Methotrexate, ectopic pregnancy and bleeding

[scaredincanada]

I have had two doses of Methotrexate administered by a needle. Between doses, the embryo grew from 2.8 cm to 5.8 cm in a span of a week. My Bhcg went from 2600 down to a little over 900. Was at the hospital under observation but have been released. This is my first night home, and I am concerned about what can happen. Experienced a fainting spell while under observation, low blood pressure after, but since then went up. Still ight headed, bleeding light to moderate, bright red, no tissue or clots. Slight cramping in my left side (where ectopic was discovered). Does anyone have any similar experiences or experienced this? What was the outcome? Am I just paranoid, or am I in grave danger at this point? ALL honesty is respected, will not get offended. Thank you

[nalla]

I don't know much about ectopic pregnancies, but I wanted to say how sorry I am! I do know that they can be very dangerous and if you feel like you are experiancing things that you shouldn't then go to the Dr. or at least call. I know it's not something you want to mess around with. If you feel something is wrong then call. Or maybe try googling it and see what the normal symptoms are that you should be having. Again I'm sorry that you lost the baby! You will get a lot of support on this forum from these women here if you need it.

[Pippsquike]

I am so sorry for what you are going through.

I had a Metho shot in August for "presumed" ectopic. but only had one and was sent home that day.

Your body seems to be reacting differently...as all of ours do. I hope it is all over  for you soon.(so your body can get back to normal)
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[BABYGIRL2006]

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?

The following points are important:

Avoid alcohol and vitamin preparations containing folic acid until the hormone level is back to zero.
Avoid aspirin or drugs such as ibuprofen for one week after treatment. It is fine to use regular paracetamol (to a maximum of 2 tablets, 4 times per day)
If you have severe pain or heavy vaginal bleeding, get in touch with your doctor.
It is important that you use adequate contraception for 3 months after a single injection or six months after more than one treatment.
Be sure that all of your questions have been answered.



What are the possible side effects of methotrexate?
•  Methotrexate may cause side effects that could be dangerous or life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using methotrexate before starting treatment. Methotrexate has been reported to cause blood and bone marrow problems (fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, black, bloody or tarry stools,); lung problems (unexplained shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing); stomach problems (diarrhea, abdominal pain); sores in or around the mouth; liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, unusual fatigue); kidney problems (blood in the urine; darkened urine, swelling of the feet or legs); and others. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
•  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
      · an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
      · joint pain; or
      · confusion, unusual behavior, or seizures.
•  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methotrexate and notify your doctor if you experience
      · nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
      · itching or a skin rash;
      · hair loss;
      · boils or acne;
      · dizziness;
      · increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
      · headache;
      · drowsiness; or
      · blurred vision.
•  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

The loss of your baby is often unrecognized in situations such as ectopic pregnancy. Care providers may feel that they saved your life and forget that a baby and a life was lost. It is important for you to feel that your grief and feelings have been recognized. If you feel comfortable enough, I would try to discuss this with an understanding nurse in the clinic or with the physician in charge of your care.

[lil'teach]

I had one shot of methotrexate Oct. 20/06 and my HCG levels were fluctatiing all over the place. My Dr. thought I needed another shot of methotrexate but then my levels went to 25, which is good. The bad thing is, is that I'm still bleeding. I've been bleeding for just over 6 weeks now. It sucks. The Dr.'s don't seem too concerned about it though.
I hope you are doing okay and remember just call your doctor or go to the ER if you feel worse.

I'm sorry for what you are going through.
From your Canadian buddy

[anxious2]

I too had to have two doses of methotrexate before my numbers started to go down. It still took about 3 weeks of havimg my blood checked every two days after the second shot.  One night i had extreme pain and the next morning i went to urinate and what i assumed was a blood clot the size of my fist(it was actuall the sac)came out. Afterwards I was fine.

[nanis]

Hi,I'm sorry about your ectopic.I had one on 8/25.I was given 3 shots,first 1 one did'nt take levels did'nt go down for 1 wk.And was given two more with vitamin shot in between.After exactly 1 wk. I started to bleed ALOT.Cramping & clotting that lasted 3 days.Then 1 wk. later I bled again for 1 month levels didn't go down for almost a mon.After levels went down to zero, 3 wks later I got AF on 10/06.Then again on 11/01.This is my 2nd cycle since.I was told NOT to take folic until levels went down comm.After I have taken prenatals & xtra folic & wil wait till jan to ttc.I know this is hard & scary but it will get better.Ask alot of ?'s.And were here for whatever.Good kuck ....nanis

[nanis]

Hi,I'm sorry about your ectopic.I had one on 8/25.I was given 3 shots,first 1 one did'nt take levels did'nt go down for 1 wk.And was given two more with vitamin shot in between.After exactly 1 wk. I started to bleed ALOT.Cramping & clotting that lasted 3 days.Then 1 wk. later I bled again for 1 month levels didn't go down for almost a mon.After levels went down to zero, 3 wks later I got AF on 10/06.Then again on 11/01.This is my 2nd cycle since.I was told NOT to take folic until levels went down comm.After I have taken prenatals & xtra folic & wil wait till jan to ttc.I know this is hard & scary but it will get better.Ask alot of ?'s.And were here for whatever.Good luck ....nanis

[empty]

Hi There

SO sorry for your loss. I had one shot  of methotrexate only and the thing i remember the most was how truamatic and painful the bleeding was. I think the cramping was underestimated! I did bleed very heavily for a week and a half.  My levels also went down to zero in 2 weeks. I too will be TTC in Jan like nanis.

I hope you feel better soon.

