Pregnant and using oxys

I recently weaned myself down from 80 - 120 mg of oxys a day for just over a year now to 20 mgs today.  I started out last tuesday taking 100, then wednesday and thursday i took 80 each day, then friday and saturday i took 40 each day, and sunday which is today i only took 20 mg.  I have been trying to quit cold turkey since i found out i was pregnant but i i just couldnt do it.  But I dont want my baby taken away, and everytime i did try cold turkey i couldnt eat or sleep and i was a terrible mess i cant imagine this is good for the baby.  I really do want off these stupid oxys.  So decided to taper, i am wide awake right now at 4:23 am, at 5 it will be 12 hours that i took that 20 mg.  I am hoping that its bareable today, and over the next couple days, will it be the same as detoxing from the 120 mg?  Or will it be easier...i dont expect it to be easy but at least half a** bareable...can anyone tell me how my next 3 - 5 days is going to look...please...am desperate and scared.

[Coolio Hernendez]

Be strong !         You can do it..

[GoingToMakeIt]

Good job! That is an aggressive taper but you can do this. You may not feel so good this next week or two. The tapering will help to make the w/d not so bad as tey would've been.

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

I am cramping today, and very very achy, and extremely miserable, also quite nauseous...that 20 mg lasted a long long time its more than 15 hours since i took, and i woke up feeling this way, i didnt sleep more than two hours last night, am very cold, and usually after i went to the washroom during the week i felt better, but this morning i am cramping really bad, its not nice, i cant lay down i cant sit up, nothing is comfortable, i would take a bath or shower but our bathroom is too cold right now, my man has to go get a heater for the bathroom...i know i just need to get through this...i may take something, but nothing more than 20mg...

[bandnmom]

I am sorry you are feeling so terrible. Withdrawls are by no means fun! You will feel like you have a bad flu for a few days but usually the symptoms start to lift around day 5 or so. You really do need to be done with these pills not just for you but for that baby you have inside of you! Everytime you want to take a pill think of your baby. If you cant stop you really need to talk to your doctor. They will help you. Being honest with you doctor is so important when it comes to being pregnant and addicted.
Best of luck to you.

[sdleo]

How far along are you? Sometimes people take percs while they are pregnant for medical conditions so it's not all dangerous but you really have to wean down and then hopefully come off all together. I took a small dosage of percs while I was pregnant and thank god my baby is fine. You can do it but sometimes it might be better to do it cold turkey. I was honest with my doctor about takign them and he didn't like it but I stuck to the rx plan he gave me, so just be open with your doctor. Good luck!

[avisg]

you have to taper SLOW I sent a copy  to one of our members that is a obgyn nurse I am sure she will contact you.

[dominosarah]

Talk with your doctor.  Keep us posted.      sara

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

where are u cramping? it it your cervix/uterus? This is NOT good for the baby.  Don't rush it.  it's not a race, it's a marathon.  How far along are you exactly....does your doctor know about this? how do you have access to these pills? I'm a bit uneasy with all this.  I work at a pediatric interim care center...PICC.  Look it up online.  We withdraw babies all the time....it will give u more info on what is going on with you're little one during this process.

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

sorry forgot to give you our address.
www.picc.net.  

[tramaddi]

You have my deepest sympathy I am in the same boat altho I wish I had a solution for u.  I am 5 mo pg too and trying to taper off tramadol.  I would talk to the dr about oxy tho cuz it can be taken in lowered dosage during pg.  I would be concerned about the cramping tho u can message me

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

thank you feelingcrazierbytheday, i went to look at ur site and it has given me so much more incentive to get thru this, do you think if i get off these stupid things within the next week will give my baby a much better chance?  It will leave 12 weeks left, i take vitamin supplements everyday, plus iron pills because i am anemic....i feel like the worst mother ever and this is my first pregnancy that this has happened, i have four children and was prescribed perks two years ago and it moved into the oxys, i didnt know honestly that i was pregnant for the first 12 weeks, when i went to the docs i was expecting 6 - 8 weeks due to my periods, but when the ultra sound guy said 12 weeks i nearly died..i do want off these things not only for me but mostly for the baby and i am sick of these stupid things ruining my life like this, my baby is quite active, and has two to three hours of sleeping, baby doesnt move when i am active, but if i sit a certain way baby makes sure i know that i am not sitting right........let me know please anything....

[beachcomber4you]

I PRAY TO GOD OUR FATHER FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY THAT EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT GOOD. Please  tell the truth to your doctor and and ask for help to detox. The best and safe way that I know of is to get yourself into a detox hospital and get it behind you to protect you and the baby right now!! Good Luck and MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH IN JESUS NAME A-MEN!!!

[feelingcrazierbytheday]

so you are currently 12 weeks pregnant or 12 weeks left until your due date?  It could      give your baby a better chance.  However I must ask if your doctor is aware that you are taking these?  I'm not sure in which state you live in, however, I know that in washington state we end up having to put lots of babies into foster care if the drugs were not prescribed and the doctor was not aware.  NOT trying to scare you.  But as long as you ARE honest with the doctor than all should be ok.  And he/she can detox you safely.  Hoever it sounds like you are already at 20 mgs.  You dropped pretty quickly, now that you are at such a low dose is the time to take it a bit slower.  We usually drop our babies at 10% of whatever dose they are at every other day.  we use morphe so it's a bit different and we can adjust the doses much easier.  if you are only at 12 weeks than i would say it is safe to slowly SLOWLY taper.  It would save you AND your baby a long drawn out process.  And as I'm sure you saw in the video, seeing babies withdraw is quite painful and heartbreaking.  Especially when it is your own little one.  So I am so proud that you are deciding to do this now.  You will both be so much happier when the baby arrives, and instead of placing him/her in a detox center you will be taking them home to a safe home and happy surroundings.  If you are further along than i think you are, than I would be more cautious and not risk it without the help of your doctor.  And if you were at a higher dose, i would DEFINATELY not agree to advise you to taper on your own.  Either way it's not risk free.  I don't know the condition of your pregnancy, how far your e phased if at all, the baby's heart rate, development so far....etc etc etc...all these things bring risk to the factor.  Which is why I'm saying if you are set on doing this on your own, than the key is SLOW SLOW SLOW. Remember, that everything you feel, they feel.  And keep hydrating.  Lots of people don't get nutrients and water during withdrawl (withdrawal).  YOU don't have that option.  Force down all you can.  And do consider confiding in your doctor.  Some doctors are against tapering at all during withdrawls.  I know a couple however, who are for it.  It really depends on the case, and I don't know quite enough about your records to tell you one way or the other....so this is about the best i can advise you if you do not wish to confide in your doctor.

