JIMNASIUM

    The annual family camping trip is next week. I’m not able to make it this year because I already took one vacation this month and a second just isn’t feasible. I’m bummed because I look forward to this every year (2012, 2011) but it’s all good, I’m planning a trip up there in August.  So until then I’ll just have to live vicariously though the e-mail chains. Mom and Grizz were in charge of organizing it this year. She wrote:

You want to camp in June? Start making reservations in November the year before. Get a number set and then don’t think about it again till 2 months before. Just have fun answering questions…make up the answers to keep everybody happy. Now just a warning: If you see a 20 foot econoline panel truck running down Hwy 2 with a big recliner on the top and an old lady tied in, that’s me. I’m riding with Uncle J and his son. Yep, Island Hillbillies.  It should bring back some cool memories for some of you … it will have carpet inside.  I remember back in the day a couple of brush runners that came home a little “smokey” inside with rhododendron leaves stuck in the fenders. Please don’t greet us like Papa Roy greeted Emerson (Grizz’s best friend back in high school, ‘79) at the back porch and point your finger like “get the heck out of here and take your hillbillies (my sons) right back where you found them.” 

     That mental image of Mom cruising down the highway tied to the top of a truck has me giggling like Anderson Cooper. 

     What Happens During a Medication Abortion?

• STEP ONE — THE ABORTION PILL

     Your health care provider will give you the abortion pill at the clinic. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and pregnancy cannot continue.

• STEP TWO — MISOPROSTOL

     You will take a second medicine — misoprostol—up to three days after taking the abortion pill. It causes the uterus to empty. It will cause you to have cramps and bleed heavily. Some women may begin bleeding before taking the second medicine. But for most, the bleeding and cramping begin after taking it. It usually lasts a few hours. You may see large blood clots or tissue at the time of the abortion.

     More than half of women abort within four or five hours after taking the second medicine. For others, it takes longer. But most women abort within a few days.

     It’s normal to have some bleeding or spotting for up to four weeks after the abortion. You may use sanitary pads or tampons. But using pads makes it easier to keep track of your bleeding.

• STEP THREE — FOLLOW-UP

     You will need to follow up within two weeks. Follow-up is important to make sure your abortion is complete and that you are well.

• YOUR FEELINGS AFTER MEDICATION ABORTION

     You may have a wide range of feelings after an abortion. Most women ultimately feel relief. Some women feel anger, regret, guilt, or sadness for a little while. Sudden shifts in hormones may make these feelings stronger.