Hi I’m really struggling today not sure if I went back to work too early, but I had an ectopic pregnancy 7 weeks ago had to have emergency surgery and lost 6 pints of blood so I’m very lucky to be here! This all happened at work and I callapsed while working so everyone knows! I had a really tough few weeks after physically, I had my first full week back at work this week and I am truely exhausted physically and mentally after all the questions! Just being at work reminds me of what happened all the time! Just having a really bad day today and everything seems to upset me, i no everyday is getting easier but It’s still really hard
You’ve been through a trauma. I went back and realised it was too much. Taking 3 weeks off to process what has happened. Consider giving yourself space x
Sorry for your loss… hopefully work can support you… it takes time to recover. Maybe you can approach your GP if you feel that your not ready for work …
I had surgery on the 26th September going back to work in the new year… wanted to go but occupational health therapist said no … One of the GPs at the beginning said I can go after 3 weeks but then the consultant at the hospital said no definitely not…
I really feel after going through an ecoptic pregnancy it’s important to have time off 8 - 12 weeks its not easy to get through this … all the best x
That must be an awful reminder of what happened to you. Maybe take some more time off, for some people going back to work would help keep them distracted but it seems the opposite for you due to the circumstances.
Don’t give yourself a hard time, you deserve to heal xxx
I thought I was ready to go back but now I’m not so sure, thought it would do me some good! I don’t no if it’s because people keep asking me about it and it’s just a constant reminder, my close friends have been amazing, and I’m allowed extra breaks and that if I feel like I need them! Maybe next week will be easier I don’t no,
Is this something we will ever get over, it’s just so hard one day I was pregnant then when I woke up I wasn’t,
Dear Laura1991,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss
Surgery is an immense ordeal for the body to go through. In general, after about six weeks you should be able to return to most jobs from a physical point of view. However, if your role involves manual handling, we suggest that it would be sensible to have a phased approach, gently building up to the usual extent of activity. I would suggest avoiding a rapid return to strenuous activities as it is important to build up strength after recovery.
A few options may be available depending on your role: might there be an opportunity to work reduced hours, increasing them slowly over a few weeks? Perhaps there are certain tasks that you could take on which may entail a change from your usual role or a series of reduced tasks initially? I am not sure whether this is appropriate in your circumstances, but is there anything that you could action from home (which may be different from your usual role but still be of use)?
Many women experience pain after surgery and this can be the case weeks or months after the trauma. Pain is the body’s sign to rest and it is important to be guided by this and taking it easier if you experience discomfort.
In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that experiencing ectopic pregnancy is a very frightening experience and many women need to take time to help them deal with the psychological/emotional impact of the loss of their baby, being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and undergoing major surgery. Please speak to your GP about having further time off work if required.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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