First started feeling pregnancy symptoms a couple days before my period was to start. Took a test and it was negative.started period but it only lasted a couple days which is odd for me. I have had three very easy pregnancies before this with no complications. Boobs extremely sore still so I took a pregnancy test and it was very faint positive. Continued to test and it got darker. Went to on at 6 weeks nothing in uterus and hcg 994. Went down to 954 next day he said could be miscarriage. Went back a couple days later and hcg 2000 fliud in abdomen and small spot on left side could be eptoptic. Got first round methotrexate. 4 days after numbers went to 2800 and 2600 7 days after. Doctor said not enough so had second round mtx. Today is day 4 and number are at 2100 and doctor said dropping enough for now. How much longer to reach zero? Having alot of abdominal pain but more like gas or stomach pains than one sided cramping.
Dear Jabolling5,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
I am afraid it is difficult to predict how long it will take for your hormone levels reach non-pregnant levels. As we are all individual, our bodies respond differently to the drug and it depends on factors like how high levels reached and our unique physiology. What I can say is that it can take a number of weeks and, while it can take some time, it is not as invasive a procedure as surgery. It is also encouraging that your levels are falling steadily although I appreciate that it can be a drawn out process. Also, in terms of chances of future successful pregnancies, studies do not show a significant difference between treatment routes, whether surgical, medical using methotrexate or expectant management (allowing time for the body to resolve the pregnancy itself).
I also experienced abdominal pain following my ectopic pregnancy, this is the most common side effect.
The pain usually occurs during the first 2 to 3 days of treatment.
Sadly however, I am not medically trained and because abdominal pain is also a sign of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, please report any abdominal pain to your health professional.
It is advised that you do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise whilst your hCG levels are dropping.
Please take time to grieve, to recover both physically and emotionally.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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