"It wasn't meant to be"

I couldn’t think how those words could anger me so much. Yes it might not have meant to be, but I wanted it to be. I lost my baby through ectopic just over a month ago, I was left in a room by myself for half an hour after they told me, then they couldn’t find me (still sat in room they left me in). I had over 9 needles put in my arm to try and put in a canular, I am afraid of needles and this was torture for me, then a further 3 were put in my arm once i was wheeled down to theatre because they couldn’t use the one that was eventually put in. Its been almost a month and it still hurts, and seeing my wounds from surgery every time i get out the shower or bath, remind me even more of what i lost. They had to remove my left tube and my right tube is scarred from appendix removal i had at 16 (great work). The lose of my baby is mingled with the knowledge of knowing I may never be able to conceive again.

I have two beautiful girls and I try to stay strong for them, but inside I am dying and just want to curl in a ball and shut everything out.

Thinking of you x

Dear Roxiejayne,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss and the difficult time you went through.

When we experience ectopic pregnancy we are suddenly faced with a life threatening emergency and it’s treatment, reduction in fertility, concerns about the future and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

I think many of us can understand how words people say, no matter how well meaning, can be so hurtful. I am sending you warm hugs.

You will need space to process what has happened and it can feel isolating. With us here at the Trust, we have been through similar experiences and I can understand how lonely it feels. You have friends here and please do continue to lean on us for as long as 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.

In addition, you can ask to see a GP at your practice and ask them to explore ways in which you can get help and this can include referrals for “talking therapies” or counselling. We have information on our website about finding counselling services.

The charity Mind may also be of assistance. They have local centres and support groups and can offer services on a means-tested basis or sometimes free. You can find your local centre following this link if that may be useful too: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/

There is no time frame for how long it takes us to heal emotionally and it is completely normal to feel anxious about the future. We will never forget our pregnancy or babies but we can learn to accept what has happened and crucially understand that it wasn’t our fault.

Sending much love,

Karen x


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

Further information is available at www.ectopic.org.uk

Email us at ept@ectopic.org.uk.

Our helpline is 020 7733 2653 (available Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm).

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.


I have never related to anything more in my life…

People forever telling you ‘it wasnt meant to be’ ‘it will happen eventually’.

It WAS meant to be! It DID happen! Stop brushing it off as a minor event and realise it has changed my life forever :frowning:

Hi RoxieJayne

I completely understand re scars etc - my ectopic pregnancy and left tube were removed on 28th Nov.

Everything seems to be healing well & I almost forget they’re there until I catch sight in the mirror/ shower.

I also had a difficult time re hospital as it took 2 weeks for them to establish it was ectopic - after 3 ext & 3 int scans and a procedure to remove tissue from my uterus. Still I remained (until the 3rd int scan) pregnant (of unknown origin).

I’m finding it hard knowing it stayed put/ growing through weeks of bleeding & painful procedures. And also knowing that had the hospital established ectopic quickly I may have had the injection instead of losing a tube.

I also found out I have a lot of endometriosis too so my chances are also slim. I haven’t had kids yet but my husband has.

It’s so hard. I’m dreading Christmas Day (when I’d planned to surprise everyone with an announcement).

Sorry you are struggling too. Hoping it will ease for both of us as time goes on.

HeatherB:
I have never related to anything more in my life…

People forever telling you ‘it wasnt meant to be’ ‘it will happen eventually’.

It WAS meant to be! It DID happen! Stop brushing it off as a minor event and realise it has changed my life forever :frowning:

This is how I feel too. Everyone I’ve told says it will be ok. My H is over positive.

I have to be negative for self preservation right now. I can’t get my hopes up again.

“This time next year & look back” etc

Regardless of what happens I will always know this was my first pregnancy & how it ended…

Yes, i feel the same as you.

I had said to my sister that my husband and I planned to go away for a weekend around the time that baby would have been due just to get away on our own and celebrate in some small way (although i never got an exact date, i knew i was 8 weeks pregnant when it happened so i would have been due in last week of Feb/first week of march) and she said “that’s a bit dramatic isn’t it”

I understand why people might think that, because they haven’t felt how i do, however it is still frustrating that people try and play it down so much and don’t consider how majorly it impacts the Mum 2 be’s life. :frowning: