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Brooklynn06
05-17-2008, 12:44 AM
As for the Rh stuff...I wasn't tested for it after my miscarriage...so it must not be standard .... But I agree, it IS important.

And no, they cant just check your history to see if you are or not, it doesn't show up until pregnancy. Basicially, the first pregnancy the baby is either rh+ or Rh -. If positive, no worries. If it's negative, no worries FOR THAT PREGNANCY. but subsequent pregnancy's, since you have the negative factor in your blood, it will clash with future pregnancies and cause a miscarriage.

* Thats the basic understanding I have from memory.*

I disagree with this completely. You are RH- or RH+ from birth. You do not have to get pregnant to find out whether or not you are positive or negative. The baby doesn't make you positive or negative.

Flick6
05-17-2008, 01:12 AM
Hope things get easier when you get home and leave some of your bullshit stresses behind.

Peanut_Butter
05-17-2008, 01:43 AM
I disagree with this completely. You are RH- or RH+ from birth. You do not have to get pregnant to find out whether or not you are positive or negative. The baby doesn't make you positive or negative.
Yeah, your right. I was trying to say the first pregnancy didnt cause trouble, but the second one can. I was just going off memorry from nursing school 6 years ago and obviously got a little mixed up.

kitana
05-17-2008, 05:19 AM
^^I haven't heard about that before. Can you please provide a link to a published news story about that?

Basically the founder of PP was a Nazi sympathizer and a huge supporter of eugenics. She had made off hand comments to that very effect before, but I dunno if any of them were "on the record".

Here's her Wiki article, for anyone that wants to read it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger

kitana
05-17-2008, 05:29 AM
As for the Rh stuff...I wasn't tested for it after my miscarriage...so it must not be standard .... But I agree, it IS important.


I was always told you don't have to worry about it if you have a + blood type, but I dunno.

I never had to worry about it, but then again, I am A+. *shrug*

jaizaine
05-17-2008, 10:41 AM
I've never been in your situation so I don't think I can offer any advise but I just wanted to say I really feel for you babe. It would be an incredibly hard decision to make. I would imagine you would keep going over and over everything in your head and still not be sure what the right answer is.
I hope everything turns out and that your boyfriend is very supportive to you.

xoxoxoxo hugs.

Brooklynn06
05-17-2008, 11:01 AM
Yeah, your right. I was trying to say the first pregnancy didnt cause trouble, but the second one can. I was just going off memorry from nursing school 6 years ago and obviously got a little mixed up.

Ya, but it still does. The first time I got pregnant I had an ectopic. They still gave me 2 Rhogam shots. If you're Rh- you get 1 or 2 shots during the pregnancy (I can't remember for sure), and then after the baby is born they test the baby, if the baby is Rh- as well you don't need another shot. But if the baby is Rh+ they give you one more shot.

I'm not trying to start any kind of Rh- + debate, just sharing my POV since I experience this first hand.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 11:26 AM
day 6 of knowing and i still can't make up my mind. i feel like posting a poll. I am so beyond clueless and I have no idea what to do. I go back and forth at least 3 times a day..depending on my mood, what i've been reading and who i've been talking to. it sucks.

pnotitia
05-17-2008, 11:36 AM
Gypsy, when you say 'medical' you're referring to the RU486 pill method?
I have had 2 surgical abortions- not uncommon - and know a lot about reproductive health. I have had problems with both the nuva ring and hormonal birth control- a majority of birth control methods carry a probable failure rate.

I would strongly recommend a surgical abortion with 'twilight' anesthesia.
RU486 is more painful, and quite a lengthy process- for the most part many women entertain this idea because of heavy misinformation and stigma surrounding the surgical procedure. The most difficult part of the process, as is for many women, is the response to the surprise of an unplanned pregnancy.
When choosing twilight anesthesia, there is very little pain involved with the procedure- you are allowed to rest more peacefully during the procedure, and to be honest will be out of it for the 5 minute procedure and the rest time afterward.
Most women just sleep for the rest of the day, eat, watch tv and take it easy.
Your lower abdomen will be a little sore for roughly 1-2 days after the procedure. A lot women head back to work the next day.

