Expert: Doctor Early Options - 1/23/2008

Question
I had a medical abortion 8 days ago,it was quite early as I was 5,5 weeks pregnant. 15 minutes after taking the first pill i did feel a bit sick and kind of regurgitated
a bit.
When I had the second set of pills, after 20 minutes, as i was told it would be i had severe cramps and nausea...and i vomited everything i had in the stomach; afterwards the heavy cramping got better ( It lasted one hour).
I did talk with the nurse at the clinic and she told not to worry because those pills dissolve very quickly and so they are absorbed.
I started bleeding that evening, but just bleeding when i would go to the loo. I started bleeding a bit more the 7th day...but still only when I would do a wee! my pads where clean. Yesterday and today I have soilded the pads but not like a heavy period ( I can do with 1 pad a day+ when i go to the loo ).
In the clinic | was recommended a follow up visit just in the case I wouldn't bleed, I wouldn't feel right or I would still feel pregnant after 3 weeks...as it is a private clinic the follow up would be for me to pay and very expensive, so I don't want to do it if is not necessary.
My concern it's the lightness of my bleeding and absence of clots but it can also be because it was very early pregnancy. Do you thing I should be worried?

Answer
Dear Olga,
From your story, there is a good possibility that the abortion pill didn't work.  It is worth the investment to go back for a follow up to be sure.  If it didn't work, it's important to take care of it early, rather than waiting.  I find it disturbing that the clinic is charging women for the follow up visit.  The follow up should be included in the charge, to encourage women to come back.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan