High HCG levels after surgery to remove ectopic pregnancy...

Question

I had surgery on August 12 to remove an ectopic pregnancy.  Doctor was able to save the tube.  We were told to wait at least 4 months before trying to conceive again.  At the last HCG level check (a week or so after the surgery) my levels were down to 81.  I was supposed to go in on the 15th of this month to have them checked again, but missed the appointment and went in today.  I just got a phone call saying that my levels were at almost 38,000!  What???  Could I be pregnant again or is it possible that she left some in the tube and that has caused the levels to rise?  I had a period a little over 2 weeks ago.  I go in first thing in the morning for a sonogram but am in total shock right now.  Anyone ever heard of or experienced this?

Margaret

mholloway72 · Answer

After all that worry it turned out to be a lab error!!! I guess I am somewhat relieved - I didn't want to have surgery to remove another ectopic so soon. I can't help but be sad because I kept hope that maybe I was pregnant and everything was going to be okay. It is what it is... better luck next time.

mholloway72 · Answer

Doctor said possible an error in the Lab, that it does happen...  I am going crazy waiting for tomorrow to get here so I will know something!!!

aly79 · Answer

wow i have never heard of that happening i cant imagine what your going thru good luck and let us know whats going on

spade22 · Answer

Thanks for the update.  Thats really strange.  I wonder if there was a lab error with your HCG levels.

mholloway72 · Answer

Well, I had a sonogram done this morning and they didn't see anything in my uterus or either tube.  The doctor said I could have miscarried a couple weeks ago when I had what I thought was a period.  We have to go back Friday morning for another HCG test to see if the levels are rising or if they have fallen.  I am baffled!!

spade22 · Answer

Wow!  I've never heard of this happening.

Those numbers are very high and are typical of a gestational age of at least 6 weeks.  I wonder if you were originally carrying twins with one being ectopic and the other  in your uterus and the one in you uterus survived.  A molar pregnancy is another option.  

Please let us know what you find out tomorrow.