I was wondering if any of you had this experience/diagnosis...

I went to an RE the other day to get a handle on exactly what my situation is now that I've had 2 ectopics. I don't plan on TTC now, but wanted to know how to plan for the future and if I should have my remaining tube taken out before trying IVF -- which I assumed would be the next, safe way to TTC.

Anyway, in reviewing my history, he told me that he thinks it's most likely that all four of my pregnancies have been ectopic. I was diagnosed with 2 miscarriages, but he thinks it's less likely that I have a combination of problems and more likely that the ectopics I had a year apart both managed to successfully resolve themselves.

This doesn't have any real impact on what happens next, actually. I was just shocked to hear that. I went to the appt. pretty prepared for what I thought I'd be told.

The next step is another HSG to see if anything can be figured out. He thinks my problem is a hormonal issue and that the best bet will be to remove the tube and then go for IVF. We're not interested in pursuing IVF, but it was good to have that as "closure" to the TTC journey to some degree. I have been very happy with the adoption planning so far.

Sorry this is so long. Just wanted to see if anyone else's experience ever turned out to be less of a fluke than what you'd originally thought!

Karen

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Wow Things sound so complicated. What do you feel? Deep down have you always suspected that all of your pregnancies have been ectopic? And having a Dr. tell you that he thinks your pg's have all been ectopic, will you have your tube removed even if you choose to never have IVF?

Are you still thinking of attempting a couple more steps TTC? Will you go ahead w/ the HSG? If there is a blockage would you have the procedure to have it removed and try again?

And how is the whole adoption thing going? I have 2 cousins adopting right now. One from Russia and one through social services.

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Hi!

Yes, it is complicated. I don't think I'd really suspected that all 4 pregnancies had been ectopic. In some ways, though, it makes me feel better that I have just the one issue and that I know what it means for the future. Any hesitation we had about making the decision to move on to adoption without further TTC attempts were based on wondering whether or not we really have a chance at ever being successful. This pretty much convinces me that we do not (short of IVF, of course), but I'm ok with that now. I think we've made our peace with our situation and are very happy with the reality of building our family through adoption.

I will go ahead with the HSG so that I know what the problems are for sure. I don't want to risk future ectopic "accidents." It sounds like the doctor recommends a tube removal no matter what they find. The only way he would advise me to keep trying is if they find no physical or hormonal problems with the tube. He says that would be extremely unlikely considering my history -- even if only 2 of the 4 pregnancies were ectopic. That still means I've had an ectopic in both tubes -- which indicates a hormone imbalance that will not be easy to correct.

The adoption process is slowly but surely moving along. We're done with all but the interview phase of our homestudy. I'm hoping the interviews are completed and the homestudy is written and send to Korea by the first of the year. That would most likely mean that we'd have a baby home in the fall. People who have adopted through our agency tell me that it will probably happen sooner, but I'm relying on the agency's timelines to keep from driving myself crazy with the waiting. I'm much more relaxed through this process than I ever was with TTC. Every unsuccessful month TTC or every pg loss made me feel as though I was starting over. I feel like I'm closer to having a baby every day now!

Thanks for asking!!!

Karen

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I'm glad to hear your adoption process is progressing.

I hope you find some closure on your TTC journey. It does sound like if you really did have 4 ectopics that removing your tubes might be a good idea. I'd hate for your to accidentally have another when you weren't monitaring your cycle. In the mean time, just keep thinking about the little one that will be yours next year.

{{HUGS}}

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I don't have any info for you...and it does sound complicated.

I'm glad the adoption is moving along and that it's not as stressful as ttc. I hope you are soon holding your baby in your arms. I can't wait to see pictures of you and the baby. I keep checking on your updates.

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KATHY - Mom to 4
Laurel (9), Matthew (7)
Cassandra (4) & Andrew (10/10/08)

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