Not to be insensitive, but considering that in her lifetime, more than 1 out of every 4 women will have had AT LEAST one abortion- I would destigmatize the procedure this way- I would rather have a surgical abortion than have my wisdom teeth pulled, or any cosmetic surgical procedure. The only distress I, and as I've researched, women are shown to experience- is of the stress of an unplanned pregnancy, the societal stigma surrounding the decision, and the mental state you were in prior to the pregnancy.

I have a lot of information and know much about this, so please feel free to PM me.
Check out http://www.ncap.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=81
for info on how to choose a good, legitimate clinic
and also http://www.choicelinkup.com for non-biased info
xoxo

RoseLeigh
05-17-2008, 11:37 AM
day 6 of knowing and i still can't make up my mind. i feel like posting a poll. I am so beyond clueless and I have no idea what to do. I go back and forth at least 3 times a day..depending on my mood, what i've been reading and who i've been talking to. it sucks.

Less than a week is not a long time. You need to sort stuff out alone in your head. Seems like you're letting it all crash down around you-I do that too-let it all get hue and overreaching. You need to try and focus on the pregnancy, not Portland, florida, the bf, etc. It's hard, but try.

pnotitia
05-17-2008, 11:52 AM
day 6 of knowing and i still can't make up my mind. i feel like posting a poll. I am so beyond clueless and I have no idea what to do. I go back and forth at least 3 times a day..depending on my mood, what i've been reading and who i've been talking to. it sucks.

Gypsy, personally I found googling and talking to random friends (or non random loved ones) about the procedure did more bad than good. For the most part, surgical abortions are performed beginning at 7.5-8 weeks, so you have time.
Answer to yourself. Sit with yourself and take inventory of your life, honor what you want and what is best for you. I had to do the same to decide what was best for me, and it took time- mostly to reassure myself against outside influences (like RoseLeigh said). Just because you find yourself faced with an unplanned pregnancy (which is not rare?!) doesnt mean you should disregard yourself, or allow it to dictate your future- one way or the other. Unplanned pregnancy happens. That's typically what our bodies as women are good at doing! Make the decision that is best for you, you are capable of it, and deep down probably know what you really want.

abortionconversation.com is a place to talk, that's not sneakily antichoice, but usually after abortion.

Check out http://community.livejournal.com/abortioninfo/ for knowledgeble, unbiased answers to any questions you may have. This has been one of the most helpful sites, to be honest.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 12:35 PM
if i get an abortion is there anyway I can avoid all the bloodwork?? because to be honest i'd much rather throw myself off a cliff than get one more bloodtest in my lifetime

and if i keep the baby i'm finding a way to avoid bloodwork. there has to be a way to avoid it.

virgoamm
05-17-2008, 12:51 PM
I think all they do is prick your finger. I may be wrong though.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 12:57 PM
^ i'm not even getting a finger prick. I'm refusing that too. I was TRAUMATIZED as a child getting multiple unecessary blood tests for a mystery fainting problem that they never found a cause of, despite all their stupid tests that caused me to faint, so there is no fucking way in hell i am getting any more blood work for the rest of my life. i'm done. I've probably had like 200 tests.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArIYxKlDdhP28H8Wgz3_stcjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid =20080429161840AAh1l8A

that says that i can refuse it, i just have to find a doctor/midwife willing to treat me.

last time i got a finger prick it was at the gyno to test for anemia which they insisted i had because i'im vegan, but i know very well i'm NOT because of all my prior bloodwork. i fainted on the floor, they didn't even get to test me and they didn't even catch me and i had a gash on my face for 2 weeks.

not happening again.

RoseLeigh
05-17-2008, 01:13 PM
^^It's really hard to avoid bloodwork at all, much harder if you're preg. You can ask for a valium if you get an abortion, but I'm not sure how you'll avoid bloodwork. I only remember having to get the finger prick because of my low blood sugar.

