I am looking for some support or guidance please - please no horror stories as my mental health is really poor at the moment and I find stories of ruptures hard to deal with.
I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy on 15th September, I didn’t know I was pregnant and was due to go in for a laparoscopy to diagnose potential endometriosis and fertility issues and they did a pregnancy test on the day which was positive. This immediately concerned me as I had been bleeding heavily and in agony for a week which I thought was my period, but knowing I was pregnant meant instantly I knew something was wrong.
I was then diagnosed with an ectopic and the dr suggested it could be treated with methotrexate due to their being no heartbeat and my levels being below 5000. I didn’t feel I received much information on what to expect and I began getting pain in the ectopic side a few days later so we rushed into a&e - luckily everything was OK and I was told some pain in the ectopic side was normal. My levels continued dropping and I have been having weekly blood tests since then but have been incredibly anxious and scared for the duration of rupturing and dying which feels like a very real and terrifying fear for me. I have struggled with communication and reassurance from the hospital which has only added to the anxiety.
My reason for posting is my levels dropped to 8.5 on 27th October and this week raised slightly to 9.9 on 3rd November. The hospital have assured me this is nothing to worry about and could be an anomaly or could be the placenta hormones still on my body & have asked me to come back in 2 weeks for bloods. but I wondered if anyone has had similar experience and could provide some comfort and reassurance?
My levels have been as follows throughout the process
14.09- 4111
16.09 - 3400 Methotrexate given
19.09 Day 4 - 2661
22.09 Day 7 - 1435
29.09 Day 14 - 187
6.10 Day 21 - 64
13.10 Day 28 - 37
21.10 Day 35 - 21.5
27.10 day 42 - 8.5
03.11 day 49 - 9.9
I am just looking for some comfort and guidance and support from someone who understands which I have struggled to find at the hospital. A dr this week told me I was lucky to not have children because theirs had kept them up all night; this was heartbreaking as this was very much a wanted pregnancy and also my first pregnancy and the whole experience has been very distressing and heartbreaking.
The process feels like it is going on for so long and I am struggling to cope with it, it feels like it will never end and I am just really looking to talk to someone who understands as currently I am finding it very hard to see any light at the end of this very dark tunnel. I feel like this has been very distressing and I’m not sure if I am just not strong enough to cope with it. My GP has been very supportive and prescribed anti depressants which I hope will help.
Dear Bea,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss and the insensitive comments from the doctor.
When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.
I too was treated with methotrexate and i agree that the worry about possible rupture during the whole treatment was overwhelming. We also hear from many women and people who feel the same, you are not alone.
Your levels really are low now and so the risk of rupture is minimal. I know you are worried they have increased slightly but this does sometimes happen and we often see the reduction again in the next blood test. It can be very frustrating when we are so close to the end of treatment.
Many women experience feelings of isolation after an 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.
These boards are a safe space to share, ask questions, or to vent. They are filled with people who have been through similar experiences and journeys, and we are here for you 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 also 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.
Please be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and heal both physically and emotionally.
Sending much love and gentle hugs,
Karen x
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
I had MTX in July and it also took a while for it to resolve. I had a similar drop from thousands to hundreds, then it seemed to take many weeks to get back to normal levels. Your numbers are almost there so I’m sure it won’t take long now, the increase is probably just a little blip.
This is a very difficult time and I hope you can find some support for your emotional recovery. It does get better and you will get through this <3
Thank you both for your reassuring comments, it really meant a lot. I also spoke to the EPT helpline who were incredible and I would really recommend that to anyone else going through a similar experience.
thankfully my blood test has come back negative meaning I can start to close this chapter, thank you for your kind words
Dear Bea,
I’m so glad your levels.have come back down.
I am also glad you found the helpline helpful,
Although you understandably want to close this chapter, we will be here for support in the future if ever needed.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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
