I am having a problem and would like advice. It is of a personal matter, so if you're easily offended, etc. please don't continue to read.



I am a healthy female, age 34. I woke up this morning with a terrible pain in the right side of my back. A few hours later, my stomach is cramping terribly, just like I was getting ready to start my period. However, I am not due to start for another 12-14 days. Pain continues for a couple more hours. I then go to the restroom and am bleeding (this is bright red blood, not anything dark. I am having to wear a pad also) . I have taken 2 Aleve and am still in pain and am still bleeding. I have never had any type of spotting, break-through bleeding etc. My periods have always come like clockwork. I do not have medical insurance, so going to the doctor is not an option, unless I am near death. I am asking for suggestions as to what could be going on. I know that there is no opinion like that of a doctor, but I would like to get an 'idea' of what could be happening or similair experiences.

I appreciate your help.

I just googled what you said and there are a lot of things it could be. Since you don't have insurance, maybe you can go to an urgent care (I don't know what they're called by you, but even the ER) and they usually have charity care, that way if you needed any tests or x-rays it would all be at the same place and if you qualify would be covered by the charity care and not have to pay for it or at least some of it?

Bleeding is not a good sign, I wouldn't take it lightly, even if it'll cost you to go you should.

Keep us updated please, we worry.

ETA I believe dark blood is old blood, but bright red is new bleeding. Correct me if I am wrong please.

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Any possibility you could be pregnant.....sounds like when I had an ectopic pregnancy. If so...you really need to see a doctor...it could be life threatening.

I agree, sounds like when I had mine too. Get to the ER or at least a walk in clinic. Bleeding and pain like that is nothing to ignore.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the others: you really need to have yourself checked out in case something serious is going on.

Please keep us informed.

I agree with the others -- get to the ER.

This is really strange, though, because a friend of mine who lives in NC called me a few weeks ago with the exact problem. She had horrible pain and then started bleeding. She had a friend take her to the ER. They ran all sorts of tests on her and couldn't find anything wrong. They gave her some pain pills, an antibiotic and the pain went away. She was fine after a couple days.

The ER made an appointment with a urologist and so she went to see that doctor and it seems as though she had a kidney stone! It passed without her realizing it, is what she's thinking. She hasn't had any trouble since then.

I'm not trying to make a diagnosis for you, but your symptoms were just like hers. She was totally freaked out with the blood. That's why she went immediately to the ER.

Please let us know what you decide to do and how you're doing! (((HUGS)))

Well, if you don't go to the Dr. you could very soon be "near death".
Bright red blood is new blood--which indicates that this is a sudden onset. The symptoms you describe could be an ectopic pregnancy, or a cyst that has burst. Both of those things can lead to death or at the very least serious complications.

If you woke up, had the same symptoms but started throwing up blood would you NOT go to the Dr? This is no different. Get yourself to an Urgent Care or an ER!

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i agree please go see a doctor. it could be nothing more then a cyst or fibroid that burst but i would rather you be safe and know for sure.

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Go to the doctor as your life is more important then bills you will get from going, If you die and not go get it checked out, it will cost your family more in bills then going now Good luck

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Have you tried to see if there is a Planned Parenthood clinic or some sort of community outreach clinic in your area where you could go? Look in your phone book for referral resources and they should be able to refer you to no-cost or low-cost services. Also, if you go straight through Emergency, legally they MUST treat you. Worry about the bill later.

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I agree with the others. However, there are doctors offices that require payment in full when there's no insurance. That's a tough spot to be in.

Fibroids were my first thought. I have them and that is the exact symtoms I have.

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Just looking for an update!
OP, how are you today?

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

update, if you wanna call it that.
I took everyone's advice and went to the doctor today.

After having so much pain and large amount of blood and chunky clots, I made an appointment and went today. $100 later, I still have no answer. The doctor asked me why I was there, I explained. Her response was, did you ever think it's just an early period. I said, yes, but with such clotty tissue passing, the brightness of the blood and the amount of it and the abnormal pain I am experiencing, I thought I should get checked out. Well, they did a pregnancy test, negative. And she returned to advise me that I would not get a physical exam (pap, etc) because it would be inaccurate because the blood would be in the way of the tissue needed when scrapping. So, she said if still bleeding and in pain by Monday or Tuesday, to return. Said I could take 600 mg of Ibuprofen for the pain.

So, I still don't know what's wrong. But I do know that this is not a normal period by any means and the pain is still there. I appreciate everyones advice and concern. Thank you. If I figure anything out, I will definately update you all. Again, I appreciate the care.

PS: I even specifically asked her if it could be fibroids, cysts, etc that could be causing this. I was told that you would have to have my symptoms for at least 3 months consecutively to warrant a cause for concern.

Well, that wasn't just a whole lot of help. Had you been to this dr before? Sounds like she had an attitude.

I would check with your county health department. I do not have insurance either, but I have a wonderful place to go for all my GYN stuff. They charge a percentage based on your income. I get my Depo shots there every couple of months and they are great. I don't know why they would tell you you had to have symptoms for 3 months. If this is abnormal for you, it is abnormal. It sounds like you need a pelvic ultrasound which is VERY expensive. Check out your local county health or even Planned parenthood. I've had so much pain from ovarian cysts that I've had to take vicodin until I had surgery to remove my bad ovary with a solid cyst. I always had lots of back pain.

