Hi everyone
I’m on my second ectopic pregnancy in 3 months - I lost ectopic twins in December which required surgery, and on Sunday I was diagnosed with a second ectopic which is being treated this time with methotrexate.
As the methotrexate is new to me, I’m worried about some of my physical symptoms. I’ve had nausea, diarrhea, cramping and vaginal bleeding which all seem in line with what to expect. However I’m also feeling an internal pressure that is giving me increasing discomfort, making it difficult to walk, sit or go to the toilet now without pain. It’s like there’s a ball inside of me and it’s pushing all the other organs out to the side and making everything else painful.
I can’t find any info online to tell me whether it’s normal or not. When I phoned the hospital they said it’s just the methotrexate working, but I guess my concern is that this internal pressure could potentially be the ectopic getting worse and a sign the methotrexate isn’t working?
As awful as the surgery was, at least I could be sure the ectopic was resolved and focus on recovery, whereas this just feels like an endless rollercoaster of worrying what’s going on inside me and whether or not things are getting better or worse.
Any advice gratefully received!
Ilana
Dear Ilana,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy losses.
Assessing pain levels is difficult as pain is very subjective and we are unable to provide individualised medical advice. Whilst discomfort, bleeding and fatigue are common side effects with methotrexate, I always strongly advise anyone with increasing pain or pressure as you describe or you feel dizzy and unwell to seek urgent medical advice. As you have rightly said, these could be signs of rupture and it is important this is ruled out. Never think that you are disturbing medical staff, it is always more important to get checked out just to be on the safe side.
If you are unable to contact your local EPU, i would advise attending A&E if your symptoms are worsening.
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
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
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
Hi Karen
I just wanted to say thank you, as I took your advice yesterday morning and sought help from the hospital. It turned out my ectopic had ruptured and I needed emergency surgery, which I had in the afternoon.
Just goes to show how right you are not to hesitate to get help and wanted to share in case this experience helps anyone else. The hard thing with methotrexate in my view is that’s it’s hard to know what’s a ‘normal’ response and what isn’t, as everyone is different!
Thanks a million,
Ilana
Dear Ilana,
I am so sorry to hear that you ended up having surgery but I am glad that you did go and get that medical advice. I know how worrying it can be, especially when we think we may be made to feel like we are making a fuss, but i honestly think we know our own bodies best.
I hope you can take the time you need to recover from surgery. Do not hesitate to speak to your doctors if you feel you need longer off work. Take the time you need.
We will be here for you for as long as you need.
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
If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.
Further information is available on our website.
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
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