November 4, 2017
Ara, 23, Human Resource Officer
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
It’s been more than 2 weeks since I successfully done my medical abortion. I am still healing right now. I’m sorry it’s very long reflection.
So here’s how it happened for me..
Sept. 25- this was supposed to be the date of my menstruation. But it did not come, so I thought maybe it’s because I was just delayed since I’m really stresses at work that time.
Sept. 29- I was at work then, I went to the CR to pee but when I was about to flush the toilet I noticed that there were blood in my pee, so I thought my mens came. But that night at home, when I checked my pad it was clean as new. (I guess it was the implantation bleed)
That’s the moment I knew I am pregnant “again”. Yes. I already have a child, but my partner and I were not ready yet to have another in this time, in this situation where in we’re still struggling to fully support our first born. I did not use any contraceptives, I tried using the pills but I didn’t like how it messes with my hormones.
Oct. 1- at 3am I decided to take a PT. The result was faint positive. I told my partner about it and he told me to relax and we’ll talk about it later that morning. Eventually, we came up with one solution and that is to eliminate it in my body.
I began to research about abortion; I stumble upon a blog about using herbal meds for abortion. I quickly emailed this “sis” and she responded quickly, giving instructions on how to use herbal meds. She also suggested about the Project 486, , she said that these guys can really help me with my problem. So to make it short, I emailed Project 486, gave Sir Alex the requirements needed for the procedure. He gave me the number of my consultant, which is Sir John. I talked to Sir John the next day; we talked about the process of doing the procedure. He really assured me that as long as I follow the steps correctly nothing bad will happen to me.
Oct. 15- I paid for the meds.
Oct. 17- I got the meds
Oct. 18- DAY 1
I was already on a low folate diet, which was hard for me to do because I am always hungry.
4pm- 10pm- Fasting
At 9PM, 1 hour before the mife intake, I vomit. I was really hungry and I suffered from bile reflux.
10PM- I swallowed the mife with a glass of water then went to sleep.
Oct.19- DAY 2
I went to work and I was on a folate diet.
8PM- start of fasting
3AM- my partner helped me insert the vaginal miso. We adjusted the time because I vomit again. He was really careful in doing it. Sir John suggested that we should do the pillow maneuver. I was wearing an adult diaper then.
4AM- I began to worry because I’m not feeling anything. No cramps, nothing. I keep on texting Sir John, but he told me to just relax.
5AM- I started to feel some cramps little by little. I have a high pain tolerance because I already gave birth.
7AM- 2 Miso tab intake (bucally) for 45 minutes and swallow it without drinking water.
My partner gave me hot compress because I can’t tolerate the cramps anymore. It helps a lot.
10AM- 1 hour before the last miso intake, I ask my partner to help me up because I feel like I am going to vomit. Carefully, as I was walking towards the bathroom I felt that something came out of me. I felt that a lot of blood is coming and also I peed into my diaper.
My partner and I checked in inside the bathroom, we saw a big clot of blood. I was so nervous at that time. We washed it and send some pictures to Sir Alex for documentation and identification if it was already the sac.
1PM- Sir John told me that I can have my regular meal. I was so hungry then.
After I ate, Sir John asks me to call him. I describe him the big clot that came out of me. He told me that I am maybe in my 5th- 6th week. After our conversation, he told me that I am officially NOT pregnant.
My partner and I felt nothing but relief. We continue the day as if nothing happened and we’re glad that it’s over. All our evidences, we put it in a big garbage bag. I know that I am still in denial to what we did but also, it’s a good feeling that I was given a choice that my partner and I both know that “that choice” is much better and also for our future. Are we bad parents? I guess not. What we did is also for our son’s future and the kind of life we want to give him right now. We are only human; we make mistakes every day in our life. We are in control of our life and how we want it to be. We learn our lessons and move on.
I have nothing to say to Project486 but very big thanks! Thank you for not leaving my side during the procedure, especially to Sir Alex and Sir John. I know putting yourselves in this kind of job just to help patients like us to make a choice is very risky. More power to you guys!
-Ara, 23, Makati City