Expert: Doctor Early Options - 9/27/2010

Question
Hi, I had a surgical abortion 3 days ago at planned parenthood. This
experience was very disturbing for me. I did not want an abortion but
my ex and my mother pressured me into it because I already have a 3
year old and am currently living at home. The lady's at the clinic said it
wouldn't hurt, but it was VERY painful!  I cried hysterically and even
screamed when the doctor opened my cervix. I don't understand why
this was so painful? I gave birth to my 3 year old without medication but
this felt almost more painful! I was very discouraged afterwards by the
lack of information I have been able to find on the internet. The reason I
am writing is because I am still in a lot of pain. Not just emotional but
physical. first, if I eat solids it hurts. Everything I eat goes right through
me and I have to force myself to have a bm every time I eat because of
the pain. I'm scared to eat because it hurts so bad.my bladder has also
been weaker. I'm bleeding off and on and cramping bad at night and in
the morning. My abdomen is sore and painful to touch.I took a day off
from work to rest but had to return the next day. I'm still in a lot of pain
and its CONSTANT. I feel like something may be wrong internally
because the women at the clinic told me I would feel fine afterwards. I
also have dizzy spells and feel feverish.is what I'm going through normal?  

Answer
I hope you are taking Ibuprofen for the pain.  It is recommended to take 800 mg of Ibuprofen ( 4 Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours.  If you are having that much cramping you should go in to be checked.  I do recommend being active rather than lying in bed.  I also recommend walking.  I find that patients who are very emotional and who really did not want a procedure have the worse recovery.  You should drink plenty of water and and eat.  You should also take a stool softener. It can be normal to have cramping but you should be able to work.  So I would suggest getting a follow-up visit.