Expert: Pat G - 4/6/2010

Question
Ok, I have searched the internet for some sort of clue as to what is going on with my body. Hopefully you might have some insight. One month and two weeks ago I had a surgical abortion, this is the second time I have had this procedure though the first was due to a miscarriage. I must say this was the worst experience of my life. I opted for the sedation but for "whatever reason" it didn't take. I was 15 weeks and 4 days according to the MA who did the sonogram, one the DR started to his horror I was farther along. The procedure itself was long and tramatic, he kept screaming at the MA for a bigger dialater (whatever that is) and yelling at me to quit moving. What I was told would be a five minute procedure turned out to be 15. Needless to say I realized things didn't go as planned so I actually wasn't suprised when my recovery wasn't going well. I wasn't prescribed pain medication until one week later when I still couldn't even use the restroom without help from a family member. The cramping was so bad and bleeding so heavy I called the office everyday.

I was given two scripts for doxycycline (spelling) the second given after my two week check up revealed a "clear" sonogram but I had a very horrible smell and still cramping very bad. I was also given hydro-codone. I took the birth control I was given and had what I assume was a "normal" period. The cramping and smell did not go away so I went to the emergency room. The very nice lady who did my pelvic exam said the blood flow seemed normal but that the odor was very concerning and lab tests showed I also had a kidney infection. They wanted to do a sonogram but I will admit, I was/am embarassed and ashamed and was at the hospital alone so I ended up leaving before that was done. They gave me a script for macrobid which I have finished.

Here we are month and two weeks out and my cramping is still awful. There is still either light bleeding or a almost greenish tinted discharge and the smell is ...well awful. I haven't been running a fever, but the clinic where I had this done keeps telling me this is normal. Don't worry. I am not a DR but this is not normal. I feel like something is wrong. Should I still be cramping so badly? My cramps are very low and I also have severe lower back pain. I am tired....very tired. It seems to me that the smell is getting worse.

I don't know if I am just going crazy or something is wrong. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Answer
Hello, Elisa,

A dilator is a metal rod that is forced into the cervix to open it. The reason for asking for a larger one is because the baby was bigger than they expected.

From what you are telling me, you are in potentially serious trouble. It sounds like a nasty infection, and it's not getting any better; it's getting worse. You need immediate medical attention. I won't write a long message, because I want you to go get attention right away.

One likely possibility is that they injured you, and actually caused injury to one of your other organs. Also, there is the possibility that the infection is not due to bacteria, so antibiotics won't work. Don't be satisfied until you get an answer. Another thing you should know is that often abortionists don't sterilize their instruments properly, if at all, and you can get an infection from a previous client. Some of these could be sexually transmitted diseases, though this doesn't necessarily sound like that. Because you are taking antibiotics, you need to take a pro-biotic to restore your intestinal bacteria. You can get these in capsules, or in live culture yogurt (but it may not be fully potent by the time you buy it) or you can drink Kombucha. This is a fermented tea.

Don't go back to the people who provided the abortion. They obviously botched this, and they won't want to admit it. Don't worry about being embarrassed; your life is far more important. Emergency room care is spotty and not reliable. As soon as you can, get in contact with someone from a local organization that works with women in your situation. These are all over the United States. You can find one near you by going to this web site:

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

In light of the seriousness of the situation, I recommend you call them on their toll free number and see if they can provide you with an immediate referral in your area. If this is not possible, have someone take you to the emergency room anyway. If you don't get any satisfaction, as soon as offices are open, have the person who took you call from a cell phone immediately to the organization near you.

PLEASE get immediate attention. I will pray for you. Please let me know how you do.