Anybody else had surgical abortion whilst awake?

[Poppet626]

Hi all, so today after a few very hard weeks of thinking and crying.. i am going ahead with a surgical abortion today whilst awake. Its been a very difficult decision but due to financial issues and just not feeling ready i have made this decision. I do feel guilty about it, i feel alot of shame but i also feel absolutley petrified of the procedure.. im really not good when it comes to thinks like having a vaginal examination.. having my cervix touched often causes me to want to faint/vomit. Also worried about side effects like my cervix or uterus being damaged.. scared of the cramping and what ill feel afterwards.. just absolutely terrified to be honest but i went for this option as i know the medical option means passing it at home and i absolutely dont want that. Im 8 weeks and 6 days today. Anybody out there been through this and able to share their experience with me? Thank you

I had a surgical termination but was put to sleep under GA. Are you sure you'll be awake? 🤔 It's quite invasive.

Best of luck Poppet. I've not had one awake but have under anaesthetic. It wasn't too bad at all and the nurses were very nice. The physical cramps etc were manageable. Overall I was relieved not to be pregnant - it was really not the right time. You'll get through it.

Hopefulmidfwife yes i think local anasthetic but that still means awake right? My nearby clinic doesnt offer GA :( id take it if i could

😞 best of luck to you. When I had mine I only had very minor cramping - if at all. Just make sure when you're home look after yourself and relax. Just a heads up though for your first period after, as that's usually very heavy.

I've had one OP, although it was for a missed miscarriage, but I imagine the procedure is the same. I was about 8/9 weeks.

I had the MVA procedure under local anaesthetic (an injection in the cervix) as I didn't want the GA and extra recovery etc.

I won't lie to you OP, it was painful. I went into hospital and was admitted to the ward in the morning where I was given a pessary to soften cervix and some pain medication. They offer morphine but I refused it (I would take it if you get chance OP!)

The injection to the cervix (the local anaesthetic) wasn't too bad. I had an amazing nurse who held my hand and was also able to have OH with me holding my other hand while I was in the stirrups which was nice. It is a bit odd being in that position and quite clinical, in my case the surgeon was talking to another consultant who was learning the procedure. But I agreed to the second person, and didn't bother me too much.

The actual procedure whereby they remove the products was extremely quick. The whole thing took ten minutes I'd say. Whatever they use makes a suction type sound which is quite unpleasant. I did have to ask them to stop at one point though. It was very painful (but also quick, and may have been better had I taken morphine!) However, I too have problems with cervical shock it turns out! Had a bit of a funny turn/fainting episode once the products were released but nurse was amazing and after an hour recovering and some tea and toast I went home, although didn't drive as I was a bit shaky.

Did lose quite a bit of blood and totally forgot to bring pads. Had to use the awful nhs ones! So don't forget!

All in all, if I had to go through it again I would. It was very painful and I didn't react well to it. BUT it was quick, fast recovery and didn't have to stay in hospital for long.

If you have any questions I'm happy to answer! Just make the right choice for you!

Also, just to add in terms of worries about scarring and stuff, I'm now pregnant again, nearly 18 weeks, my cycle went back to normal very quickly afterwards.

I had one period, which came 30 days after the surgery (which is classed as day one of your new cycle). After that, I chose to try again the next month and became pregnant straight away. Everything seems to be going well and my cervix and uterus all seem normal from scans.

Not suggesting your circumstances are the same and you want to get pregnant again or anything, but in my case my fertility doesn't seem to be affected and all going well so far

Another thing OP - cramping was quite intense immediately afterwards, but within about half an hour it was mild and easily manageable with paracetamol.

I bled about three weeks, on and off, sometimes heavily and sometimes lightly. After the three weeks I had a negative pregnancy test.

The pain and bleeding afterwards wasn't too bad IMO

I agree with foxd0g a fair and accurate description. TBH i am quite strong mentally with internals and smears and coil insertion but i did find this procedure traumatic. Physically uncomfortable and discomfort rather than painful. I just didn't cope mentally with the suction procedure. I tried to zone out but wish i'd been sedated
I am just being honest and hope that doesn't worry you.
If it is 100% something you are sure about it then it is quick and safe and i hear better than the medicalised option. Sadly I was only 80% sure, it came down to awful timing and some other reasons. I wonder whether that was in my mind. I wish you luck.

Yep it's quite a hard thing to zone out of like @Chosennone said.

I had the medical option as a termination in my teens. Hard to compare the procedures as one I was sure I didn't want to continue the pregnancy, and the other was ten years later and a much wanted pregnancy that didn't work out. But I would choose the local anaesthetic surgery over the medication ANY day!

How did it go @Poppet626?
Hope you're feeling ok

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with me. Bluejelly

It went okay, as others said was over very quickly.. procedure itself was very painful for me and yes quite traumatic to the point i was moaning in pain and crying but i think everyone takes it differently.. like i said having anything done down there is something i really hate but i was looked after well and it was over quick.. i have bled abit since but not much. The cramping after was quite bad but not unmanageable and reduced very quickly, they gave me some tea, buiscits and a hot pad for my stomach afterwards. They gave me the contraceptive implant about 30 minutes later and then i got to go home. I slept when i got home and OH has been very good at looking after me as have had very little energy and a little crampy. Just spent all day in bed with a hot water bottle and ate lightly.. had soup and bread for dinner. To sum it all up it was extremely unpleasent for me and painful but the worst pain for me came from the procedure itself and its over and done with within 5-10 mins. Thanks all again for sharing your stories with me xx

Really well done for getting through it @Poppet626
These things are never nice but once they are done they are done. I hope you continue to make a good recovery. Take care of yourself

I hope you're good today. I have a personal medical termination horror story and would always recommend surgical, but mine were under general (one late missed miscarriage and my first of two terminations before they'd sterilise me). Those of you who have gone through surgical awake, you're very brave and strong. Get well soon

I’m in a Similar situation - I’m 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant and I’m booked in for a Vacuum abortion this Thursday and I’m petrified - I can’t have the local anaesthetic because I’m allergic to it and I’m only allowed paracetamol and gas and air.
I’m terrified of the pain most have said you get and I will be on my own. Although I have to have it because there is no heartbeat I still feel very guilty and sad. If anyone would have any advice on how painful it actually is or what actually happens I would be much Appreciative xx