Pregnant after tummy tuck and terrified

[skinnyhotchoc]

A bit long but don't want to drip feed. I had a tummy tuck two years ago. I wasn't overweight but I had a hanging tummy as a lot of women do. My husband didn't want more children ( he has two from previous marriage and I have one) so I had the surgery. I had it done in the uk as thought that would be safer. It was an awful experience. Horrendous pain, couldn't walk upright for 6 months because the muscle repair was/ is so tight. Large scar that's half way up my back. I found out later the surgeon was not qualified to do this type of surgery and has over 30 medical negligence claims against him. In November last year I was on some medication and these interfered with my pill. I got pregnant but had a mmc and an erpc in January. Husband by that time had come round to it and I was broken hearted so we agreed to try. I'm now ten weeks. I've had really bad nausea but I'm also experiencing really bad stretching pains in my stomach. I'm struggling to be upright again. It's like my stomach wants to explode. I'm so worried the surgeon sewed the muscles too tight and baby won't fit. I'm a tall girl but I'm really super scared. My midwife and gp don't seem to think it's a problem and I don't like going on about it because it sounds so stupid to have a tt and then get pregnant and then moan about it. I stupidly googled and found this article and I've now been awake all night worrying www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2221754/amp/Tummy-tuck-nearly-killed-unborn-baby.html
i know it's probably a long shot but does anybody have any experience if this or advice?

I've no experience, but can certainly understand your concern. Is there any way that you can speak to another GP who might take you more seriously? It sounds to me like you need to be under a consultant for this pregnancy as it's definitely not straightforward. I know things are very different now because of Covid, but I was referred to a consultant for my pregnancy with dc2 and that was after nothing more complex than an emergency c-section first time round and what looked likely to be a big second baby.

I would contact a private gynaecologist and also a private cosmetic consultant
I would look at a pain consultant too so you can look at medication to alleviate the pain
I'm so sorry you're struggling xx

Thanks for the replies. The midwife did say she'd refer me to a consultant later on but that's only because I had a precipitous labour with my daughter.

I don’t think you’re moaning - your concerns are completely legitimate and I agree it would be good to push to speak to another professional - GP, midwife, consultant - until you get offered more support and advice.

It’s so tough being a woman, we’re expected to look a million dollars with perfect bodies and I totally understand why someone might want a tummy tuck. It’s not your fault if the surgeon was negligent.

Please keep pushing to get the help you need - I agree you should probably be under a consultant for the pregnancy.

Don’t let anyone tell you you’re at fault here x

Keep asking for a second opinion until you get someone who takes you seriously. Don't let them pat you on the head and fob you off, there's too much at steak.

@Gerdticker thank you. It is tough. I feel ashamed now that I had the surgery and put myself at such risk for a bit of skin. I think they don't take me seriously because I'm so tall and quite big boned so i look like I've got plenty of space for baby but they can't see what's inside. I feel like my insides are tiny and there's no room. When I woke up from surgery I started crying immediately and begging the nurse to take the binder off but she wouldn't. When I took it off myself later i actually fainted because I realised it wasn't the binder that was so tight, it was my insides. I just feel so stupid to have done this and now try to grow a baby in there.