[LuV tOtS]

I'm so sorry your going through this. I went through this myself and was pretty traumatized after the ordeal.I'm on my eight'th pregnancy right now with only 2 live children. The rest were miscarriges including one ectopic tubal pregnancy. I expierenced the same symtoms. With my ectopic ordeal I knew I was miscarring at 6 weeks but I was in denial because I've been trying to get pregnant for about a year and was hoping that my cramping and brown spotting would disapear. And then while at work ( I'm a caregiver at a nursing home) I was on my way to my next client to get him ready for breakfast and housekeeping happened to be there before me with thier huge cart and then it happened*** I fainted behind the cart and almost got run over by it had my RN would of not found me and started to hear ringing in my ears and blurred yellow vision and severe right side cramping and I could not stand on my own or get up from the floor and I was crying in excruciating pain. I felt like a failure unable to have children and was quite embarressed that my workplace knew what was going on since the ambulance was performing my vital signs right in front of them. And then my RN has the nerve to say "we didn't even know she was pregnant" like I mean this is personal and I had a feeling I was miscarring deep down but was hopeful I would be wrong and did not want to tell people until 3 months had passed cause then chances were high that the pregnancy was fine according to books at 3 months and who reveals they are pregnant that early anyways? I personally never heard anyone reveal that until 2 months have past at least. Not to judge anybody by the way, but I think this way because I feel that incase you have an unsucessful pregnancy you can hide it or at least try to and not have to deal with all the questions or comments since it's not so easy to talk about and it's not like your talking about about having a cold or a stomache flu. Unless your open like that. In this circumstance it's different and beautiful to reach out to each other for help/advice/comments since your really asking for it on this website... Next my doctor sends me for lab work and tells me that it is possible that I have  tubal pregnancy since when he physically pressed on my abdomen to see how many weeks I was and he said that I wasen't pregnant. Well I took 4 home tests and 2 doctor office exams that confirmed I was and he knew that. And at 6 weeks doctors should feel something in a physical exam. So I had to wait one whole week before I had laparoscopy surgery to remove the fetus since the reason I fainted was because it was growing way too fast and that is unnormal and I was at high risk to die. Full recovery took me almost 2 months and I was hosptalized 3 days and heavily medicated. It was very difficult to go back to work and have to put on my best poker face along with all the staff's questions and rumors and gossip. But who cares about that right? sometimes woman worry about stupidities such as that when I should have only worried about whether I was gonna live or die or be able to have children again. But I didn't give up sometimes it's just one of those things that happens in life and we are very lucky nowadays compared to 100 years ago with all the tecknology that has come along. Just imagine back then that when woman had tubal pregnancys and left it undected they for sure passed away. Just keep your head up and I wish the best of luck to you and your next time to get pregnant may be the charm.  I was sucessful to have a healthy 7 pound boy 2 years later. And I've prepared myself this time to not get excited about this pregnancy just in case something goes wrong since your at high risk to have another tubal pregnancy after you've already had one and I choose to wait my 3 months with hopes that I'll go on to deliver a healthy baby before I reveal to family and friends. Only my husbend and mother and whoever reads this post knows that I'm pregnant. And I am spotting red but not all the time with very mild discomfort and have sore breasts for symtoms. But I will go and see my doctor tomorrow for the first time since I've learned I'm pregnant. Please take care of yourself and I wish you the best of luck!

[scaredincanada]

Thank you everyone for your kind words, and making me realize that I am not alone with this. ((HUGS)) to all of you that have lost, and the experiences you have endured to get where you are now.
Yesterday was extremely hard on me, after two weeks of cramping, diarrhea, hot/cold flashes, I went to the bathroom and heard a sploosh! sound. When I turned around (thank goodness there wasn't diarrhea at that time), I noticed a clear oblong object, about the size of a twonie (or roughly 2 inches) with a tail on it that was red. I am not sure if it was the empty sac (as my tubal grew from 2.8 cm to 5.8 cm) or not, but at that point I came to terms with what has been happening.
Other thank that, they sent me home from my last ultrasound (which is a good sign I guess) and hopefully will be back at work soon.
Once again, thank you for helping me thru this. It means the world to one that feels like she lost hers.

[hunnib]

Hi everyone, I'm new and don't know many of the abbreviations so bare with me. I conceived my first daughter via 2nd IVF. I had one period after stopping breastfeeding. As I was approaching 2 months since that period I was going to call the Dr. to be seen and get priveria meds or whatever I needed to get myself back on track. To my surprise and shock I was pregnant. After just a few days, and a Dr. appt. wherein I was told everything was ok, I didn't feel right Friday. I was trying to tell myself it was just my mind and worry since we conceived naturally this time around...I was sure something had to be wrong. Well after hours in the hospital Friday I was told that I had a presumed ectopic pregnancy. This rollercoaster was too much! My choices were the D & C or Methotrexate. I decided on the shot since I wanted nothing more than to see my daughter. Today is Sunday morning and although today my cramps are slightly more intense I have not yet started to bleed.  How long does this process take??? I just want this to be over with! Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have very few women in my family to discuss this with and appreciate any guidance. The sense of loss is really setting in and after reading some of your posts, I am scared to see what's to come oer the next few days. My Dr. told me that only 5% of the time a 2nd shot is necessary. This doesn't seem to be the case in what I have read. I am currently working and dreading the week ahead. My boss is already not very understanding since I've been back after having my daughter who is 8 months old now.  Again, any guidance would be appreciated.

[princesjesimica]

I just had to have a DandC when they didnt find any fetal tissue they knew it was ectopic..I had one shot of the methotextrate..On Wednesday. I spotted a little and now today on Monday I seem to have dropped my Sac and have had some heavier bleeding. The cramps are pretty unbearable I think they dont tell you how bad it can really be. Well Thank you for listening and to all who have lost keep looking ahead and keep trying.....Someone told me even though it didnt work this time at least I know I can get pregnant so why give up...

[HOPEFULMOM328]

i just went through the same thing 2wks ago. i am just now starting a normal mens. you are having the same symptoms that i had. slight cramps light bleeding. some dizziness.
have you been really tired too. so far it sounds like everything is running like normal. you have my deepest apologizes for your loss i know what you are feeling.

best of luck.

[aquaboots]

I have just recieved my methotrex injection 3 days ago and I am experiencing cramping making it hard to walk, cough, (luckily I haven't had to sneeze) and move around quickly. I have not started to bleed and I'm not sure how long I should wait to before getting concerned. I have my follow up appt in 5 days, but I don't want to  wait too long if something is not right.
The question I have for all of you ladies is
How long did it take to start bleeding?
Were you cramping before that bleeding started and for how long?

[BABY32008]

HELLO EVERY ONE I AM NEW HERE AS WELL, ON MY 3RD ECTOPIC JUST HAD MY SECOND SHOT OF METHO ON THE 26TH IM HAVING MILD BLEEDING AND SOME CRAMPS HOWEVER AM NOW IN A SITUATION WHERE I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND HAVE NO DR TO FOLLOW UP WITH ON MY HCG LEVELS AS THIS IS MY MTHIRD TIME GOING THROUGHT THIS ITS NEVER THE SAME MY EXPERIENCE IN THAT PAST IS THAT MY BODY DOSNT TAKE TO WELL THE THE SHOT I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY TUBE RUPTURE ON THE FIRST OCTOPIC SO IM A BIT SCARED I GUESS IM JUST SEEKING ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO NOW

[halli]

Hello ladies I too am having an ectopic and yesterday recieved my first metho injection. but what I was wondering is I am already bleeding, so how will I know when it starts to work? and what can I expect from this shot?

