My story starts in February 2013, very excited to see that second positive line appear on the pregnancy test. A much wanted addition to our family. I had my booking in  appointment with the midwife at 8 weeks and 2 days. At 7 weeks, there was blood. Ever the optimist, I just hoped like every expectant mother that it would turn out ok. I shrugged off the pain in my shoulder and put it down to sleeping awkwardly and didn't even look back on the night a few days previously where I was up all night, with a painfully bloated stomach that had me wincing in pain at the slightest touch. 

I thought my story ended with a miscarriage that week; but it didn't feel quite right. See, I'd already miscarried my first pregnancy, so a niggling feeling in me called my GP.  Fast forward the 2 blood tests and almost a week; my HCG levels should have been dropping. Instead they had ever so slightly risen. 5550 to 6000. Alarm bells should have sounded, instead the receptionist told me I was still pregnant and it was all fine. HCG levels are meant to double over 24-48 hours; mine were not and I knew that everything wasn't alright.  I got off the phone and found the ectopic pregnancy trust website, and started ticking off all my syptoms. I'm so glad I insisted my GP call me back; a quick chat between her and a consultant had me in hospital within the hour. 

I hadn't been told anything except I needed to attend for a scan straight away, and again I remember it all seemed so cryptic.  Nobody was mentioning anything, until I asked " Do you think it's ectopic?" 

"Yes"

I was numb as the ultrasound screen was on. Instead of a little flickering baby, there was a whole load of emptyness and black. They couldn't find my baby, so instead I hurriedly had a wad of papers thrown my way signing myself away for surgery or a tablet intervention. I opted (absolutely petrified) for surgery. I'd never had an operation. It was keyhole surgery for a PUL or pregnancy of unknown location the next day.

That night was a blur. And so I was in hospital, feeling like I'd signed my life away. Tears in my eyes as the general anaesthetic was given. The staff were so reassuring as a mask was fitted, but I tried to fight falling asleep; so scared I wouldn't wake up. 

I came back around, not really knowing what to expect. A small routine surgery, hopefully. And then this nightmare chapter could come to a close. 

My consultant was amazing, very factual which was quite hard for my fragile state at the time. The pregnancy was ectopic, which had caused a slow internal bleed. During keyhole surgery, my insides were described as "a big mess" so I had woken to find a 6 inch scar covered with a bundle of padding. 

It was hard to accept. I felt alone. Home, I had this scar to remind me of what was lost. And it was hard. So hard to get back to normal life with a 1 year old, I wasn't meant to lift him for 6 weeks.

My follow up care was amazing, and my consultant throughout is a credit to medical professionals. He managed to save my tube, due to the location of the pregnancy. I had a fimbrial ectopic pregnancy which I think accounts for around 5% of ectopic pregnancies. I had a dye test a few months later which showed no scar tissue or blockages and life slowly got back to normal. I now have a beautiful daughter, but the risk will always remain. And so my family is complete.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. All I want to do is make people aware of the symptoms. I was a healthy 22 year old, not overweight, not a smoker, not touched alcohol in 2 years, fit.. but still I am one of statistics. One in 90 pregnancies is ectopic, so chances are you know someone who will suffer an ectopic pregnancy. 

Forever in my heart, my little Angel.