In The Life After server, the combat timeout is 30 seconds and you can't run as Molerats continually eat you until dead. I am grateful for 2238's 10 seconds

You aren't going to get your stuff back, this is simple game mechanics. Once you get a gun you'll be able to shoot at those damn ants if they have the nerve to attack you!
Edit: Also, since you are obviously new and don't know how to correctly escape encounters (I admit, I wasn't able to run away from dogs the first time I played), play in Turn-Based. You can set your combat style in FOConfig.exe