[kaykay1019]

Hello all,
I just had my first metho shot on NYE.  This morning, around 4 am, I woke up in excruciating pain.  I tried walking it off but couldn't.  Trying to stand in a fully upright position was impossible.  The doctor's told me in the emergency room that I would have abdominal cramping, but never in a million years would I have imagined it to be so painful.  It was just as bad as the pain I was experiencing that brought me to the ER in the first place - but how does one judge when it's too serious to just sit at home?

My husband gave me two excedrin followed by two midol 30 minutes later.  After applying the heating pad, the pain started to dissipate after lying as motionless as possible.  I'm not sure if it was the pain that went away or the fact that I was just exhausted, but it felt like it had subsided.  

This morning, I was afraid to get out of bed and go through the pain yet again.  Once I finally did and used the bathroom, I noticed I was bleeding.  The doctor's never told me this would happen - in fact, they told me the baby would dissolve in my body but according to many posts here, it seems like it will be passed.  I'm even more mortified now knowing this.  Why would they lie to me?  And I was never told to not take prenatal pills, vitamins, or that I couldn't drink.  In fact, I wasn't even remotely clued in that I would be bleeding for weeks.

I guess I'm going through the right symptoms so far though.  I've been keeping pretty active, cleaning my house constantly, and just doing anything I can to keep my mind off what is happening.  When will this end?  

[EMil536]

Hi all. I had a negative pregnancy test on the afternoon on Dec 5 and that evening had my period. 3 or 4 days after I had my period I experienced the sharpest cramps I'd ever felt in my life which lasted for about 15 min then subsided. I then noticed I started spotting. I have had period like bleeding for mostly the entire month of Dec. I finally saw my gyn on Dec 30 and she told me I was pregnant but should see an ob/gyn because she was concerned about the pregnancy. I went to the ER on Dec 31 because it seemed as though my bleeding was increasing. They did an ultrasound and took HCG levels which were 845. Turns out I also had a large cyst near my ovaries which I hoped was causing the bleeding and cramping. Unfortuneatly I had a follow up Dr visit on Jan 1 and my HCG levels only increased to 900 whereas they should have at least doubled within the 48 hrs. My Dr decided to give me the Methotraxate shot also on Jan 1. I was given two shots both in the hip which was pretty painful. I am still having the same symptoms today that I had prior to taking the shot. I'm still bleeding and cramping is probably worse than before. I go to the Dr tomorrow for have the HCG levels tested again but at this point I;m getting frustrated because I've lost my baby, I've been bleeding for a month, and the pain does not seem to be improving.

[katkay]

Hi Emil

I went to my doctor today for the first time since getting my shot on the 31st for bloodwork.  Unfortunately, the pain will continue for a bit until your hormone levels are at zero but the good news it, they should become less and less within time.
I asked for tylenol with codeine because the pain has been tremendous at times.  It sometimes got to the point that I couldn't stand or walk or think straight.

If you feel faint, nauseous or the pains become stabbing, you should call your practitioner immediately.  It's frustrating because it seems they don't offer enough information for a woman to feel secure about what is taking place.  The worst part for me is feeling my baby is still inside me, slowly dying, and there's nothing I can do about it.  It breaks my heart more and more each day.

I'm sorry you are going through this, too.  Bring a list of questions for your doctor.  I went prepared so that I didn't forget anything when my emotions got the best of me.  Good luck to you!

Kat

[tamster03]

I had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy on 11/19/08 and almost die because of the loss of blood.  Prior to the ruptured, I didn't have any unusual signs or symptoms.  What sad was that I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks prior to the ruptured.  When I call to make my 1st doc's appt, I was about 4 weeks along.  The nurse went through the routine questions and told me that no appts were avail until December 15th (at 12 weeks pregnant).  The nurse informed me that doctors don't see patients until they are between 8-10 weeks along but since no appt is avail, the doc can't see me until my 12th week.  It was my first pregnancy EVER as I just got married in September.  On 11/19, while in excruciating pain and feeling fainted, I called the doc's office and was told that the doc can't see me but the nurse will call me back to see if I need to do something.  The nurse then called and told me to go to the lab and have a blood test along with an ultrasound done.  However, no appt can be made so I will just have to wait for my turn.  I informed her that I couldn't drive due to the pain but I will call and have my husband take me in a couple hours.  I called my husband but was so tired, I could barely talk.  Luckily, my husband came home right away because by that time, I was in and out of conscious.  At the ER, they didn't think it was that serious until my blood pressure dropped down to about 30.  That's when they called the doctor (my doctor, the busy one that I couldn't see).  She performed an emergency operation on me known as a laparoscopy surgery.  Six weeks after the surgery, my HCG level was still at 2700.  She gave me a methotrexane shot on Dec 15th.  Today is Jan 10th and my HCG is at 21.

My question now is that my doctor refused to give me a post-methotrexane lab work to test for the liver and kidney as the methotrexane could cause of some damages to them.  She said she does not do that unless you have a history of liver or kidney's problem.  I don't know what the signs and symptoms of liver and/or kidney's problem are so how would like able to tell whether or not I should be worried?  It has been almost 2 months after the ruptured ectopic pregnancy and I still have some slight pain my stomach especially after a long day of sitting at work and after eating meals.  Lately, I have been having problems with my bowel movements.  Either I can't go or when I do, it's often in a form of diarrhea.  I also have probelms sleeping at night.  Is there something wrong with me?  I'm 30 years old and in good health.  I'm sure why I have so much problems with the pregnancy.  By the way, I had a blood transfusion on Nov 19th, after the laparoscopy surgery.  The doctor said that I lost about 30% of my body's blood.  Without the transfusion, my organs may not survive.  She wanted to give me 4 bags but I opted for 2.

Thank you in advance for any help or comments from any of you
.

