Decision making

[Emaeii]

Hi everyone, I've just found out over the last week that I'm likely having an ectopic. I would be 7 weeks today. Had heavy bleeding and cramps last week and a scan 1 week ago showed nothing at all, was told it was PUL. HCGs every 48hr have been 299, 407, 491, 483. I'm going back in this morning for another scan but been told methotrexate is the main option being offered to me.

I've been reading on here about expectant management too and I don't know what the best option for me is. I'm desperate to become pregnant and I'm nearly 34 so I don't want to have to wait ages to conceive again (the leaflet said 3 months but it sounds like 6 is better to allow time for folate levels to come back up? Any advice on this front?)

On the other hand the Dr last night told us she's seen women rupture at far lower levels than me. It felt like she was pushing me towards methotrexate. Any advice? I don't want to be risky and put myself at increased risk of rupture, plus it would be a relief (and I'm sure easier mentally) to draw a line under this sooner, on the other hand being able to try again sooner would be great for us. Any advice welcome and sorry we are all having to be here in the first place, what a rollercoaster x

[Shell_624]

Morning, I'm sorry your going through this

I'm currently on day 6 of methotrexate and my hcg is in the 6000.

My 2nd ectopic I did expectant management, hcg peaked around 150 but took 5 weeks to come down, it's so draining isn't it!

I'd maybe give it a few more days as your levels seem more stable or coming down slightly. From reading through forums this week I think with your numbers methotrexate would work and probably be back to below 5 within a couple of weeks.

Good luck with whatever you decide xx

[Emaeii]

Thanks for the reply and I'm so sorry you've had to go through this several times, it's so unfair.

I've just had a scan which confirmed a 17mm tubal ectopic but thankfully no signs of rupture. Just waiting for the drs to talk about options. I'm a bit sore post scan and feeling paranoid now I've seen it (and read that tube's max diameter is normally 12mm!) But still undecided, will be good to talk through options.

I hope your levels come down soon. The waiting is one of the hardest bits I think xx

[User]

Hi Shell,

Can I ask about your second ectopic? You said it peaked around 150hcg. Was anything seen on a scan with this low hcg, was it diagnosed as ectopic or was it PUL?
I have just had expectant management for PUL which has come not long after a ruptured ectopic. My levels peaked at the same level as you.
I will never know where this egg was and it’s so distressing not knowing if there’s hope for the future or not.
Kind regards and best wishes for all xx

[Shell_624]

Yes it was a PUL but they suspected it was in my right ovary at first, then they said they thought it was in the 'nub' left behind from my right tube removal, didn't even know that was possible and why they'd even leave a nub behind . Anyway we never actually got to the bottom of it. V frustrating isn't it!

[Shell_624]

Thanks for the reply and I'm so sorry you've had to go through this several times, it's so unfair.

I've just had a scan which confirmed a 17mm tubal ectopic but thankfully no signs of rupture. Just waiting for the drs to talk about options. I'm a bit sore post scan and feeling paranoid now I've seen it (and read that tube's max diameter is normally 12mm!) But still undecided, will be good to talk through options.

I hope your levels come down soon. The waiting is one of the hardest bits I think xx

Hope its over for you soon. Definitely try the methotrexate, a few months is worth keeping your tube, I'm also 34 and ttc fir 7 years so I understand your frustration keep us updated x

[Emaeii]

Thankyou, I'm going to be given it today. How did you get on with it in terms of side effects? Bit nervous but think it's the right decision for me xx

[Shell_624]

I had 80mg and mild cramping on day 3. Honestly I'm fine so far (day 7) just waiting for my day 7 check up been here 5 hours so far on the nicest day of the year!

Think they are going to give me a 2nd dose as levels are still in the thousands.

[Emaeii]

Oh bless you that's a really long wait, I hope you got seen to without having to wait much longer! Our unit is the same, it gets really busy and you're left waiting for hours. I was thinking it's typical to be given a med where you're not meant to be exposed to the sun... in the middle of this beautiful weather!

Really sorry you might need a second dose. What did they say? I hope whatever happens next works well for you. Thanks for the info. I'm feeling ok so far, fingers crossed this continues x