Post-Abortion Pain & Bleeding: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
QUESTION: Hi Pat,

I had a surgical abortion at 12 weeks, 1 day back on 11/10/09. Since then, I went to my three week checkup. They gave me a urine test to ensure I was no longer pregnant and then asked me if I had any problems I wanted to speak to the Dr. about. At the time I said no as it was so recent I thought all of the pain/bleeding would be done soon. Below are my current symptoms:

-Dull, stabbing, and sometimes horrible pain in my lower right abdomen and mildly on the left as well. It gets really bad when I walk or sit too long or any other activities. Walking is almost excruciating at times.
-Bleeding pretty much every day except for about a 1 week time where I had only light spotting.
-Dull lower back pain

I am really scared that something is wrong. I set up a reproductive health appt. with them for next Wednesday but I almost feel like I should go to the hospital or make it sooner. Am I just being paranoid and this is perfectly normal? Please help!!!!

Thanks so much...

Kara


ANSWER: Hello, Kara,

To begin with, having an abortion is not normal. And your symptoms are also not normal, but far too common in women who have had abortions. I would urge you to go to a doctor with these symptoms. It sounds like you have been injured, perhaps seriously.

I also urge you NOT to go back to the people who did the abortion. They can't be trusted. They were willing to violate medical ethics and hurt you in the first place. They won't want to admit that they did hurt you. They would be afraid you would sue them.

You can find a doctor you can trust by finding an organization in your area that helps pregnant women. Go here:

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

Yes, I would encourage you to see a doctor immediately. The organization in your area can probably refer you to someone who can see you right away.

Please let me know what you find out, and please take care. And you're welcome.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank-you for your quick response. I am home from work now and my symptoms are becoming worse now. The bleeding actually slowed up a bit but the pain in the side is still intense and my back pain feels almost paralysing now. I believe I will be going to the E.R. tonight as it's getting to be too much. I will post a follow-up to let you know what is said.

Thanks again so much--I don't really have anybody to talk to about this. I've struggled with severe guilt & depression since the procedure and it is nice to know someone cares.

-Kara

Answer
Hello, Kara,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly as well.

I am really sorry to hear what you are going through. And this is EXTREMELY common. I am also available to talk to you about guilt and depression. These can be debilitating and even fatal. My heart goes out to you, and I will keep you in my prayers. Please feel free to let me know specifically what you are going through. I can't give you a hug, so a cyber-hug will have to do. (((((((((Kara)))))))))

Go ahead and talk to someone at your local organization. They may be able to work with you right away, and they are also knowledgeable about helping women who are experiencing emotional consequences. At the link I gave you, you can also email them online, or talk to them over their 800 number.