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MTX traveling abroad

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Chicago123
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2019 7:24 pm

MTX traveling abroad

Post by Chicago123 »

I live in the US, and was traveling to Paris for work when I started experiencing symptoms that led me to the maternity ER. They've diagnosed it as ectopic, and I've been treated with MTX. I'm now on Day 4 post MTX, and my hcg hasn't dropped yet (according to today's blood test). I'm scheduled back in 2 days for another blood test. I really just want to go home and can't afford to stay away from work for too much longer (or pay these Paris hotel prices...) and doctors here are not telling me much on when I can travel - so far the advice has been mixed but generally: don't travel as you still have a risk of rupture and don't want it to happen in-flight (I agree!)

I'm curious if anyone else has had a similar experience. I'll do what the docs tell me - I just want to hear from others to help me figure out when I might be able to go home.

When did your hcg levels drop significantly after MTX?

Did your doctor give you any recommendations for travel after MTX treatment?

EctopicPUL
Posts: 249
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:23 pm

Re: MTX traveling abroad

Post by EctopicPUL »

I was okayed to fly at 78 hcg (not Methotrexate treated though) but I didn’t travel in the end. Gynae felt once it was was falling and I’d passed products that she felt it was okay.

Feel for you. Must be awful away from home. If you gotta stay, look into air b n b X

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

Re: MTX traveling abroad

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear Chicago123,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss and that you are having to experience this away from support of family and friends.
In general we would advise not flying until your hCG levels have fallen to pre pregnancy levels as sadly there is a risk of rupture in declining and low levels.
I am afraid it 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. 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).
Sadly I am not medically trained so I would always suggest taking advice from your specialist doctor.

Generally following methotrexate the hCG level often rises on the day four blood test because the action of Methotrexate is not instantaneous, so the cells will have continued to divide for two or three days after the injection was given, and some cells release more hCG when they start to disappear. Your doctors are looking to see a drop in your hCG value of at least 15% between days four and seven. If there has not been a 15% drop, this is when the doctors will consider a second dose of Methotrexate or surgery.
A few days after the injection, it is usual to begin to bleed and this bleeding can last between a few days and up to 6 weeks.
Every 3-7 days, beta hCG levels will continue to be monitored to ensure that they are falling appropriately. Most women only need one injection but in up to a quarter of cases a further injection may be required if serum hCG levels are not decreasing.

Please do continue to use the forums for as long as you need. As you are away from family and friends, if you need further support we operate a helpline service and there's no pressure whatsoever but if you would ever like the opportunity to speak over the phone to someone who has been through a similar experience, do feel free to call, details are below. We can take things at your pace entirely and you are free to ask any questions that are on your mind. You can talk about the ordeal you have been through and express your feelings to vent and let off some steam or ask questions. We can exchange emails too, if you prefer that route. We'll simply be here for you, however you wish and for as long as you wish.

Sending much love,
Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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