Shoulder pain- is this normal?

Main Board
1

I received my latest blood test results on Monday which have showed a continued decline in my hCG levels and they are now 16. I’m due to have another blood test next Monday and they are hoping it will be below 10, possibly less.

My bleeding has stopped and pain in my lower right side (where the ectopic was) seems to be easing.

However, since Saturday, I have a shoulder pain which always seems to be there. It’s like a dull ache and I feel sometimes it makes my arm feel dead.

I’m tempted to ring the hospital just to double check but I know they are so over run and I don’t want to bother them if it’s only minor. The pain isn’t bothering me too much it’s just really achy.

I’m wondering whether I should be worried about this or whether it’s all part of my body healing. Has anyone experienced this before?

2

Dear A1893,

Generally with ectopic pregnancy, worrying shoulder pain is actually shoulder tip pain.

Shoulder tip pain is exactly where it says – not the neck or the back but the tip of your shoulder. If you look to the left over your shoulder and then cast your eyes down, the tip of your shoulder is where your shoulder ends and your arm starts. Shoulder tip pain is very distinctive. You know when you have it because it is a very weird pain you have probably never experienced before. The pain may have begun suddenly.

Shoulders cause pain when we are stressed because we hold ourselves more rigidly and muscles in the back and neck go in to spasm or you may have slept in an awkward position – this is most likely not shoulder tip pain related to an ectopic pregnancy.

Significant shoulder tip pain tends to develop with other symptoms such as feeling unwell, abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, faintness, abdominal bloating and fullness, or pain when opening your bowels (poo).

It is caused by internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm (the muscle in your chest which helps you to breathe) when you breathe in and out.

If the pain eases with over the counter pain relief or with movement or gentle hear it is unlikely to be complications of ectopic pregnancy.

I need to add however that pain however is extremely subjective and if you have any concerns, please do speak to a medical professional as we are not medically trained on these boards.

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