Sharp pain in stomach following ectopic

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1

Hello,

I had a ectopic pregnancy 3 weeks ago. I had to have emergency surgery as I was bleeding internally as my tube had ruptured and the impact made my ovary burst. I was around 6/7 weeks pregnant and was doing fine and then one day just deteriorated rapidly. I was fainting and my blood pressure was dangerously low. I’m very lucky to still be here. I had a drain in my stomach to drain blood clots but in surgery I lost a lot of blood and had to have 4 units blood transfusion. Had blood thinning injections coming out of hospital.

Since being out of hospital I’ve been recovering ok, a little slower than I thought but in the last 2 days I’ve been getting sharp pains in my stomach. I’ve started taking peppermint oil and buscopan again as that’s what they sent me home with for stomach cramps etc. This isn’t easing it. Is it normal to still be having these pains?

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Dear Tashgo,

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

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.

It is normal to experience some pain as you recover over the next few weeks. 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. Having said this If the pain is not being controlled by the medication you have been given or 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.

Sending much love,

Karen x

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