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My EP and not knowing what to do

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Rck28
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2022 3:50 pm

My EP and not knowing what to do

Post by Rck28 »

Hello all,

Two weeks ago I found out I was pregnant and was delighted as we had been trying for 6 months. 6 days ago on Wednesday I was spotting and cramping and went to a&e. They told me it was an ectopic. The embryo is in my right tube and measure 10mm * 8mm * 7mm. On that day, my HCG levels were 269 and progestérone: 45 The doctor said that was low and suggested expectant pregnancy. I returned on Friday: the embryo was the same size and HCG levels were 259 and progesterone 42. Going down slightly so reassuring.
I returned yesterday and embryo was a similar size but HCG levels had gone up to 435 and progesterone reduced at 23.

My doctor suggested carrying on with expectant management (informing me that my tube might still be damaged regardless) and hoping for the best, or surgery to take the tube out.
I do not know what to do. I am hoping it will resolve itself but going up levels worry me. Surgery scares me as taking out a part of me that could maybe be ok eventually seems a bit wrong. Either way I fear my fertility is hindered. I am in a really dark place and just do not know what to do. We have had to cancel our summer plans and, although this doesn't mater in the wide scheme of things, it means me obsessing at home and feeling really down.
Did any of you have shifting HCG levels and decided to go either way?

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: My EP and not knowing what to do

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear Rck,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Is your healthcare provider able to offer you a methotrexate injection?
Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice and it isn't suitable for everyone but it is a treatment method that helps to avoid surgery. We have detailed information on our website here and it maybe worth speaking to your medical team about this-
https://ectopic.org.uk/treating-an-ecto ... thotrexate

Regarding ttc, It is normal to feel anxious about the future. We experience a mix of emotions from wanting to try again to being petrified of what may lie ahead. We never forget but we can learn to accept what happened. It is a slow process that might be weeks or months ahead. In time, we can get to a place where we feel comfortable trying again. When this is, is individual for each person. There is no timeframe for recovery, take each day as it comes. Importantly early scans avail. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that's 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next time.
While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.
in terms of chances of future successful pregnancies, studies do not show a significant difference between treatment routes, whether surgical, medical using methotrexate or expectant management (allowing time for the body to resolve the pregnancy itself).

Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us. There is a specific Preparing for your Next Pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve, to heal both physically and emotionally.
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
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Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
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GingerLove1984
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2023 4:41 pm

Re: My EP and not knowing what to do

Post by GingerLove1984 »

Hi Rck,

I am so sorry for your loss.

Did you ectopic resolve itself or did you have surgery? I ask as I am currently in a very similar situation as you were.

I hope you are well ❤️‍🩹

D

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