(Continued)

CRAMPING - Do not be concerned if you experience mild cramping for several days. You should be able to obtain relief by taking two Aleve every 8 hours, or 3 Advil(Ibuprofen) every 6 hours, getting off your feet, and by applying ice (a "blue ice" pack) for 20 minutes every hour.
If the cramping is severe or prolonged, and you are not getting relief from any of these methods, call the Clinic.

BREAST FULLNESS - It is possible for milk to come into your breasts after an abortion, just like after childbirth. This is more likely to occur if you were more than 12 weeks from your last menstrual period when you had the surgery. If this should occur, we suggest the following:

1. Wear a tight fitting bra all the time: even while you sleep.
2. Reduce fluid intake.
3. Do not stimulate your breasts (or have anyone else stimulate them). Do not express the milky fluid.
4. Use 2 Aleve every 8 hours for discomfort. If your breasts are tender use ice pack on your breasts for 10 minutes every two hours.Also 50mg
of vitaminB6/day may be helpfull.

MEDICATIONS - You have been given prescriptions, for 3 kinds of medication. One is an antibiotic: one is for heavy bleeding (Methergine) and one is for pain. The antibiotics should be taken as directed; continue taking them until they are all gone.
The Methergine is to be used only if you are bleeding so heavily that you are soaking a regular sanitary pad in an hour, See instructions above.
Use the pain medication, like Aleve 2 tablets every 8 hours or Advil(Ibuprofen) 3 tablets every 6 hours if needed for cramping.You need to take at least 2-3 doses before you feel better.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Tampons/Pads - You should use pads for the first 2 weeks so that you can observe the rate of bleeding; after that you may use either pads or tampons.

Intercourse - avoid intercourse for two weeks following the procedure . If you must have intercourse, have your partner use a condom (rubber) to protect you against infection.

Activity - You may gradually resume normal activity. Avoid strenuous exercise for one week, especially bending or lifting.

Pain - If you experience discomfort or pain in your pelvic area, first take your temperature to rule out infection. If you are not running a fever and you are still passing some blood, your discomfort is most likely due to a strained muscle or pulled ligament, and not due to an infection. To check it out, step it out, step up on a chair or low table with the leg on the side of the side of the pain, and lean forward in the direction of the pain; or lie down on the side that hurts and pull the bottom knee up towards your chest. If you get significant relief while in either of these positions, your pain is probably due a muscle or ligament strain and should be treated by getting lots of rest. An ice pack against the area for 10-20 minutes will also help. You can take Aleve/Advil to relieve the pain. The pain will take a few days to go away completely. If in doubt CALL!

Bathing/Showers - No tub baths, swimming or douching for one week, showers are O.K.

Birth Control - You can get pregnant before your next period, so if pregnancy is not desired, use a method of birth control. If you do want to get pregnant , we recommend that you wait 3 months after your procedure.

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