[birdie123]

I have had 2 ectopic pregnancies. One 5 years ago My second on 1/29/2009. For my first I had a laparacospic surgery. But with the scond I had the methrotexate shot. I do not know what to expect I was given the shot on 1/29/09 I have been bleeding since 1/15/09 I still have pain and my doctor said is normal. I have my doubts. I feel nauses, I have diarrhea and sometimes vomit. How long does it take for all this to go away? A couple a days later after having the shot I went to the washroom and notice that something came out but it happenned more than once it hapened about 5 times.  Help I need more info. Thankyou

[CornualEctopic]

Hello everyone,
You don't know how helpful it is to read the experiences of other women who have gone through the same thing as I. I found out I was pregnant while on a trip abroad, I came back to the US and tried getting an appt with my Ob/gyn because of my past history trying to get pregnant and my partially blocked left tube, plus I was recommended for IVF cause I was 32 years old, and not pregnant, even though trying for 3 years.  I was so happy to find out I was finally pregnant, and couldn't wait to have a sonogram to see the baby. I got back to NY and my doctor could not see me until the 8th week of pregnancy ( I guess she figured if it wasn't viable I would just miscarriage.) Well, I was alredy in the 5th week, and feeling like a doctor needed to see me. So I got a new doctor, and she saw me at the 6th week. That's when my doctor found out that my beta HcG level was way too low for that stage of my pregnancy, and explained that one reason could be ectopic. So the sonogram confirmed that there was no fetus where it was supposed to be, but rather in the corner of my uterus.  So my doctor gave me right away a Metho shot, systemic, which was just awful. I got diarrhea, nausea, I could not function and took off from work. 4 days later I got see the sonographer again, and found out that the baby was still alive, there was a fetal heart beat, and I was scared as hell.  So I was given a localized shot right in the uterus of Metho,  This was so painful, I was hospitalized, just for observation because the doctors were afraid it would burst and cause hemorrhaging. I was fine, but my HCG was still 39,000. So since then I have been getting blood work and a sonogram about 2x a week, and the doctors say that everything is going as planned. Today I went to the doctor and the sonogram showed a lot of blood, I could tell the sonographer getting very nervous, but she didn't say anything, running to the doctor to tell him what she saw. The doctor appeared calmed when I met with him, and told me that the linning of the uterus would be coming out, but my dear lord, I never thought I would see what I saw come out of my body just a few hours ago, about 10 days from my second metho shot. The first blood clot was round, and seemed like the fetal sac (i could not see any baby inside), but it was just big and about 3 inches in diameter. A few seconds before it passed I had nausea and I was salivating like crazy, I spit out half a small cup of saliva, which was salty and just watery, not it slimey.I had the most severe cramps just before it happened. I took 3 advils, and had my husband heat up a towel so that I could place it on my belly. That helpef for a few minutes, bu tthe cramping continued, so I went into the tub full of hot water.  That helped but i still had the most excrutiating pain I have ever had. It felt like the pain of 4 periods put together. After my first blood clot passing, I went to lie down on the bed. I stood there for about an hour, and then I had another set of cramps, and I went to the toilet, and right before I sat down, I passed another blood clot. This one was long, about 6 inches, and one side was red like liver meat, the other side was whitish/clear like the insides of the stomach lining. It was so gross, I called my husband to look at it, he was grossed out, but I felt it was imporant for him to see.  
So now I am sitting here and I feel so much better. No more cramps, for now, I hope they stop. It feels like the cycle has been completed, and my uterus feels cleaner and fresher, and I feel like this experience is over.
Well, I feel like my doctors have been wonderful, except for my ob/gyn not been honest about me passing the blood. She specifically said that I would not see a period or blood for 2 months, that my body would just absorb this, which was not true, but now I understand that they possibly say this to you to prevent you from getting scared paranoid about th ewhole experience.
One thing I want to recommend is alternative treatment, such as aromatherapy massage oils. I took a year-long course in aromatherapy, and I decided to make a blend with essential  oils that have abortificent qualities (basil, marjoram, jasmine) and I really feel like massaging the oil on my belly helped.
I hope that all you guys going through this experience work closely with your doctor, and I hope you have good doctors that care about your well-being. Follow-up is so imporant.  Above all, stay positive and trust your inner instincts. My doctor wanted to give me another Metho shot today, and I refused, opting to wait.  
Please heal quickly and pray to whomever you believe in to help you get through this experience.
Warm regards,
NYC Conural Pregnancy

[badjelly]

Hi Everyone,

I got an ectopic pregnancy from my 3rd round of IVF (each time we only get one viable embryo, none to freeze).

My bHCG to test whether the IVF was working or not was 15. They told me "I'm sorry it hasn't worked, but looked like it tried to implant, it's our best result yet" I already knew it hadn't worked as I had my period two days before the test, it lasted a week and was the heaviest I'd ever had.

I had to repeat the test a week later to ensure bHCG had returned to 0. However this test came back at 550, a big rise over 7 days. They requested I book in for an ultra-sound the following Monday which would put me at 6 weeks, and advised it was either an intra-uterine pregancy or ectopic. I thought I might be pregnant with a little trooper that had hung on through my period and was just a bit slow to start. My hopes were rising... This was Monday.

Tuesday I rang them to say I had started bleeding again (period finished Sunday). This was different blood - very thin and very bright red and runny. They said, ok come in for a blood test tomorrow (Wednesday).

Wednesday's result: 605, a rise of 100 since Monday. "Have you got any pain they ask?" Now that you mention it, yes, a dull ache in my right side and a lot of cramping. "Can you come in for an ultra-sound right now?" Yes, I can, I'm now freaking out majorly.

Ultrasound confirms 2.5 cm mass in my right fallopian tube. Devastated! Frightened! I was offered laparoscopy to remove the tube (they wouldn't remove the mass from the tube as they believe the risk of scar tissue and repeat ectopic to be too high) or methotrexate.

So I opted for the methotrexate - only warned of mild symptoms such as nausea, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea. I barely got those after the first shot. This was still Wednesday. (bHCG 605)

Next blood test for Monday March 2: bHCG now 1617. How much has it risen?!! Why isn't it working??!! Was told not unusual for a small rise after the injection... Next blood test & possible second metho shot scheduled for Friday.

Tuesday I can't stand it anymore - I ring and ask for another test to be done on Wednesday - my reasoning is that the pain is worsening and if the metho is working my bHCG should have plateaued or dropped by Wednesday, 7 days after the shot. Otherwise if it's still rising, I need the tube out asap, before I rupture in my sleep.

Wednesday bHCG: 1495 - it's dropped just over 100. Panic abating slightly....
Friday bHCG: 1332 - no-where near enough to get 15% below the base level of 605, so another shot of metho.

Sunday night cramping like you wouldn't believe! (well you girls all probably would) I curled up into a ball and lay on the couch moaning.

