Retained placenta and CT scan

[annieannie]

I hemorrhaged after the birth of my first child.  At my 6 weeks visit, my OB/GYN "accidentally" removed a rather large chunk of retained placenta.  I had a lot of bleeding so he had to do a D&C that afternoon.  He also accidentally perforated my uterus.  Now at 11 weeks postpartum, I started having a copious amount of milky discharge.  My OB/GYN was out of town, so my family doctor examined me.  She said she could see the fluid was coming out of the cervical os.  It showed a lot of white blood cells, but no bacteria or yeast.  I have had no fever.  She sent me for a CT scan because she was afraid I could have an abscess from the perforation or more retained placenta.  When I went for the CT scan, the lady told me that a CT scan would not show up retained placenta.  After several days of antibiotics, the discharge has stopped but now I am bleeding. I am not sure whether or not it is another complication or just my menstrual cycle.  Would a CT scan (with and without contrast) show up retained placenta?

[TTL]

Did she give you a reason a CT Scan could not find the placenta? Because I was wondering would it show an image of a baby or tumor in the uterus?

[annieannie]

bump

[tnt406]

HI HON SORRY TO HEAR YOUR BAD LUCK WITH DELIVERY,BUT HAPPY TO HEAR YOUR BABY HEAR WITH YOU.SINCE THE WOMAN AT THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT TOLD YOU CAT SCAN WOULDN'T SHOW ANY THING IT PROBABLY WANT.THEY KNOW WHAT WILL SHOW UP AND WHAT WANT.AS FOR THE BLEEDING,IT HAS BEEN 11 WEEKS SINCE GIVING BIRTH IT MIGHT BE YOUR PERIOD.HOW MANY DAYS HAVE YOU BEEN BLEEDING?HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU USUALLY BLEED?THESE ARE THE THINGS YOU NEED TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION FIRST BEFORE YOU START TO PANIC.STAY CALM AND SEE IF IT IS YOUR PERIOD.IS IT HEAVY OR LIGHT BLEEDING LIKE YOUR PERIOD?TAKE IT EASY AND REST JUST TAKE CARE OF YOU AND THE BABY DON'T DO NO HEAVY LIFTING OR EXTENSIVE BENDING OVER FOR ALONG PERIOD OF TIME.POST BACK IN IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.I AM NOT A DOCTOR JUST SOME ONE WHO CARES FOR YOU AND THE SAFETY OF YOUR BABY.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406

[Christie2004]

I don't know if a CT scan would, but a transvaginal ultrasound certainly would and its a heck of a lot cheaper and easier.  Good luck-you've been through the wringer!

[troid]

oh my im so sorry you have to go through this, especially after your first pregnancy, i dont want to sound rude but if you have any more children i would find a different OB/GYN. for them to "accidently" leave part of the placenta and then "accidently" hit your uterus is something else.the birth of a child is should be a joyous occassion, and virtually.... well i dont know the word im looking for but i want you to know that i have had 2 boys, ages 5 and 2 now and i cant even begin to imagine what you are going through. give your little one a hug and a kiss and just be thankfull he/she is healthy. i wish you and your new family the best good luck.
meg