I need help. What could this be? (x-post)

[Ackray]

I feel kind of silly because I am an ob nurse. But I have no idea what is wrong with me.

I gave birth to my 4th baby 11 days ago. My labor and delivery was very different from my previous ones. I had some horrible cramping for 2 days after delivery. I was very swollen from pushing for so long. And I had been ruptured for about 12 hours before she was born.

So now I am 11 days post partum. I still feel awful. My uterus hurts. It hurts to touch, it hurts to move, it just hurts. It's not crampy. I saw a back up doctor a week ago and he put me on an antibiotic and said that he thought that I have a uterine infection. So I've been on that for a week. And tons of percocet for the pain. But I'm not feeling any better. I hurt and I feel just generally sick. Also, I have had very minimal bleeding since delivery and I've passed a few large clots. I saw my doctor yesterday and he wants me to see a specialist. But that's where it gets hard because I live on an island. So I will have to fly off island for the day and I don't feel well enough to lug the baby along with me.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with me? I'm starting to get worried that this is going to turn into something really serious. I'm worried about losing my uterus or it's ability to work right.

Please help! Thanks

[dynamicdoula]

I am sorry mama but this does sound like an infection to me, too. That's what I'd be thinking if it were me.

[Jane]

Could they do a ultrasound of your uterus on the island? Could you do a phone consultation with someone off-island? Could you do a cuture swab of the vagina and discuss treating without proof of the infection?
It's possible you might, maybe be offered a D and C, could that be arranged for your day off the island and you could cancel if unneeded?

[mamabearing]

labwork?

Could you have an occult hematoma? Infection sounds like best guess too.

I hope you are better really soon.

[homewithtwinsmama]

Sounds like infection to me (had this with my first babies, twins). You may just need a stronger antiobiotic, but maybe a D&C if there is still a piece of placenta or membrane in there. Sorry for your pain. Try to bring a friend or hire a doula so you and baby won't have to be separated is my best suggestion.

[time4another]

How is breastfeeding going? Has your milk come in?

If it were retained placenta lactogenisis to mature milk would not occurr.

What else are you doing, other than taking care of baby? Have you had enough time to rest? Do you have someone helping you? Are you drinking plenty of fluids as well? How is your temp?

Perhaps you could try a stronger abx over the weekend and see what happens?

I hope you feel better soon!!!!

[cfiddlinmama]

The herb Angelica is very useful in expelling uterine contents. It's possible you have retained fragments. You might want to try it and see if it helps clear things up. I've personally used it for retained membranes after a birth and after a miscarriage. It's gentle but effective.

I would also recommend a culture to see what kind of infection you are dealing with so the proper abx can be prescribed. My friend recently went on 4 different abx before they found the right one.

I hope that you feel better soon. Congratulations on your new little one!