Apologies for the sensitive subject but like many, I trawled this forum religiously and read every single thread I could before deciding which route of termination to choose.
I found most forums were really busy with replies but my previous one didn’t really get any, which was a shame as I needed a hand hold at the time and got myself really wound up beforehand.
I found out I was pregnant at 2-3 weeks, usual symptoms and quickly decided it wasn’t something I would want to continue for numerous reasons. I have unfortunately suffered horrific health anxiety in the last year and this sent me to the moon quite frankly. I was so unwell with pregnancy symptoms and then the severe stress was taking its toll.
I read all the threads here and originally opted for MA in a hospital setting which meant I could have strong pain relief if I needed that.
I had an ultrasound and it was confirmed at this point I was 4-5 weeks, after speaking with my husband I then decided that a MA was freaking me out with the unknowns and potential pain.
I then read surgical abortions weren’t so easily available in Scotland and again, freaked out.
I was lucky enough to phone my local sexual health clinic and they then popped me on the list for a surgical abortion under GA 11 days later.
I popped it to the back of my mind then 5 days before it starting scaring myself something awful. I wouldn’t eat, I was crying hysterically and felt completely trapped.
I had my surgical abortion yesterday and I cannot stress how pleasant it all was despite it being a horrible thing to do.
I arrived at hospital at 11.30, a day surgery ward however there was 4 girls there for the same as you could hear the nurse going through instructions.
we were kept private from each other with curtains drawn.
I was given ibuprofen, paracetamol, an anti sickness and then the two misopristol tablets to pop under my tongue. I was scared of taking these incase they caused me severe pain but in all honesty I felt absolutely nothing. I also didn’t get a sore mouth either.
The gynaecologist came to speak to me, lovely lady!
The anaesthetist then came and seen me, again a wonderful man. He reassured me he would keep me alive.
My obs were recorded throughout and then at 1.30 I was taken down to theatre.
I cried on my way down, it became very real when they started using ID badges to get through the theatre doors.
I was to be put to sleep inside the theatre as they didn’t have a big enough pre op room so I opted to keep my eyes closed. This was respected by all the nurses and one even asked me if I had a music preference to go off to sleep too.
I shimmied along to another bed, lay down and had the nicest nurse stroking my hand and hair. Every single staff member I encountered was an angel.
I have no recollection of falling asleep, I woke up in recovery completely ready to go and desperate for a sandwich.
the anaesthetist explained I wouldn’t be intubated as they only pop you to sleep for a short amount of time so most people spring back from that sort of anaesthetic really quickly and I did. It felt like waking up from a sleep.
I wasn’t in any pain, I bled a very small amount, less than a period.
I was discharged at 5pm and the relief I felt I can’t even describe.
I did have some cramping last night, not unmanageable but paracetamol helped.
I have woken up today, no bleeding, mild cramping and as horrible as this may sound it’s been a nice experience for me.
I'm not traumatised, there was no pain and I couldn’t have felt anymore looked after.
This post is to help anyone who maybe thinks it’s extreme to go down the surgical route. It’s genuinely not, I’m a huge wimp and honestly if I had to do it again I would choose this way.
I genuinely found it such a relief and pain free. My pregnancy symptoms are also all gone! My boobs are back to normal and I haven’t felt sick.
happy to answer any questions and hope this helps someone.