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Chronic ectopic pregnancy

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snowballs20
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2021 7:12 pm

Chronic ectopic pregnancy

Post by snowballs20 »

I was recently diagnosed with chronic ectopic pregnancy and want to share my experience in case anyone else presents with similar symptoms in the future.

Five weeks ago I went into hospital with severe pain in my left side and bleeding, I was 6 weeks pregnant. After many abdominal and internal scans they could find no pregnancy and I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. I was kept in hospital and monitored for 4 days. As there was no signs of a rupture and my Hcg levels were low and steadily decreasing I was discharged and we decided to do expectant management.

I had to come back to hospital every 2 days for the next 2 weeks and then weekly after that to get my bloods checked. My levels went as follows: 360, 300 260, 240, 180, 179, 140, 161, 155 and 76. It all seemed very positive, levels were decreasing, I was asymptomatic and feeling back to myself. After 3 and a half weeks I was back at work.

Then I started to notice that I had some rectal pain and pain when passing gas so I mentioned this when I went in for my next blood test. They did another internal scan just to check everything and before I knew it I was whisked up to theatre to have emergency surgery to get my tube removed. They could see I had started to bleed internally and there were signs of blood clots in my uterus. I had no pain in my left side or shoulder tip pain, it was just bowel pain. It just all happened so quickly and was a very scary experience.

When they performed the surgery they diagnosed me with chronic ectopic pregnancy. This is where tissue starts to grow around the pregnancy and the tube starts to disintegrate. It seemed like it was resolving itself and hcg levels were decreasing so it really was a huge shock when this was discovered.

I had come to terms with the fact that the pregnancy was over and was starting to feel good again, but having to get my tube removed 4 weeks later was such a huge blow and really hard to process. It feels like I'm experiencing a loss all over again. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information on chronic ectopic pregnancy so I just want to highlight to others what I have just experienced. I am 5 days post surgery now and I am Just hoping and praying that my remaining tube will be okay🙏🙏 I just have to try and stay positive.

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

Re: Chronic ectopic pregnancy

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear snowballs20,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
In my 7 years of monitoring these boards, this is the first I have heard of a chronic ectopic pregnancy and I am so sorry you have had to go through this as it has been such a long drawn out experience for you. You did exactly the right thing in seeking medical advice with changing and worsening symptoms and I also thank you for highlighting your symptoms.

As you have had surgery, we advise that you should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body's signals and pain and feeling tired are your body's signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.

Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is a huge ordeal and you are in the early stages of recovery. Your body needs time to heal from your surgery which is in itself a gruelling task. You have also had to process the loss of your baby and been through an immense rollercoaster of emotions - all of this will take time to come to terms with. 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

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