PTSD after ruptured ectopic ?

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On September 17th this year. Husband and I went for are 6 week early scan ( as i’ve had 2 previous miscarriages in a row, and i was peeing blood as well) When doing the scan, the lady couldn’t find anything and said I wasn’t pregnant and I was imagineing it. I said I’m not ( showed her my pregnancy tests and told her my symptoms). I argued with her to carry on looking. Eventually she found something and said "oh look you are haveing an ectopic pregnancy, there’s nothing we can do "

She then sent me home.

I had no idea what an ectopic was or why I got sent home.

When I got home I looked up what an ectopic was and got scared. I told my husband and he said keep an eye on what happens.

That same night my waist and back went numb. I couldn’t feel my legs. Husband called for an ambulance and they said it will be quicker to go to A&E ourselves. So we did.

Get to hospital and I was being pumped with Morphine and haveing endless scans and blood tests. To be told yes I was haveing an ectopic. They kept me in for 5 days in the end. As the next morning I had a scan in the maternity ward and it was there I passed the fetus and the scan showed the peeing blood was from my tube that had ruptured and my insides were filling up with blood very quickly. I was taken straight to theatre .

My consultant managed to save my tube. He took out the sack and the remaining parts of the pregnancy, so there was nothing left in there at all. But he did struggle to stop the bleeding. I was in theatre for 6 hours in the end and 2 hours in recovery as I kept crashing. Recovery was bad and I ended up getting mild sepsis.

We will try concieveing again in January. As

in this rest period we are haveing tests done with the hospital to see why i keep loseing my pregnancies ( all have been at 6.5 weeks, even this ruptured ectopic)

I know that going through all of this has in some way traumitised me. I can’t face seeing pregnant woman or new born babies. I still have bad dreams and i cry for no reason on the spot.

In the supermarket the other day all I saw was pregnant woman everywhere. I couldn’t cope and abandoned my trolley of shopping and walked out.

At work the other day I couldn’t cope with new born babies eveywhere and broke down in tears. My days off I don’t even leave the house.

I have suffered from depression in the past.

I know I need to tell my GP this but hes dealing with so much with me already.

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Dear K8W

I’m so sorry for your loss… it’s a difficult time and sad what has happened … I really hope you try to stay positive, after reading your post one thing stood out was you will try again in January … let your emotions flow, if you feel like you need to cry then, take each day as it comes think of getting yourself better for January but without any pressure… I won’t say much as I know it’s difficult but try again once your ready and have healed… hopefully this time it will all be fine! X sending you a hug

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Dear K8W,

I’m so sorry I hear of your traumatic experience. I’ve just had my first (surprise) ectopic and that was hard enough, but to hear that it’s been so much more traumatic for you in the past breaks my heart. I really think that you have to tell your doctor about your feelings. Depression, anxiety and trauma are all real. You risk more long term if you don’t get support for it. I’m guessing that when the wonderful day comes and you hold your baby as mummy, you want to be happy right? That really has to start now… I worry that your depression might take a worrying turn with the emotions and hormones that would be flooding through your body. I’m no professional so this is just speculation. Any doctor worth their qualification will listen. If you are still struggling maybe find an external support. I’m sure this fabulous charity can give you some pointers. Good luck. Keep strong! Xxx

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Dear K8W,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss.

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.

After a frightening ordeal like ectopic pregnancy, some women find that they do suffer from Post Traumatic Stress and symptoms can include anxiety and not being able to focus on everyday things like work. There are a number of avenues that you could look into to get the help that 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/

It is still early days since your ectopic pregnancy, please be kind to yourself allow, time to grieve to heal both physically and emotionally.

We will be here for you for as long as you need.

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.