TTC after Methotrexate shot

[pdxmom]

Like I said we can look ahead for the best things tht are yet to come....all the best for today Hun...sending positive vibes your way

 

[karebear76]

This might be a silly question... but does anyone know if there is anyway to predict which side you are ovulating on each month- which would tell you which fallopian tube your egg would be heading down? I've heard some people say it alternates each month but my doctor says it's totally random. It would be so nice to know, being that I think only my one side has issues.. though I haven't had the HSG (my doctor never mentioned it- maybe she will if I have another ectopic..) I just know that on my ectopic side I had a cyst burst a few years ago and I've always kinda had faint achey pains every once in a while. I've never felt anything or had any problems on my "good side".

On another note- has anyone ever tried castor oil packs to help improve fallopian tube/uterine health and support a healthy pregnancy? I've read that they promote blood flow to the area and help heal scar tissue. Sounds too good to believe but I feel like I am willing to try anything to help me out next time we TTC...

 

[allforthegirl]

This might be a silly question... but does anyone know if there is anyway to predict which side you are ovulating on each month- which would tell you which fallopian tube your egg would be heading down? I've heard some people say it alternates each month but my doctor says it's totally random. It would be so nice to know, being that I think only my one side has issues.. though I haven't had the HSG (my doctor never mentioned it- maybe she will if I have another ectopic..) I just know that on my ectopic side I had a cyst burst a few years ago and I've always kinda had faint achey pains every once in a while. I've never felt anything or had any problems on my "good side".

On another note- has anyone ever tried castor oil packs to help improve fallopian tube/uterine health and support a healthy pregnancy? I've read that they promote blood flow to the area and help heal scar tissue. Sounds too good to believe but I feel like I am willing to try anything to help me out next time we TTC...

No I have not heard about that. I have only heard of it being used for labour (or at least I think that is the same stuff, now I am questioning my self)

 

[pdxmom]

This might be a silly question... but does anyone know if there is anyway to predict which side you are ovulating on each month- which would tell you which fallopian tube your egg would be heading down? I've heard some people say it alternates each month but my doctor says it's totally random. It would be so nice to know, being that I think only my one side has issues.. though I haven't had the HSG (my doctor never mentioned it- maybe she will if I have another ectopic..) I just know that on my ectopic side I had a cyst burst a few years ago and I've always kinda had faint achey pains every once in a while. I've never felt anything or had any problems on my "good side".

On another note- has anyone ever tried castor oil packs to help improve fallopian tube/uterine health and support a healthy pregnancy? I've read that they promote blood flow to the area and help heal scar tissue. Sounds too good to believe but I feel like I am willing to try anything to help me out next time we TTC...

ive also read abt the alternating side of the ovaries...but my doc also says tht rease of eggs is totally random...he also says tht even if the side tht u think is not working properly releases an egg therre is alot of chance for the gud sided tube to pick up the egg...as for the castor oil packs i have also read the same thing abt them being gud for after ectopic in order for gud blood circulation...i totally plan to try this...no harm in trying right...

 

[Rachel613]

Karebear - I always have ovulation pain on the side that I am ovulating from, but it is ALWAYS on my right side. I had two ultrasounds right after ovulation and they were able to tell me that I was indeed ovulating both times on the right side, like I assumed. And now my ectopic is on the right side. I'll definitely be cheering for my left side to take a turn If you think one of your tubes has an issue you should defininately at least ask your doctor about the HSG!!! I am scheduled to have one as soon as my numbers are back to 0....some of the girls on this thread said it can possibly unblock the tube...worth a shot!?!?

Also, what is castor oil packs? Sounds like something for your car!

 

[allforthegirl]

Karebear - I always have ovulation pain on the side that I am ovulating from, but it is ALWAYS on my right side. I had two ultrasounds right after ovulation and they were able to tell me that I was indeed ovulating both times on the right side, like I assumed. And now my ectopic is on the right side. I'll definitely be cheering for my left side to take a turn If you think one of your tubes has an issue you should defininately at least ask your doctor about the HSG!!! I am scheduled to have one as soon as my numbers are back to 0....some of the girls on this thread said it can possibly unblock the tube...worth a shot!?!?

Also, what is castor oil packs? Sounds like something for your car!

