Hi IMs,
Desperately seeking advice on why I won't stop bleeding 4 months postpartum.
I had a baby 4 months ago in late Oct. normal vaginal birth, no stitches, had a moderate postpartum haemorrhage which was then treated with a d&c bled only lightly for a couple of weeks after. 3 weeks ago I got what I thought was a heavy period which wasn't an issue until 10-12 days on I was still bleeding heavily (soaking a tampon every hour and needing to wear pads as well) it's now been almost 4 weeks and I'm still bleeding!
I've been for an ultrasound, they just said I have some blood clots in my uterus and a thickened endometrium.. The hospitals answer is its my period establishing itself again or an infection from the d&c. I have been on antibiotics for a week and a half with little improvement on the bleeding (I feel fine otherwise no fever, swabs for infection in uterus were negative but they said aren't very accurate, no STIs have tested me 3 times now and not pregnant) my gp prescribed me tranexamic acid to clot my blood and it has helped slow down the bleeding but the 4 days you are allowed to take them are up and I'm still bleeding.
I'm seeing the hospital gyno clinic in 3 weeks but I'm so down I have to deal with this for three more weeks before they even see me.
I asked my gp if he could give me a depo shot to see if that helps? But he said no because its unexplained bleeding.. I wish I'd questioned him more about what I have to lose exactly.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can't stand this bleeding anymore, I feel like I have no life!!!
7 Replies
Forgot to mention NOT on any birth control so it's not that causing the bleeding!
Go to the hospital through emergency explain all the details but play it up alittle, tell them ur really tied and light headed from the blood loss and try and get them to help you jump the que. It can't be good to be loosing so much blood
I agree, go to emergency! I got my first period 4 weeks post partum and it only lasted 4 days. Obviously everyone is different but 10-12days and more of bleeding seems excesive. I wouldn't wait for your next gyno appointment. Doctors or emergency asap. Make sure you get your iron levels tested as it can go down from losing so much blood.
I know some of what you're talking about.
It's awful having this bleeding and having to wear a pad all day every day for so long. I even had abrasions around the outside with all the rubbing of the pads and moisture. It drove me crazy!!! I bled for 11 weeks straight after my baby was delivered.
At one point early on I had a slight infected smell which concerned me but it resolved soon after. Otherwise antibiotics would have definitely been onboard. But the bleeding continued and i noticed the bleeding had changed towards the end to be my period (heavier). I also had an ultrasound where I had a thickened endometrium and it was shortly after that i started my 'period'.
You can try the ED or go to a GP who specialises in gyn health.
If you choose ED, saying you're feeling faint they will tell in your blood pressure reading. Plus with this scenario you will be waiting for hours. And it isn't fair to be taking up emergency resources when they are likely to tell you to go see your gyn/obs/GP. I say this bc I work in the industry but having said that, if you are genuinely feeling lightheaded and passing out, it's worth a try.
You can find out about other GP's by searching online "GP clinics" (in your area or surrounding) and noting "gynaecology/obstetrics).
Once finding someone you can look them up on WOMO which is an online review website about businesses of any kind who are recommended or worth avoiding. Often I find clinics have reviews where doctors are mentioned with high or low regard and their specialty area. My GP focused on womens health and gyn/obs.
Another option is the Family Planning Centre of your state. I live in Victoria and I found the doctors there to be very helpful.
So second or third opinions are well worth it.
I don't think it would be "unfair" to take myself to emergency since I originally received no blood transfusion, my haemoglobin wasn't even back to the normal level from the original haemorrhage according to testing 3 weeks ago and I'm still iron deficient.
Thanks anyway....
Entirely up to you.
I was only making suggestions to fill the gaps until you saw your OB.
Be great to hear what happens. All the best ok.
Thank you! Did end up having to go back through emergency on the obs advice, I'm scheduled for a hysteroscopy and d&c. They believe there is placenta they missed in the first d&c. Thanks to all who replied!