Hi
I don't think I've ever added a thread, but I did search the archives when I was making my decision, so thought I'd add my experience to help anyone in the same situation.
I found out I was pregnant with baby no. 5 about 4 weeks ago. I tried to feel happy, and to imagine another new born but all I felt was dread. So found myself looking for my options, and 2 weeks ago, phoned BPAS.
I got a callback from my local trust the following day, and the girl was brilliant. She explained my options, but though my own reading up, I had decided a surgical was the better option for me than medical, as I couldn't face seeing what would actually come away. Once I had said this, she said she thought it was the right option for me at the stage I would be at at the time of the procedure.
2 days ago, I went for my first appointment. A lovely doctor did a scan (monitor turned away from me), talked me through what would happen, and stressed that once I took the tablet that she gave me, it really was a done deal as this tablet could cause fetal abnormalities if I then decided to continue with the pregnancy.
Once I'd taken the tablet, a fabulous nurse took my bloods and got me to do a vaginal swab... And I was free to go.
This morning, I had the first appointment at the hospital. My husband took me up, to where we were greeted by the same nurse that id seen before. She took us into a waiting room, where my blood pressure would be taken. Unfortunately my nausea got the better of me and I was sick, but again, the nurse was fantastic and so reassuring.
Blood pressure normal, the doctor came in and gave me anti sickness tablet, and before long I had the gown on and was led into the second room. I had assumed my husband would be in with me but he was left in the waiting room.
Onto the bed, legs in stirrups, and the doctor explained every stage of the process. I was offer d gas and air, and some other wee whistle-like pain relief that you inhaled, but neither was necessary. One nurse on one side of me did a scan the whole way through to guide the doctor, the other nurse held my hand on the other side.
There was a little discomfort as they administered the local anaesthetic, and then what I can only describe as bad period cramps as the vacumn did it's job.within 10 minutes it was done, I went back in to my husband and got dressed. I would advise a sanitary towel for immediately after. There hasn't been much bleeding yet but enough that you just want the confidence that you're protected.
We came home and I've rested up, and am keeping paracetamol levels up to keep the cramp-y pain at bay.
Overall, if you're at this stage of pregnancy and know that continuing with the pregnancy is not an option, I'd recommend it. One of the nurses came in afterwards with tea and toast, and said it's much more clean cut and less traumatic for the woman.
I'm just thankful for the service and that I could avail of it. We're in northern Ireland, so up to very recently this would not have been an option for me. It's not something I ever saw myself doing, but here we are. I will avail of the informing choices councilling services in the coming weeks, but at the minute, no regrets. I've done the right thing for my family and the children that I already have.