It's now Tuesday March 10, 2 days later and it still hurts to walk and my ovaries are throbbing, my whole abdomen hurts, stabbing pains in my bottom. The bleeding is worse and frightening - I sit on the loo and it just drips, every 5 seconds. Some large clots are starting to appear.

I have a theory that the metho didn't work so well first time around because I was taking high dose folate - 1000mg folic acid per day, (IVF reccommendation) and had taken some the day of the first shot (when I was oblivious to the ectopic). Maybe it neutralised a lot of the first dose. They should take this into account when they calculate the dosage of the metho.

So I'm booked in for my 3rd shot this Friday (March 13) but I really really hope I don't need it, especially since the side effects seem to be cumulative.

Bye for now.

[LIgal]

It is so nice to read these stories to know I am not alone.  Others just don't get it!

2/20 I went in for my 5 week sono (after successful IUI) and they saw nothing, I came home from the Dr and I was cramping so bad - they rushed me to a radiologist - saw nothing.  5 sono's on one weekend & nada!  that Wed I had 2 shots of methotrexate.  Felt totally fine for 2 weeks.  Yesterday after my 2 week blood work (levels went down from 1200-450) I was never in so much pain in my entire life!  8 hours straight if massive pain. 3 Tylenol and a heating pad finally put me to sleep.

They don't tell you the cramping would be that bad!  Also, i've been bleeding for 2.5 weeks.  I feel like there should be one big gush (sorry..) is this what I am waiting for?  

Any advice would be great!

[jodybug325]

I got my shot on April 2nd and now it is April 18th just this past week I have been having horrible cramping. I actually stopped bleeding after I got the shot. How long does this last?? I know that it isn't so bad that I am having stabbing pains, but it still hurts pretty bad!! Also after the shot I had no cramps until now?? Has anyone else had this??

[LARD30]

Glad to find this site where people are describing there pain after a shot! I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy on April 8th, my beta levels were at 1500.  I had gone to my family doctor because I had bleeding one week on and one week off for the last month.  The hospital discovered a 3.5 cm mass in my right ovary.  I was treated with mexotrexate and sent home.  I was feeling FINE, a bit tired, but nothing to complaine about. However, yesterday (two weeks after the shot) I started bleeding lightly and cramping.  Last night the cramps were so severe (a dull ache in my right ovary, pain radiating down my thigh) that my husband took me to the hospital.  I got another ultrasound and more blood work.  My levels are now down to 110 (awesome!) but the mass has not decreased in size, which kind of worried me (as I DO NOT want to have surgery).  However, the doctor said that it will take time to dissolve, but there is no risk of rupture.  They could not really explain my cramps, but just said it is part of it.   I am still having the pain; it almost feels like a migraine in my ovary????  It helped me to read that you were going through something similar, hope this helps alleviate some of your worries.  Please keep me posted.
(as well...I also stopped bleeding 2 days after the shot)
take care,
lee

[LARD30]

....correction...found a 3.5cm mass in rigt tube, not ovary.

[LARD30]

.....it has been almost 3 weeks since I got the methotrexate shot, my Beta levels as of Friday are down to 28 and I am hoping they will be back to normal by next week.  The ultrasound last week showed that the mass has not decreased in size (still at 3.5cm) and I was curious to know how long it took for your guys masses to dissolve or pass after the shot.  I really want to start exsercising again, but they said to wait until the mass goes down....any input would be appreciated!
Lee

[sweetsir]

this is my first time on here first i'd like to say sorry to all who experienced this my story is my levels were low but I was pregant it was only 97 and I was bleed ing i've miss carried twice beofre and have a beautiful 10 year old boy but been trying for a long time to give him a sis or brother so getting back so i thouight i was  mis carrying again which is soo hard to go through we;ll they diagnosed me with ectopic and gave me a shot of metrexerate I haven;t stopped bleeding since the day they i was admitted to the er which at that time treated me for threatening miscarriage well i had to go for blood work twice a week to monitor my levels and everyhting was dropping 97 to 80 to 60 after my third time i thought i was gettig closer to being myself again they told me my levels doubled and rushed me for an exam and a shot methotrexate i;m still bleeding but its sytarting to lighten up I also recieved severe cramping 24hrs after but got better now i have to go tomm to check my levels i;m really scrared i've been bleedign for a total of 3 weeks and my boos are still hurting when will i be the same again and why does my chest still hurt  hope the shot worked thanks for letting me share my story if anyone can help i would greatly appreciate it also i'm not tired but lil appetite

[michelle999]

I was diagnosed with a miscarriage of an ectopic pregnancy on June 11, but it is not in my tubes - it's in the scar of my c-section. I have had 2 rounds of methotrexate. My levels were 44,000 when the first shot was administered 12 days ago and I was down to 12,000 yesterday when they gave me the next two shots. I have had absolutely no bleeding so far. I was 10 weeks along, but the embryo died at about 6 weeks. The doctors don't know much about this type of miscarriage because c-section scar pregnancies are very rare. Just wondering if anyone else has expereinced anything similar. I don't know what to expect. I had no side effects from the first two shots, but today I'm dizzy a lot and having a lot of cramping. The doctors are actually hoping bleeding doesn't start right away because they want the methotrexate to have time to dissolve some of the tissue so that it doesn't rupture the wall of my uterus and cause hemmoraging. There are a couple of surgical options, but they could result in hemmoraging and hysterectomy. We have a one year old son, but we're not ready for the prospect of a hysterectomy! Anybody know anyone who has experienced anything similar? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[MelindaH]

Reading this forum is freaking me out to say the least.  My experience has been since July 9th 2009 when I began to spot.  I stopped that Sunday and then started again that Wednesday after.  Still bleeding and feeling horrible.  I took a pregnancy test to rule it out but it came back positive so I then called my obgyn b/c I knew something wasn't right.  He found a gestational sac but b/c he could see a yolk or fetal pole could not tell me for certain if it was in my uterus or tube.  I was still spotting.

Had HCG levels drawn that day, and Sat.  He called me Monday and said that from the HCG pattern I probably had a tubal but still not 100%.  Monday night late and into Tuesday, I had bad cramping and bleeding, passed a lot of clots and tissue.  I was certain it was over and I had had my miscarriage.  We to the doc on Wed for another HCG draw and exam. He could no longer find the sac that had been there just the week before and the lining was looking good, thinning back the way it should. So I am thinking, this ***** but atleast it is over.  WRONG.  Another HCG draw and then the call,  your levels aren't going down you have an ectopic.  

