24 weeks pregnant, quitting tramadol....

[mommytobeofone]

Hello all. I am new to this forum and I am really hoping there is someone out there that can help me. And first off, no judgements if at all possible. ( i know there will be some, but please refrain). I am currently 23 weeks pregnant. It has been a tough road in the beginning of my pregnancy. I did not experience any morning sickness (thank god) but instead had horrible, HORRIBLE migraines. After going to doctors, the ER, Neurologists.....it was determined that it was just hormonal. My doctor at the time prescribed me hydrocodone 5/325mg. I took those as needed (which unfortunately was everyday). Because of these headaches, my BP increased. So they put me on a BP medicine. I was considered high risk, so they transferred me to a different doctor that specilized in high risk pregnancies. This doctor no longer would prescribe me anything for my headaches except for Tylenol. While it was a very stupid choice of mine to make, a close family member of mine gave me some tramadol to try. Said that it was safe (from what ive seen on the internet, I woulg "agree" ). I started taking these at about 18 weeks pregnant or so. I am taking 4-50mg tablets a day. Problem is, my doctor does NOT know I am taking these. I have an old prescription from another doctor for them, but I dont think that would be plausible to say I was using if caught. ANYWAYS, Fast forward to today.....I am quitting. I am ready to quit. I would rather suffer any more problems and pain than continue this for my daughter. I am so afraid that I will be tested and she will go through withdrawal and taken away from me. I suppose my biggest question here is that stopping now, at 24 weeks pregnant, will she still have withdrawals when born? I know that the withdrawal in my womb will be far better than the withdrawal once she is born. But my sole purpose is to make sure she doesnt experience that. I believe in the state of Illinois, they do not test the meconium for drugs unless that baby presents with withdrawal symptoms? anyone know Illinois law and how that works? I am really hoping there is SOMEONE out there that can help/give me words of wisdom/support. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me.  

[mommytobeofone]

Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I did go to my doctor a day after I typed up this post. I was honest with him about what's been going on and he was "okay". Wasn't happy, but what doctor is when their patient tells them something like this. Anyways, we discussed what I had left and went from there. We discussed the option of quitting cold turkey or tapering down. We agreed to taper down, but unfortunately for me that didn't work out so well.

When we discussed the options, he said that because of the amount and time frame I was using, that if I had chosen to go cold turkey that myself and the baby would be okay. Of course there will still be discomfort, but that it will be minimal. And thay not harm will/can come of it.

So here I am. Quitting cold turkey. I feel......"okay". I have an overall feeling of just SICK, but not too too bad. I'm just super tired but can't sleep which I suspected. Anxiety is bad, but I have zoloft that's been prescribed for me to start taking.

It's going to be a long road (hopefully not crazy long!) BUT i know it will be worth it. I have to do it for her.

[JohnnyMitchelll]

Yeah you definitely need to talk to your dr about this rather than play a guessing game on a forum. Not to be harsh, but tell your doctor ASAP.

[dominosarah]

You will feel a ton better once you talk with your doctor about this.  Let us know how it goes as we are here so reach out and talk with us~

[vicki595]

Let us know the outcome of that appt.  Don't worry. Right now I'm sure the baby is fine but it's important for you to taper off and stay away from everything unless the doctor orders it.

I'm proud of you for agreeing to talk with him. They've heard it all before so he won't be shocked. Just stress the pain you're in and you'll do fine.

[vicki595]

Hi and Welcome!  You shouldn't get any judgment here but if you do ignore it-

First, never stop abruptly when pregnant. It causes a lot of stress for the baby and can be dangerous.  The good news is that you take a small amount and it's only been about 5 weeks. You really should taper off.

I know you don't want to but you really should tell your doctor. Say whatever you want ( you found them, you had them, your mother gave them to you) because the most important thing is that he knows. Be clear about the headaches you're having and that's what caused you to turn to tramadol That way you're covered if in the future it's decided to check for drugs.  Don't worry about this though.

This is all about keeping the baby safe and also getting you treated for pain. Have a good talk with him/her and ask about tapering off. I know you're embarrassed and afraid to talk about it but it's about the baby now. Give him a call and keep posting. Others will be along to comment, as well.

[mommytobeofone]

Thank you so much. This is by far the most upbeat and positive thing someone has said to me. I posted on one of my "expecting mothers" accounts or whatever, and got nothing but hatred and judgement and negative thoughts. I know i made a bad choice. I cant sugar coat that. But I am trying. I am not willing to continue down this path.

Thanks again for the positive feedback. its is MUCH MUCH appreciated. I have an appointment tomorrow with my OB and I will come up with some way to tell him, hoping that I dont just break down into a pile of pity.

Thank you again.