Scarred Remaining Tube

After 2 trips to A&E , 2 trips to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit, 3 weeks of pain, 10 days of waiting, 4 internal scans, and countless blood tests an ectopic pregnancy in my left fallopian tube was confirmed. With a lot of blood in my abdomen, I was taken to emergency surgery within a few hours of the scan that confirmed it.

I was told that the procedure would take 30-60 minutes. However, it ended up lasting over 2.5 hours. A specialist consultant had to be called in from home due to what they found in surgery.

I had lots of blood in my abdomen and my left fallopian tube was filled with clots as well as the pregnancy. My ovaries had adhered to the walls of my uterus and needed to be unstuck. Additionally they saw that my right fallopian tube was scarred and swollen. I was told that the surgeons considered removing my right tube too but decided to leave it.

I was told post surgery that the scarring on my right tube was likely due to a prior infection. Additionally that conceiving in the future will probably be hard and would come with significant risk of another ectopic pregnancy (due to having had one already and then having scarring in addition to this).

This all happened just a few days ago and so I am still processing everything and I’m not sure how I feel about a lot of what happened. I know I feel a deep sadness for the loss of my baby. I know also I am confused about what I have been told about my chances of conceiving again.

Firstly, I can’t recall having an infection - how did my remaining fallopian tube get scarred? Secondly, how hard will it be for us to conceive again? And, if we do conceive, how likely is it to be an ectopic pregnancy? Does ‘likely’ mean a 90% chance or does it mean 10%?

Has anyone had a similar experience or diagnosis? Anyone able to offer me more than the doctors have?

Dear Em,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss. From your own words, I can imagine what a frightening experience this must have been and I am sorry you are going through this.
When we experience ectopic pregnancy, we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and its treatment, concerns of the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal. Take each day as it comes, there is no time frame for recovery.

Sadly many pelvic infections don’t have obvious symptoms so it is possible to have an infection without knowing. I am unable to provide personalised medical advice, but if you are concerned about future chances of fertility, I would advise asking to be referred to a fertility specialist who will be able to look through your notes and scans and provide you with more indepth information.

The chances of a further ectopic after a first in UK is 10%. So that’s 90% chance of the embryo being in the right place next time.
Also as soon as you know you are pregnant, contact your local EPU to inform them and book in for an early scan at around six weeks. Remind them of your previous ectopic pregnancy. This self refer route is the best route in our view. Hopefully you will have some comfort to know you are under the radar of medical professionals right away.

Making the decision to begin trying to conceive is an emotional rollercoaster compounded by our sad loss. Again, you are not alone. We here emotional support whenever you need us. There is a specific Preparing for your Next Pregnancy board you can look at too whenever feel ready.

Best wishes,
Karen x

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Thank you Karen, appreciate your reply x