Amy's Story 

My husband and I were married on January 9, 1999. We dated for three and a half years prior to marriage. We have always talked about wanting a large family, and I promised that after we had been married a year (that way I was through with school), then we could start trying. I have had problems ovulating since a freshman in college and so when the doctor told me I would have to take fertility pills I was not all that shocked. So, in January, a year after marriage we started the routine of Provera and then Clomid, along with the daily temp readings and the every-other-day sex. The doctor upped my dosage from 50 mg to 100mg and I got pregnant in May. We were so excited to say the least. My husband was already talking to my tummy and we were planning the nursery and picking out possible names. We told a few people, not wanting to tell everyone until the doctor had confirmed. It was a about a six week wait. In the mean time, just before the 4th of July, June 30, I had been working in the office trying to get last minutes stuff done before my vacation, and also running errands. When I got home and went to the bathroom I noticed I was spotting very dark red blood. Of course, I panicked. I am 23 and this was my first pregnancy so I did not know what was going on. I told my husband and we both started sobbing.

I got in touch with the doctor and he told me to keep my feet up and to stay in bed. My husband was so upset. He called his brother and he came over to comfort us. Everyone kept saying that this is normal...but it sure did not feel normal to me. I had experienced mild cramping from the beginning of the pregnancy and for some reason deep down I just did not feel right about this pregnancy. Yet, I tried to hide my fears, telling myself I was just paranoid this being the first time and all. I made it through that weekend and went in to see the doctor on Monday, not my regular doctor but the doctor on call. An ultrasound and HCG were done. He said things looked fine and that I could ride up to the lake to see the fireworks, but under no circumstances could I do anything else. The ride up there was miserable and painful the whole two hours. Yet, I was bound and determined that I would not loose this pregnancy.

My cramps got worse that night and first thing the next morning we got up and came home. Chris' entire family was supportive, but I could see the concern in their eyes. That afternoon, July 4, the cramps got worse and the bleeding worse. Every time I went to the bathroom more blood, and it seemed to be getting redder and redder. Finally, the last time I felt a gush and then the severe pain started. I yelled at my husband that I had to go the ER now. I was in the fetal position the entire way there, and miraculously his brother saw us put the flashers on and followed us to the ER. He practically had to carry me in. Once there I was made to wait two hours!

I was bleeding and cramping, but never got called back. Come to find out they had lost my name and did not even know I was there. Of course, the doctor on call was rude and so were the nurses. The doctor simply said, "Well, it looks like membrane to me." I took that to mean I had a miscarriage. With that said he and the nurses left and I had to clean myself up and get dressed. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I began the grieving process. What I did not understand was that I was still spotting and had pain in my right side. The path report said no fetal parts were found and they had rule out an ectopic, so thus began my twice a week trips to the OB/GYN office. I had several vaginal ultrasounds and saw several doctors. No one could find anything. Yet, my HCG levels were spastic-400s, 300s, 600, 800, 1000s, etc.

Finally, one Tuesday after lunch I was doubled over in pain. I went in right after they reopened at 1:00. This time they did the other kind of ultrasound and there was fluid behind my uterus and my right ovary. I was immediately sent to the hospital for a laparoscopy and D&D. My husband and I were scared. I did not realize how dangerous of a situation I was in. I was still in shock from the whole ordeal. I had no idea that my life was in danger. After the surgery, my body began to heal, but some days my emotions are still very raw. To this day I thank God that I am still alive. I am glad that this entire ordeal is done. I think that the biggest problems with ectopic pregnancies is that many women, myself included, do not know what to expect, especially if this is their first pregnancy.

Chris has been wonderful, we are even closer than ever before. And my employer has been great, I have missed more than my share of days and yet they still paid me. We have just been given the go ahead to try again. Of course I am worried that this will once again happen, but I have learned to place my life in God's hands. Thanks for allowing me to share my experience.