A serious question

[machinegirl.livejournal.com]

I had an abortion about two, three months ago. It was a medical abortion with the pills. Well. The first time I got my period after it, it was fine, not much cramping, etc. This time, however, I am in excruiating pain. So much that this is really hard for me to do, and I was laying on the couch crying all this morning. Should I be worried about it? Is it normal?

And what the hell can I do about the pain??? I'm dying here! Thanks, and sorry to make this post my first.

Comments

[hava.livejournal.com]

haul your butt into planned parenthood (or the doctor's office, whatever) and get yourself checked out. you shouldn't be hurting this bad. do it as soon as you can.

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

My first reccomendation is to call , and find out if it sounds like a normal reaction from your doctor, and see what they have to reccomend, one way or another.

[wyliekat.livejournal.com]

not normal. They may not have done the job up right in the first place (which I've had happen, believe me, it ain't good). I also found I was in excruciating pain because everything had to contract. But that's supposed to happen the week after, not two months later. Also, you have to think about whether or not there's any chance that you're pregnant again. Anyway you look at it - see a doctor immediately. Or even a hospital at this point. Don't wait to make an appointment, just go.

Well...

[machinegirl.livejournal.com]

I called the clinic up. The woman I talked to was the ob/gyn that handled me (is that what they call it??), and she said that it wasn't relating to the abortion. I'm thinking that it's my body reasserting itself after not having a period for a month or two. When I first started getting my period (4-5 years ago ^_^), the cramps were this bad. But, she said that if it doesn't end by tomorrow or so that she wants me to come in so she can see what's up. Just thought I'd keep you guys updated.

[wyliekat.livejournal.com]

I thought you said you'd had normal periods up to this point?

[machinegirl.livejournal.com]

I have. But the first month or two, it hurt. Then, the pain went away and it never really bothered me much. I consider at least 4 years of pain free periods pretty normal. ^_^ Sorry if there was any confusion.

[machinegirl.livejournal.com]

But the first month or two, it hurt. THat first month or two being the first month or two I got my period, ever.

[urania.livejournal.com]

for the pain until then (assuming you already know most of this stuff :) also assuming your doc, when you talked to her by phone, didn't say not to do any of this) you can take ibuprofen (up to 6oo mg three or four times a day with lots of water--docs even prescribe up to 800 mgs three times a day but i wouldn't do it w/o a scrip under these circumstances), or if you prefer, naproxen sodium which is only twice a day. DON'T MIX those two though! Also, i've heard good things about raspberry tea.. .and heating pads and hot water bottles definately can help too (or an ice pack if you feel better w/something cool than hot!)

hope you feel better!

[wyliekat.livejournal.com]

What I was unclear about was the fact that you haven't been having normal periods for the last couple of months. That being the case, brutal cramps and heavy bleeding are quite normal - even if they are extreme relative to regular periods. I know I've left work for such cramps.

Post-abortion menses

[scarlett75.livejournal.com]

Hate to tell you this...but you may have one of the most painful periods of your life. Generally, the first period after an abortion is light... not easy, but light. Alot of women only have brownish spotting following the original recovery bleeding. It's the next period that knocks people for a loop!! Also, I'm not saying any of the pain is in your head, but you've gone through a huge experience over the past few months; your hormones may be still out of whack, your probably a tad emotional, and all of these can make the first big period seem even more horrible. What you may want to do, however, is call your health care provider and ask them if they did a repeat HcG (beta-quant preferably) six weeks after your abortion?? This is extremely important and is often skipped to save time and money. Why is this important?? Sometimes some of the "products of conception" can remain in the uterus (even if you had a D & C)... which can lead to a potentially dangerous infection. If your HcG is less than 2, you're good and it means all the products were removed. If your quant level is over 2, you may need to have a repeat (or initial) D & C to make sure all the contents of the uterus were expelled. If everything is ok, you'll probably be told to lie with your feet elevated, with a heating pad if you feel comfortable, and you may be given a script for naproxyn or a heavy-duty ibuprofen. Rarely do narcotic pain killers help with menstrual cramps, although they may be used in extreme situations. Anyway...call your doc...demand a repeat "HcG Beta-Quant"!!! Just to check. If they blow you off, go to the emergency room (where they will do one as standard procedure!). Good luck, sweetie....hang in there!

Re: Post-abortion menses

[machinegirl.livejournal.com]

No, they didn't do a repeat HcG. I had mine at Planned Parenthood. I took the pill and then a few days later, did the pill insertion. The pain is a lot better now. I was laying on the couch, zoning out to tv with my feet on the other arm...I think that helped. I'll call Planned Parenthood for a repeat, though.

Another question - since it was cramping so bad, I figured that a pad would be better than a tampon. The thing it, the stuff (menses?) isn't really coming out onto the pad that much. It's just kinda hiding between the labia. Could that be due to how I'm laying (on my back or on my side)? Or could it be that my body had gotten used to me using tampons that it doesn't push the stuff out as much? Because when I go to the bathroom and wipe (sorry if this is getting a bit too graphic) there's a LOT of stuff on the toilet paper. But not much at all on the pad. Just wondering. It didn't strike me to ask until now.

Thank you so much for the advice/etc, everyone. I'm keeping up-to-date remarks in my personal LJ. ^_^

Re: Post-abortion menses

[scarlett75.livejournal.com]

Position can definatey effect the way that menstrual blood comes out of your vagina (I can't think of a way to say that in proper English!). That's why when you get up in the morning (and you use pads) you always have a "flood" of fluid come out upon standing. Whereas a tampon kind of acts like a sponge and collects fluids as soon as they leave the cervical area, a pad has to rely on gravity to bring fluids down. Sounds like you're really just "oozing", which sets my mind at ease a bit. If you were really gushing blood (soaking a pad an hour ((or more)) regardless of position), I'd be a lot more worried. Do call planned parenthood and request a repeat quant level. ALSO...if they won't do it...and you want to be safe...most labs will let you pay cash for that test...it should be around $40.00. Kind of expensive, but worth the piece of mind. Also, like I said, if you have insurance, don't hesitate to contact an urgent care. I'm glad your cramping is letting up.

Re: Post-abortion menses

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

Hi there--

I had that kind of abortion too. For a couple of months after I had some light cramping, which I've never had before.

From what you're saying-- if the menses are hiding, not coming out-- probably you just had some clumps still stuck inside you (tissue, as opposed to thinner blood). Passing those through the cervix is what causes most period cramping (pre-period cramping is caused generally by ovulation).