Dear Sunshinelollypop,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. It is completely understandable that you are concerned, I know I was worried about even the slightest bit of discomfort when I was trying to conceive after my ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately after experiencing such a traumatic event, this is only natural.
Symptoms for an ectopic pregnancy can show as early as four weeks gestation ie four weeks since your last menstrual period date. You have mentioned that it is usually the case for you to experience cramping the week before your period and that you are due next week. I cannot say with any certainty that this is definitely the case for you, but the cramping you are currently experiencing could perhaps be due to your period about to start.
Regarding the pain around your neck and shoulder, shoulder tip pain is a very unique pain which is located at the tip of your shoulder - if you look to the left over your shoulder and then cast your eyes down, the tip of your shoulder is where your shoulder ends and your arm starts. Shoulders can cause pain when we are stressed because we hold ourselves more rigidly and muscles in the back and neck go in to spasm – this is not shoulder tip pain.
While I appreciate that you have mentioned that your fertility doctor is reluctant to see you until you have a positive pregnancy test/missed period, I am afraid it is impossible for me to say exactly what your pain may be due to as I have such limited information. As pain is unique to everyone and you have concerns, I think it would be worth calling your doctor to discuss your pain and concerns to be on the safe side.
You have mentioned that you have no bleeding and no pain and so chances are that you may be feeling cramping due to your period about to start and shoulder/neck pain because of feeling anxious, but I am afraid I cannot say for sure. As I am not medically qualified, I would always say that your doctors are best placed to look into your symptoms or you can call NHS Direct on 111.
We have more information on these and other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy here: http://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/symp … diagnosis/
Trying to conceive after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster, if you feel you need more information please look at our information here: http://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/
Please also feel free to continue to use the forums to gain information and support from those of us who truly understand what you are going through.
Sending much love,
Karen
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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.