Is This Pain Normal?

bsidebella

I don't want to ask this on FB and figure you all might know better than I, so... I'm experiencing a sharp, hot, cramp-like pain in my lower abdomen from my pelvic exam, I think. The pain started last night and I thought it would go away by the morning but it didn't. It doesn't feel like menstrual cramps, though, it feels like I've been socked in the gut. Is this normal following a pelvic exam? My last one was 2 years ago, but I really don't recall being in this much pain. It goes away for a bit when I sit straight up, though.

Swazzle

I've never experienced that after an exam, ever.  Can you call them or go back to the clinic to see someone?

mymissingpuzzlepiece

I don't think that is normal. I don't want to make you nervous, but I think it's definitely best if you go see a doctor. If it's too late to make an appointment, go to the er. It is better to get yourself checked out and found out that there is nothing wrong than something worse happening and it's too late.

bsidebella

rdr - they aren't open on Fridays, and the only other PP location that is close to me doesn't have a clinician on staff on Fridays. FML. Guess I will have to wait it out? missingpuzzlepiece - I have no money and no health insurance. Seeing a doc is not an option, and neither is going to the ER.

KikiMira

Did you just have a PAP or did they do biopsies as well?

Thats common pain after a bioposies. I dont think thats normal for a PAP but everyone reacts differently.

loves2shop4shoes

I have experienced random, severe stabbing pain in my abdomen.  That's normal, right?

bsidebella

I mean, I'm concerned, but I feel like if I wait it out it might go away. I just don't want to go to the ER or whatever just to be told this is normal. Edit: Kiki, they did a PAP but not a biopsy.

jemmini6

Can you call PP and ask one of the nurses their opinion?  They'd probably be able to give you more information of if it's anything to be concerned about without actually having to go back to see a doctor.  Also, if it isn't normal, they'll be able to help you find somewhere that you can go and afford.

bsidebella

Jem - I can definitely call the other PP and see if I can talk to a nurse. Good idea.

bsidebella

Ok, I called and left a message with another office. They're open until 4pmEST, so I hope I hear from them.

thejucheidea

I've never experienced that before, but yeah, the telephone triage nurses at PP should be able to give you an answer. For now, I'd take some ibuprofen and use hot packs, as that combination works for my coworker with severe polycystic ovary syndrome when she's having a bad PCOS day.

bsidebella

I heard back from the nurse at the other PP office. She said to take Advil or Tylenol and if the pain hasn't subsided in a few days, make another appointment to see the clinician. 

Whew. The nurse really didn't seem all that concerned, either. I'm guessing this is normal-ish. I just have to wait it out.