Hi All,
I am going in for the methotrexate this afternoon and am getting a bit nervous as what to expect for afterwards.
I’ve read online about pain and bleeding (I’ve had the bleeding for over a week now and pain on and off)
My last bhcg it had decreased but only by 17. It’s quite low numbers anyway but not decreasing the way the hospital want.
If anyone could give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
MrsA15,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. It can be a confusing time, and I will do my best to help.
Everyone is different in how they respond to methotrexate and how long it takes for the HCG levels to come down. You can read a bit more on the Trust’s website about the treatment with methotrexate: http://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/.
The bleeding you may experience occurs after treatment is the body’s response to falling hormone levels. Usually the bleeding after treatment lasts about a week and the begins to diminishes. Provided you are not soaking more than a pad an hour and you can manage the pain with over the counter pain relief then please try not to worry. If the pain relief doesn’t help, heavy bleeding occurs or you have an increased body temperature of more than 37°C, should seek get medical attention as soon as possible. You may consider keeping a pain diary noting when you experience the pain and where, its intensity and anything that helps like rest or pain relief such as paracetamol.
The most important thing you can do is to look after yourself right now, and to continue to monitor your symptoms. While I do not want to alarm you, it can be possible to rupture with low/falling hormone levels (under 5mIU/mL is considered no longer pregnant) and it would be important to get the care that you need to be on the safe side.
Please know this is a safe space for your thoughts and concerns, and we are here for you for as long as you need.
With good wishes,
Michele
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Further information is available at http://www.ectopic.org.uk
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