Today I had my surgical abortion under general anaesthetic at Marie Stopes in Leeds
By anonymous on 04/04/2013
Today I had my surgical abortion under general anaesthetic at Marie Stopes in Leeds. First of all I would like to make a point of thanking the staff there, they were all friendly, efficient and fantastic in making me feel at ease and safe. I would recommend their services to anyone considering to go through with the procedure.I took a pregnancy test last week as I'd been feeling very ropey for a few months and 'not quite myself', to find it positive. Having been on Cerazette contraceptive pill for the last couple of years, I'd grown used to not having a period each month so I didn't really have much to go off. (For the record I've now changed back to Microgynon.)Suddenly feeling very pregnant from the result I spoke to my doctor and explained abortion is the only option - they then gave me Marie Stopes number to contact. The person I spoke with was very helpful and arranged the next available appointment for me immediately. I had my consultation over the phone.
The next step was the clinic. By this point I still hadn't told the father as my head was very hazed with the positive result, and to be honest I was feeling extremely panicked, unsure and confused. I've always been one who said with certainty that if faced with this situation, there would be no doubt in my mind that I would have an abortion if my circumstances weren't ideal such as unsteady relationship, financially and age - all relevant at present - **but I must say when it's actually real, the choice is a great deal harder.**
I arrived at the clinic alone and had to wait a while. I then had my bloods taken and my scan. I was 13 weeks and 3 days. I could not believe what I was hearing! I imagined I could have been around 6 - 8 weeks. This changed things as I started to imagine the growing baby inside as opposed to cells which was making the thought of the procedure easier to deal with. I had to speak to the father before going through with it, but booked my next appointment (today) as I know how busy they can get.
I spoke with him and we decided as sad as the situation is, abortion is still the only option. We both have big plans for the future and this isn't the way either of us wanted to start a family. He's been very supportive.
It's now a few hours after my procedure, I'm at home, I feel fine and like a weight has been lifted. I was terrified of the pain I would feel afterwards and the thought of the surgery as I waited to go in, but again I can't thank the staff enough for making me feel comfortable. The last thing I remember is the nurse holding my hand as they gave me the anaesthetic and chatting to me... then waking up in the recovery room to a brew and biscuits. I did experience heavy dull period pains, but nothing too extreme and they gave me a heated pad to ease this. I had to wait an hour then they dismissed me.
So for anyone anticipating the treatment, women's experiences afterwards I'm lead to believe can vary so try not to be too afraid - the main thing is that you make the right decision for you! I read quite a few inspirational stories in the week waiting from other women who had been through the same and know they made the right choice. No one should be made to feel like they are doing a bad thing. Good luck!
