Post-partum pain?

adamsbabble · February 2011

I had a vaginal birth with no complications, and took Motrin for cramping but was feeling okay by 1 week post-partum. Fast forward to 2 weeks post-partum. I had been feeling okay for a week at this point, and then all of a sudden I started having this terrible pain in my lower abdomen that went through to my back and down my tailbone. Even 800 mgs of Motrin and a heating pad didn't help, but eventually it eased up after a night of crying. It was possibly worse than labor.

Two nights later, I had the same pain and DH gave me no choice about going to the ER. They sent me to L&D since I was only 2 weeks post-partum, even though I wasn't thinking it had anything to do with that (I was thinking more along the lines of appendicitis because of the area the pain was located). Anyway, they took a urine sample and sent me home with a prescription to treat a UTI, but said that I was likely dealing with kidney stones or enlarged kidneys and to follow up with my PCP who might want to do a renal ultrasound. I went to my PCP a few days later and a urine sample showed that the prescription I had wasn't working, so they changed that and also did blood work to see if I would need to have a CT scan. The next day they called back and said my blood work was normal and just to finish my prescription.

This appointment was 2 weeks ago today and I'm still having the same pain and I'll be 5 weeks post-partum tomorrow. I guess they've rule out the possibilities, but this pain just isn't normal and is practically debilitating when I have it. I can't imagine dealing with this all the time, and having no 'reason' why. Has anyone had any pain like this that couldn't be explained, post-partum or otherwise?

JLPT830 · February 2011

Are you sure the UTI is gone? I ended up with a UTI also that required 2 rounds of antibiotics. I had very similar pain that you are describing one night that was so awful I could barely move. Maybe you should drop off a sample to be tested. My girlfriend is a urologist and she also told me to load up on cranberry juice. Since the UTI is gone, I haven't had the back pain anymore. I hope you feel better soon!

curlypie1 · February 2011

Where in your back is the pain located? I have gallstones and when I have an attack (one during pregnancy and so far two after the birth)also produce debilitating pain. I also went to the ER for it. It starts right under the rib cage and spreads to my back from underneath my shoulder blades down to my hips. It is the worst thing I've ever felt. The pain lasts about 3 hours and then it subsides. I also vomit at the end of the attack from the pain.

When I went to the ER, I was told there was no way it was gallstones. I was told it must have been bad gas. (I was pretty ticked at their fly-by-night diagnosis...there is no way I'd go to the hospital with a bad case of gas). After a follow up with my physician and an ultrasound, it was confirmed I have a gallbladder full of them. Apparently, gallstones can be brought on by pregnancy. I am getting my gallbladder removed in a month. (I wanted to wait until DD was a bit older).

Maybe something to look into?

I hope you get some answers soon. Take care.

allobosc · February 2011

I am sorry to hear about your uti, I had one with Alex and it was worse than my l&d. I had a friend who was experiencing similar pain as you and they kept telling her it was her c section healing when come to find out it was kidney stones. she was miserable. feel better soon!

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