CKXXX
05-17-2008, 01:29 PM
There isnt any way to avoid bloodwork in a healthy pregnancy OR abortion..they need a bloodtest to confirm the pregnancy. Unless you want to risk your health...or the babies if ....you do decide...to keep it..it MUST be done.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 01:33 PM
no that's not true. an ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy

Laylas
05-17-2008, 01:51 PM
It is required by law in most states to test the mother to be for HIV....otherwise the newborn gets an extra stick after it's born to make sure he/she is negative.

pdxminx
05-17-2008, 02:07 PM
Gypsy,
I have the same problem. I refuse to be stuck with a needle unless I can lie down. You just need to be really direct with them. "NO, I WILL faint." Even if you need to tell them over and over again. just refuse to get in the chair. Eventually, they'll have to arrange for you to lie down.

The Other Half
05-17-2008, 03:00 PM
no that's not true. an ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy

An Ultrasound is much more expensive and they will only do that after the blood test comes back positive. It's also for them to tell how far along you are. You are going to have to submit to the blood tests. But if you are completely adamant about lying down, I am sure they will listen to you.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 03:02 PM
^why can't I just bring in my FIVE positive pregnancy tests and unleash the bitch hormones?? that should be proof enough.

RoseLeigh
05-17-2008, 03:12 PM
^why can't I just bring in my FIVE positive pregnancy tests and unleash the bitch hormones?? that should be proof enough.

Sadly, generally not. There's a number of tests that need to be done throughout a pregnancy, AFAIK. If you do continue with the pregnancy, can you get mom or bf or someone to come with you? I know it's so hard to work with things like that (I used to faint a lot-turns out it's low blood pressure and hypoglycemia), but from what I've seen there is a lot of blood work involved in pregnancy. I have friends who have had the probs they test for-preg diabetes, for one, and there is a reason they need to test you.

The Other Half
05-17-2008, 03:12 PM
Because they have to go through standard procedures and protocols. They have to have complete records etc. It's not that they wont believe you, but they have to follow rules too

:( sorry

Flick6
05-17-2008, 03:57 PM
Again not sure how relevant my exp is as I am in Australia, but to have a natural birth I had to prove that I was a low risk pregnancy, for which I had to have blood tests proving everything from having sufficient iron levels to not being HIV positive. I would really be worried about a dr or midwife that was willing to treat you with out knowing that sort of stuff anyway. And surely the last thing you would want is someone sticking needles in your newborn baby to check for HIV??

I know its scary but I dont know how to impress on you that that is fcking nothing compared to childbirth (especially natural childbirth) and the myriad of shit that you will have to deal with as a mother. Parenthood is a journey of sacrificing everything about yourself to serve the child you choose to bring into the world. If that means facing your fears by having a blood test then thats what you have to do. And having to have it even with a termination seems fcking shitful, but unfortunately you are here, you are pregnant, you have to deal with some of these things. Maybe you could try and focus on it as an opportunity to grow and confront this fear rather than freak the fuck out over it.

My BF is a bit tough man who is scared of needles so I am not makig fun of you at all.

MissDewdrop
05-17-2008, 03:58 PM
People also might refuse to treat you if they can't take blood. If complications arise, they don't want to be held responsible for malpractice or negligence. What if you get gestational diabetes? That involves lots of blood tests and pricks.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 04:22 PM
if i get an abortion there is no fucking way they are putting any fucking needles in me. not fucking happening. i dont care if i die because of it. i reall y dont at this point.

NinaDaisy
05-17-2008, 04:27 PM
if i get an abortion there is no fucking way they are putting any fucking needles in me. not fucking happening. i dont care if i die because of it. i reall y dont at this point.

I have an an awful fear of needles too, but I'll tell ya right now, that little pin prick is NOTHING compared to childbirth.

Not to mention that breastfeeding also can hurt quite a bit of the time, based on what I've heard from mom's I know.

Just something to think about.

All the tests they do are for your safety and you typically only get the blood drawn once.

ETA: Have you considered the possibility of what would happen if your pregnancy has complications? Even women who do everything right and take pristine care of themselves can have complications. It does happen. In that case, you would be getting blood drawn a lot, quite likely. In that event, I'm sure you'd have to face it for the sake of the baby. I would think.

Andygirl
05-17-2008, 04:27 PM
if i get an abortion there is no fucking way they are putting any fucking needles in me. not fucking happening. i dont care if i die because of it. i reall y dont at this point.

