Hiya chick, I hope you see this in time. I had a surgical yesterday at 15+1, so it’s pretty much the same process. I didn’t have rods though, I was given a tablet 24 hours ahead of time that would loosen the cervix.
Who are you having the abortion with? I was with BPAS and I honestly cannot express how amazing everyone was there.
I had to travel 3.5 hours to bournmouth as that was the soonest and only available surgical clinic they had. I was first of all greeted by a first nurse who asked me what I would like to do with the pregnancy afterwards, they offer for them to discreetly take care of it or for me to take it and deal with it myself. I decided to let them do it, but I did take home some scans which I am going to do my own little goodbye with.
I was then taken to another room where I met another nurse, she told me to get gowned up and get rid of all jewellery etc. I was then taken through to the surgical unit, they check you blood pressure etc, pop heart monitor stickers on your chest and a cannula in your arm. You meet the anesthetiser and surgeon and can ask them any questions, I was concerned because I always haemorrhage when I’ve had surgeries before so they take you very seriously and reassure you.
Once I was wheeled into the main room, they pop an oxygen mask on and insert the liquid into your cannula for you to fall asleep. Next thing you know, you’re awake in the recovery room. I was in there for 30 minutes from waking up, but it felt like 10 minutes. They give you water, check your bleeding etc. I did feel intense cramps which is very normal, they gave me a strong dose of ibuprofen and paracetamol and I was able to drink as much water as I needed. After half an hour, you’re able to stand up, I got into a wheelchair and was taken to another recovery room.
in here, they put me in a comfty chair with mats laid down. I was checked for my blood pressure and stats, I had low blood pressure. They made me eat some light snacks, I had crisps and some biscuits and about 5 cups of juice. My blood pressure was still low so they took me to the toilet and once I was back it went up. I did have heavy bleeding, they check the bleeding and although it was dripping, it wasn’t a concern to them, they just monitored me for a little bit longer. Once my BP had gone up, they helped to get me dressed. I then had to wait for the discharge, once I was discharged, my partner came in to get me and we got in the car and off we went.
The women there were so highly trained and just impeccable with their treatment of me. I felt so looked after, listened to and understood. No judgement nothing. It was a pleasant experience for what it was.
I was very tearful last night, the bleeding has gone to a very light period now, but I was crying a lot. It wasn’t a cry of regret, it was just emotion and overwhelming feelings. I went to bed with only light cramping and I have woken up this morning and I feel relieved. There are some feelings of guilt, but not regret. I just remind myself the reason I did it, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the right thing to do all round.
im sure I will have emotions, I’m sure I will reach due dates and wonder ‘what if’ but what ifs can be for anything in all walks of life. I think it helps once it’s done babes, I was an emotional wreck before and now that it’s over, I can just work on this outcome as opposed to wondering what to do and being scared etc.
I have made a promise to myself to really work on myself now, be the best I can be for me 10 year old son. To improve my health and quality of life and to really use this as a pivotal point for positive change in my life.
I hope this helps and please try to find some sense of security in what I have told you. You will be fine, you’re making this decision for a reason and things always get better. You have an emotional ride ahead of you, but we all have to strength to cope. You will get through babes, good luck xx