Was told last night I have an ectopic pregnancy in left tube and a v small period of time in which to choose medicine or surgery.
I have pcos and do not ovulate without help - only been pregnant twice, both times with assistance of Clomid and trigger shot and I lost Last pregnancy at 20 weeks.
Dr said both options have similar prognosis, but he didn’t know my history and my concern is that my right side doesn’t seem to do much and that is all I would be left with if I have surgery.
I’m leaning towards the injection, with the reasoning that at least I’ll hopefully still have two tubes, but has anyobe been in this / similar situation? I’m just terrified of doing the wrong thing.
Hi, I’m really sorry this has happened to you. I had my ectopic at 6 weeks and was told the injection was my only option as it wasn’t big enough to need surgery. If they have given you a choice I would say injection. I had an injection, it’s very painful and I had to lie down to have it (the doctor initially was going to give it to me standing! I would’ve fallen)
There are side effects to consider and am sure is not the same for everyone. For me I had severe stomach pain for a week and still after a month get a twinge every now and again. You can’t get pregnant for 3 months after the injection because it stops new growth which would kill off or seriously damage a new pregnancy but they said after 3 months it would be perfectly fine. But now I’m terrified I might get pregnant by accident despite using protection, even though it took us 2 years to get pregnant in the first place.
Anyway sorry to go off on a tangent. I’m surprised they gave you an option and I would suggest that if the doctor’s think the injection will be fine then go with that. But I also read that even if you lose a tube, your ovaries can use either tube so you would still be using the eggs from your left side. Check with the doctor about that. Also make sure he knows about your history! He should know.
I hope whatever you choose turns out for the best.
xxxx
Dear curlylocks8,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy.
I would say that your Dr should try to look into your history to help best advise on which treatment to have.
What I would say is that methotrexate has been developed as a less invasive method of treatment than surgery. Also, studies suggest that the chances of successful pregnancy are not significantly different between treatment methods ie whether having a tube removed or methotrexate, but this again may depend on your medical history and the health of your remaining tube.
We have more information on the treatment options and follow up/recovery here-
https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?
Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk
Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.
Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).
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.
Thanks ladies and I’m sorry this happened to you too June.
I managed to speak with a consultant in the department that had been helping re me getting pregnant that knew my history and was told to save the tube if possible.
I was given the choice as it was quite small and we had a small window of time to make a decision - I think usually my hospital only offers surgery, but they’re also running a clinical trial whereby in addition to the methotrexate I also take tablets which are either a placebo or a drug called Getifinib.
I had injection and tablets last night at about 6:30 last night so am waiting for side effects to start. I’m now worried it isn’t working as I kind of feel ok!
Hi there,
Sorry for this horrible time. I too recently had to make a very quick decision between surgery or methotrexate. I first had a small ectopic pregnancy in my left tube 9 years ago which was treated successfully with methotrexate. That process (while traumatic) was smooth and my body returned to normal over a few months. Unfortunately I recently had another small ectopic pregnancy in my left tube. Though it could have been treated with methotrexate, based on my history of a previous ectopic I decided, along with the doctors, that removing the tube was actually the best thing for my fertility. But that is my situation and everyone is unique. It really does depend on your own history and what will be most suited for you. Hopefully your doctor is able to consider your history and guide you in the right direction. Sorry for your loss xx
Thanks Kathryn, I’m sorry for your losses. This whole thing is horrible.
Unfortunately whilst today was day 4 and I anticipated the Hcg level rising, the hospital telephoned me earlier to say the consultant isn’t happy with how they’ve risen (2147 on thurs evening to 3600 this morning) so I have to go back tomorrow for more bloods which will determine whether I have to have surgery or not. I’m keeping my fingers crossed I don’t although hiven my unlucky track record I’m packing an overnight bag for my husband to bring along if I am admitted.
Take care xx