Update (long)

joanna · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2005, 07:08 PM

Well, unfortunetly this pregnancy wasn't ment to last. Early 9/08/05 I woke up with some significant pain on my left side. It didn't stay consistant and I knew cysts can be common in pregnancy so I wasn't too concerned. I called my doc when they opened and they scheduled me for an ultrasound at 3:00 pm. By 11:00am I started having some spotting and I was still having pain but my doc still wanted me to wait until 3:00. Around 2:30 I passed out in the waiting room at the dentist (my partner was having a tooth extracted), so she took me straight to the ER. Soon we found out that I had a ruptured ectopic and I had to have emergency surgery. They took 1000 mL of blood and clots out of my abdomen and ended up pretty anemic. I, thankfully, was able to keep from getting a transfusion. Instead I had two IV sites where they were infusing me with fluids and plenty of morphine. The doc said that I ovulated from my right ovary and the egg traveled over to my left tube. Of course it had grown in the process and didn't fit so it implanted in the tube. When it ruptured the embryo went out the end of the tube. So, the silver linning is that I still have both tubes, however, now I have scarring in my left one (which puts me at higher risk for another one of these). The doc said that the chances of this paticular thing happening are smaller than getting struck by lighting. I won't be standing outside in a thunder storm any time soon. I spent 3 nights in the hospital and have been told I have to wait 4-6 weeks to go back to work. I have my follow up appointment on Thursday and I'm going to see if I can go back to work part time. I'm going nuts sitting at home all day. I had quite the bought of depression when I first got home, which they warned me about at the hospital. I haven't cried for a couple days now, so I think I'm on the up-swing. Plus I finnaly got around to getting on this message board. We get to start ttc again in 2-3 months. Sorry this is so long. I wanted to update everyone and I'm sending positive thoughts across the country to everyone.

Stacy and Amber · #2 (**permalink**) 09-20-2005, 12:56 PM

Joanna, I am so very sorry this happened to you. A rupturing ectopic can be so dangerous. I'm glad you are ok and that you were able to save your tube. I suffered from a possible ectopic earlier this year myself. Fortunately, it aborted itself and I did not have to have surgery. I understand the depression very well. Please take care of yourself and know you are not alone. Take time to heal, both physically and emotionally. I hope your dp is very supportive and can help you in the healing process. You are both in my thoughts.

joanna · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2005, 03:25 PM

I just wanted to update my update. I had my follow-up appointment this morning and the doc agrees that I'm healing quickly and well. She needs to check with the doc I use for my inseminations but it looks like I'll do an HSG in a week or two. If that comes out ok, she thinks I can start trying again next cycle. I'm very excited to get started again.

And, yes my dp has been nothing short of amazing and wonderful through this whole process. Even though she lost the baby too, she has been a pilar of strength for me. We celebrated our seven year anniversary on 09/20. Also, thank you everyone for your support. It means a lot to me.

rparker · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2005, 10:04 AM

Joanna,

I am so sorry about last month for you. I am glad that you are doing better, and so glad that your doctor is being careful for your sake and the sake of your future baby!

I know each one of us read your post with lumps in our throats. I cannot imagine how horrible it was for you and your partner. But I do believe that now you have gotten pregnant, your body will remember what that feels like, and you can have more success the next time! I echo Joanna, take care of yourself (body and soul)....and know you have lots of people rooting for you!

Robin

Stacy and Amber · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2005, 09:19 AM

Joanna, I'm glad to hear that you are healing well. I hope the HSG goes well and everything is clear and you will be on your way to trying again very soon. Continue taking care of each other and you will be moms one day very soon.

joanna · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2005, 09:51 AM

Well, I got more bad news. Last week my Hcg was 132 and this week it is 170. Going the wrong direction. The doc said I probably still have some placenta tissue that's developing. I had to go back to the hospital last night so I could get methotrexate (sp?). I got really worried about the possible side effects, nausea mostly, but I have been lucky. It re-opened the wounds of losing the pregnancy though. They have high hopes that this will work well. I really just want this to be over so I can move on. Thanks everyone for all the support you've given me.

hope2bmom · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2005, 07:21 PM

Joanna and Sandy, mine and Inger's hearts go out to you and we are so sorry for your loss. We hope only the best for you two. Take care of yourselves.
Kim

Stacy and Amber · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2005, 11:00 AM

Joanna, I think the methotrexate will really help. That was the treatment they used with me when I had my ectopic back in March. The first couple of hcg's I had after the shot, my levels went up. I got really worried about that. But they soon started on the decline again and everythin was fine. I'm sure your levels will start dropping very soon. I'm sorry for the pain you are going through. I know it's not easy. I still get depressed sometimes too over my loss. My estimated due date is approaching Nov 1 and all I want is to be pregnant before then. It's not looking very promising. All we can do is keep trying. Remember you are in our thoughts and we are here for you.

joanna · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 08:09 AM

I had my blood drawn again yesterday and my level went down to 103. I'm glad it's doing what it's suppost to. I just have to wait for it to go down to zero and we can begin the process again.