Fluctuating hcg, confused doctors

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1

Hi all, this is my first post here, I’m in a bit of a pickle at the moment and would appreciate some advice or anything really.

Backstory:

I got my first bfp a few weeks ago, then had what I assumed was an early miscarriage at 5w2d, and am certain the sac was passed. I got bloods and a scan done, nothing to see on scan besides a “mass” (possible cyst) on right ovary. Had more bloods a few days later after bleeding had stopped, and hcg had gone from approx 80-170 so doctor could not rule out ectopic. I had another scan a few days after that and “mass” was still there but unchanged from a week before. Doctor sent me to emergency with possible ectopic, where they took blood and found my levels down to 72, so sent me home as the “mass” hasn’t changed and was possibly there before the pregnancy.

So, I had more bloods done yesterday which have come back at 130. I’ve read that different labs will get different results, but Is it possible to have that big of a difference at two different labs? The 80, 170, and 130 were at the same lab, and the 72 was at a different place. Regardless, they’re getting me in for more bloods and more scans until we can determine what this is. Thanks for any advice. Really just need to vent about this.

2

Dear Cedarwattle,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss,

Unfortunately I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your queries.

It is often difficult to tell exactly what is happening with hCG levels alone. The 72 result maybe an anomaly or it maybe that levels have increased again.

If scans are inconclusive, doctors would carry out a series of blood tests to check hCG levels to see if the numbers are rising as expected. However, in isolation, hCG tests only provide a part of the picture - declining levels indicate that a pregnancy has ended and will be miscarried. It can also possibly indicate an ectopic pregnancy that is “self-resolving”. Also hCG levels rising by less than 66% over 48 hours means it is likely (but not certain) that it is ectopic. If levels rise normally, they suggest the pregnancy is implanted in the uterus. You may see from this that hCG levels only indicate certain possibilities and are not in themselves a definitive guide. This is the reason why your doctors are waiting to carry out more scans and tests.

Having said this, if you feel any pain which seems unusual and is concerning you and, in particular, if you experience any worsening bleeding or start to feel dizzy and unwell, please seek urgent medical advice.

I hope you get some definitive answers soon,

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

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

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

Take a look at our newsletters 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

3

Thank you so much for all the info, it really helped me get through the past few days. Just an update for anyone seeing this in the future and wondering: they have located my ectopic pregnancy and I’m having the surgery to remove it.

4

Dear Cedarwattle,

I am so sorry to hear you are having to have surgery, this is the advice I usually give ladies post surgery and I hope it helps,

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.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve, to heal both physically and emotionally,

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

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

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

Take a look at our newsletters 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