Second Methotrexate Injection

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Hello everyone! I am looking for some advice and help if possible… I am 25 and recently found out I was pregnant (my first pregnancy), but very quickly learned it was unfortunately ectopic. As my levels were 1490, I was able to have the injection. Unfortunately, after 7 days my levels had continued and to ride to 1700, despite being hopeful and wishing, and therefore I have been given a second injection yesterday. I have been told that if my levels do not drop by day 4 this time, they will have to remove my tube as they want to avoid rupture. I feel so anxious and distressed and just wanted to know did anyone else have to receive a second injection and if so, how did they feel/cope about it? Was it successful, if not, how do they manage the emotions? I am getting myself so worked up at the prospect of surgery and losing my tube and seem to be losing myself a little bit in the process :disappointed_relieved:

Thank you in advance for all your help- it is really appreciated! :heartpulse:

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AnnaLou20x:
Hello everyone! I am looking for some advice and help if possible… I am 25 and recently found out I was pregnant (my first pregnancy), but very quickly learned it was unfortunately ectopic. As my levels were 1490, I was able to have the injection. Unfortunately, after 7 days my levels had continued and to rise to 1700, despite being hopeful and wishing, and therefore I have been given a second injection yesterday. I have been told that if my levels do not drop by day 4 this time, they will have to remove my tube as they want to avoid rupture. I feel so anxious and distressed and just wanted to know did anyone else have to receive a second injection and if so, how did they feel/cope about it? Was it successful, if not, how did you manage the emotions? I am getting myself so worked up at the prospect of surgery and losing my tube and seem to be losing myself a little bit in the process :disappointed_relieved:

Thank you in advance for all your help- it is really appreciated! :heartpulse:

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Dear AnnaLou20x,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,

Some women do go on to have a second dose of methotrexate and for most, this works well. Sadly for a few ladies, the medicine may not work as the cells of the ectopic pregnancy may continue to divide, which could result in there still being a need for surgery. Success rates do vary depending on the circumstances in which methotrexate is given and studies report success rates of 65-95%. Success rates tend to be higher with lower serum hCG levels.

To help the treatment work, you should stop taking any vitamins, minerals or other medicines unless you have been told by the doctors treating you to continue with them, as some medicines interfere with the effects of methotrexate. It is particularly important that you do not take any folic acid supplements until your doctors are sure that the drug has worked. Also, in the first week it is important to avoid pain killers which fall into the NSAID group such as ibuprofen.

You may find it reassuring that 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).

Please also do not do any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting,

Sending much love and positive thoughts that your second injection starts to reduce your levels.

Karen x

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