Methotrexate Recovery

Main Board
1

Hi guys,

Going through my 2nd ectopic right now. Had a dose of methotrexate on 1st April and my day 3 bloods have shown that I’ve gone from 1900HGC to 500HGC which is promising.

Just wondering roughly how long it has taken people who have had one dose of methotrexate to get their HCG levels back to 0? I know it won’t be the same for everyone but just curious roughly how long it will take.

Had really awful intense pain on day 2 but now it’s just random little mild cramps every now and again plus the bleeding has started but that was to be expected.

Thanks :slight_smile:

2

Hi there

Sorry to hear about your second ectopic.

My days 1-4 (ish) bloods showed a pretty big drop, and day 7 did also, but then it was slower from there. I only had a single dose. I think I read in a study the average is just over a month, maybe 38 days or something? I recall it taking around 4.5 weeks for me to hit negative hCG, although mine was not very high to start with. Definitely the last parts can be slow. I’m pretty sure I was on 400ish after a week, and then it must have taken another 2 weeks to get to 100ish, and then another 1.5 to get to negative.

Good luck! Your initial first drop is huge.

3

Dear Esb27,

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, 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).

In the meantime, avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, stop taking any supplements (unless you are told to continue by your Dr) and avoid anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and heal both physically and emotionally.

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

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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

4

Hi Miranda, that’s really useful to know. I did read somewhere about the 38 days or something like that so am expecting it to take a while. How long did you cramps last? Mine just feels like really bad period pains right now but not even at a week yet so to be expected.

Thanks Karen, this is really helpful! I am being kind to my body and resting. It’s telling me to slow right down.