@ Also, what is castor oil packs? Sounds like something for your car!
I was drinking my coffee and just about spit on myself. That was funny sorry, no harm meant!! I don't know what they are either, may have to google it

 

[karebear76]

I will definitely inquire about the HSG. I want them to test all my hormone levels too. I feel like they just don't want to do anything that costs money until they know for sure it wasn't a fluke. I don't know if it's just because I'm in Canada and are health care is covered... I will try to insist.

Castor oil packs are basically just castor oil on a cotton cloth. You can buy the oil at any health food store. You soak it in a small cloth and then place it on your lower abdomen. Put plastic wrap over top to not make as much of a mess and then put another cloth and a hot water bottle on top. Then you just lay there for about an hour. It's actually quite relaxing. I tried to post the link where I read about it but it won't let me because I haven't yet posted 10 times and it thinks I'm spam. Lol- google "Natural Fertility Info"

 

[Rachel613]

Haha I googled it and it looks like some kind of a heat pack maybe?! Can you buy them pre-made....a bunch of websites are showing how to make them?!?!

 

[Rachel613]

Sorry wrote that at the same time you did.....ok I will give it a try soon! Sounds relaxing!!

Sory Kearbear I forgot if you have already mentioned if you see a OB/GYN or a FS? Can you see a fertility specialist yet?

 

[karebear76]

Just an OB/GYN for now. I guess if it happens again she might refer me to someone else. Interestingly, we got pregnant after literally 1 time of not using protection. It was not planned, but then I was really excited about it- then devastated when it turned out to be ectopic

It seems that we don't have trouble conceiving but just need it to implant in the right place! I'm a little worried that it might take longer to get pregnant next time. Lol I'm worried about everything!!

 

[Rachel613]

Yes, welcome to my world!! All I do is sit at my desk and worry, then try to talk myself out of worrying, then worry again, think positive, worry again....basially I've turned into a crazy person

I just met with my doctor. Waiting for blood results. but they did an ultrasound....he said that the ectopic grew from 15mm to 17mm (AFTER TWO MTX SHOTS!). HE said its nothing to worry about, obviously I can't help but to worry. He said if this second shot doesn't work its either one more htx shot or surgery. G-d I am SO nervous!! I just want my tube to be ok!!!! I get my blood results back at 4ish - then go back on Tuesday for the final analysis if the beta is dropping enough. I just can't catch a break with this!

 

[allforthegirl]

Just an OB/GYN for now. I guess if it happens again she might refer me to someone else. Interestingly, we got pregnant after literally 1 time of not using protection. It was not planned, but then I was really excited about it- then devastated when it turned out to be ectopic

It seems that we don't have trouble conceiving but just need it to implant in the right place! I'm a little worried that it might take longer to get pregnant next time. Lol I'm worried about everything!!

You are not alone!! I too got PG first time out! I also a worried when we resume TTC again. But am trying to keep faith that everything happens when it is supposed to. But I am trying to read this book. Maybe it will help us in the future.

 

[karebear76]

Yes, welcome to my world!! All I do is sit at my desk and worry, then try to talk myself out of worrying, then worry again, think positive, worry again....basially I've turned into a crazy person

I just met with my doctor. Waiting for blood results. but they did an ultrasound....he said that the ectopic grew from 15mm to 17mm (AFTER TWO MTX SHOTS!). HE said its nothing to worry about, obviously I can't help but to worry. He said if this second shot doesn't work its either one more htx shot or surgery. G-d I am SO nervous!! I just want my tube to be ok!!!! I get my blood results back at 4ish - then go back on Tuesday for the final analysis if the beta is dropping enough. I just can't catch a break with this!

Don't worry about a minor change in size-Mine grew a couple mm too when I got my second U/S. They said it could be marginal error (different techs measure slightly differently)

What was your highest HCG level? Did you get the second shot because your levels were still rising or just not decreasing fast enough?

Once levels are 0 (like mine now) I wonder how long it takes for the "mass" to completely resorb back into your body. I hope it is completely resorbed before we TTC again lest it cause more "blockage". My doctor could only tell me that "it takes time to heal" - not very helpful

 

[Rachel613]

Thanks so much Karebear!! That makes me feel better that a slight growth is ok!!

My highest was 190
It went: 190, 80, 77, 55, 67 (shot), 66 (second shot)
So yes they gave me the shot because my levels were not decreasing fast enough...that two point drop was after 5 days!
What about you?

