Hard abdomen after ectopic

Hello everyone,

I had an ectopic pregnancy which required emergency surgery on 23/07 due to a ruptured tube at 8 weeks. I also had my left Fallopian tube removed and my abdomen ‘washed out’ because of the internal bleed. This was my first pregnancy, which has left me naturally a lot more heightened than before to changes in my body.

I’m now 9/10 weeks post-op, and starting to feel a lot better, but I’m feeling what can only be described as tender soreness and discomfort (with not as much sensation as before), just under my navel area. It’s quite hard to the touch, whereas before it wasn’t.

I’m calling my GP today to be on the safe side, but wondering if anyone has experienced the same. Is this scar tissue and nerve damage? I feel terrified this could affect my chances of TTC.

Thanks for reading and sending lots of love x

Hi SophieLou91,

I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered an ectopic pregnancy and loss. As a first pregnancy, it can take us by surprise and leave us with many questions. I am not medically qualified to speak to your particular situation. However, after surgery, there is a chance for scar tissue to develop, and also our awareness of the area and its sensation is heightened. You are doing the right thing by speaking to your GP for follow-up. It also might be useful to keep a journal reflecting on the location of pain, when you feel it, any pain relief, etc. This will help communicate with your GP.

Your ectopic pregnancy is still quite recent, so you may have more questions and emotions. Please know that these boards are a safe space for you to share, ask, or vent. Please know that we are here for you for as long as you need.

With good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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


If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.

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


Thank you Michele. I’ve got a doctors appointment in 2 weeks for a check up, so hopefully get some answers about the pain.

I really appreciate the offer of support :slight_smile: .

I’ve found the charity a massive source of hope since I found out about my ectopic. My aftercare was so poor - I’m indebted to the resources you provided my husband and I during this experience, that we’re still navigating now.

Sophie xx

Sophie,

I’m very glad that you will be seen by a Doctor soon. Please bring all/any questions you have to the appointment. Just keep an ongoing list if that is helpful.

So many of us were taken by surprise by our ectopic pregnancies. Thank you for the kind words. The Trust was a huge source of help for me as well, and I’m glad that you have found it valuable. We are here for as long as you and your husband need. The course of recovery is different for each of us and our partners. Please be patient and kind with yourselves.

Sending good wishes,

Michele

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Registered Charity Number: 1071811

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


If the information provided here or through the EPT website has helped you, you can donate towards our support services, volunteer, or fundraise to raise awareness.

Further information is available on our website.

Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk

We provide a call-back support line: 020 7733 2653. We are able to provide support in multiple languages including British Sign Language.

Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list.

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