Hi. I am new to this forum. I had an ectopic pregnancy surgery. I was 7 weeks (HCG of 8800). They were able to “save” my tube but it’s scarred. It’s been a little over 8 weeks since the surgery and my HCG level is still at 20. It’s taking forever for it to get to zero and I am really stressed about it. I am nervous I will need to get the metho shot. This was my first pregnancy and I am eager to start trying again. I have such mixed emotions with everything going on. I don’t feel myself at all. I am stressed about my HCG levels and my future fertility. I am also not handling things well. I cry randomly. I sleep a lot. I just feel depressed and it’s weird because the longer it’s been the worse it’s hitting me. At first I was pushing all the emotions away and trying to “move on” but now it’s been hard to deal with it all and I find myself crying more then usual. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? How long does it take on average for HCG levels to be zero after surgery? Help I am lost and feeling really alone.
Dear Meg22sc,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
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 loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.
With a salpingotomy (ie removing the pregnancy and leaving the tube), there is a very small risk that some of the pregnancy remains in the tube and your blood tests are to monitor hCG levels as they decrease and see the pregnancy is fully resolved. In a very small number of cases, treatment with methotrexate may also be required (or a further operation needed), if the hCG levels are not decreasing. Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your levels however it is encouraging to hear that your levels are decreasing and that you are continued to be followed up.
Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is a huge ordeal and you are in the early stages of recovery. Your body needs time to heal from your surgery which is in itself a gruelling task. You have also had to process the loss of your baby and been through an immense rollercoaster of emotions - all of this will take time to come to terms with.
You should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body’s signals and pain and feeling tired are your body’s signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.
The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in right place next 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. Importantly early scans avail. As soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.
As a gentle reminder regarding conceiving again following surgery, we and many medical professionals advise waiting for two menstrual cycles. It is important to allow time for your body to recover and emotions to surface and be worked through. This is so that you have some comfort that your body is returning to its natural rhythm and you have a last menstrual period date from which to date a new pregnancy - key information in checking you are not suffering from an ectopic pregnancy in the future. The first bleed soon after surgery for ectopic pregnancy is not classed as a period as it is the body’s response to falling hormone levels.
Please take time to recover both physically and emotionally,
Sending much love,
Karen x
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