Ectopic Pregnancy, Methotrexate and TTC

[Mistysmom]

Hi, l am looking for a bit of support/ advice.

Found out I was pregnant on 4th August 2021 so dated at approx 4 weeks. By 13th August, heavy bleeding and cramping begun so Dr's referred me to early pregnancy unit. Found out I had a possible miscariage/ ectopic pregnancy and they wanted to monitor my bloods as hcg levels were 1900. 17th August, levels had increased to 3300. Another scan showed 2cm mass by my left tube so possible PUL. The Dr's gave me the methotrexate injection same day and monitored me over days 4 and 7.

Hcg Levels were 5900 day 4 and 5591 day 7 so not the 15% drop they were looking for. Dr's then gave me a second methotrexate injection on 25th August and hcg levels dropped to 4414 on day 4 and 1921 on day 7. Now getting weekly bloods to monitor hcg levels.

Baby would have been the final piece of the puzzle for me and my partner. I feel like I've lost so much. I am 36 so fertility is not on my side and am so scared to TTC again. I know I can't do anything for 3 months due to the methotrexate. I've had two children with my ex, 1 normal and 1 c-section so can't understand how this could happen. My partner would like to try for another baby when we are able too but I am petrified of going through this again.

Any advise greatly appreciated, TIA xxx

Really sorry you are going through this. It is terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. I had 2 children, both conceived easily and normal births but then no.3 turned out to be ectopic and I was given methotrexate. My levels were lower than yours and dropped very quickly, but I also had to wait the 3 months before TTC again. Luckily we fell pregnant immediately and I am now 31 weeks I'll be honest, those first few weeks were very tough mentally as I was terrified of going through it again but I was well looked after by the EPU who did bloods and early scans. Maybe check what the care will be like for you if you do fall PG again? Might make you feel a bit more relaxed xx

Thank you for your reply, its put me at ease slightly as I know we can get our miracles from these situations. The EPU I was under the nurses told me any sign of a positive test, then to get in touch straight away. They have been wonderful these past few weeks to be fair to them. I think it doesn't help I suffer from anxiety and depression quite badly. Thanks again for your reply, it means a lot xxx

I’m so sorry you’ve been through this.
If you’re on Facebook, i highly recommend the ectopic pregnancy support groups - they have ones for the ectopic, TTC and then pregnancy after ectopic. There are loads of people with experience to share and can be really helpful/reassuring to find what’s normal or not!

I lost a tube after having surgery in September last year for a ruptured ectopic. I was really worried about how it may effect my fertility, but I fell pregnant the first month I was able to try and I’m due practically a year on from my surgery date. So there is hope! (I’m 34 FYI 😊)

I had also had a perfectly normal pregnancy previously - I think it’s just one of those things. Falling pregnant again is scary. I couldn’t enjoy it as I was worried about everything, but they get you into EPU to rule out another ectopic pretty much as soon as you’re pregnant… and once they know the baby is in the right place, there are no extra risks/concerns for the pregnancy. I entered normal midwife led care after 😊

Thank you @SillyBry. I have come off Facebook for the time being as even though I am happy for my friends and family who are expecting/ just given birth, I can't mentally cope with seeing this news ATM. I will go back on there in time but I think its still pretty raw atm. Congratulations on your pregnancy x

@ArcticSky congratulations on your pregnancy too x

I just hope that when the time comes, I get lucky. I really feel for the women who struggle to have kids and I am grateful for my two xx

Hip OP so sorry you're going through this In my TTC journey of 10 years I had an ectopic which ruptured in 2017 & a mc last year. I'm now 37 & 29 weeks pregnant so there is definitely hope after ectopic & being older. Good luck to you! x

Hi @JackJack84, thank you for your message and congratulations on your pregnancy.

Its comforting to hear that so many people have gone through this and gone on to have happy and healthy pregnancies xx

Hi ladies, sorry to jump on this months down the line. I had an ectopic in July last year, which was treated with methotrexate. I started trying again as soon as I was able, but no luck yet. I just wondered if anyone had any tricks up their sleeves that they can share 🤣😊 getting a little bit desperate. It's certain days, isn't it!? Some days I'm fine, but definitely feeling it today.

Hi @StaceyJosephine, sorry to hear you went through this too. Stay positive though please. My partner and I stopped trying and concentrated on our wedding in April but I continued to charter my cycles from my all clear to monitor my periods as they were all over the place.

I have no idea how but missed my period in March and we are now 16w+5d with our rainbow baby.

Enjoy the free time with your DP, I think the pressure off ttc helped us as we were concentrating on the wedding. I hope you get a sticky bean soon, stay positive xxxx

Hi Mitsysmum. That's lovely. A huge congratulations to you. It's so tricky isn't it. I go through phases where I'm distracted and don't think so much about it, but the last couple of days there have been quite a few announcements and I think that's what has hiked the anxiety. I guess I'm just thinking it'll be nice to chat to some ladies who have been through somrthing similar 😊
I'm thrilled to hear its worked out for you, especially when you felt the odds were stacked against you. Are you going to find out the gender?

@StaceyJosephine thank you, yes, we are booked in for a private scan so our children can feel part of the experience as nhs guidelines will only allow one person in the scan room currently with mum to be. We are really excited.

Yes, I totally understand, don't feel pressurised as it will happen when you least expect it. Maybe phone the gp if it's been over 6 months as they will run tests to check everything is OK.

There is a fab thread on here - the ladies were lovely and helpful and they have also been through similar experiences

www.mumsnet.com/talk/conception/4284875-ttc-after-ectopic-part-3?page=9

Have you spoken to your partner about how your feeling? Xx

Hi mitsysmom

That sounds absolutely perfect to have your other children with you for the scan! How lovely.

I have been in touch with the GP and they have started some tests, which is great. I feel much better now. Think the hormones got me on the weekend.

Thank you so much. I will check out the link. You're an absolute star. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 😊 x