Hi all,
Had an ectopic pregnancy in June last year which resulted in a ruptured fallopian tube and surgery, following this i just feel like i’ve gone completely mad. I am blessed to have two wonderful little boys but since the ectopic pregnancy I just seem to be constantly in a state of anxiety. I cry far more than usual, i get angrier easily, I’m terrified that im going to lose one of the boys or ill pass away and they’ll be on their own. Its affecting pretty much every bit of my life. I feel like i can’t be honest with anyone about how I’m feeling because they just dont understand. Ive tried to contact my gp on several occasions the first being for a fit note for work last year - i laid out exactly how i was feeling on the form and all i got back was a digital fit note, no phonecall, no appointment nothing. On the other occasions ive tried i just get a text with an address to a local mental health support group. I feel like I’m destined to stay at this point of utter sadness and anger forever and that I’ll never start to process it because the people who are meant to help don’t want to. I’m barely functioning at the moment, literally on autopilot doing everything i should but taking no enjoyment out of life whatsoever. Does it get better?
Hello
So sorry you’re feeling like this and that your GP practice hasn’t been supportive
I work in mental health and it definitely sounds like you would benefit from support. Have you looked up your local talking therapies service? (Often called IAPT) you can usually self refer for 1:1 talking therapy.
It depends where you live but some areas also have a service especially for those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
Hope you can get some support soon xxx
Dear Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
The feelings you describe are very understandable. You have had so much to process in a very small timeframe - the ordeal of diagnosis, surgical treatment, losing a pregnancy and concerns about the future. Any one of these is hard to contend with and putting it all together is immense. 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 and not sleeping properly. 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.
Your GP surgery seem to have lacked some empathy and understanding when you have reached out to them and i am so sorry to hear this. Most GP surgeries in the UK don’t have “in house” or local counselling to refer you too now. It is mostly completed by self referral. So please use the information they provided to refer.
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 we will be here for you to lean on for as long as you need
Sending much love and gentle hugs,
Karen x
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