Ectopic Surgery 2 days ago, coping with strange symptoms

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I was 6 weeks pregnant, and started miscarrying. It was painful and took longer than it should. About a week in, the sharp pain on my right side started. Another week later we had already gotten 2 ultrasounds done with nothing to show for why I was in pain, but it was clear there was no baby.

3 days ago, we ended up back in the ER as the pain worsened and I knew something was wrong. Another ultrasound showed an ectopic in my right fallopian tube. It was leaking blood into my abdomen. Emergency surgery 2 hours later.

3 days into recovery and my back hurts from sitting, but my wounds are feeling better each day. I’ve been able to walk around with less help and am able to see a little light at the end of this.

However, I’m neurotic. And I’m full of weird drugs from the surgery and hormones from the pregnancy. And I cant help but feeling isolated and lonely. Each day I have some moments where I seem to get nauseated and shaky even though I have no fever. It feels like maybe a flood of hormones because I cant stop crying and worrying when it happens.

I also ended up with a rash (hives I think, the kind that is millions of tiny pink bumps that cover my torso from right below my breasts down fading into my groin and upper thighs, as well as on only the arm my IV was placed in). This isnt too itchy at all and is just scary looking more than anything, so my dr says to just keep an eye on it and treat with whatever i use to relieve sensitive skin. So yes, my dr is aware of this.

I also have some pain in my shoulder which I hear is common from the gas they put in you, as well as random gurgling in my stomach and the weirdest poop I’ve ever had. Just mushy and dark, but I also hear that’s antibiotic related.

I’m just hoping to hear that I’m not the only one who has had these strange symptoms. I’m tired and each day is a whirlwind with no predictability of what will happen or how I feel moment to moment. I’m so grateful to have found this forum, I feel alone and its so nice to see others that have felt the same way so we can help each other. Even though I wish none of us were in this circumstance…

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Hi Emily,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. My heart goes out to you during these early days. 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 grueling 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 may be okay, and the next, you may be 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.

Surgery is an immense ordeal for the body to go through. In general, after about six weeks, you should be able to return to most jobs from a physical point of view. However, if your role involves manual handling, we suggest that it would be sensible to have a phased approach, gently building up to the usual extent of activity. I would suggest avoiding a rapid return to strenuous activities as it is important to build up strength after recovery.

In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that experiencing ectopic pregnancy is a very frightening experience, and many women need to take time to help them deal with the psychological/emotional impact of the loss of their baby, being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, and undergoing major surgery.

Please know that these boards are filled with women and men who understand. We are here for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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