I write this thread to attempt to reassure other women, because googling led me to many horror stories and I was quite convinced I was going to die, and I had no idea what to expect of the whole process. Proceeding with the pregnancy would have been a disaster for all our family. It was never an option to continue.
I had a medical abortion via NUPAS at 6 weeks. Tip - the NUPAS helpline can see where has appointments for them, BPAS and MS. By calling them I was able to bring my telephone consultation forward by a full 6 days from the one offered by MS. The woman on the phone was very kind. I rang at about 7am shortly after the phone line opened.
You do not have to give them an emergency contact name during your consultation call. It asked a lot of questions, including about sexual and domestic abuse which I hadn’t expected. I was glad to have taken the call where I could not be overheard by family. It lasted about 40 minutes. The nurse was completely unjudgmental and did not attempt to change my mind at all.
You also do not have to agree to your GP receiving details of your procedure.
After the single call (I think BPAS needs two calls) my case was referred to the prescribing doctor the following day and my pills sent out that day.
The pills were sent to me in a plain white envelope though it did say it was confidential. They fitted through my letterbox.
The pack contained a pill to swallow, a pack of 6 pills to insert or swallow, 4 codeine phosphate tablets, quite a few leaflets and some condoms.
The first pill is quite large. I had no side effects from it. I took it late at night, and by morning could already feel that my hormone levels had changed.
I inserted the second set of pills (4 out of 6) vaginally a day later. I had taken some codeine. After about an hour I was violently sick. The pain grew intense and I was glad of a hot water bottle. It was a constant pain not like contractions in waves. I started bleeding a bit after 4 hours, but not a huge amount. I called the helpline at about 2am and it was answered immediately by a friendly nurse who advised me that I might as well put in the remaining tablets too. After that I bled more and passed some clots, by this time on the loo. I didn’t look at all. I took more codeine and actually managed to sleep and the pain was much better by morning. I found it helped to keep warm. I was glad to have had my partner with me, and would recommend having someone with you if you can, even if only in the same house. It reassured me that if I did start to haemorrhage he would get me to hospital.
I bled for about ten days afterwards, equivalent to a heavy period, definitely heavier than my usual.
I worked from home for the first few days afterwards and would definitely not have wanted to go anywhere, as I felt weak. I also kept a hot water bottle with me for a few days and wrapped up warm and ate comfort foods.
I do not wish the need for a termination on anyone, but I am so very grateful that I was able to access one with relative speed and ease. It was much less dreadful than I was anticipating. I hadn’t realised that 1 in 3 women has had an abortion.
I wish anyone who needs it every strength.