Lightly bleeding on and off thinking it was my period playing mind games in the last 3days. I started to have pelvic pain slightly on the right side. Visited the doctor because it was a different kinda pain from my normal period cramps. I was advised I was pregnant. Mixed emotions! I was happy because this could be baby number 2 but another feeling I knew something isn’t right because I’m bleeding. I took myself to the hospital next day because this pelvic pain getting sharp. Test after test. Confirmed I was pregnant. Ultra sound they found nothing. Vaginal scan they saw something on the right but they weren’t sure if it was a pregnancy or a cyst. Discharged to go home & take a blood test in the next 2days. Took 1 in the morning & another at lunch. Doctor called & said HCG levels doubled 1st test. 2nd test it went up but it didn’t go up much and 2 go back into the hospital. Now back in hospital they took more blood tests. They confirmed it could be an ectopic pregnancy because my HCG level going up abit but not up as a normal pregnancy. Given options of treatment. I said i would choose if I was given another scan. Again ultra sound nothing & again was’nt sure if anything on my right side. They said they will do a keyhole surgery just to check if internally I am ok. After surgery I was advised my right side was taken out. It was about to burst. Lost 600g of blood. Reason for my stomach to be growing was because it was filled with blood reason for the stomach aches & pains and reason for the scans to show nothing. Its been 2weeks now after surgery. I am still emotional not ready to go back to work. Really heart breaking to think about it but also lucky to be alive because I nearly gave up to go home to sleep on a proper bed then spending my days on a hospital bed not eating because doctors orders to have an empty stomach before surgery. Was so stubborn but now blessed to wake up to another day.
Dear jay_AKL,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.
Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is a huge ordeal and you are in the early stages of recovery. Your body needs time to heal from your surgery which is in itself a gruelling task. You have also had to process the loss of your baby and been through an immense rollercoaster of emotions - all of this will take time to come to terms with.
You should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery. Your body will be using its energies to heal internally. It is normal to feel physically and emotionally exhausted during this time and please do be kind to yourself. Recovery can take time and some days will be better than others, one day you maybe ok and the next you maybe in discomfort or more emotional. This is perfectly usual and the healing process will go back and forth in this way for however long you need. It is important to listen to your body’s signals and pain and feeling tired are your body’s signs to tell you to rest. We suggest keeping a healthy balanced diet, drinking lots of water and resting. Once your wounds have healed, very gentle exercise such as a short walk can help, but please do take this slowly.
In general, you should be able to return to most jobs from a physical point of view after six weeks, but many women need to take more time off to help them deal with the psychological (emotional) impact of the loss of their baby and the frightening experience they felt being diagnosed with and treated for an ectopic pregnancy. If you feel unable to return to work, please speak to your GP who will be able to provide you with a note for further time off.
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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