Possible Ectopic: difficult for another healthy pregnancy?

tweetylover · #1 May 6th, 2011, 05:55 AM

If you read my previous posts you would know that my wife just recently miscarried. She was about 3 weeks pregnant, had fluctuating hcg levels and then started bleeding (although not heavily). She had a d and c about 2 days ago and the doctor suspects it might be an ectopic pregnancy because the hcg levels were going up, however he never found the egg elsewhere in her body. She's been taking shots and pills so hopefully the levels are decreasing (we're getting the first hcg result after the d and c tomorrow).

We're really worried because we've read that the chance of having another ectopic after one is very high. We really want to have a baby soon (we were only actually married for about a month). The doctor said that it 'just happened' and that you can get pregnant again but she's really scared another one might occur (he says we're lucky because if it was ectopic, we caught it early). We're already thinking AI but is this the way to go after one miscarry? Or should we still try to conceive naturally?

I know that miscarries happen more often than not but my wife is so depressed right now and it's breaking my heart. We would do anything to have a baby. I know that there's hope so I'm trying to encourage her but would it really be difficult to carry a healthy baby if she had one ectopic?

Servilia · #2 May 6th, 2011, 06:12 AM

Hi.
I am so sorry for you and your wife's loss

I have had two miscarriages so I know the heartbreak. I have read about ectopics when I was going through my miscarriages (though mine weren't ectopic) so I know a little bit about them and yes I have read that if you've had one ectopic the chances of another one are higher than if you hadn't had an ectopic to begin with but no so high that you should lose hope I don't think.

FYI, AI (IUI - when they introduce your sperm directly into her uterus) won't decrease the chances of another ectopic because the sperm still swim up into the fallopian tubes which where most ectopics occur (some occur right on the ovaries or elsewhere outside the uterus). Even IVF doesn't rule out the possibility of another ectopic. So based on just what you've told us, I don't see any reason why you would go directly to medically assisted conception.

Your wife might want to have an HSG done (though not necessary). This is a procedure where the doctors inject special fluid into her reproductive tract and then track the fluid as it travels through her uterus and tubes. It will show whether one of the tubes has a blockage which might increase the chances of ectopic. It's also possible it wasn't an ectopic but a regular miscarriage, which as you already know are fairly common unfortunately

It's really sweet you're concerned enough as a husband to inquire about these things. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys..

tweetylover · #3 May 6th, 2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servilia

Hi.
I am so sorry for you and your wife's loss

I have had two miscarriages so I know the heartbreak. I have read about ectopics when I was going through my miscarriages (though mine weren't ectopic) so I know a little bit about them and yes I have read that if you've had one ectopic the chances of another one are higher than if you hadn't had an ectopic to begin with but no so high that you should lose hope I don't think.

FYI, AI (IUI - when they introduce your sperm directly into her uterus) won't decrease the chances of another ectopic because the sperm still swim up into the fallopian tubes which where most ectopics occur (some occur right on the ovaries or elsewhere outside the uterus). Even IVF doesn't rule out the possibility of another ectopic. So based on just what you've told us, I don't see any reason why you would go directly to medically assisted conception.

Your wife might want to have an HSG done (though not necessary). This is a procedure where the doctors inject special fluid into her reproductive tract and then track the fluid as it travels through her uterus and tubes. It will show whether one of the tubes has a blockage which might increase the chances of ectopic. It's also possible it wasn't an ectopic but a regular miscarriage, which as you already know are fairly common unfortunately

It's really sweet you're concerned enough as a husband to inquire about these things. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys..

Thanks for your kind words and information.

missy123 · #4 May 6th, 2011, 06:39 AM

Were her HCG numbers going up faster or just as fast as a viable pregnancy?

It sounds to me like she had a cervical ectopic. That is where the egg implants not in the tube, but outside in the cervix. PLEASE MAKE SURE SHE RESTS until the D&C tomorrow and if she starts to bleed heavy rush her to the ER. I had a cervical ectopic in September and out of no where bled so heavy I almost had to have a blood transfusion by the time we got to the hospital 15 minutes later! Not trying to scare you, just keep an eye on her.

Now for the good news. YES! You can go on to have a baby. I am 11w1d, 42 years old and my baby is doing great.

Also 2 of my friends that are in their 40's have had ectopics and gone on to have babies as well.

((Hugs)) I know this is so scary. I suggest the pregnancy loss boards for you and your wife. They helped me through my losses.

tweetylover · #5 May 6th, 2011, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missy123

Were her HCG numbers going up faster or just as fast as a viable pregnancy?

It sounds to me like she had a cervical ectopic. That is where the egg implants not in the tube, but outside in the cervix. PLEASE MAKE SURE SHE RESTS until the D&C tomorrow and if she starts to bleed heavy rush her to the ER. I had a cervical ectopic in September and out of no where bled so heavy I almost had to have a blood transfusion by the time we got to the hospital 15 minutes later! Not trying to scare you, just keep an eye on her.