So I asked my doctor the same thing today about reabsorption and blockage. He also didn't have much of an answer....just a "time will tell" and that he would keep doing ultrasounds until was it was clear. He also assured me that this mtx shot doesn't harm our eggs at all, he promised me that! I think I need to start going to my acupuncture appointments again and work on my being stress free!! haha

 

[karebear76]

Rachel- we have a very similar story! Mine were 190 too, then dropped to 139, 61, 69 (second shot) then 32, then 0.

At least your doctor will continue doing U/S until they see it's clear. Mine said they wouldn't normally do another one unless I am still having pain. I might request one anyways in a couple weeks. I'm curious to see what's going on in there. Every once in a while I still have aches on that side and it freaks me out!

Glad to here about the methotrexate not damaging eggs. Hopefully it's just the lack of folate that causes problems because at least we can do something to counteract that! Your numbers should drop to 0 in no time and then you can start taking your vitamins and eating greens!

Have you decided when you will start ttc again?

 

[Rachel613]

Karebear - that is great the second shot worked so fast!! Our numbers do sound similar, I hope mine turn out like yours!!!

As for the ultrasound, I see a FS so like I said before, maybe that is why he is gung-ho about ultrasounds. I'm sure your doctor is doing the right thing. If you want peace of mind maybe get a second opinion!?

My doctors office just called with the blood results. My HCG is 60. It only went down 5.
So 190, 80, 77, 55, 67 (shot), 66 (second shot) 60
They said that it may take a few more days to kick in. I have another u/s and blood work for Tuesday and that will be the real test if the shot is working or not.

Haven't decided when we are going to start TTC again, I will wait for my numbers to hit zero and all the workups before we discuss that. But my poor husband has been waiting for over a month to bd....he has been so sweet but I'm sure he is growing inpatient My doctor gave me the go ahead today to bd, but I am too crampy down there, and also bleeding. I'm Jewish so we don't have sex while we're bleeding....so he just has to keep on waiting and waiting! I asked my doctor if he could order a semen analysis for the poor guy hahaha

Where are you at on your cycle right now? Waiting for your first or second af? You said you were waiting until April right? Almost there!!

 

[karebear76]

I know it's hard not to be able to be intimate. My husband was really good about it too- he actually felt guilty, like he did this to me! After giving so much blood for testing and feeling like I had a constant period - I swear I should have been anemic!! We waited until I hit 0, just to be sure.

My first real cycle after the shots started Feb 15 - just before my levels reached 0 on the 20th. It was normal other than I had a couple extra days of spotting tacked onto the normal length. I'm expecting my next AF to come around March 14- if my cycles continue normally that is. I think once it starts I will use OPK's to get a better idea when/if I am ovulating and then on the next cycle in April, we will TTC!

I hope you hit 0 right away It's nice to have someone to talk to who is literally going through the same thing.

OH- and I forgot to mention, I'm also doing acupuncture once a week to boost my immune system/fertility. I love my TCM doctor she is so cute. My friend got pregnant after 2 years of trying by going to her for acupuncture. Even though our fertility situations are slightly different, I'm crossing my fingers that she can help me too!

 

[Nlinn99]

Just wondering if I can join you ladies? My story is so similar my husband and I are living in a village in Alaska (for jobs) and had a m/c in early sept with a d&c. We then jumped on the ttc wagon and got a bfp on valentines day. I told mysel not to get excited and started spotting that weekend.luckily we had flown to anchorage and had access to medical care bc they told me it was suspected ectopic. I received my sophist on 2/20 and am only down to ~300 it's so hard bc where I live folks get pregnant just looking at each other.....feeling isolated and alone this forum really helps.... Tanks for all the great success stories Natasha

 

[Nlinn99]

Oops methotrexate shot given 2/20....I'm a pharmacist and live in the world of drugs but this medication is kicking my behind

 

[karebear76]

Just wondering if I can join you ladies? My story is so similar my husband and I are living in a village in Alaska (for jobs) and had a m/c in early sept with a d&c. We then jumped on the ttc wagon and got a bfp on valentines day. I told mysel not to get excited and started spotting that weekend.luckily we had flown to anchorage and had access to medical care bc they told me it was suspected ectopic. I received my sophist on 2/20 and am only down to ~300 it's so hard bc where I live folks get pregnant just looking at each other.....feeling isolated and alone this forum really helps.... Tanks for all the great success stories Natasha

Sorry to hear about your MC and ectopic What were your HCG levels at when you got your shot?