Surgical/In clinic Abortion at 8 weeks went very well!

I initially discovered I was pregnant about 2 weeks ago after a late period and was contemplating my options when it came to abortion. It wasn’t a super hard decision to make as my partner and I are not financially stable and we aren’t sure if we want children.

I have several friends who chose to take the medication and I’ve heard they had really painful experiences and I did not want to be in pain for a whole day and hide that I was in pain for days as I felt my family would notice and I did not want to tell them. I chose to go the surgical/in clinic procedure and I had a great experience. Everyone made me feel comfortable and I can’t thank the staff enough.

I had my appointment at 6:30 AM and I arrived on time I was shocked to see protesters that early and especially in SoCal?! I ignored them however one protester had a microphone and I was able to hear it while I was in the waiting room -.- I checked in and filled out several forms and waited to be called. I then provided a urine sample and was led into a room where an MA asked me several questions concerning my health history. It’s important to be honest as they are going to sedate you and want to be as safe as possible! He then informed me about my birth control options and I chose a Paragard IUD as it does not have hormones. I’ve been scared of getting an IUD before since I heard it was very painful but wanted it after the procedure since I would already be dilated and sedated. I then went back to the waiting room and thankfully could not hear the protesters.

I was called again and they performed an ultrasound. I expected to be 6 weeks but it turns out I was 8 weeks. They ask if you want to see the ultrasound but I declined. I asked for a photo so I can see when I’m emotionally ready. I was then told to undress and wear a gown. I went to a different waiting room and I was called later to get my IV. I was told the IV was filled with saline to hydrate me and I would not be sedated until it was time for the procedure. I went back to the waiting room and waited until my name was called.

I then went into a different room and my heart almost sank when I realized this is where my procedure will be. After I laid down and was positioned I started crying because a flood of emotions came over me mostly because I was so scared of being in pain. I was scared because I was the first of anyone I know to choose this method but the staff was amazing at making me comfortable. The anesthesiologist was great and started to sedate me and she kept me so distracted and calmed me down that it was over before I knew it!! I didn’t feel a thing. I did kind of feel the IUD since I was told when the procedure was done and they would be inserting the IUD. But overall my pain was 2-3/10 I barely felt anything. After they moved me into another room to recover and they monitored me for about 20 minutes but I barely remember it. They called my driver to pick me up in the back of the parking lot. I took a few moments to cry but we took off around 11:30. Unfortunately there was still protestors when we left but the security guard said they’re there every week.

I am now home from my procedure and I am bleeding which is normal but it just feels like a heavy period. I have some cramps but it’s not terrible. Anyways I wanted to share my experience while it’s very fresh in my memory. I read several stories on this sub when I was nervous and did not know what to expect. Please feel free to message me if you’re scared or just need to talk ❤️