Now for the good news. YES! You can go on to have a baby. I am 11w1d, 42 years old and my baby is doing great.

Also 2 of my friends that are in their 40's have had ectopics and gone on to have babies as well.

((Hugs)) I know this is so scary. I suggest the pregnancy loss boards for you and your wife. They helped me through my losses.

Thanks and congrats!

Sorry I need to clear something up. She had the d and c and then the shot (metho-something?) afterwards. So we're waiting for the result of that tomorrow; hopefully her hcg would have gone down. However, if it goes up again, is that a really bad sign??

Also, I think we're going to consider IVF. This would greatly increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy correct? Although I know that even with this an ectopic can happen again

Cait&AngelAbove · #6 May 6th, 2011, 06:54 AM

Hello! I am so sorry for your loss! I do not know anything about ectopic pregnancies. I had a miscarriage last December so I know the devastation your wife feels. I wish you tons of luck and I hope you get your healthy baby soon!

tweetylover · #7 May 6th, 2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cait&AngelAbove

Hello! I am so sorry for your loss! I do not know anything about ectopic pregnancies. I had a miscarriage last December so I know the devastation your wife feels. I wish you tons of luck and I hope you get your healthy baby soon!

Thanks, I wish you the best of luck too!!

missy123 · #8 May 6th, 2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweetylover

Sorry I need to clear something up. She had the d and c and then the shot (metho-something?) afterwards. So we're waiting for the result of that tomorrow; hopefully her hcg would have gone down. However, if it goes up again, is that a really bad sign??

Also, I think we're going to consider IVF. This would greatly increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy correct? Although I know that even with this an ectopic can happen again

If her HCG goes up instead of down have them check for a few things: The ectopic left in her tube or a molar pregnancy.

Unfortunately IVF does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy. There are lots of girls that have gotten pregnant with IVF and had miscarriages and ectopic (although ectopic with IVF is very rare).

It is so crazy. I am so sorry that you have had to experience pregnancy loss. It is so painful and you really lose a part of yourself as well. I know your pain.

Servilia · #9 May 6th, 2011, 10:31 AM

IVF will not increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. It is used by women who have a hard time getting pregnant, which isn't your case since you mentioned this was the first month you started trying right? There is nothing about an IVF that makes the fetus any healthier than it would have been otherwise. I don't really understand why you're jumping the gun to IVF if she conceived in her first month? I don't even know whether any ethical doctor would agree to do it for you guys since you haven't had a problem getting pregnant. It will not prevent another miscarriage if that's what you're thinking.. assuming the sperm fertilizes the egg, you're guaranteed the embryo and the doctor will place it in the uterus, but that doesn't mean the embryo will implant, and even if it implants there's no guarantee there won't be a miscarriage. Also, the embryo can travel to the tubes and still end up ectopic. I seem to be repeating myself but I really wanted to clarify that for you.

tweetylover · #10 May 6th, 2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servilia

IVF will not increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. It is used by women who have a hard time getting pregnant, which isn't your case since you mentioned this was the first month you started trying right? There is nothing about an IVF that makes the fetus any healthier than it would have been otherwise. I don't really understand why you're jumping the gun to IVF if she conceived in her first month? I don't even know whether any ethical doctor would agree to do it for you guys since you haven't had a problem getting pregnant. It will not prevent another miscarriage if that's what you're thinking.. assuming the sperm fertilizes the egg, you're guaranteed the embryo and the doctor will place it in the uterus, but that doesn't mean the embryo will implant, and even if it implants there's no guarantee there won't be a miscarriage. Also, the embryo can travel to the tubes and still end up ectopic. I seem to be repeating myself but I really wanted to clarify that for you.

Okay gotcha. I think I just wanted to explore as many options as possible but thanks for clarifying that.

We just got her result back after her first shot of meth: 34. So that's good news as it's dropping. One more shot and that's it.

Servilia · #11 May 6th, 2011, 07:37 PM

No problem tweety. I'm glad the shot is helping. I assume they'll keep checking the hcg until it goes all the way down (below 5 is negative).
I wish you guys the best with your next pregnancy! Feel free to stick around here and ask any questions. Or send your wife around in case she's interested once you guys are ready to TTC again.

