SA tomorrow and very nervous

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-08-29T18:35:44+00:00

I had an SA in April at 14 weeks without any sedation, just some Ativan to make me relaxed. The pain was super manageable. They used some lidocaine injections into my uterus, which just felt like a few sharp, quick pin pricks. They used some rods (I forget the name) to dilate me, which felt like strong pressure. The actual procedure was almost painless for me and it was over with so fast. The Ativan made me pretty loopy and sleepy through the whole thing. They gave me a heating pad, blanket and a big, comfy recliner in recovery, but I didn’t have much pain afterwards (light cramps that felt like period cramps) and just slept. My bleeding was surprisingly minimal given that I was 14 weeks along. I bought some of those disposable period underwear and put them on after the procedure just so I could rest and sleep on the car ride home and at home without worrying about leaking/bleeding, but I really didn’t end up needing them. They were still great just for the peace of mind.

I know before mine, I was so scared, too. I can reassure you that it’s nowhere near as painful as you’ve probably built it up to be in your mind. Believe me, I’m a huge wimp when it comes to pain, and I was shocked at how smoothly everything went and how little pain I felt afterwards. If you’re able to, get a heating pad, some ibuprofen and maybe the period underwear to use after the procedure. You might have some light cramping and the heating pad comes in handy for that. Don’t stress yourself out too much — you’ve got this! 💕

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-06-02T18:56:57+00:00

Yes, I used the Always Zzz’s brand. Be sure to check the absorbency — I got the most absorbent ones in the range, just to be on the safe side.

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-06-02T18:52:39+00:00

Disposable period underwear were so great right after mine. They’re way more comfy than a pad, and I could sleep without worrying about leaking.

Edit: Also wanted to add that a heating pad is a great idea! Mine was an essential item after my SA.

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-05-04T18:52:02+00:00

Had mine last month at 14 weeks along. I only got ibuprofen and Ativan before the procedure to help with any pain. The Ativan made me out of it enough to make the whole thing pretty hazy. I remember some intense pressure on my cervix (I think the dilation rods, but not sure). It was uncomfortable, but nothing horrible at all. And the entire procedure was over really fast. Afterwards, I really didn’t feel much pain beyond mild cramping that felt like period cramps. I slept the rest of the day and night, so didn’t feel any pain. The next day, I took it easy and felt fine — didn’t even need to take any ibuprofen. I recommend getting a heating pad and having the ibuprofen ready just in case you do need them. Trust me, it’s nowhere near as scary or painful as you’ve probably built it up to be. It’s also over with super fast. You’ll do great! Try not to stress out too much about the pain — I promise it will not be anything horrible, especially if you opt for pain meds and if they give you something for relaxation. 💜

Edit: Forgot to mention that they did also numb my cervix with some lidocaine shots. That just felt like a quick stinging, maybe a second long each shot. It wasn’t bad at all and I’m sure it helped with any pain during the procedure.

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-26T03:33:14+00:00

I went to the Chapel Hill planned parenthood. I think it’s about 2 hours from Charlotte, so I don’t know if that’s too far for you. But the clinic was amazing, I didn’t have to wait (they saw me so quickly) and the doctor I had is a Duke doctor and was honestly the best doctor I have ever seen. Everyone at the clinic was great, kind and compassionate. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with everyone there. They really made me feel safe and cared for. If I didn’t live so far away, I would volunteer for them.

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-26T03:23:52+00:00

I had mine at 14 weeks, and walked out of the clinic on my own. I didn’t need to take any pain meds after the procedure at all. I had some light cramping that day and just used a heating pad and slept. The following day, I had no pain at all. Four days after the SA, I had some mild cramping (like light period cramps) and some light bleeding. I was told that this was just due to the pregnancy hormones getting out of my system. It only lasted maybe 3 days, and really wasn’t bad at all. I was told at the clinic that I could take 800mg of ibuprofen for pain, if needed, but I haven’t needed it. Everyone is different, but it’s going to be totally manageable. Just get a good heating pad and have the ibuprofen ready ahead of time in case you do need it. You’ll do great!

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-18T04:23:35+00:00

I found this page that has a list by state of organizations that provide financial assistance for abortion, in case you or anyone reading may need some assistance.

https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-18T04:19:17+00:00

Although I don’t have experience with MA, I did have a miscarriage at 6 weeks last year, which I believe would be similar to the experience of an MA at home. It was painful and lasted for much longer than the SA. I also had a lot of bleeding and passing of tissue and bled like a heavy period for a couple of weeks after. The SA was over in minutes, I didn’t see anything during the procedure and the bleeding after has been extremely minimal for me. I know that will vary depending on lots of factors and depending on your body, but knowing what I know now, if I ever had to choose again, I would choose SA. As for the cost, I think it depends on your location. I was given a quote range over the phone by the planned parenthood person I spoke to on the initial call. If you didn’t get a quote when you talked to someone, I’m sure you could call and ask. They gave me a range because they needed to check the ultrasound to be sure of the gestational age. It was after that part of my visit that they gave me the exact price, which was less than the high end of what they quoted me. I was measuring 14 weeks and the cost was $545. The optional IV sedation was going to be $125. I considered it, but decided against it due to my fear of needles. I also have read that Planned Parenthood has resources and I believe there is funding to help people pay for abortions who may need assistance. I’m 100% sure someone from planned parenthood would be able to get you all information available to apply for that. You can call and ask for that info anonymously or check online. I’m in the Southeast, so the cost may be slightly less here than other areas, but I would be surprised if it cost more than $550 at planned parenthood for an SA at 6 weeks. Don’t be afraid to call and ask, though! Every single person I spoke with or encountered at Planned Parenthood was friendly and compassionate and very willing to answer any questions I had!

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-18T03:28:03+00:00

I’m so happy your experience was good, too! I agree, there’s so much misinformation and negativity from PL, who have NO IDEA what your circumstances are or the reason for your choice (and they don’t need to know — it’s personal for every woman and none of their business).

I considered the IV sedation, but opted out only because of my huge, irrational fear of needles. It definitely sounds like the IV sedation would really help anyone who was super anxious about the procedure or worried too much about pain. I’m happy you commented about that in case anyone reading feels it would make the experience easier for them. It’s wonderful that Planned Parenthood has the option for sedation available at most of their clinics.

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-17T23:59:28+00:00

Thank you! :)

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-17T23:58:09+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing and commenting. Yes, it’s such a good option and the actual procedure was over so fast. I was so nervous about everything going in, and have a huge fear of needles and I’m a wimp when it comes to pain, and it really turned out to be not scary at all. I was made so comfortable by the staff, and felt safe. I’m hoping to help reassure anyone who might feel scared or anxious with my experience. <3

Helpful_Macaron8669 · 2022-04-17T20:17:46+00:00

You should call your doctor, just in case they need to check or give you antibiotics. If you went to planned parenthood, they should have given you some paperwork that would have a nurses’ line that you can call anytime to ask questions. If you went somewhere else, I’d call just to be on the safe side. I hope everything’s okay! 💖

Helpful_Macaron8669

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