I was discharged from nhs hospital yesterday (Tuesday) I had emergency surgery on Monday afternoon for a partially ruptured ectopic. I have no post op follow up in the hospital, just have to manage the surgical wounds at home.
I asked about histopathology results they said I would get them in the post.
Is this routine in the nhs? like there is literally no face to face follow up at all?
Dear kitkatk,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss and it is sad to hear that you feel you have not been given enough information. We will be here for you for as long as you need so please feel free to use the forums and the information on our website for any questions you may have.
Regarding follow up, If you had a salpingotomy (fallopian tube left in place), or if there was any doubt that all of the pregnancy tissue was removed, your doctors will usually test your hCG levels to ensure that they are dropping. In this instance, it may be necessary to check your blood hCG levels again after a week, and possibly beyond. If you had a salpingectomy (fallopian tube removed) no follow-up is needed although some hospitals ask you to return for an outpatient appointment about 6 weeks after surgery to ensure that your tummy has healed properly and to answer any questions you may have. If you are not offered a follow-up appointment, your GP would probably like to see you at around 6 weeks, or before you return to work, to undertake a postoperative check to make sure that you are healing well.
We have further information on recovery from surgery here-
https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/treatment/
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.
Sending much love and warm hugs,
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 also have not received a follow up so im glad im not alone
I jad my second ectopic on Wednesday 22nd didn’t know i was pregnant until i was rushed to theatre and from there i woke up in icu after loosing 2 litres of blood…i felt the ward i was on didn’t seem bothered that this had happened and i cry every day sadly i blame my partner i know it is not his fault just prior to this happening our relationship had hit a bad patch i just hope this doesn’t break us too.