Two weeks ago I had a laparoscopic surgery to repair my tube and to take out the blood that filled my abdominal area. A week after that I had an injection of Methotrexate. I occasionally get dizzy when standing up but amongst all that’s happened unexpectedly the last couple weeks I have gotten dizzy a lot more frequently and way more intensely. My doctor said its probably due to emotions. I am wondering two things, is dizziness after ectopic pregnancy common in? And also, I am unsure when to go back to practicing bikram yoga and hot pilates?
I have not had surgery or methotrexate but 2 weeks to me sounds like no time at all and I’m sure I’ve read at least 6 of taking it physically v easy (which id interpret at no hot yoga!). You’ve got stitches which could be being stretched and scar tissue etc.
I’ve had expectant management and I’ve felt physically weak throughout the process of getting my hcg to 0.
Sounds like you’re pretty healthy but check your iron / possible anaemia if you lost a lot of blood?
You’ve had major surgery and effectively a chemo injection that is making your liver etc work harder.
I know it’s hard especially if exercise is your stress release but now might be the time for gentle walks, or at least stretching without the heat.
Sorry… probably not what you want to hear! I’ve felt weak and dizzy at different points, I think overall it’s natural but sounds like you may be doing a bit much (to me - and I’m no medical expert!)
Dear Briz,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
It is still very early in the stages of your recovery and I would suggest taking things a little easier. While I appreciate that feeling of wanting to “get back to normal”, you have done exactly the right thing in asking about exercise at such a delicate time. With experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, your body is going through a challenging ordeal and it is important to take things easily during your treatment.
If you are being treated with a drug called methotrexate or being “expectantly managed” (ie allowing time for your body to resolve the pregnancy by itself without immediate treatment), please do not undertake any strenuous exercise or lifting or housework while your hCG levels are dropping. While I do not want to alarm you, there remains the risk of rupture even with low or declining hCG levels. You should not resume exercise until your hCG levels are falling consistently and are in the low 100s.
With surgery, please allow time for your body to heal internally after the invasive procedure. If you had keyhole surgery, you could start gentle exercise within two weeks of the operation. If you had open surgery then you should wait six weeks for your abdomen to heal.
When resuming exercise, activities like gentle walking or swimming are usually safe as long as the wounds are healing or your hCG levels are low, as these are non-impact sports.
As I am not medically trained, I would advise ensuring you are drinking enough water but going back to your GP to discuss your dizzy spells if they are worsening.
Sending much love and warm hugs,
Karen x
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