Convinced it'a second ectopic

Hi,

I’m newly pregnant (4w,6d) after an ectopic in early May, which resulted in emergency surgery and tube removal. Prior to this I had a miscarriage in February.

I was really hoping this was going to be third time lucky and was feeling really positive… until yesterday when I started to feel a little off. As well as feeling spaced out, my resting heart rate is sky high and if I so much as get up to make a cup of tea, it rockets even more – I know Apple watches aren’t a good way of measuring health but this was one of the reasons I went to A&E with the first ectopic as I knew something serious was happening for it to be so high (I’m usually a runner and very fit and healthy). Last time round, I went to A&E at 5w5d, referred to EPU and was initially sent home from EPU as they said it was very unlikely to be an ectopic. I returned the next day for a scan and was rushed into emergency surgery an hour later with a ruptured ectopic and internal bleeding. (Apparently it was very unusual for me to be walking around looking ok at that stage which is why they hadn’t thought anything was wrong.)

Like last time, I don’t have any bleeding. The only difference is that at 5w2d last time I had a moderate pain in my side which went away after a day. This time round I have shoulder aches that are coming and going but not necessarily the shouldertips and not excrutiating so not sure I can classify it as a symptom.

My partner is away with work until tomorrow so I’m going to wait until he gets back until I contact EPU to arrange a scan as I had such a terrible experience last time and I just can’t face receiving this news again without him by my side. Even though it’s not confirmed yet, I just feel deeply certain.

The thought of going through it all for a second time fills me with dread and fear.

I’m not really sure why I’m writing all this here when I know there’s not really any advice other than contacting EPU/arranging a scan… but I have found this forum a huge source of comfort since April so thought I might feel better by writing down my experience.

Sending love to everyone going through this. Life can feel so unfair sometimes.

Hi Helen123,

I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this worrying time. Please make sure you receive the care and advice of medical professionals during this early pregnancy. I’m not medically qualified, so I am unable to comment on your particular situation. However, I’ve been through two ectopic pregnancies myself and I know how much anxiety can accompany an early pregnancy.

It’s impossible to control the outcomes. As much as possible, try to take one day at a time and see how your pregnancy is progressing. Early pregnancy is particularly stressful, and that’s why it’s so important to create some space to look after yourself.

As you’ve mentioned, it’s important to be aware of any pain or changes in sensations. I would encourage you to keep working with the medical providers and keep asking all and any questions about the best pathway for your care. I’m sending good thoughts your way and hoping that there is better news for you this time. Please know we are here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards


If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

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


Hi Michele,

Thank you for your empathetic reply – and I’m so sorry you went through two ectopics.

I just thought I’d update this for anyone else who panics in early pregnancy to say it wasn’t an ectopic this time. I can’t tell you the amount of relief I felt when they told me that. Sadly, although not ectopic it’s also not a viable pregnancy – I’ve been scanned at 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks and things haven’t progressed as quickly as they should have done and at 8 weeks, I was measuring 5 weeks, 5 days (3mm foetal pole, no heartbeat) – I’ve been told to return in 2 weeks for another scan but I can’t see any hope in this situation. Although not as awful as the ruptured ectopic, I really hoped this time would work out for us so am finding it quite hard to deal with, particularly all this being in limbo and waiting in betweek scans.

Sending love to anyone reading this who has been – or finds themselves in – a similar position.

Hi Helen123,

I’m glad it wasn’t an ectopic pregnancy. Please continue to be gentle with yourself during this time. I found it very difficult to be in the limbo you are describing. As best as you can, take things one day at a time.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards


If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

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