QuestionHello Dr Joan,
Yesterday I tool my 2nd dose of the abortion pill. 4 x Misoprostol, orally. For
the first 5 hours i was in hell, severe diarrhea, severe contractions, chills,
shakes, nausea and light bleeding. I took painkillers which helped the pain. I
am bleeding but not heavily. I was in pain all day and night (was awoken in
the middle of the night sweating and in agony feeling like my uterous is
being ripped out). Today Im still in pain but I am dosed up on pain killers. I
am still bleeding but not heavily. I have passed one small clot. I called the
clinic and they said it could take 7 days to expel the pregnancy. Does this
sound right to you? I have to start a new job on monday (it saturday night
now), is there anything I can do to get this out of me and feel well enough to
work by monday?? thanks
AnswerDear Ali,
Your experience of medical abortion is not typical. Usually the symptoms of significant pain should not last more than 8 hours after the misoprostol (2nd pills). When you have continued intense pain, it usually indicates that the pregnancy tissue has gotten stuck in your cervix. If you continue to have pain like this, you will need to see the doctor, and should not wait seven days. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to dislodge the tissue - - you can try taking a warm bath and massaging your lower abdomen. You can also try having intercourse - I am sure that sounds like terrible advice, but sometimes it can help move the tissue. Bleeding after sex would be a good thing. If you continue to have pain, you will need to have an evaluation. I'm sorry you are having such a difficult experience.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