You do realize that going through pregnancy and giving birth is going to be waaaaay more traumatizing than getting blood taken, right? Surely you are logical enough to realize that.

Gypsy74
05-17-2008, 04:31 PM
but will pregnancy and child birth make me FAINT and CONVULSE on the floor??? no. i've already gotten dizzy spells being pregnant but no where near fainting.

i'm sorry if this sounds unlogical but it's not that i have fear of the pain- I have an EXTREMELY high pain tolerance-- it's not even that i'm scared of needles either- because i'm not- I got a tattoo that took 5 hours and barely flinched- only took one break the whole time to pee. I've gotten my ears pierced and my bellybutton no problem. I can get shots in my arm no problem.

It's taking blood out of my vein and stimulating my vasovagal nerve that makes me faint that I hate and am scared of. I hate fainting, i've done it enough in myl ife and i'm sick of it and like to limit the amount of times to a minimum.

BrunetteGoddess
05-17-2008, 04:48 PM
Then you will have to INSIST that you lay down. I second what another said, make them acknowledge you and accommodate you, or else do NOT get into the chair.

If you want to do this whole pregnancy correctly, intelligently, and rationally (whether you abort or keep it), you need to do blood work. Make the medical staff work for YOU. That's their job.

NinaDaisy
05-17-2008, 05:01 PM
but will pregnancy and child birth make me FAINT and CONVULSE on the floor??? no. i've already gotten dizzy spells being pregnant but no where near fainting.


Maybe. You don't know what kind of pregnancy you'll have. As I said in an earlier post, even women who take perfect care of themselves can have problems, even at your young age.

Yes, discuss your fear of needles with the medical staff. I used to faint from them too. If you decide to abort, they will likely give you Valium first. Since you seem to prefer naturopathic remedies, have you thought about perhaps chewing some valerian root?

Also, I've tried breathing exercises and that's helped. And look away and shut your eyes when they use the needle.

One HUGE thing that's helped is I've asked for a butterfly needle. I know you mentioned you have a high pain tolerance, but they're so teeny you barely feel them.

Fact is, whether you abort or give birth, you will have to get blood drawn. If you decide to keep the pregnancy, you will have to get over this for the sake of your child. You can't just roll the dice and assume everything will be fine because you're young and healthy or that ultrasounds can tell everything you need to know about your progress.

Lexi
05-17-2008, 05:11 PM
but will pregnancy and child birth make me FAINT and CONVULSE on the floor??? no. i've already gotten dizzy spells being pregnant but no where near fainting.

i'm sorry if this sounds unlogical but it's not that i have fear of the pain- I have an EXTREMELY high pain tolerance-- it's not even that i'm scared of needles either- because i'm not- I got a tattoo that took 5 hours and barely flinched- only took one break the whole time to pee. I've gotten my ears pierced and my bellybutton no problem. I can get shots in my arm no problem.

It's taking blood out of my vein and stimulating my vasovagal nerve that makes me faint that I hate and am scared of. I hate fainting, i've done it enough in myl ife and i'm sick of it and like to limit the amount of times to a minimum.

If you decide to have the abortion (surgically) they will put you "out" which means a needle.

If you decide to have the baby, you will have to have an IV in as well.

Flick6
05-17-2008, 05:17 PM
Um quite possibly it will yes. Pregnancy and childbirth do wierd things to you.

I totally feel your trauma at this, like I sid my big strong tough man hates it to, swears he can feel the blood draining out of him. But the cold hard fact is you had unprotected sex which resulted in pregnancy and there are consequences and part of those consequences is being forced through the medical system, no matter what you decide.

I think you need to speak to a counselor, it really sounds like this is overwhelming you and I think some professional guidance might help you deal a little better.


but will pregnancy and child birth make me FAINT and CONVULSE on the floor??? no. i've already gotten dizzy spells being pregnant but no where near fainting.

i'm sorry if this sounds unlogical but it's not that i have fear of the pain- I have an EXTREMELY high pain tolerance-- it's not even that i'm scared of needles either- because i'm not- I got a tattoo that took 5 hours and barely flinched- only took one break the whole time to pee. I've gotten my ears pierced and my bellybutton no problem. I can get shots in my arm no problem.