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Yes, I have been to her before and honestly, I was surprised at her 'lack' of concern. But there was nothing I could do or say... The doctor basically has the power, ya know I mean I can't force her to check me out, I also told the nurse that I was not very comfortable with the lack of care that I had just gotten. She stated that none of the other doctors in the facility would go 'over' her to check me out......so I am still sitting here, bleeding in pain. What is a girl to do?

you go to the ER! If you are still bleeding andin pain--then something is still NOT right.
You need an ultrasound at the very least, possibly some bloodwork to see what's going on. Worry about the payment later--as my husband use to tell me: There is no debtor's prison anymore. And it doesn't really matter at this point, you need a definitive answer.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

BULL****!!!! YOU are the customer-YOU are paying their salaries! Found this out w/ our son. He was 15 years old. Had a pain in his lower abdomen. Patient First said it was gastroentinitis, and prescribed antibiotics -never even looked at anything around his groin, which one would think would be the first thing to look at in a teenager w/ lower abdominal pain. "You know, if it persists, come back, we'll do more tests..." Fast forward, two days later, my son is walking (not very well) out the door to go to school. I look at him and say, "Oh, hell no! Get in the car-we are going to the ER). Not two hours later, he was diagnosed w/ cancer. I am not trying to scare you in any way, just to let you know to follow your gut. Your doctor sees several patients like you a day-you know only one! I would show up on their doorstep tomorrow, and demand attention! If they can't see you, go to the ER.

I would of refused to pay for the visit. They didn't do anything. There's no reason she couldn't have done an exam. Did they do a blood or urine pregnancy test?

Could you have been pregnant? Bright red blood and large clots is what I had when I had a miscarriage. Ended up in the ER because bleeding wouldn't stop and I was passing out because I lost so much blood. Long story, but my Dr wasn't doing anything and I kept going in for bleeding, they'd check my hormone levels and send me home to rest. A urine test was negative, blood test was positive and my hormone levels were no where near where they should have been for as far along as I was. After I told the ER doctor what my hormone levels were each time I went to the Dr, he said my Dr should have had me get a D and C to stop the bleeding long before I got that bad because there was no way the pregnancy was viable.

I posted this link in a separate post the other day but incase you didn't see it check this site and see if you qualify for a free exam in your state. It's for cancer screening, but you get a free exam including pap, etc. I'm sure they'd help if you qualify. I'd contact them even if you don't meet the guidelines, maybe they can still help, or find you someone who can.

Cancer - Complete List of NBCCEDP Contacts

The only time I'd consider that a normal period would be if you'd recently got off the pill (and then, it should be pretty brief), or if you had a condition you already knew about.

DH has been having ear problems for the past couple of weeks. It took three different doctors before we got any kind of logical diagnosis. I really hope you find an answer, and soon. It's awful trying to get help when no one's especially interested in providing it.

MissMaryann, you can go to a facility that participates in the Hill-Burton act, and they will treat you at no charge. Here is a list of facilities by state:

Hill-Burton Facilities

I hate to guess about these things, but if I had to, I'd say you either have a kidney stone, some kind of bladder infection of UTI. Any of those things can produce pain, back pain, and bright red blood in your urine. Usually with a kidney stone, the pain starts first in the middle of your stomach/midsection and then, as the stone progresses it either goes to the left or the right and the pain follows that path.

Also, I know here in KY, hospitals are required to see a person who is in acute pain, especially if that person is actively bleeding (which you are.) After the visit, there are forms you can complete if you are unable to pay, and most likely they will give you a pass.

Good luck, keep us updated.

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I am uninsured also and back in October had a scare with my heart. Very rapid irregular heart beat that came on suddenly. I reluctantly agreed to let my EMT son call his superior to come and assess me because I didn't want to go the hospital because we not only don't have insurance we don't have the money to pay hospital bills. After being evaluated by his boss, I realized I'd have to go to be checked out. Long story short - after an echocardiagram, several EKGs, a heart catheritization, and 3 days in CCU I was released with a diagnosis of "we don't know what caused it". GREAT !

I was left with a bill from the hospital of $22,000.00. But, after applying for some sort of charity program (at this point my pride went out the window) the hospital forgave the whole bill. I owe them nothing. There are other costs incurred tho'. Like the emergency room physician and ambulance and the cardiologist. I'm paying them all what I can each month and they've all been very understanding.

So, I guess what I'm saying is to not let money dictate your care. If you think this is a serious problem and it sounds like it might be - then go to the ER and deal with the bills later. Good luck to you.

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Please go to the ER and please give us another update!

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And while they didn't know what it was--at least you had been checked out and were given a relatively clean bill of health. Most, if not all, medical facilities will work with you for a payment plan

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Get to the ER. I had these symptoms and had an ovarion cyst the size of a grapefruit and had it burst I may not be typing. I am very unimpressed with your Doctors attitude and would never go to anyone with such a cold attitude especially with out of the ordinary symptoms.
Please follow your gut and go to the ER. Check out the list MAttncatt provided there are places you can go to. My uncle hasn't a pot to piss in with major medical heart issues and Boston Medical treats him all the time. Check with your state for resources. Please act quickly on this and keep us posted. Good Luck you must be very stressed.

