"Ectopic pregnancy"

I found out that I was pregnant just a few days before I ended up in awful pain and bleeding heavily. I knew  something was wrong I don’t know how but I did, something just didn’t feel right. I had had a pain in my groin and down my right leg for about a week before I found out I was pregnant.

I rang 111 at about 6 am and I was called back within 20 minutes and the person on the other end of the phone was very reassuring. I was advised to go to A&E as soon as possible and not to eat or drink anything.

I want to say a big thank you to  111, A&E, EPU and Gynaecology. 

I was taken straight up to EPU from A&E and within a couple of hours, I had been told I had an ectopic pregnancy which led to me having an operation to remove one of my tubes. 

A big shock, and quite a difficult time. The nursing staff were just amazing, kind and compassionate. I know a lot goes on behind the scenes as well, so thank you to everyone! We are so lucky to have the NHS and I have been so lucky to have been cared for by such a wonderful team.

I was given Methotrexate on the Thursday but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. I felt the Doctors listened to me as I initially did not want surgery and was terrified of losing my tube, It all happened so fast I was overwhelmed with fear and emotion. Every single nurse, health care assistant and doctor was so kind to me. I felt completely reassured I was in the right place and that they were doing everything they could. 

I was back and forth and in and out of hospital over the next few days until I had the surgery. Always reassured the nurses were at the other end of the phone if I needed anything. 

I was in a lot of pain again on Monday, so went back into hospital as I was terrified of my tube rupturing. More blood tests revealed I was bleeding internally so I was told  I would be having surgery the following day. I was so scared as with every operation there are risks and I have a child already so I was just filled with all sorts of fear of not waking up. Which sounds slightly irrational now but at the time it felt awful. 

The anaesthetist put me at ease as much as he could, and there was a lady who held my hand until I fell asleep! The warm towels down in theatre were a welcome bonus!!! 

Dr Hunter was one of the doctors who I saw, she was amazing. She was so patient with me and really helped me understand clearly what was happening and what needed to happen. Her clarity at this time I feel helped me deal with the situation as I knew and understood what was happening.

Dr Towe operated on me and again she was so clear with what was going to happen, patient and kind. 

There were so many wonderful nurses, Michelle on EPU, Shelly, Lisa, Paige, Jane, Pam, Pat, Hayley, Karen, Katheryn, and Laura. They were all so kind to me and professional. I’m sure I have missed some names off that list, so I apologise and the ladies that bought cups of tea and food were also very kind.

Laura and Jane who were on the shift after I had the operation were really good to me. Laura was so kind to me in the night, I was quite emotional. She reassured me and helped me to the toilet so many times. She had so much patience with me and I am so grateful for her kindness.

I am well on the road to recovery now so again I just wanted to thank everyone for their support and knowledge. But most of all their compassion throughout this difficult time.