It's taking blood out of my vein and stimulating my vasovagal nerve that makes me faint that I hate and am scared of. I hate fainting, i've done it enough in myl ife and i'm sick of it and like to limit the amount of times to a minimum.

Sunshine73
05-17-2008, 09:31 PM
Fact is, whether you abort or give birth, you will have to get blood drawn. If you decide to keep the pregnancy, you will have to get over this for the sake of your child. You can't just roll the dice and assume everything will be fine because you're young and healthy or that ultrasounds can tell everything you need to know about your progress.

Yes. This is true. They had to do a blood test-several, I think- throughout the pregnancy.

I always just looked the other way and thought happy thoughts...it really wasn't bad at all.

ColetteCalahan
05-17-2008, 11:01 PM
but will pregnancy and child birth make me FAINT and CONVULSE on the floor??? no. i've already gotten dizzy spells being pregnant but no where near fainting.

i'm sorry if this sounds unlogical but it's not that i have fear of the pain- I have an EXTREMELY high pain tolerance-- it's not even that i'm scared of needles either- because i'm not- I got a tattoo that took 5 hours and barely flinched- only took one break the whole time to pee. I've gotten my ears pierced and my bellybutton no problem. I can get shots in my arm no problem.

It's taking blood out of my vein and stimulating my vasovagal nerve that makes me faint that I hate and am scared of. I hate fainting, i've done it enough in myl ife and i'm sick of it and like to limit the amount of times to a minimum.

wow... i can relate... just so you know you're not alone. i have a 12 hr tattoo on my back, nipples pierced, etc... (i was FINE with all of it) and i simply can't do veins. i cry and scream like a fucking two year old... anything having to do w/ blood/veins turns me into a preschooler. i understand completely. *hugs* :-\ i've had to reschedule blood draws/take vicoden/etc because i couldn't go through with it.... major phobia

Lilah29
05-18-2008, 12:59 AM
If you decide to have the abortion (surgically) they will put you "out" which means a needle.

If you decide to have the baby, you will have to have an IV in as well.

If someone has a medical abortion do they need a blood draw?

dangerousdiva
05-18-2008, 01:09 AM
If someone has a medical abortion do they need a blood draw?

YES, if you're pregnant you need to have blood drawn whether you terminate or not.

LilyLove
05-18-2008, 04:56 AM
I hesitate to post this because I do not like to talk about my abortion, as I am still emotional about it, but I feel I need to post my experience re: blood drawing.

I had a surgical abortion and not once did I have my blood drawn. I peed in a cup, they tested it, then they did an ultrasound, then they took me into the room to do the abortion.

I'm in the same state as Gypsy and my abortion was done by a doctor who rotates between 3-4 Oregon cities to do abortions. And yes he is reputable, he is recommended by the local planned parenthood.

ETA: I also had a referral from planned parenthood, but I only had a urine test there too.

Lilah29
05-18-2008, 10:02 AM
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/debates-issues/abortion/medical-abortion-care

This is the procedure for a med abortion, and it doesn't say one must have a blood draw. So it may be possible to have it done without the draw? (I could be wrong, but LL above had a surgical done without a draw, and I would have thought that one was certain).

AlexxaHex
05-18-2008, 03:36 PM
I'm leaving the 20th. Since I'm leaving so early, I have to give my kitten up for adoption, none of my friends here can watch her for me. If anyone in PDX wants a little orange female tiger kitty (10-11 weeks) let me know.


I think this says you are probably not in a position to care for another person right now in your life. Before I was saying you should, or COULD rather, do everything in your power to make room for a child. The more I read your responses I am just getting the feeling you are not ready.
Also, if you do keep it, you will NEED to have blood drawn, which is a VERY IMPORTANT part of pregnancy. And as dangerousdiva is saying, important even with an abortion. I know it sucks but you have to do something very adult and responsible here.

kitty260
05-19-2008, 01:48 AM
If your issue is nerve stimulation in a specific area, they can draw from a different place. Phlebotomy is part of my course and I practice drawing blood from myself. You'd be amazed how many places you can get a good sample from. It doesn't have to be the inner elbow, although it is ideal. I've had particularly good success with the back of my hands, personally. It's just an enormous pain in the ass to do and the quality isn't the same, which explains why the nurses get bitchy with you.

