OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity on a Disturbing Experience My Girlfriend Went Through

I might remove this post shortly, as I don’t want it lingering online indefinitely, but I feel a strong need to share this unsettling experience and hear some thoughts on it. My girlfriend, who is 25 years old, stands around 5'5" and carries a few extra pounds. She doesn't smoke, drinks occasionally—about four times a year when she gets together with friends—and generally has her life well organized. We’ve been in a relationship for approximately three and a half years. A couple of weeks back, she experienced unusual spotting that had never happened before, except around her monthly cycle, which is typically very regular. Concerned, she decided to take a pregnancy test, which came back positive. Following that, she took a few more tests over the next several days, each confirming the pregnancy and showing stronger results with varying brands. Since this pregnancy wasn't planned, she sought assistance from Planned Parenthood located three hours away on August 26, as our local clinic couldn't see her for nearly three weeks. At Planned Parenthood, they performed both abdominal and vaginal ultrasounds, but could only detect a large ovarian cyst (greater than 5cm) and noted a pregnancy hormone (HCG) level of about 2100. They advised her to head to the emergency room near home to check for a possible ectopic pregnancy. In the ER, another ultrasound was carried out, revealing no pregnancy, and they instructed her to return on August 29 for another blood test, which indicated her HCG had risen to nearly 4000. They chose not to repeat the ultrasound and suggested returning to Planned Parenthood if she wished to terminate the pregnancy. She went back on September 2, and again, the HCG level continued to rise, yet the only thing visible on the ultrasound were the large cysts; they recommended she go back to the ER while notifying them of her situation. The emergency room staff repeated the ultrasound but again found no signs of a pregnancy. By now, they were aware of our desire not to continue with the pregnancy, and she was experiencing intermittent discomfort. However, while they were finalizing her discharge paperwork just after midnight, something shifted dramatically. I witnessed her in agony, something I had never seen before. An OB surgeon, who turned out to be incredibly compassionate, arrived around 2 AM. She questioned why my girlfriend hadn’t been treated with methotrexate days earlier for the suspected ectopic pregnancy and ordered a CT scan, suspecting the ultrasound might have missed something. The scan indeed revealed significant free fluid in her abdomen, and she mentioned that methotrexate could still be an option to avoid surgery, advising me to go home for some rest. Before I left, she requested my help to sit up in bed, but she struggled and needed pain relief. When the nurse and I returned to her room, she was no longer coherent—her speech was slurred, her complexion was pale, and she seemed to lose consciousness, gasping for breath as her lips turned white. It felt like a nightmare, watching what seemed to be life slipping away. Fortunately, they quickly intervened, reviving her before she underwent a nearly four-hour surgical procedure. Doctors discovered that her ectopic pregnancy had ruptured in the isthmic fallopian tube, and simultaneously, the largest ovarian cyst had also ruptured. Tragically, she lost over two liters of blood. She successfully came through surgery and is now recovering in the ICU. Earlier, she was alert and responsive, and it seems her condition is stabilizing. Could we have acted differently? Did the hospital overlook a critical issue earlier this week?

Answers (1)

9/4/2025, 6:01:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the distressing experience you and your girlfriend have gone through. It sounds deeply unsettling, and your concerns about the delayed diagnosis and the seriousness of her condition are entirely valid. Here’s a summarized response addressing your key concerns regarding the situation.

Summary of Main Points:

1. Potential Missteps in Diagnosis: The focus on the ovarian cyst and the lack of immediate action regarding the suspected ectopic pregnancy may have delayed critical treatment.
2. Response and Treatment: The prompt intervention during her sudden change in condition at the ER was crucial for her recovery.
3. Understanding Ectopic Pregnancies: Ectopic pregnancies can be difficult to diagnose early, especially when accompanied by other complications like large cysts.

Explanation:

Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube. This can lead to a rupture, which is a medical emergency, as you witnessed. The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may not always be definitive, especially in the early stages, and can sometimes resemble other conditions.

Your girlfriend's experience with initial ultrasounds may not have revealed any definitive signs of an ectopic pregnancy, which can happen due to the positioning of the embryo or other factors. HCG levels were indicative of a pregnancy but not necessarily conclusive for viability or the location of that pregnancy.

Next Steps:

1. Immediate Support: Continue to provide emotional and physical support to her as she recovers in the ICU. Understanding her feelings and reassuring her will be vital.
2. Follow-Up Questions: When discussing with her healthcare team, don't hesitate to ask:
   • Why was methotrexate not administered earlier?
   • Are there protocols for monitoring suspected ectopic pregnancies, especially when symptoms evolve?
3. Education on Ectopic Pregnancies: Research and understand more about signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancies and how to advocate for timely investigations in the future. Knowledge is empowering and can provide clarity in distressing situations.
4. Considerations for Future Care: After recovery, talk with her doctor about any concerns regarding future pregnancies and any necessary follow-up care regarding the ovarian cyst and her overall reproductive health.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed in such a situation, and expressing those feelings—whether to each other or to a counselor—can help ease the mental burden. You're both taking important steps toward recovery and understanding, and that’s commendable. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.