So I thought I had miscarried, but no, I have an ectopic.  I was already having fever and chills and just not doing well, when I went into the office two days later when I got that call.  I was also bleeding more.  They found the sac in my left tube.  So I got a dose of Methotrexate, my first one, last Friday.  I got my second dose yesterday b/c the levels while not rising as much, still rising.  I had stopped bleeding earlier this week and really estatic.  A MONTH was really enough.

But as of the past hour I am starting to spot, faint but bright pink blood again.  I am not cramping at this time. Every once in a while will feel a twinge on my left side. But no severe cramping that would indicate I am rupturing.  Has anyone thought they miscarriage and then when the thought it was all over, to find out it had only just begun?  And to read these forums. B/c I have also been told that it will dissolve and now to hear that I may pass it.  It really upsets me.  I am tired of bleeding and just want this over with.  

[Scared_JP]

I can't believe your story because it is a lot like yours!  We had been trying for over a year and finally got a postitive!  The excitement only lasted two days because I started to spot!  (6 weeks along)  Through the week spotting continued and I was so devestated when I had bad cramping and tons of bleeding I knew I was miscarrying!  Was so extremely hard mentally!  My doc did surgery to remove polups on my cervix 4 days after my miscarriage.  He said he didn't want to do a DandC because its better for your body to do it on its own!  After surgery he said he removed a little bit of tissue but not much just while he was up there.  He told me to take a pregnancy test a week later and if it was negative than nothing to worry about.  My bleeding turned into spotting and I thought this whole ordeal was over...until i took the pregnancy test..POSITIVE!!  Went to the doc...checked my levels every two days..they were going up, so he wanted to see me did an ultra sound found nothing in my uterus...so he guessed I have an eptopic pregnancy..I am so devestated I thought the miscarriage is hard enough and now this.  I get my first Methotrexate shot tomorrow and I am TERRIFIED!! Especially reading about the experience, I feel like its going to be like a miscarriage all over again..it was SOO painful and emotionally hard I don't want to do this all over again!  I am just wondering if I have an eptopic pregnancy what went on with me 3 weeks ago during my "miscarriage" !! I am so down this is so hard and it seems like all my friends are pregnant, and No ONE understands what I am going through!  I wish there was some way that all of us could meet or something!  Ha!  Thanks for your stories and I hope you are all doing well!  So sorry you have to go through this I don't wish this upon anyone!  Melinda..I would love to hear an update from you!  Please tell me what you experienced!  I am terrified for tomorrow!  
LOVE you all!
JP

[LARD30]

Hi Melinda

I have not thought about this site in awhile, but got an e mail update of your post and wanted to re assure you that eventually you will feel normal again.  I went through a very similar experience to yours this past winter.  My husband and I had been trying to conceive for about 8 months and then in February we found out I was pregnant and that same week I started cramping and bleeding and I knew it was a miscarriage (5 -6 weeks along) went to the hospital and they told me it was a complete miscarriage, although hard I was happy not to have to have a D&C….however I continued bleeding on and off for the next 6 weeks and my doctor kept telling me it was to do with the miscarriage.  I decided to go to another doctor who examined me and sent me straight to the emergency for an ectopic pregnancy.  (this was about 6-7 weeks after the first miscarriage).  They told me I needed to have two shots of methotraxate and I was very scarred.  Looking back now, I am relieved that I did not have to have surgery.  I know it is a very emotional time for you right now, but don’t worry too much about the shot, they put one in each of my butt cheeks (lol…my humility went out the window that day)! I bled a bit the week after the shot (trying to remember), but nothing drastic and had a bit of cramping, nothing severe (however, I do get extremely bad periods, so it is hard for me to judge).  It took about 6 weeks for my Beta levels to return to normal and I got my period around the same time.  My periods since the ectopic have been on schedule, but very heavy with lots of clots.  I was trying to figure out how I had lost two pregnancies so close together.  The doctors told me it could have been two causes 1. That the ectopic pregnancy went unnoticed during the first miscarriage (so there were initially two embryos, one miscarried and the other grew in the tubes unnoticed till weeks later) or 2. I had the miscarriage and then got pregnant again two weeks later .  I feel it was the second.
Have you had your thyroid levels checked?
Our stories sound very similar and two months after the ectopic we wanted to start TTC again so I had my blood work done to make sure everything (esp. my folic acid levels) were back to normal and that’s when I found out I have a severely underactive thyroid that most definitely contributed to the miscarriage.  I’ve been dealing with that now for the last few months, my thyroid levels finally went back to normal last week, so we are going to start trying again soon.
I have learned a lot this past year, mostly that you can not plan for the big things in life, sometimes you just have to let it go and accept that it will happen when it happens and how much more we will appreciate it when it does.  
If you have any questions please feel free to ask, it definatley helps to talk about it and not everyone understands.  

Take Care today!!
Leanne

[LARD30]

sorry meant to direct my post to JP, but happy if anyone else can relate
Lee

[lostineurope]

hello, I had an ectopic "cervical" pregnancy that was ended because of how low it was.  I was not given much time to think of it because apparently I was in danger.  They gave me a methotrexate injection under anestecia and I had a second intervention 2 days later for another injection of (potassium or something like it) to stop the heartbeat of the fetus.  I was told that if nothing progressed I would need a second methotrexate injection.  A week after, I had left the hospital and was under observation by my dr.  regular blood tests for hcg are taken weekly my 2 last ones went from 7 000 to 800 Ive had 2 major "excrutiating" cramps/abdominal pains in which a great amount of blood is passed, no clots just almost liquidy.  I am taking some paracetamol during this times and breathing as if I was given birth..or so I guess as this is my first.  I have dr appointments almost every week to 10 days in which they do a sonogram to check the status, it had diminished but still there.  Because my case is apparently "rare" and it is situated very low, they are afraid of a hemorrage so I am to call/got to the hospital if abundant bleeding is present.  It has helped to read this as you tend to feel lost and like a total failure.  But I wanted to share some information with everyone.  You will feel severe pain, take the meds they prescribe and have them handy.  Keep active but also take it easy, there are lots of changes going on inside.  The last case I was told as mine took 6 months for her to release everything.  My case does not allow for D&C, or any other removal as it can be "dangerous".  Trying to avoid a hysterectomy.  I guess everyone's body is different, I hope my situation does not take 6 months.  I hope I get to release everything in less time.  I try not to think of the little angel I lost, but focus on a better next time.  I wish everyone strength.  By the way, Im in europe, Im sure they do everything different over here but so far I have been told pretty much what to expect, oh yes, I had a list of questions as I had to translate...it hasn't been easy.  I hope I never have to go through this again.  
LostinEurope

