Comments on: Day 2: Reader Questions, Methotrexate Injections, and a Big Ol’ Bag O’ Drugs

By: Cheri

Cheri — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:29:14 +0000

I had a medical abortion in June, in the US. I was given a pill at the clinic of a progesterone blocker instead of the methotrexate. It was explained to me that the progesterone stopped the pregnancy from growing and inhibited it from attaching to the uterus. I was then given a whole kit of meds to bring home and start 24 hours later. The misoprostol (4 tablets), an anti-nausea med, an antibiotic and a script for Tylenol-3 (if needed).

The misoprostol was taken orally, all four pills, in the lower, back gums of the mouth. I had to allow them to dissolve for an hour and then drink and swish the rest down with water. The cramps started at that time. I didn’t think the medical abortion was nearly as traumatic as my surgical abortion 11 years ago, however I was 17 then, and 10 weeks, with this one I was 5wks 3days.

I agree that abortion is always a monumental decision, but now always a difficult decision. I have a loving partner of 15 years,two lovely children, one with special needs, and we are barely scraping by as a family, I couldn’t have another child, nor did I want one at the time.

By: Ms. M

Ms. M — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:35:36 +0000

PhDork, I’ve been thinking the same thing. This is a lot of effort to obtain, certainly not obtainable on a whim.

By: PhDork

PhDork — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:14:40 +0000

The thing that’s really striking to me about this is how difficult (in terms of time, effort, and, depending on your health care, money) the supposedly easy-peasy medical/chemical abortion is. Any jerk-burger who ever says “oh, abortions are the easy way out” or only for “irresponsible” slatterns needs to read this, several times. And then STFU.

While medical abortion may be easier than carrying a pregnancy (wanted or un-) to term, it’s no lark. And it doesn’t seem a whole lot easier than a surgical abortion, either.

Thinking of you, MA.

By: mischiefmanager

mischiefmanager — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:16:44 +0000

I’m with you all the way, MA. Hugs and love to you and your family.

By: Mackey

Mackey — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:13:58 +0000

Echoing other commenters sentiments for sharing your experience.

I realise that women will experience a medical abortion differently. I’m interested in the next couple of days when the cramping and other bodily symptoms become more pronounced.

@MA – thank you! I’m glad that you are able to access the medical care and follow up that all women should be able to access. I hope that the next weeks go smoothly..

By: blind irish pirate

blind irish pirate — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:10:05 +0000

I’m amazed that they use methotrexate in medical abortions, since it is a low (such a low) dose of chemo. I mean, it makes sense, since it is fetotoxic, but, dang. I also have RA, and it is not a drug that I would chose to be on otherwise.

As a side note, misoprostol, when taken orally, aids in decreasing nausea and ulcers. …Clearly not applicable, but I just wanted to share.

Personally, I’m glad you are sharing this. It’s a destigmatizer, if you will.

By: Ms. M

Ms. M — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:05:39 +0000

Ah, I see. I know about taking folic acid to help side effects of mtx but I guess in this case they WANT the side effects.

By: JetGirl

JetGirl — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:06:06 +0000

Ms. M, I believe the methotrexate is less effective when you eat foods with a lot of folic acid in them. Ironically, I take extra folic acid when I’m on it, because it tempers the side-effects, like nausea and hair loss. It’s a weird balance.

By: JetGirl

JetGirl — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:59:18 +0000

Thanks for answering my question! I hope it all goes well for you.

By: Ms. M

Ms. M — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:34:43 +0000

I was very curious about the methotrexate as well (JetGirl, I also have RA).

I take some meds that have nausea as a side effect, and it blows. There are things they can give you for that, though not sure they can with your med combo. Ask if it gets too bad. Seriously. I’m getting queasy in solidarity just thinking about it. And fistbump on the injections. Sounds like they were IM (intramuscular) which is never fun times. No needles are fun times I guess, but IM is much less fun than subQ (subcutaneous).

Why do you have to avoid certain foods? I am not clear on that, or have missed you explaining it, sorry.

I had no idea the misoprostol tablets were taken vaginally. Amazing the things I don’t know.

Again, thanks for posting all this, all the info you gives out helps others know what it is really like. Then those others can help others, and on outward in a ripple effect.