My Experience - need to get it off my chest

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Hi I am not sure where to post but I just need to get my story off my chest to people who understand what I am going through.

Hi everyone , I had a ruptured ectopic on the 6th March and I just wanted to post to get my story off my chest to people who understand.

I had early bleeding and was dismissed as an anxious first time mum and told an ectopic was very unlikely!! I had blood tests and my hcg were doubling but one day I had awful pain that I couldn’t stand up straight or move the early pregnancy unit basically told me if I was not bleeding heavy through pads there’s nothing they can do and if I’m losing it I’m losing it. They couldn’t bring my scan forward.

I went for an early scan , no baby in uterus so they did an internal scan and found a haemorrhage. 12 hours I sat around waiting for the “emergency” surgery. Once I had this they started keyhole but I was internally bleeding that much I have had to have open surgery , tbe pregnancy had attached to my bowel , my ovary and ruptured my tube which I lost. My consultant said it was the worst he’d seen in 11 years and if I was left any longer I wouldn’t be here!! After finally getting home with no after care, a couple weeks later I got sepsis and my large wound had burst open . So on top of dealing with everything I then I had this!

I know this is a long post but I just wanted to get it off my chest , some days I feel ok other days I just feel so down! I’m still waiting for my first period which is making me anxious as well!

After my experience I want to spread more awareness about Ectopics as I feel they are still not taken seriously given how dangerous they are!!

Id really like to do something to spread awareness and get involved with the charity if anyone can point me in the right direction that would be great

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Dear Martha,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and the ordeal you went through, especially not having your concerns taken seriously.

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.

Regarding periods, they can restart any time between four and ten weeks after treatment. Most find that their first period arrives sometime around week six or seven after surgery, but this is just an average and it can take longer for some.

Whilst we really do appreciate you wanting to spread awareness and support the charity, it is extremely important you take time for yourself too. If however, you feel strongly this is something you want to do, please feel free to email us at the address below.
We will be here for you for as long as you need,
Best wishes,
Karen x

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 helpline service: 020 7733 2653

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