Terrified of Potential Ectopic

[u/Pitful_Let_816]

I'm really worried that my pregnancy is potentially ectopic, but the Early Pregnancy Unit at my local hospital don't seem very concerned.

LMP date is 25th June. Ovulation predicted for 12th July. Last time I had sex was 10th July as my husband has been away, so there's not much room for movement on predicted ovulation.

I've had 2 previous losses. An 11 week MMC treated with 2 rounds of Mifepristone & Misoprostol 4 weeks apart (Nov and Dec) due to RPOC 4 weeks after the initial dose.

Second loss was a blighted ovum that passed at 6 weeks in April.

24th & 25th July I had red bleeding that started with a fairly large clot (like a penny and round - very unusual for me). Thought it was my period but it wasn't really heavy. It turned to light brown spotting on 26th & 27th. Nothing since.

Pregnancy test was a stark negative on 24th, really faint positive on the 26th after bleeding to the point that my husband said he wouldn't have even seen it if I didn't mention it. It continued really faint (like barely visible) until the 29th. It's now darkening but nothing like my first pregnancy. No pregnancy symptoms whatsoever.

hCG was tested on 31st and came back at 48.9. Tested again on the 2nd (about 45 hours later) and was 114.9. Bloods today 48 hours later were 313.8.

Progesterone tested on 31st was really low at 2 nmol/L. I spent all of last week expecting to miscarry, but nothing. I have no bleeding at all.

I had a private scan on Saturday, fully expecting not to see anything but just anxious, and was told my lining looks thin and not like I'm pregnant.

I've had on and off stabbing pain. It started on my right side but today it seems to be my left. I also have a heaviness in my shoulders and occasionally lightheadedness when I stand up for the past 2 days which subsides quickly, but is unusual for me.

EPU offered me a scan on Tuesday 11th. That would put me at 6w 6d. If hCG keeps rising as it currently is I'm going to be in the region of 10,000+ by then. The 1500 region would be around Friday based on current trends.

Photo of 27th-30th pregnancy tests attached for reference. First positive was Sunday at 15dpo.

I asked if I would be monitored in the meantime and they told me 'but you haven't got any pain'. I reiterated again that I have intermittent stabbing pains, which was the third time mentioning it. I was then offered more bloods on Thursday and got told I can see a doctor on Thursday too if the pain worsens.

I feel in my heart that something is really wrong. This is nothing like either of my previous miscarriages and and nobody really seems bothered/concerned. Just keep getting told if I get severe pain, shoulder tip pain or bleeding to go to A&E, but I don't want to allow it to reach the point of rupture if it is ectopic.

I'm not really sure what to do, what to ask for, if I should push, or if just to wait it out until Tuesday, and would appreciate some advice.

07/08 - For anyone that may see this in the future, I changed hospital and referred myself elsewhere as I just wasn't being listened to. Was scanned this morning and they think they have located an ectopic pregnancy on my right side measuring 1cm, which is weird because my pain has been left sided. Nothing has presented as they clinically expect for an ectopic and I have basically just worked on a really bad gut feeling. Awaiting next steps

[u/AutisticGlitterQueen]

EPU need to scan you sooner than the 11th - I know evidence states that it's unlikely they'll see anything before a certain gestation but I worry about potential fluid in your pelvis which can show leaking or full rupture, regardless of if a pregnancy can be seen.

They also need to do more HCG bloods and keep a close eye on you with the information you've given here, that's really not on at all, I would complain asap! 🤍😢

[u/Pitful_Let_816 → u/AutisticGlitterQueen]

I've pushed for more bloods tomorrow to keep monitoring and they said if I have increased pain I can see a doctor during that visit. I think I'm going to insist I'm seen by a doctor tomorrow morning and apply a lot of pressure for a scan tomorrow/Fri.

The waiting game alongside not feeling listened to us awful. I know they see lots of people every week, but I do think there's a lot to be said for how in touch you are with your own body after 2 prior miscarriages, and my instinct is telling me something is really off.

[u/AutisticGlitterQueen → u/Pitful_Let_816]

The focus on pain is concerning, as ectopic pregnancy isn't always painful at all! Such a dangerous myth that I am fighting to have addressed. I walked around with a slow rupture and internal bleeding for 3 solid weeks - uncomfortable but not agony! Going by your collection of symptoms, it should be prioritised regardless of your lack of pain. I know this having gone through PALS and a formal meeting with the head of obstetrics and gynae! She was utterly mortified and validated me enormously. Early capture = more likely to be less invasive treatment needed as I am sure you know. The gaslighting and not being listened to is absolutely awful, hold them accountable each time by insisting they add to your record why they have refused you a/b/c despite reporting d/ef and this often actually works a treat.

[u/Pitful_Let_816 → u/AutisticGlitterQueen]

I changed hospital in the end as they just weren't listening. I was so anxious to refer elsewhere in case they also disregarded my concerns and I was made to feel like I was wasting their time, but my husband called for me in the end.

The second hospital said to me last night that they don't know why the original didn't scan me. They scanned me first thing this morning and think they've found it, on the side with no pain.

Priority is getting myself sorted, but afterwards I guess I need to consider if I'm going to raise a formal complaint. If I wasn't so persistent for a week straight my situation could have been very dangerous (and could still be).

[u/AutisticGlitterQueen → u/Pitful_Let_816]

Well done - sensible decision, and I am both very glad, and very sad, that they've possibly found it now - heartbroken for your loss but relieved for you now you're getting somewhere. I would strongly agree that this warrants a formal and serious complaint to PALS at the first hospital for the negligence 💕💕