Let The Air In
She walked into the office with the look of utter disappointment. Her name was Jig and the doctor was waiting for her.
“This way please.” I could tell she was shaking with nerves. “The doctor will explain everything to you.”
Turning the corner to walk into the room she paused, “Doctor this is Jig and she is here for the procedure.” In the office we refer to it was “the procedure” because we know many of our patience are sensitive to the term abortion.
“Hello Jig. Take a seat right here while I review your chart.”
“I have some questions first,” she replied.
Having heard that statement many times and knowing the questions before they are even asked the doctor just simply nodded his head.
“How safe is it? Will everything be ok?” You could her a bit of panic in her voice.
“Childbirth is at least seven times more risky than the procedure.” He had said that line at least a half dozen times that week. “How far along are you?”
“About nine weeks.”
“After seven weeks we can no longer do a medication procedure. We will have to schedule you for a surgical procedure.”
“What does that mean?”
“We will need a medical history, as well as a physical examination, including a pelvic examination. We will do lab tests to confirm your pregnancy, and an ultrasound to clear you of any unforeseen issues.” The doctor spit this information at her like he had done this a million times. The doctor wrote several notes on her chart and looked up at Jig.
“How are the surgical procedures done? Can you do it? How long will it take?” Jig was really starting to think about this decision.
“The procedure ends a pregnancy by surgically removing the contents of the uterus. It uses a tube attached to an electric pump that draws all tissue from within the uterus. We use local anesthesia and medication or sedation for pain. The procedure requires one or two visits and the entire process is brief. Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. You will stay in the recovery area for one to four hours, and then you will be moved to a hospital room or you may go home. Afterwards most women feel relief. Some women feel anger, regret, guilt, or sadness for a little while. Sudden hormonal changes may intensify those feelings. There is more information in this packet; it has diagrams and charts for your reference. I hope this packet or I will be able to answer all your questions. Is there anything else I can help you with Jig?”
“So they just let the air in?”
“You can think of it like that.”
“How long before I can travel again?”
“That will depend on how you are feeling and how the follow up exams go.”
“Everything will be ok wont it?”
“Everything will be ok.”
I walked her down the hall and showed her where to sign the documents. I watched her as she walked away; she paused, looked back at me with the same utter look of disappointment, and proceeded out the door.
