Hi
I just joined this forum. Earlier this week I had my tube removed after my second ectopic on that side. It has been so hard for me to cope with the loss of the baby and my tube. I am fearful about being able to have a normal pregnancy…I just feel so shattered…it is hard for me to share with my close friends and even family…just looking for some hope and support…
I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. I too am on my second ectopic, however I am still waiting to see if methotrexate works this time around (I had a salpingostomy last time). That element of concern for future fertility is so real once tubes are removed. Have you had a hysterosalpingogram or any other testing yet? That is going to be my next step. If one of my tubes has a defect (I would assume left, which is where my last ectopic was and where my current one likely is), I’ll get that removed and try again with just my right tube. If both tubes have defects, I’ll get both of them removed and try IVF. I don’t know what I’ll do if no defects are seen, that is honestly the most scary prospect.
As you can tell from these forums and probably other Internet searching you are not alone. That sucks to have a hard time talking about it with people in real life, though, I’m sorry. I think right now you are still recovering physically and emotionally from surgery for your second ectopic you must be really tired and devastated.
Sorry you are going through this as well. I have not yet had an HSG. I have my follow up in about five weeks so maybe this will be discussed then. I have not thought much about what I will do re IVF etc…I know with time I will feel better…it’s just hard now you know…aaaah…deep breaths.
Thanks for reaching out…
Dear Atmbar,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancies and losses. To experience one loss is difficult, to deal with multiple losses is heartbreaking and my heart truly goes out to you.
We hear from many women who have successfully conceived following multiple ectopic pregnancies.
Generally when a person has only one fallopian tube and both ovaries, they are still able to get pregnant from an egg at the opposite ovary as an egg from one ovary can travel down the tube on the other side. The fallopian tubes are not attached to the ovaries and, at the point of ovulation, some very delicate structures called the fimbriae begin to move gently creating a slight vacuum to suck the egg toward the end of the tube it is nearest to (like lots of little fingers waving and drawing the egg towards it). So, if you have only one tube then there is only one set of receptors working and one set of fimbriae creating a vacuum and so the egg is much more likely to find its way to that tube, whichever ovary it is produced from. Conservative estimates suggest that an egg produced on the tubeless side manages to descend the remaining tube around 15 to 20% of the time.
While generally it is possible to conceive after an ectopic pregnancy, the amount of time it takes varies from couple to couple. Factors include age, general health, reproductive health and how often you have sex, among other things. It may be comforting to know that 65% of women are successfully pregnant within 18 months of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and some studies suggest this rises to around 85% after two years.
Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us. There is a specific Preparing for Your Next pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.
Sending much love and warm hugs,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
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
The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition 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 currently recovering (or trying) to heal after my second ectopic pregnancy in 1 year resulting in a double salpingectomy. I no longer have the possibility to fall pregnant naturally after many years of unexplained fertility problems and both times I have fallen pregnant ended in ectopics! I am truly heartbroken and whilst dealing with the pain of losing another baby I have to accept that at 31 years old I have no fallopian tubes . Life is so soo cruel being a mummy is all I ever wanted and now my only chances are ivf 
Dear Kimberleyj,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancies and losses, to experience one loss is difficult to deal with multiple losses is heartbreaking and my heart truly goes out to you.
There is no time frame for recovery, take each day as it comes and talk to your GP about referral to a fertility specialist as and when you feel ready.
Many women experience feelings of isolation after ectopic pregnancy - I did, too. It is a frightening experience. Like you, I reached out to the Trust for support and we will be here for you to lean on for as long as you need.
We at the Trust believe that talking through what happened and your emotions as and when you can helps the healing process. 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. 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.
In addition, you can ask to see a GP at your practice and ask them to explore ways in which you can get help and this can include referrals for “talking therapies” or counselling. We have information on our website about finding counselling services
The charity Mind may also be of assistance. They have local centres and support groups and can offer services on a means-tested basis or sometimes free. You can find your local centre following this link if that may be useful too: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/
Sending much love and warm hugs,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
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
The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition 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
Oh Kimberleyj
My heart literally aches for you and I can only imagine your pain and dismay. I have found there are so many layers to ectopic and loss of a tube including loss of life, loss of a part of my reproductive system and fear of not being able to have a child…these are such real losses/pains and fears. I am still trying to cope with my loss. My family doctor has suggested I see a counsellor that sees women with these issues and I will go see her next Thursday.
Many have been telling me to be grateful for all I do have and how much worse things could be…I think it’s ok to mourn and grieve a loss and to be totally devastated and upset but still aware of the positives…it doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t appreciate what I have.
I am still navigating through this unfamiliar territory…I will continue to share my insights. Thanks for sharing your story and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen thank you so so much for your response to my original post. Providing those facts have been so comforting. God bless you and the work you do.