[Scared_JP]

Thank you so much for commenting on this.  I have never done one of these message board things so I think it is pretty awesome to have other people who know what I am going through to an extent.  So since the last time I have written I got a shot of methotrexate and a week later checked my HCG levels and they had only gone down a about 200 so they sent me back and I got another injection on friday and I have to go tomorrow for blood work and if my levels have not changed enough I might have to get surgery (laproscopy) and have the fetus/tissue removed.  The shots have not done anything for me.  I have not felt any difference, infact my bleeding has almost near disappeared in the last few days.  I am really frustrated because I just want this all to be over!  Also I am nervous because I have been told that the surgery has a risk of loosing your falopian tube??  I don't want that to happen because I have already had a hard time getting pregnant I don't want to cut my chances in half!!!  Has anyone else every had methotrexate not work for them??  Thanks for the advice about thyroid..I would have never thought about that!  Hope all is well and thank you again!
JP

[LARD30]

Hi JP,

Im sorry you had to go back for another shot.  I am trying to remember how long it took for my levels to return to normal and what rate they decreased at.  I think it took about 6-7 weeks for them to get below 5.  I believe I have the numbers at home, i will have a look and get back to you, but dropping 200 in a week sounds similar ??? I also remember thinking I would have a lot of bleeding, but I didn't either.  The doctor told me not to expect bleeding like you would with a miscarriage because your uterus is not shedding, rahter the shot just breaks up the mass in your tube.  I hope your results tomorrow are better than lastweek.  

Leanne

[KAggson]

Good luck with the shot tomorrow!  I luckily just had to have one, but the side effects were HORRIBLE!  If I ever have to choose something like that again, I'll opt for the laparoscopy, which I've had in the past as well, for cysts.  My bleeding has finally stopped, I bled for nearly 1 1/2 months!  Ugh!  Now I'm starting to feel better too, hooray!  I wish you all the best, let us know how tomorrow goes, what are your HCG levels?  I still have to go for one more blood test this week, but I'm sure I'm at zero now.  Take care.  I plan to have that fallopian tube xray done next month, HSG??  Hopefully they're clear, or they find something to fix....and fix it!

[LARD30]

Hi JP,

I found the calendar I had used to track the decline of my BETA levels once I was given the Methorexate shot.  Hope this is helpful:
week one: ectopic found, shot given, Beta levels at 1400
week two : Beta level 562
week three:  Beta Level 120
4 days later:  Beta level 28

Everyone is different though, but I know when I was going through this it was helpful to read about other people's experiences.  Hope you are doing alright.

Leanne

[Scared_JP]

Thanks for writing!  So i went and I got my levels checked and they went down almost by half!!  I was at 956.  YAY i am so relieved! So I go tomorrow and hopefully they will still be going down!!  BUT thanks to you ladies who answer my questions i have some more for you!  The dr. office didn't really tell me what the next step is, the nurse just said: "looks like they are going down so that's good! Go in and get it checked again and if it is still going down then you should be ok."  So I am just wondering if there is any follow up things I need to be checked for like you KAagson you are having a falopian tube XRay??  They have said nothing to me about any follow up things.  I feel like it wasn't just a fluke thing that I am having an eptopic prenancy and I have researched that there are reasons behind them...I would hate to go through this all over again just to then figure out my problem???  PLEASE HELP if you know anything??  ONce again thank you thankyou thankyou for helping me!
LOVE YOU ALL
JP

[Scared_JP]

Thanks for your comment about not feeling anything or bleeding because that is exactly what I was feeling, and now I feel somewhat normal.  (like any of this is normal) :)
JP

[KAggson]

Hi!  Well glad to hear your numbers are going down!  I actually asked the doctor many questions and requested the HSG (xray) myself.  I am scheduled for it next month, after my next "normal" period.  No one really told me anything to expect either, so I asked and researched the internet!  I agree, there has to be a REASON for the ectopic, and if there is a reason, I want to know what it is and if we can fix it!!!  Sites like this and asking a lot of questions has certainly helped.  Go ask your doctor, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get tests done!  I wish you well!!!  :)  Let me know what happens too!!!

[LARD30]

Great to hear your levels are dropping and surgery will not be necessary.  I remember I really wnated to have an ultrasound once everything was over, but they said it was unnecessary.  Once the levels were back to normal their was nothing to worry about.  I was worried!!
If you can push for them to give you one, go for it, It defintatley would have made me feel better at the time.  
I have no idea why I had an ectopic, couldn've been a stupid sperm who didn't have good directions, a lazy egg.... perhaps the  joint I smoked that month!!! really I will never know! Just try not to put it on yourself, stress is defiantely one of the worst deterrents for getting pregnant.  
The best thing to do is get your family doctor to do some blood work and make sure all your levels are what they should be.  I wish I had my time back when we first started trying I would have done my blood work right away.
My thyroid (TSH) level finally went back to normal last month, we were given the go ahead to start trying again, my period is now 3 days late, but im so nervous to test....those stupid tests never work for me...lol.  
all the best.

[jencurrie]

I am 21 years old and fell pregnant unexpectedly, I have had extremely bad "medical help" from "professionals". In the start of my pregnancy, I had bad back aches, cramps, nausea and bleeding, I took myself to the ER 9 times in 2 weeks with my doubts and was sent home each time with the doctors advising that I was threatening miscarriage and was also advised to terminate the pregnancy, much to my despair may I add. In the end, my symptoms got worse and forced myself to terminate the pregnancy as I felt I had no other option, (please no nasty horrible comments, I did not want this at all, but ended up taking the "professional advice") after the termination, I still had these symptoms, so once again took myself to ER, where they then detected another baby in my fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy. So I was the 1 in 4million chance of a twin ectopic pregnancy. In the end I was given the Methotrexate injection on the 4th October 2009  my hCg levels dropped within two days. I am still having light bleeding, but with horrible almost excruciating back aches and abdomen cramps with nausea and vomiting which I thought was all normal, but something new I have noticed is a quick, sharp stabbing pain starting in my shoulder, so I wanted to know if anyone has had similar ongoing pain like mine, or if these new symptoms are something to become worried about. How long after the injection should these symptoms subside, (it has been 4 days)