You ain't avoiding blood work. If you're going to have that baby, you're going to have to suck it up. Sorry. It's all blood tests and IV lines from here on out.

phillyvixen
05-19-2008, 04:27 AM
If you having this baby you better hope you don't have the group b strep.
That was the worst part of delivery for me believe it or not.
I came up positive and they had to keep pumping antibiotics into my hand every 4 hours that felt like hornets were stinging me over and over again.
That medicine almost made me cry a few times, i hated that shit!

Flick6
05-19-2008, 04:39 AM
If you having this baby you better hope you don't have the group b strep.
That was the worst part of delivery for me believe it or not.
I came up positive and they had to keep pumping antibiotics into my hand every 4 hours that felt like hornets were stinging me over and over again.
That medicine almost made me cry a few times, i hated that shit!

I elected not to take that test, since they didnt know if I had it or not they didnt treat me. Just meant that the baby had to be observed for signs of infection when she was born, and if she had been sick would have had to have antibiotics herself. The odds of the bubbs actually catching it are minuscule. Luckily she was fine :)

There are so many things they just do for the heck of it, because they can, I tried to really minimise the amount of drugs and tests I had during pregnancy and birth. But most doctors wont even tell you that you have a choice, they just make it sound routine and essential. Bastards love to medicate!

Ivy1979
05-19-2008, 10:50 AM
if i get an abortion there is no fucking way they are putting any fucking needles in me. not fucking happening. i dont care if i die because of it. i reall y dont at this point.

Not a good post....im sorry for your situation

sassysummer
05-19-2008, 11:19 AM
ok, i'll chime in since i've had 3 babies in the same state as gypsy...


here you CAN refuse ALL bloodwork for pregnancy. there are many midwives and doctors that will allow it. they will encourage you to get it done, some (mainly dr's) will refuse to see you, but that's a rarity here. they will give you the pro's and cons etc. on my last pg i refused many of my blood tests that were unnecessary since i'd already had them done with the others.

for abortion, you could ask for gas first to help knock you out so that any pricks are done while you're already asleep. you could probably ask to be sedated with a pill first also.







in the end, you can only choose for you.

Perry
05-19-2008, 11:32 AM
I'm not sure about pregnancy, or abortion, but I've had blood drawn to be tested for strep throat, menengitist, hemoglobin levels, donating blood, bone dye tests, ect...

Needles suck, but that's part of life and staying healthy. This situation aside, it's highly unlikely you will be able to live the rest of your life without ever getting a shot, or having blood drawn.

I've been offered an alternitive to have my thumb slashed and let the nurse squeeze out blood from the punture instead of leaving a needle in my arm. It hurts and it bruises and it takes forever, but that's usually an option. Maybe that would be easier for you. Try asking if you can give the blood that way.

There are some very wonderfull, caring people in the medical feild that understand the aversion to needles and are willing to accomadate us. It's too bad we can't tip nurses and doctors that go the extra mile.

TBE
05-19-2008, 09:41 PM
*deleted*

NinaDaisy
05-20-2008, 02:22 PM
I'll admit I know nothing about abortion, but isn't there a pill you can take at any point during the pregnancy that will terminate it? /:O I doubt it's legal but hey. :-X

Wrong on all counts.

RU486 is legal and can only be taken up to the sixth week.

Brendita
05-20-2008, 08:07 PM
I am also terrified of needles, and when I had my abortions I was allowed to lay down. I also asked for a finger prick the second time, instead of actually having it drawn the normal way. It was much easier and less scary.
I think you should just call Planned Parenthood or a doctor and ask them. That is the only way you will know for sure!

iambonbon05
05-20-2008, 11:13 PM
I pass out EVERY time I have to have a needle for anything, especially blood draw. But it's likely that you'd only have to do it once for an abortion (if at all like Lily said), but possibly many times if pregnant especially if there's suspicions that something could be wrong. It just makes sense... :(

I rarely jump to abortion. I actually used to be very pro life though not anymore though I still worry that someone getting one will suffer trauma like others mentioned. But honestly this sounds like the best choice for you. Only you can decide that though.