Has anyone else had an ectopic pregnancy?

kimr · 06-26-2009, 10:06 PM

I am really struggling with this. I knew that something was just not right the way this pregnancy started.

I thought I had a period for four days (and it was a little lighter than normal) that started the day after fertility friend said it should. My doctor had done a pretty extensive blood workup on me since I have had four previous miscarriages. All the bloodwork came back normal. So, we scheduled an HSG. He told me it was important to not be pregnant and since I thought I was on day 4 of my cycle, I thought no problem and scheduled the HSG. But, something told me to take a HPT. So, I did and it was positive! I was excited, but obviously also concerned. Went to the doctor's office that next day and had a beta and then a couple of days later, another one and the levels were going up. During the second beta, I did have some spotting that lasted two days. I obviously canceled the HSG and thought, OK, here we go again.

Anyway, I continued to get betas and the levels were increasing, but a little slower than we had hoped (they are listed below in my signature). I had an ultrasound and they could not find anything. The doc mentioned tubal, but couldn't be for sure, so beta again and again. Levels continued to rise.

Ended up in the ER this past Monday night and had another ultrasound (including my first catheter - boy was that NOT fun). The ultrasounds could find nothing - but the beta did show a decrease in hCG. So, we knew I was miscarrying, but almost certain at this point that it was an ectopic preg. They still couldn't find the pregnancy anywhere, though.

Had a methotrexate shot on Wednesday. Have felt like complete crap since then. My whole upper abdomen is very, very sore. Feels like I have been punched in the stomach several times and then worked out. Motion seems to hurt my stomach. Went again to the docs office today - and we really don't think anything has ruptured (hemoglobin numbers were fine) and doc prescribed a little better pain meds. Feel better tonight (due to the pain meds), but am still just perplexed.

Is this what this feels like? Just complete sore? I have no bleeding. I have no idea what to expect. Doctor says that the pain will probably get worse before it gets better and last at least another week. He doesn't think I will bleed much since my uterus lining was so thin.

I am so concerned about getting pregnant again. While none of these miscarriages have been a walk in the park, this one is particularly worrisome and painful.

Just curious about others and wanted to know if someone may share their story with me. I know everyone is different, but it helps to hear other's stories.

c.a.rogers · 06-26-2009, 10:24 PM

I am so very sorry that you are going through this. The methotrexate shot did not work for me it just made me feel really crappy like I had the flu or I was hit by a truck. I had to go in the following week for another shot because the first did not work. Make sure that your ob listens to you and that you listen to your body. My ectopic ended up rupturing because my ob did not listen to me and blew me off when I told him there was something seriously wrong. I will spare you the gory details but I do send you lots of hugs.

Carol

kimr · 06-26-2009, 10:35 PM

Carol, thanks for sharing. Being hit by a truck is a good analogy. It is very flu like. Lethargic, achy, just overall miserable - not to mention the mental stress part. I do feel like I have a wonderful doctor that is actually listening to me and I am so thankful for that.

Sorry you had to go through it, too.

Congratulations on your current pregnancy!

SandV · 06-26-2009, 10:50 PM

Kim - I am sorry you have to go through this. I had an ectopic last year. Unfortunately, I did not know I was pg until my left tube had ruptured. I had emergency surgery removing a viable fetus (8 gest weeks, 10 pg weeks and very healthy with nice strong hb) plus my left tube.
I will say prayers for you. I hope the shot does work for you so you do not have to go through the surgery.

Carol - Always great seeing your posts

I am so happy for you.

c.a.rogers · 06-27-2009, 09:59 AM

Kim - How are you holding up today? The emotional battle is far worse than the physical battle so take good care of yourself.

Sue - Hi!!!

Carol

kimr · 06-27-2009, 01:15 PM

I really think I have a harder time with the physical (which I guess turns the emotional stuff on). But, I'm doing OK. The Rx strength pain medication is really helping. I started bleeding overnight - so I think that is a good thing - that it is going through the proper stages. My DH thinks that I finally started moving on because the narcotics helped me finally relax. I have been a huge stress ball!

Thanks for checking in.

c.a.rogers · 06-28-2009, 10:11 AM

At least your ob let you have pain meds... mine would only let me take 1 tylenol every 8 hours at that point why bother. Take the pain meds and take extra good care of yourself.

Carol

AliciaJ83 · 06-30-2009, 01:05 PM

I did. I started bleeding on mothers day and had the shot the next day. I'm sorry that you had this happen it's awful and painful.. Just all around sucks. I hope if you try again that you get a speedy BFP .

Andy · 07-11-2009, 10:19 PM

Kim, I had an ectopic, but I had emergency surgery to remove my pregnancy. I remember being in a lot of pain and being just "out of it" for a few days. I was on pain meds too.
Take your pain meds when you need them.
I got pg without incident after my ectopic and carried to term.
((((hugs))))

nae · 07-19-2009, 11:53 PM

I had an ectopic back in the 90's.. removal by operation and they saved my tube. I've had a daughter and son since then... you will have your baby!! Keep your faith!!

hopeful_1 · 08-04-2009, 08:08 PM

I had an eptopic pregnancy back in 2003. I didn't even know I was pregnant I just thought I was having an unusual period. I got my BFP on a Monday and was in the ER on Friday. The first ER I went to said they were busy and it would be a while before they would be able to see me so I went to another ER and they took me straight to the back. I also had a very NOT wonderful experience with the catheter. That was probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have ever had in my life. After finding the baby in my tube they rushed me to surgery. Although my tube didn't rupture they removed my tube because the doc said there was a lot of damage to it. The worst part about my experience was that during my couple of days in the hospital post op they put me in the section of the hospital where you go after having your baby. So on top of just losing mine I had to be surrounded by people who just had theirs. It was very traumatic. Keep hope and all will work itself out in the end. I am currently ttc again I just keep praying that I will be blessed with a little miracle. I will put you in my prayers. Best wishes and baby dust.

CruellaDeville · 08-25-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopeful_1

I had an eptopic pregnancy back in 2003. I didn't even know I was pregnant I just thought I was having an unusual period. I got my BFP on a Monday and was in the ER on Friday. The first ER I went to said they were busy and it would be a while before they would be able to see me so I went to another ER and they took me straight to the back. I also had a very NOT wonderful experience with the catheter. That was probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I have ever had in my life. After finding the baby in my tube they rushed me to surgery. Although my tube didn't rupture they removed my tube because the doc said there was a lot of damage to it. The worst part about my experience was that during my couple of days in the hospital post op they put me in the section of the hospital where you go after having your baby. So on top of just losing mine I had to be surrounded by people who just had theirs. It was very traumatic. Keep hope and all will work itself out in the end. I am currently ttc again I just keep praying that I will be blessed with a little miracle. I will put you in my prayers. Best wishes and baby dust.

How utterly THOUGHTLESS.