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Massachusetts has a universal health care program so everybody is covered to some degree. If your uncle has no money, he certainly is covered by Commonwealth Care

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MissMaryann,

I think you need to request an internal ultra sound. In fact, I can't believe your doctor didn't request one the day you were there (you can have them when you have your period). I don't want to try to imply I am diagnosing you, but your symptoms sound exactly like mine when I had an ovarian cyst rupture in Jan. (intense pain in the side, early, heavy period w/thick clots). I was also naseaus and fatigued with some pain displacement in my leg, shoulder and far right side. Some other symptoms to be aware of are light headedness and rapid or racing pulse. The biggest concern with a ruptured cyst is sepsis. If you can, please try to get back to the doctor asap. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

I agree w/ those who said it could be an ovarian cyst. They should've done an ultrasound. I know you don't have insurance, but I would go for a second opinion.

OP I am sorry you are going through this. (((HUGS))))

I hope you feel better soon.

My Dad was under charity care at our local hospital and he had tons of bills form different doctors, radiologists, ambulance transportation companies, etc. I called each one and they said if I provided them with a copy of his charity care papers they would look into writing the bill off and they ALL DID. They didn't take charity care, but it was enough to prove to them that he had no money and really couldn't pay.

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Hey, MissMaryAnn, are you daltonmama?

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For the past six months I have had very heavy bleeding, with clots and also back pain. I have been to the doctor for this, also have had an internal ultra sound. They found nothing abnormal. I was told that some woman do experience a change in their periods, and it doesn't always mean something is wrong. I was very worried because the bleeding is so bad that now I have anemia. I guess if it were me....and things didn't improve, I would go see a different doctor, just to be on the safe side. Hope you feel better soon......

My GYN didn't think it was a big deal that I had heavy bleeding and blood clots that I had to wear Depends until I ended up in ER and had to have blood transfusions.
Has your Gyn recommended performing a D&C and/or Endometrial Ablation? If not, ask him if it is an option for you.

I had the EA back in October. I wish that I didn't wait this long to have it done. It was the best thing I could have done!

well, where did that come from? Apparently, *I* must have missed something.

OP, anything new today?

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

What about my post made ya think I was talking to you? I don't see your name anywhere....MaryAnn, not Marilyn. Or are you just looking to pick a fight? And here I thought you were missing me. LOL

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

WOW! So defensive and angry sounding. Why?
I'm not trying to pick a fight or anything--just wondering if I missed something to indicate that the OP was Daltonsmama.

I assume that the OP is not an alt. ID, until proven otherwise. And I, for one, am 1) concerned that a female of such a young age is apparently having some serious health issues but isn't getting medical treatment, 2) What treatment she did receive was lacking at best!

I hope if the OP hasn't received some sort of competent medical care by now, she does soon.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Does it really matter who she is? She asked for help. Just give her advice if you have any and if not keep quiet. Just My opinion. Why is there always drama on these boards?

OP Any updates? Just thinking about how everything is going for you! Hugs....

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OP, from the posts, I am getting the idea you are in MA, if you are, you can go to any emergency room and get looked at. They cannot refuse you in anyway. After, go to masshealth and apply for coverage. If you dont qualify, they have what if call free care. If you qualify for either, it covers you up to two weeks before you applied, so the visit to the er will be covered. Most hospitals have people right there to help you apply for financial assistance.
You should really get checked out by a second doctor, its better to be safe with a second opinion!!

Praying for the best!!

Most importantly, I want to say that I deeply appreciate everyone's concern, advice, suggestions and the like. It means alot to know that I can come here and seek such great care and concern.

Update, After my trip to the doctor, I continued to bleed that night, but the next day, it ceased. None since. So, i am assuming that it was my period coming early (although, in my heart, I am not convinced it was). I do still have the back pains, but my belly pain has subsided. And after everyone's insight, I have scheduled an appointment to get a complete gyn exam and go over all of my symptoms, etc and see what we can determine. I am also going to look into getting some health insurance on my own, if I can reasonably afford it. This episode has made me realize that I am not getting any younger and that my body will continue to break down as age progresses, therefore, I will need some type of insurance coverage to help the pocketbook out . So, I will be shopping around to see what I can come up with on that plan as well.

Lastly, I don't think that I understand the dramas surrounding the board and/or daltonsmomma, but I can say that I am not a person who enjoys or indulges dramatics, therefore, I will decline that I am this person or involved with this person.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input. Hopefully, my health is okay and my insurance situation will get better soon, but I can say that it may have been a silver lining in this episode, since my awareness was broadened by learning about women's health, my future health coverage, and the fact that I know I can depend on my *new* friends here .

I just wanted to say that I've been following your posts and wondering how you were and I'm glad things are ok. I just don't always post alot if everyone else has said everything I might have added! lolI have a quirky puter.....

Melissa