THERE IS A TOO MUCH INFORMATION GRAPHIC WARNING ON THIS REPLY, but I want to be open and honest about my experience and give people the opportunity to have information I didn't.
I've been researching this drug on the internet and all I've found seems to be confusion and the belief that somehow going under a general anaesthetic for d&c is safer than this medication. There is a risk EVERY time you go under a general anaesthetic.
I am currently taking it to bring on expulsion of a missed miscarriage - which has been dead inside me for 3 weeks. I had four tablets inserted today at 1:30 at the hospital. (they must have been designed by a man because they have corners - OUCH! hexagons!??? I ask you! - Why oh Why?) (technically 9 weeks 1 day pregnant and very very sad about this whole situation)
I took pain killers at 3pm because I felt some cramping coming on. at 4:30 my legs got weak and I became cold, clammy, sweaty, nauseous and dizzy. hubby said I looked like I was strung out on drugs. I felt like I was on BAD ecstasy.
I felt like my bowels wanted to move but they wouldn't. I felt like I wanted to vomit but I couldn't.
I sat on the loo for an hour with a bucket in front of me and rocked (it helps) with a hot water bottle. The pain was the WORST I've ever felt (and I've been bitten by a red back spider - previously #1 on the most painful list, followed by a natural miscarriage - but that was ten years ago so I may have forgotten how bad that ACTUALLY was).
I noticed that breathing like I was in labour and sucking on ice cubes helped a whole lot.
at 5:30 I fell asleep for 10 minutes (on the loo) and when I woke I felt fine. Cramps gone. Ten minutes before I'm allowed to take more codeine, the pain comes back but I'm strict with myself. at 11pm I started bleeding (big time!) right on schedule.
The pain is not so bad and I'm glad I'm at home and I didn't choose a d & C which in my mind is something invasive that could damage my uterus or include something as dangerous as a general anaesthetic. I was terrified of this because the idea of being completely out of control in a room with strangers makes me want to run and hide.
UPDATE: 5 hours since bleeding started, haven't had another pain reliever and haven't needed one although I might in a bit. I can't sleep, not sure I want to, I just want to monitor. Cramps gone and put hot water bottle away (maybe just for now but we'll see). Still lots of blood...I have never seen so much!
UPDATE: 14 hours since bleeding started and I feel fine. Like I'm having a heavy period.
I DEFINITELY think I made the right choice now.
