank you. I'm so sorry that you guys have been through this!
I tried calling the EPU this morning but no answer. So I've come to A&E. It's actually the shoulder tip pain that's the worst than the abdo atm. And codeine isn't shifting either tbh.
I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you again for you advice and support xxx

Glad you are at A&E, obviously you are not a drama queen. You have very typical ectopic pregnancy symptoms! Hope that they can do something today and not leave you in limbo too long. They saw mine on a scan around 5-6 weeks. It was years ago so I can’t remember all the details but I do remember being in limbo waiting for test results, very stressful.

Thanks everyone. 💕
So I've been seen. A&e nurse not happy with the advice given by the bloods nurse. EPAU doc was fab and actually told me I was given incorrect info on my bloods: they'd actually risen 91%. (Not even close right?!). The pain is due to a bleed and/or leaking fluid in my ovary and into my abdomen. Which they aren't concerned about but will monitor.xx

Okay, this sounds like good news.

Don't be afraid to go again if you have any more worrying symptoms.

Fingers crossed you can have a couple of worry-free weeks and then a reassurance scan.

Thank you @LividLaughLove doc wants to scan me this weds to look at the sac but also the ovary situation.

I feel much calmer. And my initial rage at the nurse has subsided....a little 🤣 thank you all again xx

Glad to hear you've now been seen and they're properly monitoring you. In your situation I would still report the shoddy advice you received on the call as it sounds like the nurse you spoke to could do with some re-training so that they don't carry on giving out similar to others - could be a lot more serious the next time!

When you feel better please do consider putting in a complaint about the nurse that could have been so much worse

I think I shall. The doctor I saw (and the A&E nurse) weren't at all impressed. So I think something may well be said within ranks.
I hate complaining. But you're right, of course. I was very fortunate. But others may be less so.

I'm just so relieved that for now I feel I can relax (albeit in pain!) that I'm not going to imminently collapse in front of my young children. Xx