[Scared_JP]

Hi everyone I am back!  My levels are still not to zero but they are 36!! GOsh this is the longest process!  I just want it to be over with.  Another thing I want to know is...Did any of your doctors give you a timeline of how long you should wait before trying to get pregnant again?  My doctor said I just have to wait one full cycle before starting on Clomid again, but i have heard others say they should wait 3 months or so.  Also my doctor said I didn't have to stop "trying" just that I had to wait to take fertility drugs.  Also I am terrified to get pregnant again, what are the odds of having another eptopic?  
For Jencurrie-I am so sorry about your experience, I had a miscarriage and a 2 weeks later found out that I was also having an eptopic so I don't know forsure how that happened but my best guess would be twins??  SO in answer to your question i never felt the pain in my shoulder?  I would call your doctor if it doesn't go away and tell them your concerned about it!  HOpe things get better for you!
Love
JP

[LARD30]

Hello,

Glad to hear your numbers are going down, but yes it is a frustrating time waiting for them to reach zero.  Before you start tying again I would get your blood tested just to make sure your folic acid levels are fine (the methotrexate depletes them).  
I also had a miscarriage and then an ectopic two weeks apart.  With me they were not sure if it was a misdiagnosis of the originial miscarriage actually being an ectopic orBefore trying again we waited until my levels were back to zero and I had one normal cycle (and had my folic levels tested).....still trying...ugh!
All the best to you ladies!
Lee

[TigerGirl94]

Can anyone help me with this?  I was about 8 wks along when I miscarried.  I had a d&c and my HCG was still going up.  They finally found the sac (a little less than 3cm) and decided to give me the shot.  I got the shot a day ago and have had no cramping or bleeding.  Does this mean it is not working?  My HCG was only 600 when the shot was administered.  I just don't want to have surgery and am ready for this process to be over with!!!
Thanks so muc

[LARD30]

hi there,

having no cramping or bleeding is normal.  I don't think I bled at all.  The shot breaks up the mass and your body re absorbs it.  I was worried also that I would have to get surgery.  It took about 6 weeks for my Beta levels to return to normal and I got my period around the same time. My levels were around 1500.  Good luck with everything.

[Scared_JP]

Hey-
   When I got my shot I didn't bleed or feel anything for over a week, they gave me another shot and things happened SLOWLY barely any bleeding.  I know it takes some time, hang in there, there is no need to worry unless your levels DO NOT GO DOWN.  Hope this helps!
JP

[infaith2]

Ladies,
Reading this posts makes me feel like I am not alone.  I have gone through hell during the last month.  I miscarried at 5 wks, had a D&C went back and was told I needed another D&C! went back to the doctor a three weeks later and was told my numbers are not coming down fast enough so I had a shot of methotrexate!  I feel like I have no choice but to trust this doctors, they told me my pregnancy planted very high on my right side.  Ectopic? they "dont think so"  My question is what do I expect from this shot?  I feel a little nausea but did anyone get any side effects?  My HCG is at 1200 right now.  I hope I only need one shot of this stuff.  I am trying to stay strong and pray.  

[shakra]

I've recently been going through my second ectopic..  the first was 10 years ago and I collapsed at work... lucky to be here to tell the tale..


anyway, about 3 weeks ago I had some pains in the ovary area and when I had an ultrasound, they ended up finding an ectopic on the other side..

I opted for the methotrexate as I really wanted to "save my tube"..  

so after the first injection my bHCG levels doubled and the foetus was growing larger..  I had a second injection which made me extremely tired and ill.. but I still felt that something was growing inside me... when on the sunday a week after the 2nd methotrexate (administred on a friday), I felt the need to call an ambulance.

It was touch and go for a while as I felt my body going into shock.. I felt like I was levitating on the bed in spasmodic convulsions.. with someone trying to find a vein to prepare me for surgery and my veins had all started to shut down..

my poor partner had to witness all this.. and now I look fine but feel like ****...

I've had my left tube removed, along with about 1 and a half litres of  blood that was in my abdomen.

Have excruciating shoulder tip pain... but I am alive..

[Scared_JP]

I am so sorry you also have to go through this aweful experience, it is definitely not easy.  Some people have many side effects some people not much.  I felt a little tired, and nauseated.  My levels were at 1600 when I got my first shot and I had to get a second also.  I felt nothing bled very little and with the second one I bled a little more. I was surprised I didn't feel more or experience MORE bleeding.  But before I knew I had an eptopic I experienced a miscarriage and a few weeks later my levels were still rising, so I think I might have lost a lot of blood and tissue during that.  I hope it goes well.  Don't be surprised if you have to have 2 injections.  Hang in there, it will eventually start getting better.  It's so hard to go through.
JP

[Scared_JP]

Once again, I have another question for you gals who have experienced this.  I finally started my first cycle after all this and I started bleeding A TON!!!  I had to go to the doctor because I was filling a pad an hour.  My doctor put me on NUVA RING for three weeks to put me back in a regular cycle and hopefully get me ovulating again.  My question is..how were your first few cycles after everything? Have any of you gotten pregnant? How long did it take? Were you scared?  THanks hope you can answer any of these!
JP

[LARD30]

Hi JP,

I had my methotrexate shot in beg. of April and got my period about 5 weeks later.  The first 2-3 cycles were much more heavier and clotter.  I still have a lot of little clots; I have been researching estrogen dominance/ low progesterone to see if this is the cause of some of my symptoms, such as: horrible cramps, long menstrual cycle, clotting, ovulation pain, etc.
Unfortunately, I have not been pregnant since the ectopic (I did have to wait 4 months though due to issues with my thyroid) we have been trying again for the last 3 cycles, no luck yet.  We decided to take a break this month (I just need a break from checking levels and anticipating that I could be pregnant).  
I am grateful though that this experience has made me much more informed about my body.  A friend of mine bought me a great book: Taking charge of your fertility - I have found it very helpful, check it out.
All the best and keep in touch (it def. helps talking about all this to people who understand).
Lee

[ffm]

hi all

i am new here. thanks for providing all your experiences. i'd my MTX injection on 10th of november and my hcg at that time was 4513. on the day of the injection i'd a little bit of stomach upset and the first thing the doctor told me was to stop any folic acid intake. scheduled blood test for 11/14, 11/17 and then weekly.

there is no bleeding or no cramping yet for me. i dont know whether it is normal to feel this way or am i too early to feel these symptoms?