Pregnant. Addict. Need major help.

[seeksolice]

I have been an opiate addict for about 16 months. I take vicodin, percocet. I am new to this community so bear with me- I am 7.5 months pregnant, my health is good, baby is healthy, everything is great.

HOWEVER...  I am an addict. And the doctors dont know. I am taking 5 of the 10mgs a day on average of vicodin. I have been trying to taper, with Ultram. I have not had a vicodin for two days. I feel like ****. Moreover, I am concerned about my unborn child. Will withdrawals harm him? Is it safer to stay on the meds until after I give birth? This is just eating me up inside. Noone knows about my addiction, not even my husband. The Ultram is helping with the withdrawals I think, because I'm not experiencing any symptoms. Yesterday I morning I took one .5 mg of vicodon, then later in the day had 2 50mg pills of Ultram. Today, I have had 1 50mg Ultram. It is 2pm.  Is it too early to experience withdrawals? Should I tell my doctor? What should I do???

I'm not sure if I'll get people responding with mean posts regarding the fact that I'm pregnant, but my response to those people: I know. Addiction *****.

[lady67]

I think you should definately tell you doctor and let him/her guide you through this.  It think it would be best if they were prepared for what could happen during the delivery.

How are you able to get the drugs being pregnant.  I remember when I was pregnant and that was really the only time I was clean because I knew no doctor would give me anything.  I tell myself that it was because of the baby's health, but honestly, it was because I couldn't get my hands on anything.  Addiction is a terrible thing and it is even harder when we are responsible for the life of another.  I will be praying for you during this time.

Susan

[avisg]

Welcome the forum ,
PLZ PLZ tell your doctor let them help you with this . Ultram is just as addicting as hydro. so you want to taper off of that as well ,its very important to go slowly .If you look to the lower part of the page you will see where it says "health pages" there is some info about  pregnancy and addiction.The most important thing is you inform your doctor so they can take the best care for both you and your baby. Good luck !!!! Things will be OK

[seeksolice]

Thank you for your kind words.

How am I getting them? Through random people. I spend about 5-900.00 a month. Since everyone knows I'm pregnant, I just tell them that I'm getting them for a friend so I can make a few bucks. It's sad, and your comment where you said

" I tell myself that it was because of the baby's health, but honestly, it was because I couldn't get my hands on anything"  

Is how I'm feeling. I am having to taper off because i cant find anything. I feel pathetic.

[seeksolice]

Thank you.

I feel like if I told my doctor, they might take my baby away from me. Or, they will keep me from accessing pain meds while I'm in labor, and after my delivery.

Primarily though, i am afraid of being ostracized and ridiculed, and treated poorly.

[drmwvrjean]

i just read your last post and your first....please do not feel pathetic!!  there are good ppl. here willing to listen and help in anyway that they can....you came to the right place!!

i think you need to talk to your doctor and explain what is going on.  he/she needs to know in order to do the right things medically for you and your baby!!  i was on loratabs when i was pregnant with my 3rd baby and i can relate to how you feel....you want to do what is best for you and your unborn baby, but the addiction is so strong.....

i wish you only the best of luck and all the strength in the world!!  please keep posting and updating, etc.  God bless!!

[avisg]

Seek , Sunny is right If you dont tell the doctor and say the baby was born and went into withdrawls that would be when they would have to call DSS . They will help you and your baby if you are upfront with your doctor :) it will be OK...
avis

[lady67]

Sweetie, don't feel pathetic.  You have a problem just like so many others.  You aren't the only pregnant addict on here.  I don't dare judge anyone on here because to me, we are all the same.  I have met so many friends here that have given me so much strength.  The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to talk to your doctor.  If you are truly sincere and honest with him, I don't think he would judge you.  I am also fairly certain that you aren't the first pregnant woman he has treated who has an addiction.  This problem is everywhere, and unfortunately touches almost everyone.  I know you feel like a failure right now (because I did too), but when you start getting clean and you have a couple of weeks behind you, you start to feel better about yourself.  Think of the type of mother you want to be.  You want to be there 100% for your baby and he/she needs you to be 100%.  It broke my heart when my 11 year old daughter told me she was so glad that I wasn't "sleeping" all the time, and was spending time with her.  

Again, tell your doctor so he can help you.

Hugs~
Susan