Ectopic pregnancy and laparoscopy

Main Board
1

Hi,

I’m a 25 year old. My periods were late by around 2 weeks so I took a test and it was positive. This was followed up with ultra sonography but they were unable to detect a mass at that time. However in 2 days it showed up in my Fallopian tube and I had to be admitted as I was having bleeding and pain. I underwent a laparoscopy and they managed to save my tube. This happened last month. Somehow I was so busy fighting the situation at the time that I didn’t get a chance to reflect upon it. But the sudden pregnancy and surgery and the scars etc have left me feeling miserable broken and absolutely depressed. There is a constant feleling of an irreplaceable loss, like my body isn’t the same anymore. my boyfriend has been there for through it all but he doesn’t feel the way I do and asks me to cheer up or stop thinking about it which pisses me off. Also being an Indian girl I cannot discuss this with family so I feel very lonely and extremely sad.

2

Dear trapqueen_se2,

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

When we experience ectopic pregnancy, we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

After a frightening ordeal like ectopic pregnancy, some women find that they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress and symptoms can include anxiety and not being able to focus on everyday things like work. There are a number of avenues that you could look into to get the help that you need. We at the Trust believe that talking through what happened and your emotions as and when you can helps the healing process. We operate a helpline service and there’s no pressure whatsoever but if you would ever like the opportunity to speak over the phone to someone who has been through a similar experience, do feel free to call, details are below. We can take things at your pace entirely and you are free to ask any questions that are on your mind. You can talk about the ordeal you have been through and express your feelings to vent and let off some steam. We can exchange emails too, if you prefer that route. We’ll simply be here for you, however you wish and for as long as you wish.

In addition, you can ask to see a GP at your practice and ask them to explore ways in which you can get help and this can include referrals for “talking therapies” or counselling. We have information on our website about finding counselling services.

The charity Mind may also be of assistance. They have local centres and support groups and can offer services on a means-tested basis or sometimes free. You can find your local centre following this link if that may be useful too: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/

Many women experience feelings of isolation after an ectopic pregnancy - I did, too. It is a frightening experience. Like you, I reached out to the Trust for support and I will be here for you to lean on for as long as you need.

Sending much love,

Karen x

If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering?

Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

Detailed medical information can be found on our website. Please remember online medical information is NO SUBSTITUTE for expert medical advice from your own health care team.