"Abortion Complications"

I attended ED at the recommendation of doctor, following an internal ultrasound confirming retained products 11 days post medical termination. 

A call with gyno Doctor on ED highlighted the immediate risk of infection, with her instructions to fast overnight and present to ED following morning to be put through to gyno surgeon for emergency D&C. 

I fasted from 9pm, presented to ED at 8:30am next day, got seen within a half hour window, bloods drawn, cannula put in, and told by gyno surgeon that theatre list is full, you will remain in ED until a slot opens up. 

And there I sat, for the next 5 hours, in the uncomfortable emergency chairs, with zero further communication, until I got asked back through by the triage nurse to re take obs. Whilst getting blood pressure taken I asked for an update, in which i was told gyno is in theatre and not answering calls, but told emergency that I will not be seen same day. 

The options I was presented was waiting 5 days until a theatre availability might be available (still not guaranteed), or re-take the medical route and hope it does the job this time. 

I sat in emergency, in a chair in the hallway, sobbing. To be in that position, I had already had the morning after pill fail, and the medical termination result in an incomplete abortion, only to be told that whilst the surgery is important, I'm not important enough to be considered as immediate risk. 

I very clearly communicated that waiting a further 5 days for possibility of surgery would not be something my mental health could tolerate. With nurse, clinical nurse and liaison officer all speaking to me and advocating for my needs, I was still told it was not happening. 

Despite first attempt of medical termination failing and causing significant mental trauma, this was my only immediate assistance option, and I advised I'd like that script. 

A clinician came in, and told they would have to go through risks of the medical termination (again) and blatantly says that if I bleed more than 2 pads an hour, have a fever, or any discharge, come into emergency and then they will do something about it. 

From the clinician, I felt my mental health was completely neglected, I received no communication of updates, no respect, empathy or kindness in the delivery of the issue with availability ultimately being given an ultimatum between 2 horrible options. Retry or wait. 

To say I am disappointed, let down, angry or dismissed is an understatement. I felt that I was essentially told in professionally coated words "you're in a bad way, but not critical yet, so you don't matter" and that lack of concern is appalling from hospital staff. 

In expressing this, I was encouraged to submit "the good, the bad, or the ugly", and this trip was all of the above. 

So despite the horrendous treatment by a clinician, I want full praise and gratitude acknowledged for those in ER, who gave me nothing but empathy, kindness, comfort and understanding. 

Specifically to triage nurse - Caleb. Who sat with me patiently when I broke down, didn't try to rush me or try "fix me", but listened, acknowledged my hurt and anger, and validated those feelings. He gave me time, privacy and communication to work through my hurt, thoughts and feelings before expecting answers or actions, he brought in clinical nurse and liaison officer to help me feel heard and validated. That support will be infinity appreciated and he deserves 100% praise for his actions.