Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 1/5/2010

Question
I had a "vacuum abortion" Sept. 2007.  Since the abortion, I experience chronic cramping around 10 days before my period starts.  The pain in my back/rectal area is so painful that I cannot stand, walk, or sit.  All I can down is lay down on my side. (I cannot lay on my back because the pressure from laying on my rear is painful)Iwent to the ER about a year ago because on this occasion, it was unbearable. they told me I had an "inverted" uterus and that is was just menstrual cramps, however, I know mu body and I had never had this rectal pain before my abortion.  I do have a slight case of PCOS, but like i said before, this pain didn't start until months after my abortion.  I am worried that something went wrong during my abortion.  i read the "possible side affects" page at americanpregnancy.org, and it states that if I had the symptom "Severe abdominal and back pain that prohibits you from standing up" that i should call my doctor.

What do you think this problem could be?  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  

Thank you!!

Answer
Hi T,
late abortion related complications are very seldom.
I do not think that your symptoms have a relation with the vacuum aspiration.
Severe abdominal and back pain, you mention, is an early symptom,
starting 24 hours after the abortion, and does not stay for years.
I do think that the PCOS may cause this.
Anyway I would suggest to see your doc or go to a Obgyn doc.
Bests,
Dr Shan