Day 2 post op, very confused

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1

Hi,

I had surgery 2 days ago to remove my 7 week ectopic pregnancy. My GP sent me into A&E on the Monday as I was experiencing pain in my abdominals and thigh. I was seen by gynae but sent home to wait for a scan. The scan confirmed a large ectopic so I had urgent surgery on Thursday. This was my second (suspected) ectopic but the first time resolved itself naturally. Now, I feel quite confused by everything.

In many ways I feel like I was taken seriously and seen quickly. On the other hand I feel like I wasted everyone’s time and space in hospital. One consultant (following the scan and examination) told me my life was in danger and two doctors recommended surgery as they felt rupture was imminent. But when I met the surgeon as I was prepped to go to down to theatre he said that I had “options” since there was no heartbeat, my pain had subsided and my hcg level was dropping. But the scan showed my tube was stretched and so I said to continue with surgery.

But now there’s doubt in my mind that I did the wrong thing and shouldn’t have taken up the space in hospital since other people there were really in life or death situations and I wasn’t. Now I’m recovering from surgery but maybe I should have just let things resolve and not wasted everyone’s time as I could manage the pain and maybe it wouldn’t have ruptured.

And now I feel so lazy because I’m in bed recovering instead of getting on with things.

Thanks for reading… Rosie x

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I think it still sounds like a life or death situation and you did the right thing.

My levels were 220 and then two weeks later 40 when I ruptured. I believe the growth stopped at 220 when I thought I was having a miscarriage so it’s possible you would have needed surgery even with your levels dropping.

Take care xx

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Dear Rosie,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,

Sadly ectopic pregnancies can lead to life of death situations, so you were absolutely justified in Having that bed, that theatre space and the care and treatment you received. Although your ectopic pregnancy had not ruptured at the time of surgery, no one is able to predict the future. Women and people can become very unwell, very quickly if a tube ruptures and it sounds as though your medical team were looking after you well. There is no need to feel guilty about being in hospital, you have had an ectopic pregnancy and received the care you needed.

It is now time for self care, he be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and heal both physically and emotionally.

We will be here for you for as long as you need,

Sending much love,

Karen x

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