Anyone had a medical abortion without codeine? What was the pain like?

[pregnantncnc]

I'm breastfeeding so can't take the codeine that would usually be prescribed. My appointment is tomorrow and I'll be 6 weeks. I'm incredibly nervous about the pain, as I will need to be partially looking after my 13 month old at the same time (taking both parts at home over 2 days), although DH is working from home so will be there if needed. My view is that if the pain wasn't too bad, they wouldn't prescribe codeine as standard, would they? So paracetamol probably won't touch it?
My mental health absolutely cannot withstand a pregnancy at the moment so I know this is the right choice, I'm just terrified. Any advice?

Yes, I was prescribed codeine aithout having asked for it but didnt use it. Mainly as I felt faint and dizzy (common reaction to pain for me) so I didnt want to be even more dizzy.

Its painful, no doubt. However I managed on ibuprofen and paracetamol. Laid in bed and managed the pain, I'd advise laying down as it's not comfortable to walk around.
I would really recommend someone else look after your child. The first pill on day 1 doest cause any pain so you should be fine
One the second day I would really recommend someone be looking after you child, your uterus will be contracting and you'll need to rest.
My daughter was at nursery and I was okay by the time she came home but tried to not do much lifting.

No advice but sending you the biggest hug, OP. I had my phone consultation this morning and the pills should be here in a few days. I am also still breastfeeding so can’t take codeine. The midwife I spoke to said to take the paracetamol and ibuprofen soon after taking the second tablet to head the pain off at the pass.

I hope you are ok

I was sent codeine and I didn't use it. I found rotating paracetamol and ibuprofen was enough along with my hot water bottle.

I was prescribed a packet for medical abortion but one took one, absolutely hanging things, never again.

Anyway, the pain was like a really bad period whilst the main clots passed then was just like normal period so I carried on with stuff.

Thank you for all of the replies. I ended up panicking and taking the second pill on Wednesday evening (36 hours later) rather than Thursday morning in the hope that the worst of it would be overnight when DS was sleeping. (I was told 24-48 hours after, but to aim closer to 48hrs).

In case anyone else sees this and wants to know my experience: I just had spotting and dull mild period cramps for a couple of hours and took paracetamol, then suddenly I had a much more intense sharp cramping and barely made it to the bathroom before (TMI!) blood was pouring out of me like a tap for about 5 minutes and I passed a few clots. I had bleeding like a moderate period after that overnight (less than my usual periods), felt quite lightheaded and passed some clots but managed to sleep quite well. Thursday just light bleeding with a bit more when I peed, I felt totally fine, didn't take any painkillers and took DS out to the park. I probably overdid it a bit as yesterday (Friday) the bleeding picked back up and is the same today, but is genuinely just like a period (heavy, but mine always are) and paracetamol is doing the trick.

@ProfondoRosso I hope your treatment goes well, big hugs back to you The pain wasn't as bad as I was expecting, definitely didn't need the codeine, although BF has become a bit painful (although this also happened to me when my periods returned so I think my boobs are just very sensitive to hormones).