Experience or recovery from blood loss

Main Board
1

Hi,

My husband forwarded me this website and it really does look like a great resource/source of support!

So I was taken to hospital five days ago with abdo pain. It turned out to be a ruptured eptopic pregnancy. I underwent emergency surgery which included removal of one fallopian tube. I’m told that I lost around 3 litres of blood and received 4 units of blood, plus additional blood products. I remained in hospital for two nights and received an iron infusion prior to discharge. I’m scheduled for another one in four days time.

Looking through this board I’ve been able to pick up on loads of useful advice about recover post surgery. My question is however about experience of blood loss. I was just wondering what to expect? I feel pretty terrible (fatigued, out of breath, dizzy, annoying heart beat sound in my ears) which I understand is likely to be associated with anaemia/my bloods adjusting following the transfusion/infusion. I’m also experiencing stomach pain (not severe) and period type bleeding, which I understand is normal. I was just wondering, for others who experienced high levels of blood loss, how long it took them to recover? I’m unsure whether I need further treatment for the anaemia or whether it’s just normal, and I need to ride it out. I have contacted my consultant about this, and waiting to hear back, but it’s always helpful to hear from people who have been through something similar.

Thanks,

Katy

2

Dear Katy,

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

Sadly I am not medically trained so cannot give you specific advice on your symptoms, but I will try my best to help.

The symptoms you describe can be due to anaemia and also follow surgery.

I should imagine that you should have your bloods taken again after your next infusion and then you will know if you need more treatment or if your symptoms are due to recovery.

You have been through so much in such a short space of time, please take time to recover.

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.

If the symptoms you are experiencing worsen at all or do not start to get better, I would advise speaking to your GP also.

Sending much love,

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards

During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.

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

Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters

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