Ruptured ectopic

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So…finally i can actually write about whats happened and just wondered if anyone was experiencing the same thing. On the 12th march i was rushed in to a&e for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. This came as a shock as i’d been in and out of my doctors for 3 weeks and was told it was a normal miscarriage. I was left for 4 hours in a&e screaming for help until a doctor actually saw me, by this time i was white as a ghost and struggling. They finally did a scan and told me the tube had ruptured, so i had to have a c section as it became a real emergency as i’d lost so much blood. When i came round i thought ok they have removed my tube but at least i’m here for my 3 year old and i have my other tube (i was so excited about my daughter being a big sis, this was a relief) and then it happened the docs came in and told me that when they went in to remove my tube, they found something in my right tube as well. They kept going on about me being 5 in a million but I was so shocked as they carried on telling me that they didn’t want to remove the whole tube but have removed what ever it was and have tried to repair the tube but it may not work. So 3 weeks before i’m having a miscarriage and now i may not be able to have more kids. What???

After a traumatic stay in hospital and 8 weeks off work, i’m finally back to work and as normal as i can be but i’m still in pain, my left side of my scar is ok but my right side is still so sore. I did have an internal stitch come through about 3 weeks ago, so i’m thinking thats the reason and i just need to heal again. I just want this to end and to feel 100% again. Can anyone tell me how long it took for their scar to stop hurting? If i move around a lot it feels so tender all night and i struggle to sleep

I have my follow up appointment with the specialist on the 5th June to find out if i can have more kids and what to do next. i’m trying to stay strong but feel so lost. As anyone managed to get pregnant with a damaged tube?

Thanks, i’m hoping someone can give me some hope x

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Dear KTB37,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss and everything you have been through, my heart truly goes out to you.

It is normal to experience some pain as you recover over the next few weeks as this is part of the healing process. The discomfort should reduce over the next few weeks and I would suggest taking the pain relief that has been prescribed for you as directed by your doctors.

Although I do not wish to alarm you, if you find that you have an increased body temperature of more than 37°C or offensive smelling discharge or the wound site starts oozing or feels hot to touch, please do get medical attention as soon as possible as these can be signs of infection.

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.

Generally we advise that you should take it very easily for about six weeks after surgery, but some women do require a little longer. 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.

I’m afraid that I am unable to give you guidance on trying to conceive with a damaged tube as we do not have access to your medical records and chances will be very individual depending upon the damage found. I am pleased to hear that you have an appointment to discuss this with a specialist and I will be thinking of you on the 5th June.

Sending much love and positive thoughts,

Karen x

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

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Thanks Karen, i’m trying to stay positive and with a 3 year old its hard to actual get a rest after a full days work, but i’m taking each day as it comes. I’m glad to know that it is normal to still have pain as i was starting to worry. I have started to go for walks and try and get back to feeling ‘normal’ again, but i dont want to over do it. I’m not sure when i can get back to full excercise and running about with my little one, which is what i long for. I seem to have a few good days and then i can’t sleep as my brain is working overtime and at times i feel so lost. Not knowing if i can have any more kids is breaking my heart, but i’m trying to stay positive. Hopefully i’ll have some good knews on the 5th and can put this all behind me.

Thanks again Katy x