Hi. As you may know from so other posts I'm 12 days post surgery following a second ectopic after a dose of MTX the week prior failed to make any difference. My tube was removed and I had some bleeding for 3-4 days after surgery but thats been it.
I am keen to explore IVF later this year and so want to start taking folic acid as soon as I can - I'm 38 later this year so the sooner I can start the better. But I know my levels need to come down before I can take folic acid. I just tried a pregnancy test and it is still positive. I'm just wondering if anyone can advise on how long they had to wait to get a negative result after surgery?
I really want to be able to move forward and so I'm frustrated that i can't
Thanks
Carlene
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Pregnancy test after surgery
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EPT Host 20
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Re: Pregnancy test after surgery
Dear carlene,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Following ectopic pregnancy, it can take a few weeks for hCG levels to fall to non pregnant levels, which may explain your positive pregnancy test.
The wait in relation to methotrexate and folic acid, we advise waiting until your hCG is at pre pregnancy levels (below 5) before you start taking folic acid supplements again because the methotrexate drug is a folate antagonist which means it interferes with the folate in the body and blocks cell growth. Accordingly, taking folic acid at the same time as methotrexate can interfere with treatment. However, as you sadly went on to have surgery, these particular concerns do not feature as you are no longer needing the methotrexate to work. It is therefore fine for you to start taking folic acid now, we would still strongly advise taking folic acid supplements for 12 weeks prior to trying to conceive however as although the Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the "wait" and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important. It is the same information and timeframe regardless if you have had one or two methotrexate injections.
I hope this helps a little,
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
**************************************************************************
During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?
Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team
***************************************************************************
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Following ectopic pregnancy, it can take a few weeks for hCG levels to fall to non pregnant levels, which may explain your positive pregnancy test.
The wait in relation to methotrexate and folic acid, we advise waiting until your hCG is at pre pregnancy levels (below 5) before you start taking folic acid supplements again because the methotrexate drug is a folate antagonist which means it interferes with the folate in the body and blocks cell growth. Accordingly, taking folic acid at the same time as methotrexate can interfere with treatment. However, as you sadly went on to have surgery, these particular concerns do not feature as you are no longer needing the methotrexate to work. It is therefore fine for you to start taking folic acid now, we would still strongly advise taking folic acid supplements for 12 weeks prior to trying to conceive however as although the Methotrexate is metabolised quickly but it can affect the quality of your cells, including those of your eggs and the quality of your blood for up to three months after it has been given. The medicine can also affect the way your liver works and so you need to give your body time to recover properly before a new pregnancy is considered. A shortage of folate could result in a greater chance of a baby having a neural tube defect such as hare lip, cleft palate, or even spina bifida or other NT defects. This is why the "wait" and then taking folic acid for 12 weeks before trying to conceive is so important. It is the same information and timeframe regardless if you have had one or two methotrexate injections.
I hope this helps a little,
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
**************************************************************************
During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?
Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters
Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team
***************************************************************************
