Help please

Ongoing expectant management for a surprise ectopic .

2 previous ectopics - the latter resulted in salpingectomy one side and found remaining tube blocked during operation. Told ivf only option as would never conceive naturally. Fast forward to now; pregnant entirely unexpectedly . Approx 7 weeks, fluctuating hcgs ? Hovering about 464. nothing “definitive” on scan seen at any point.

Feel totally passed from pillar to post by the hospital over last 3 weeks . Last dr I saw said they saw a mass and some free fluid and would

List for theatre…. 48’hours later, without a marked drop in hcg different doctor says oh to away and come back in a week to check hcg again.?! Im so confused .

I’m sat here terrified . I’ve been having unilateral niggles in lower abdo. They said this is nothing to worry about. Can anyone share their early symptoms? Did anyone else start like this or was it sudden . Any advice welcome xx

Dear slk,

I am so sorry to hear of the worrying time you are going through.

The problem with ectopic pregnancy symptoms is that we will all experience them differently. Some will experience a little niggle, some will be in severe pain. Some will bleed heavily whilst others will only spot. That’s why it is so important to listen to your own body and if you feel symptoms are worsening for you, please seek urgent medical advice by contacting your early pregnancy unit or attending A&E.

As you have been given conflicting advice, I don’t see why you can’t ask to be reviewed by the senior doctor and ask for their opinion. I would also check when they are requesting further bloods and a scan, to be on the safe side.

As they are yet to locate your pregnancy, you will be labelled as experiencing a Pregnancy of unknown location - (PUL). It is important to understand that a PUL is not a diagnosis; it is a label given until the final location of the pregnancy can be identified with certainty. In the event of a PUL, blood will be taken to measure serum progesterone and hCG and the hCG test repeated 48 hours later. The doctors would also want to repeat the scan. Until the location of the pregnancy is known definitively or the serum hormone levels have decreased to below pregnancy levels, there is a risk of complications associated with an as yet undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy.

Whilst I do not wish to alarm you, for every 100 pregnancies labelled as a PUL about 10 will subsequently be found to be ectopic; but not all of these will need treatment. If treatment is required, (methotraxate injection or surgery) this will depend on the results of blood tests and scans and I would discuss this further with you Dr.

Not knowing what is happening to our bodies can be extremely overwhelming and you have friends here who understand. It is important to seek medical advice with any changes that concern you. We will be here for you for as long as you need,

Sending much love,

Karen x

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