nervous about symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

[namechangerjustforthis]

Namechanged for this thread.

Just found out I'm unexpectedly 5 or 6 weeks pregnant (AF 2 weeks overdue but my cycle has been a bit long lately). DH and I have one child already, almost 3 years old, and were planning on trying for a second starting in June. For various reasons, the early timing of this pregnancy is bad for us, and I will be phoning my GP tomorrow to make an appointment to arrange termination. DH and I have discussed the situation this evening and we are agreed on the way forward; he's upset that I will have the physical burden of our choice, but that's just the way it is and I'm ok with that.

The thing is, I had an ectopic pregnancy several years ago that ruptured and almost killed me, leaving me with one functioning tube. Clearly conceiving is not an issue as our child was a happy accident and I've not had any miscarriages ever. If this all goes well, I am not worried about conceiving again when the time is right. I am, however, panicking a bit that this pregnancy is also ectopic and I might lose my only tube. I had horrible vomiting and diarrhea when the tube ruptured, and I've just had a bout of diarrhea now (though nothing as bad as that time, that was violent, prolonged, and uncontrollable). Am I overthinking this? I do also have a mild case of hand foot and mouth disease at the moment (thanks nursery!), and have read that sometimes this causes diarrhea.

Just looking for some support really. I'll be so glad to get this pregnancy over with. With the pregnancy that led to my first child, I was in a state of serious anxiety for two weeks until it was confirmed uterine by early scan. I guess I'll get a scan to confirm pregnancy at my first appointment for the termination, it should be a simple medical (pill) procedure as I'll likely be 7 or 8 weeks at the time.

Hi op.

Yes, you'll get a scan prior to a termination as a matter of course which would show if the pg was ectopic.

I don't know much about ectopics. Are you more at risk of having one having already had one?

The diarrhoea could be attributed to many things such as the hf&m, early pregnancy, something you ate, anxiety. However, if you feel the symptoms are the same as before might it be worth seeing someone to get a more urgent referral for a scan?

I do understand how all-consuming anxiety can be as i suffer with it myself.

Sorry you're having to go through this.

Thanks ShoeShoo, I am feeling better now. DH went out and got me some gingerale and a snack.

Yes, I am at higher risk of a second ectopic, but it's still unlikely and the consultant who removed the first one said my remaining tube looked ok (they check in case you have scarring, which can be caused by things like chlamydia). I have no other symptoms.

I'll ask the GP to refer me to the local early pregnancy unit for a confirmation scan and HCG bloods. The scan can confirm uterine pregnancy as early as 6 weeks, and there are drug treatments to expel an ectopic pregnancy without tubal damage if it's caught early enough. I should be able to get an appointment tomorrow.

Now back to Poldark on iplayer. Thank you for the support, it does help.

Hi
Sorry to hear about your situation, it sounds really difficult. As the post above says, diarrhoea can be caused by so many things, but it might be worth trying to confirm.

Not sure where you are based but you don't necessarily have to go through your GP to have a termination. In many places, if you call BPAS, and there is a clinic near you, they can start the process (on the NHS) without a referral. Not that I am trying to put you off seeing your GP, just thinking about getting a scan really. This may not be the best route but just saying in case it might be an option for you.

All the very best

Thank you for the recommendation. The nearest BPAS to me is 40 miles, and I will have my 2yo with me, so it's probably easier to stay local. I'll see my GP tomorrow. They will do an urgent referral to the early pregnancy unit (this is what happened with my normal pregnancy) and depending on time of day I'll either get a scan tomorrow or Friday.

I wasn't thinking very clearly when I posted the first time, and a lot of details are coming back to me now about how this was handled the last time I was pregnant. I feel ... not confident, but reassured, I guess, that things will get sorted. I mean, most likely this is a normal uterine pregnancy and will be terminated early via medical abortion, but for my peace of mind, I need to know that as soon as possible.

