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2 weeks post surgery - bleeding and lactation

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EllyBee88
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2022 7:36 pm

2 weeks post surgery - bleeding and lactation

Post by EllyBee88 »

Hello all

I had keyhole surgery 2 weeks ago to remove a live ectopic that was 6/7 weeks along. This would have been our second child but sadly it just didn’t make it to where it needed to be. To say I am heartbroken would be an understatement - I can’t seem to square off the fact there was a heartbeat. It’s so terribly sad.

I didn’t have any bleeding until 8 days post surgery which came as a surprise if I’m honest (just had expected it sooner so stupidly I thought maybe I wouldn’t have any bleeding). The bleeding started heavily last Sunday (on Mother’s Day of all days) and has become lighter in the last few days. It is scarily similar to the light bleeding/spotting that I had during the week before my surgery - which I now know was a sign of the ectopic. I guess I just wanted to see what others had experienced in terms of flow and how long I can expect this bleeding to persist for?

I also just had what can only be described as a little breast milk leaking from my breasts in the shower (exactly as I did when I was pregnant with my little girl). I hadn’t realised I could expect this, is it normal?

How cruel that we have to process the loss, shock and trauma of this all whilst continuing to experience physical signs of what has happened. I am feeling physically and mentally stronger every day and then when a new physical sign appears I feel like my emotions just go back to square one. I’ve also had to deal with the announcement of a family pregnancy this week and the jealousy, bitterness and sadness that comes with this no matter how much you yearn to be happy for the person because jealousy and bitterness are not qualities I would ever wish to associate with myself… yet here we are.

Thank you for creating these forums. I have found the information and messages of hope to be invaluable. There’s such a dearth of information out there on ectopics so the resource really is so important.

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

Re: 2 weeks post surgery - bleeding and lactation

Post by EPT Host 20 »

Dear EllyBee,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss. You are right in saying that when we experience ectopic pregnancy, we deal with a life-threatening emergency and its treatment, reduction in fertility and the loss of our babies. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal putting them together is immense and your feelings are completely normal.

Bleeding after surgery can be different for every women. Some women have very heavy bleeding, Some women will only spot lightly, for others it will be like a normal period and some ladies will bleed or spot for up to 6 weeks after surgery. There is no set pattern however, if your bleeding becomes heavy so you are having to change sanitary ware less than hourly, please seek medical advice.
Unfortunately I am not medically trained, So cannot give you specific advice on your other symptoms. I would advise speaking to your medical team or GP if you continue having leakage or discharge from your breasts.

We hear from many women who struggle with news of pregnancy from family or friends this is completely normal. News of new pregnancies can be a stark reminder of what could’ve been and can be very difficult. We can be happy for people whilst feeling sad for ourselves, this does not make us bad people and we have to protect our hearts in any way possible.

Above all be kind to yourself and allow time to grieve, and to heal both physically and emotionally.

We will be here for you for as long as you need.

Sending much love,
Karen x

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