By registering on our forum, you can view and contribute to more topics on ectopic pregnancy. Your details are confidential and we do not send unsolicited emails. For your confidentiality, you can choose your own forum name to protect your anonymity if you so wish. If you register, there is no obligation to post; you can simply take comfort from the words of others. It is entirely up to you whether you post a message or read others' experiences or do both.

When can I start working

This is a welcoming place for you to ask your questions and share your knowledge and experiences of ectopic pregnancy.
To keep this as a safe space, before being able to post freely, an administrator will need to activate your account and authorise your first post.
Post Reply
Nivi1
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 9:52 pm

When can I start working

Post by Nivi1 »

Hi,
Thank you for creating this forum. It helps with lots of information.

I was 11 weeks pregnant when ectopic pregnancy was detected. I was operated (Laparotomy )on 11th April 2020.
I work on computer. Sitting and operating computer is nature of my job. My usual working hours are 8.. sometimes when delivery dates are nearing it stretches to 10-12 hours. Frankly, I can not sit continuously for more than 2-3 hours after operation. My lower back feels so strained that I have to lie down to feel better.
1. My first question, is it normal to feel lower back pain after 6 weeks?
2. Also, am I fit to resume my work now?
3. Are there any recommended hours to do these kind of work?

Please suggest.
Thank you in advance.

Nivi1
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 9:52 pm

Re: When can I start working

Post by Nivi1 »

Hi,
I missed to mention in my question that my right fallopian tube has been removed during surgery. Please do suggest.

Sm2304
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:08 pm

Re: When can I start working

Post by Sm2304 »

Hi i took 4 months off work, mine was sittinh down job for 12 hr shifts, i went back on refuced hours and asked for extra breaks to get up every hour or so

Nivi1
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 9:52 pm

Re: When can I start working

Post by Nivi1 »

Thanks sm2304 for your reply.
Were you facing any abdominal or back pain as I do , during that time.
Any other side effects?
This would help me to relate.

Thank you in advance.

EPT Host 20
Posts: 3155
Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 10:58 pm

Re: When can I start working

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear Nivi1,
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.
Symptoms of pain can go on for a while longer, I would listen to your body and relax when you can.

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, or you feel unable to return from a physical point of view, 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

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1071811
Ectopic pregnancy patient information suite: Highly Commended in the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards
**************************************************************************
During the coronavirus outbreak, The EPT team is still working hard to provide crucial information and support to women and families experiencing ectopic pregnancy as quickly and efficiently as we can.
If we have been able to help you, are you able to help us with a small donation or by volunteering or fundraising?
Further information is available at ectopic.org.uk
Email us: ept@ectopic.org.uk
We provide a call-back helpline service: 020 7733 2653
Take a look at our newsletters and subscribe to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/986bdd6091ee/ectopic-matters
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
***************************************************************************

Sm2304
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:08 pm

Re: When can I start working

Post by Sm2304 »

Hi yeah i still suffer with abdo n back pain nearly 11 months on.
My advice would be take time off work and rest up.

Post Reply