My GP knows I'm terrified of a second ectopic pregnancy - I've been in at least once with a late period, negative pregnancy tests, and scared out of my mind. Perhaps they might give me a short term anti-anxiety scrip as well. It won't do any harm as I won't be continuing the pregnancy.

That would be great if you manage to get a scan so quickly.

I hope it all goes well.

No scan till next week, I'm afraid. The gp was really kind but said I'm early enough and not showing ectopic symptoms so that watchful waiting is ok for a little while. That was reassuring. Because of Easter I can't make my termination appointment till Tuesday, but it should take less than a week to be all done after that. The appointment was difficult but I felt supported and I've been out in the sunshine with my toddler since. I feel physically absolutely fine today.

How are you feeling about the termination? You certainly sound very matter of fact and rational about it which is good.

I'm ok with the termination. It won't be my first, sadly. I had an antibiotics plus pill oops when I was 20 with an abusive boyfriend. The way he treated me when I found I was pregnant convinced me to leave him at once and have an abortion. It was surgical (d&c under general), and I find this time I'm mostly feeling curious about the experience of the safer and easier medical option.

Well if it takes less than a week from Tuesday you'll definitely be able to have the medical providing your dates are correct. In the meantime you can enjoy Easter with your family

Thank you

I did a POAS this morning and got a very strong positive almost instantly. That was reassuring as my first test was relatively faint (but definite). Same brand test so my hcg levels must be rising rapidly and it's evidence against ectopic.

You're feeling curious?!

I know you said you had reasons and I'm not prying, you don't have to justify your actions, but I find it odd that you'd terminate a pregnancy then two months later TTC.

I agree it might seem a little odd from outside. There are timing issues around work, but it's mostly to do with medical treatment that DH is undergoing, he'll be done in a couple of months and if he's all clear then we'll start trying properly.

You don't need to justify your reasons op. And termination doesn't have to be a huge emotional hand-wringing decision. If now isn't the right time and you're confident in your decision then that's good enough.

Aww thanks ShoeShoo. I don't mind saying as much as I have, but you're quite right, it's my choice when I want to be pregnant or not, and I am fine with that. I self referred to the epu today and will be leaving shortly to see what they can do. Probably only blood test today, but maybe they'll try a scan. I've been having persistent one sided mild pain all morning. It's probably nothing (and although I can't remember precisely which tube I lost, I think it was the same as I'm feeling now) but best to get checked out.

All the best with your husband's treatment, I hope the next couple of months go well for you and your family.

Thanks, I appreciate the kind comments. I had a blood sample taken today at the epu and will get a call with my levels tomorrow. I'll go again Sunday and if my hcg is doubling, it's a safe bet the pregnancy is not ectopic and I can relax and go ahead with the termination. The pain I had earlier is gone and I'm feeling ok tonight, the hand foot and mouth seems to be passing. DH is being lovely and singing pieces from Spamalot to cheer me up.

Just wanted to let you know, I had my second HCG results back, 400 on Friday and 940 yesterday, doubling appropriately. They want to do one more test tomorrow to be sure, but it looks almost certain that this pregnancy is uterine. Thank you to everyone.

That's good news then. Good luck with everything.

Good news - had the early scan today and confirmed uterine pregnancy. Slightly unnerving news, I have some ovarian cysts, at least one of which has burst, likely causing the intermittent pain/discomfort I've been experiencing. The nurse very gently told me this could impact my ability to conceive again soon, and will need to be checked with a pelvic scan in future. In light of that, DH and I have decided to bite the bullet and continue with this pregnancy rather than waiting till his treatment is done.

This is not going to be an easy ride, but at least I have not been drinking for several weeks and have been taking folic acid since I missed my period. It was always my intention to treat this pregnancy with respect and not to burn any bridges, and I'm glad of that now. So, guess I'm 5ish weeks and off to the pregnancy forums. Wish us luck!

Congratulations Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy.

lots of luck :-)