Surgery without medical indications

Main Board
1

Hi, my name is Irina and I live in Russia (I apologise for all possible mistakes in my English).

I am 35 yo and it was my first pregnancy. I feel so devastated now as I had all medical indications for MTX (egg 11mm, stopped in developing, hCG 1700-2000, no free liquid via ultrasound) but this method is unfortunately very limited in Russia. The symptoms consisted of brown spotting. The surgeon and all other gynaecologists I consulted refused to try MTX before surgery.

I learned that I was pregnant on the 30th December (3-4 weeks) and on the 31st December I had laparoscopy and milking of my egg. According to the surgeon the egg had almost detached from the tube itself. Could it go out without any intervention?

Now I am recovering for laparoscopy and feeling so sad and depressive as I could have had MTX (after a surgery a doctor confirmed it could be efficient in my case; but before she was strongly against even trying) and didn’t feel all this pain in my tommy. There will be scars on my belly and I fear I can have other side effects such as stretched belly, limits in sport, problems with my tube and infertility.

I wish I could have had a choice for MTX and have tried to avoid surgery…

2

Dear Irina,

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

When we experience ectopic pregnancy, we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any loss of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

I am so sorry methotrexate is not offered widely in Russia. Although it is not as invasive as surgery, it maybe comforting to know that there is no difference in the rates of having a successful pregnancy between the different treatment options.

You have had so much to process in such a short time frame. Generally speaking, you should take it very easy for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time so please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others. One day you may be okay and the next you may be in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body signals. Pain and feeling tired are your body signals to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy diet drinking lots of water and resting.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and to heal both physically and emotionally

We will be here for you for as long as you need,

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Registered Charity Number: 1071811 **************************************************************************

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

The latest EPT newsletter is out now! You can take a look at the Winter edition 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