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Recent Ectopic and Scared
Recent Ectopic and Scared
Re: Recent Ectopic and Scared
Re: Recent Ectopic and Scared
Re: Recent Ectopic and Scared
I'm so sorry to read about your experience On top of everything having to worry about holiday arrangements is the last thing you need. And it's particularly rubbish to have to cancel a holiday as well as everything else. Is there someone else who might be able to make the phonecalls to the hotel etc. for you because that must be upsetting in itself and unnecessary stress.
I had a similar experience in that I had a miscarriage first too - I got pregnant straight away but unfortunately had an ectopic. I think it's important to note that they aren't related - there's nothing that you could do to stop an ectopic from happening.
However, my ectopic ruptured and I had to have surgery - I'm afraid I don't know about the methotrexate but I would suggest that if you're concerned you talk to the hospital/your GP. I don't know what your experience was like, but I found the early pregnancy unit were quite helpful for me in terms of saying I could ring if I had concerns (though I also dealt with some compassion-less EPU staff with my previous miscarriage so appreciate it's not always the case!). I don't know if the EPT helpline might be able to provide any general advice too?
Sending you best wishes
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Re: Recent Ectopic and Scared
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it's treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal. As upsetting as it can be, anger is all part of the healing process and I would gently advise asking another family member or friend to take on any challenging telephone conversations or communication with others at this stage. You need to use your energy to heal and I am sorry to say that I do agree with your Dr and would advise against travel away from your local EPU at this time.
As you have rightly mentioned, the risk associated with treating being treated medically is that the medicine may not work as the cells of the ectopic pregnancy may continue to divide, which could result in there still being a need for surgery. Success rates do vary depending on the circumstances in which methotrexate is given and studies report success rates of 65-95%. Success rates tend to be higher with lower serum hCG levels. Doctors can tell if the specialised cells of a pregnancy that produce the hCG hormone are still dividing because the hCG level will continue to rise and not fall. This will be monitored through blood tests and it is encouraging to hear your levels are falling. Occasionally however, an ectopic pregnancy can rupture despite low hCG levels. Your hospital should have given you a number to contact for health advice if you feel that anything is changing, or you will have been told to report to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
I was also treated with methotraxate and so completely understand your worry. I felt like I was walking on eggshells until I was discharged from my EPU. As a gentle reminder, please do not undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting or housework while your hCG levels are dropping. You should not resume exercise until your hCG levels are falling consistently and are in the low 100s.
I am afraid if is difficult to predict how long it will take for your hormone levels reach non-pregnant levels. As we are all individual, our bodies respond differently to the drug and it depends on factors like how high levels reached and our unique physiology. What I can say is that it can take a number of weeks and, while it can take some time, it is not as invasive a procedure as surgery. It is also encouraging that your levels are falling steadily although I appreciate that it can be a drawn out process. Also, 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).
I know I felt quite isolated following my ectopic pregnancy as although well-meaning, friends and family didn't truly understand how I felt. I too reached out to the Trust and we will all be here for you for as long as you need.
Sending much love and warm hugs,
Karen x
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Re: Recent Ectopic and Scared
Thank you again, everyone. Even though it's still not over yet, I do feel like I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am so glad I found this forum. <3