"I had a surgical abortion at 13weeks! DON’T BE..."

After a failed medical abortion at 6 weeks, my only option was a surgical termination. After another 2 positive tests and pregnancy symptoms still continuing, I phoned and made an appointment for a scan to see what was going on. When I had my scan I was told I was now 12 weeks pregnant. I couldn’t even describe how anxious, confused and scared I was. I made an appointment for the following week to have my surgery. I arrived and within 5 minutes I was taken upstairs to see the nurse. She was AMAZING! Made me feel so ease and we laughed and joked. She described what would happen and this definitely eased my nerves. I was then met the surgical team doing the procedure and had my IV placed. This was definitely not as painful as having in done in a normal hospital. Due to being 13 weeks, I had to have medication to prepare my body. I was taken to the ward and got changed into a sarong type skirt. I then was given the medication and a comfy recliner chair to sit on with a blanket and heat pad to ease the cramping. I had my vitals checked every 20 minutes to make sure I was ok for surgery. Around 20 minutes after taking the meds I started cramping and bleeding. I was given a sanitary towel and change of sarong: I waited around 1hr 30 for the medication to work then was taken into theatre. I was asked to lie on the tablet and undo my sarong while still covering myself. I had some monitoring equipment put on me and my legs placed in the stirrup while still awake to ensure it didn’t hurt my back. The whole time I was covered. The anaesthetist then gave me strong pain relief and then the anaesthetic medication. Within 5 seconds I was out like a lightbulb and then I woke up by 2 lovely nurses who helped me into a wheelchair and moved me into recovery. I was only out for 20 minutes and also had the implant placed! I then was given water to sip and another heat pad and blanket. Once I was a little more awake- literally about 10 minutes, I was offered a coffee and biscuits. I was given antibiotics and pain relief as well. My vitals were checked and I was monitored for 20 minutes. I was then dying for a wee so I want to the toilet and got changed. The nurses were happy with my recovery and happy for me to leave. Considering I had a general anaesthetic, I felt good afterwards and I put this down the the amazing nurses there who looked after me all day and calmed my nerves. I would say to anyone who is considering having a surgical termination to get it done and don’t be scared!

Considering the circumstances, it was a pleasant experience and if I had to go back I wouldn’t hesitate!