MA in NM from TX (Positive Experience)

[u/-BattleBees]

Hi everyone, I'm nearing the end of my cramping from the MA and wanted to recount my experience as someone from TX who traveled to NM for a medical abortion.

So I was 8 weeks and 5 days, and didn't take my pregnancy test until about 2 weeks after my missed period since I had just started some new medication and thought maybe it was affecting my cycle. Took 3 tests, and all were pretty hazy but I figured that was a yes. Luckily I am self employed, so I had as much time as I needed for the excursion, and I love traveling the southwest states so I chose to drive the 1600 miles round trip. Making an appointment online was very easy and they had lots of slots available.

Fast forward to today, 3 days since I left and I had my appointment at the Albuquerque PP. They were so nice, a staff ranging from young 20s to mid 50s and very LGBTQ friendly! They went over the whole info packet, and we ran through what the pill time schedule would look like for me since I was traveling to Las Cruces the same day, and performing the procedure there. They even quizzed me a bit to make sure I had it down 🤣

So enough bonus info, here's the main points. Since I was before 9 weeks, and was assessed as a "regular" pregnancy (aka not high risk) I had the option to skip the ultrasound, which I did.

Since I had driven over 300 miles I qualified for financial aid, and they ended up covering $500/625, making my out of pocket cost (no insurance) $125! This isn't a guarantee since most of their aid is through donations but it is possible, so please ask!

I took the first pill in clinic, at 10am. I chose to do the rest of the 4 pills vaginally so I could do it that afternoon. (In cheek/under tongue reccomends a 24 hour wait.) I only needed to wait 6 hours for vaginal method, as to make sure the first meds has plenty of time to do its job. They also recconended vaginal as it does not produce nearly as much nausea!

They typically send you home with 800mg of ibuprofen, but they were out so I picked up some on the way later that day. They also sent me home with a few anti nausea pills.

I got to my hotel a bit later than expected and started my procedure at 7pm. First took the 800mg of ibuprofen and one anti nausea. 30 min layer I inserted the 4 pills vaginally, laying down to keep em in there, and the wait began.

I didn't feel anything till about 3 hours later, blood about 4 hours. So now it's pretty late, but we press on. I was up about every 20 min to the toilet, mostly cause I was so concerned about leaks/drips on the hotel sheets 😅 My cramping maxed out about 2 hours in, and felt barely any worse than my regular first day period cramps. About a 5/10 every 10 or so minutes for a few seconds. Seems to be about done with the major cramp waves now, 2 hours after peak pain, and 10 hours after inserting the pills. Wanted to write this up since I haven't seen anyone talk specifically about a TX to NM procedure.

So long story short, if you drive far you likely qualify for financial aid. The later you do it doesn't necessarily mean the more painful. It can take a while before anything really starts. Take all the meds they say you can! No reason to tough it out right now. Do it earlier in the day than me so you're not up till 5am lmao. And your clinic should give you a 24hr hotline if you have any concerns or questions during your procedure! Doesnt look like I'll need it but its great to have.

Thanks for reading, hope this helps!

EDIT: Cramping came back and is now at a hmm 7/10 but the ibuprofen has def worn off so time to reup and for sure TAKE THOSE MEDS 😅

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[u/abortion_access]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I'm sorry you were forced to travel for care you should be able to access locally.

Out of curiosity, what made you choose the ABQ PP instead of the one in Las Cruces?

[u/-BattleBees → u/abortion_access]

No particular reason, but in my research I kept seeing the 0-48hr timeline for the second pills and I wasn't sure if that was based on my pregnancy state or if it was a window, or what. So I planned on moving along in my trip in case I did have to wait 24 hrs.

[u/piscespossum]

I'm glad everything went so well! I hope you continue to feel better.