Starting to panic

mrsrobbo20 · 18 May 2023 18:16

Hi all,

I had an ectopic (my first pregnancy) in November 2020. We’ve tried since May 2021, I had fertility tests late last year/early this year. I had a tube dye test in Feb this year which showed both tubes are clear. Everything else came back normal. I’m just overweight and stressed. I’ve lost 1stone and 5lbs since Feb and went on our delayed honeymoon in April. I found out I was pregnant again last Wednesday 10th May. All my tests have been really dark (morning and evening) until I took one last night which was really faint. Same again this morning. Still positive but nowhere near as dark as the others. I did drink quite a bit of water and orange cordial yesterday, my pee is really really light. I got bloods done yesterday which came back as 427 today. According to apps & NHS, I’m 5 weeks and 3 days. My last period was Monday 10th April but conception had to be between Wednesday 19th and Wednesday 26th April - only three times, no other times within April.

I’m so scared history is going to repeat itself and the wait for my scan next week is spiralling me into a panic. I was around 5 weeks and 5 days when I went to hospital with the horrendous ectopic pain, but I’d been getting brown/pink discharge, spotting and bleeding days before that. Touch wood I’ve not had any of them symptoms so far but my HCG was around 1300 at that point. I know it may double or more by my next appointment next Tuesday but why was my hcg higher with the ectopic than it is now?

I know I need to chill and stop reading into things but it’s so difficult. I’m terrified.

Thanks

Kayleigh

EPT_Host_22 · 19 May 2023 10:32

Hi msrobbo20,

I’m so sorry you are going through this worrying time.

I know how challenging this time period can be, especially following an ectopic pregnancy. As best as you can, I hope you can find ways to look after yourself and take it as easy as possible. With ectopic recovery, sometimes it takes even longer than we think it will. Our sensitivities can be extra heightened since we’ve experienced the trauma before.

It’s good that you’ve had your blood taken. I am assuming that means you’ve been in touch with the EPU. If you haven’t been, you are able to have an early scan at 6 weeks, which can offer reassurance. Please continue to ask your Drs any questions you might have. I know you already understand the signs of rupture but do continue to look out and don’t hesitate to call 111, or visit A&E should you need.

These are traumatic events and new pregnancies can trigger old feelings. If you and your partner need extra time, take it. With this in mind, please remember we are here for you at any time you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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mrsrobbo20 · 21 May 2023 13:50

I’m sorry to say but my pregnancy has ended, I’ve had a miscarriage I started bleeding yesterday and I just knew something wasn’t right so I went to hospital. They did an internal exam, said it was threatened but then my HCG results came back as 151, from 427 on Wednesday, so it’s pretty much confirmed.

My ectopic was in November 2020, we started trying again 6 months later in May 2021 and it’s taken us two years to get pregnant again, now I’ve lost my second baby. I just feel so numb.

I also feel totally awful for almost being glad it’s a miscarriage and not another ectopic, when really I’m not glad about any of this. It hurts so much but in a totally different way.

I had a pre booked 6 week scan for Tuesday and they still want me to go. Is this normal? Should I go? I really don’t want to but I also don’t want to go against medical advice but no one’s really said anything. The early pregnancy loss aftercare is just so basic and cold

EPT_Host_12 · 23 May 2023 18:00

I am so sorry for your loss and to hear this pregnancy has ended in a miscarriage mrsrobbo20. I can understand that after what feels like a long wait after your ectopic pregnancy that this must be absolutely devastating for you.

Please don’t feel guilty for your thoughts and feelings about feeling relieved this is not another ectopic pregnancy. As you so rightly say, the loss doesn’t hurt any less, it is instead different. Although I have not experienced a miscarriage myself, I can appreciate this loss is equally as devastating but the relief you feel may be in relation to the additional complexity an ectopic pregnancy can bring and the risk to your life it could pose, so it is completely understandable that you feel this way.

I can understand why you really don’t want to attend this appointment you have booked next week, but I would advise you follow your healthcare professional’s advice and go to the scan on Tuesday. Without knowing the reason for this recommendation, I can’t say for certain why this is needed. If you have the contact details for the clinic you are due to visit it may be a good idea to give a call to ask for more information about what to expect during this appointment, whether you can bring someone with you to support you and explain how you are feeling. I know having this information isn’t going to make this appointment easy, but I hope it may help in a small way to mentally prepare as much as possible.

Please know that our other support services are always here for you alongside these forums if you would like to speak to a member of our support team at this very difficult time you can read about what we can offer here: https://ectopic.org.uk/how-we-can-help

I thought I would also send you the link to the Miscarriage Association’s website: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org. … -services/

They have a lot of detailed information on here and their own support services to offer at this really difficult time if you want to speak to someone who has experience with miscarriages specifically you can of course use their support services alongside ours at The EPT.

With gentle wishes,

Sophie