evilpinksparkle · #12 May 7th, 2011, 10:42 AM

Ok your doctor sort of scares me. For one, it's common in early pregnancy to bleed sometimes esp since you said it wasn't heavily. Secondly, at 3 weeks he isn't going to find an egg, or embryo or anything else, it's too early. Way too early. If her levels were going up, there is NO way I would have let him clean out the uterus and then go on to tell you he thinks it might have been ectopic? Why on earth would anyone jump to the conclusion of a miscarriage at 3 weeks with rising hcg levels? YOu can't see anything in the uterus (or tube) until 5-6 weeks or beyond! I know fluctuating levels are common with EP, but they can be lab error, or common with a completely healthy pregnancy, or in the instance of more than one baby implanting, the options are limitless. There are no "rules" in pregnancy. Please the next time she gets pregnant wait it out. Dont let them just go in there and clean the uterus out, unless there's a reason (mc at 3 weeks is VERY early, unless you're confused about how far along she is, I mean most people dont know they are pregnant at 3 weeks, and in that time frame your body will miscarry naturally, no D&C required). It just doesn't sound like he even gave this pregnancy enough time or the chance to possibly be healthy. I had a doctor do this to me, I have heard he's D&C'd a TON of women for NO reason. One, he sent for a D&C and when she arrived they found she was not only pregnant but pregnant with healthy TWINS (told to me by the ultrasound tech that got the patient). That man is killing tons of innocent babies because he's eager and money hungry. 3 weeks pg is just too soon to diagnose anything

Anyways, what's done is done, but I wouldn't go worrying about the possibility of an EP unless you found there was one in her body. She can have an hsg which will tell you if her tubes are partially blocked and then you'll know whether or not this is likely to happen again. I've had one EP and Im pregnant again waiting to find out if this one is. I know how you're feeling, but please dont panic just yet! Even if it WERE ectopic she still has another tube on the other side if one is blocked.

Servilia · #13 May 7th, 2011, 11:03 AM

pink sparkle
I saw some of the OP's posts on another board on JM and the hcg wasn't going up.. it was fluctuating.. going up, down, up, down.. so it wasn't entirely out of line for the doctor to make the call that it was a miscarriage. But I do agree a D&C wasn't entirely necessary, they could have managed the miscarriage with the shot or other means. By 3 weeks I'm pretty sure he meant from time of conception, so 5 weeks according to the normal way of measuring..

evilpinksparkle · #14 May 7th, 2011, 01:19 PM

Gotchya. I saw that they were fluctuating, I just know if it were me that I'd be hard pressed to act so fast. But I also know the horror of EP so I understand the urgency. I would just think that if they thought it was ectopic they wouldn't do a D&C. Seems off to me.

Servilia · #15 May 7th, 2011, 02:50 PM

You're right, as far as I know D&C is not the treatment for ectopic because it only cleans out the uterus, not the tubes.. the shots would have been enough if they thought it was ectopic.

tweetylover · #16 May 9th, 2011, 03:19 AM

Thanks for your replies guys. In retrospect, I think we should have waited it out and stuck with the first doctor (we saw 3 doctors already!!); I sincerely believe now that the doctor may have jumped the gun. Would getting a d and c be harmful in any way, specifically trying to have a healthy pregnancy in the near future?

Also, she received her final shot yesterday and the blood test results today. Her hcg is now 10.8 so it's a good sign that it's going down (if it was a mc or ect).

Servilia · #17 May 9th, 2011, 05:28 AM

Tweety,
D&Cs are one of the most common procedures and generally very safe. In rare cases there are complications but most are spotted during the actual procedure so if they didn't mention anything most likely everything's ok. One of the rare long lasting complications that affects fertility is if the walls of the uterus stick together afterwards. But it's rare so don't worry about it. This can be checked with an internal ultrasound of some kind - not sure if a regular ultrasound would pick it up or if it requires a saline u/s or HSG though.
I'm glad her numbers are going down, hopefully you can get back to trying again.

tweetylover · #18 May 9th, 2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servilia

Tweety,
D&Cs are one of the most common procedures and generally very safe. In rare cases there are complications but most are spotted during the actual procedure so if they didn't mention anything most likely everything's ok. One of the rare long lasting complications that affects fertility is if the walls of the uterus stick together afterwards. But it's rare so don't worry about it. This can be checked with an internal ultrasound of some kind - not sure if a regular ultrasound would pick it up or if it requires a saline u/s or HSG though.
I'm glad her numbers are going down, hopefully you can get back to trying again.

Thanks. I know there's a chance of another ectopic happening if it happened once before but there's even a bigger chance that it will be a healthy pregnancy correct?

Thanks again.

Servilia · #19 May 9th, 2011, 06:18 AM

Yes, there's a bigger chance it will be a healthy pregnancy

I wish you the best of luck!! Are you guys going to start trying again right away?

tweetylover · #20 May 9th, 2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Servilia

Yes, there's a bigger chance it will be a healthy pregnancy

I wish you the best of luck!! Are you guys going to start trying again right away?

I want to but I think my wife needs a rest from all the craziness. The shots she's been getting (meth~x?) are absolutely torturous for her and while I know she wants a baby, I think she needs to recover fully from this.