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

Its not that i dont want to confide in my doctor i dont have a doctor in this area, and i have been too ashamed to do what i need to find a doctor, it was a hard reality to face today but i finally spoke of all my fears, and guilt to my partner today, he knew about the oxys, but i am sure he was wondering why i was having such a hard time...i miscarried two years ago, other then that my three daughters born to me are happy healthy children, first pregnancy was text book 7 lbs right on (me age 26) my second baby c-section 6lbs 12oz (me 33) my third baby 7lbs 3oz (me 35) i am now 41 years old, i havent been able to grab hold of the strength that i know is inside of me for many many reasons that is impossible to go into here, i have called my family physician at home and am going to get a referral for an obstetrician in this area, shes right out of the med school my doc at home and thats why i havent been to see her, she wouldnt know what to...anyway i called and will explain...

[nursegirl6572]

It's time to stop beating yourself up and do the right thing.  Not only do you not have a doc who is aware of the Oxy use, but also, you are not receiving proper prenatal care.

I'm sure you are scared, but put the baby first and get to an OB ASAP.  Ask your family doc for an appropriate referral....you may need a special OB/GYN.

And, btw...just because a physician is right out of med school doesn't mean they wouldn't know what to do.  I understand what you're saying...and if you would feel more comfy with an MD with a good bit of experience in dealing with this...then communicate that to your doctor.

Just don't NOT do anything because you are fearful.  I think you'll be surprised at how un-scary it will end up being.  You are certainly not the first, and won't be the last...pregnant woman taking narcotics.

Plus, the narc issue aside..... your age places you at higher risks for other issues at well.  Normally, women over 40 (some docs it is 35) get more aggressive prenatal care just due to their age!

I hope that 1234betterlife has contacted you...she is VERY VERY knowledgeable!  She is an experienced OB/GYN nurse.  You only get one shot at this...so far, you've done VERY very well.....now find yourself a doc ASAP!

Best of luck!

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

Yes after many posts., and checking out websites, and a few amazing emails, what you are suggesting is exactly what i am doing.  I decided to contact my family doc for a referral and i am going to tell her everything...my appointment is monday morning, my family doc is three hours away from me but she wants to see me before she makes the referral..i will ask her to try and find one that has some experience with this...thanks for your words and thank you everyone for the pats on the back for getting down as far as i did in the time that i did it in....will keep posting...

[nursegirl6572]

Awesome!

You took that very difficult first step.  It will get easier from here, I promise.

Being "hooked" on oxys doesn't make you a bad person, and of course you want the best for your baby.

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world (as you already know with a gaggle of kids...lol)....no sense in making it any harder.  You've already taken huge strides forward in beating this.  It isn't an easy road....be sure to lean on those you can for support...including the folks here.  

Be sure to update us on how you're doing.  Best of luck to you...my thoughts are with you!!!

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

What would be good things to eat when i am feeling well enough to eat, someone made mention that one of the major problems with babys who are born this way suffer from poor hydration and nutrition.  What foods would be most beneficial at this point, i try to eat whenever i feel well, and my 20 mg lasts me pretty much all day long, enough to get lots of food and hydration, i also take maternal supplements and iron pills, i get anemic with every pregnancy...

[tramaddi]

Are u 12 weeks along or 12 weeks from delivery???  I also just wanted to mention how great it is that everyone is being so supportive regarding the pregnancy and not critisized or made her to feel worse.  I have posted a few times before and got some hurtful responses which made me feel really bad cuz I felt sensative enough about it already.  Being positive and caring is the best way to help someone through a difficult time.

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

12 weeks or less to my due date, so i cant afford to waste anymore time, i should have tried harder earlier, but cant do anything about that now, just gotta do whats best now...and yes with everyones support i do feel better, am still filled with guilt, but the more i do things right and make right choices like take my vitamin supplements and my iron pills, keep tapering, and i think today i am going to try and get some exercise go for a walk or something i dunno...just keep making right choices for today, and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.....dont get me wrong in a few hours i could be back to feeling sorry myself but right now i feel okay and that is because of everyones support on here, my partner, my mother...everyone has been AMAZING!!! i am feeling a lot of gratitude right now, and gratitude is the best feeling in the world....

[mtgoat911]

i am concerned that you are so close to delivery and have not found your way to a obgyn
drugs aside, that is a major problem
i will be positive....... by positivly telling you that this is unacceptablei understand how a mom can be addicted, not uncommon
but refusing medical treatment for a pregnant patient over 40 is insane
your guilt is there for a reason, its now time to do the next right thing
you need to call your doctor right now and tell him what you and your baby are going through
now, not tommorow
refusing medical care when you are pregnant is considered child neglect in the state i live in
i know that you have stated that you do not want to loose that baby to dss, but how do you think the hospital is going to look at it when they see that you have not been to an ob?
next right thing, thats all any of us can do

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

Boy you must be going through a lot yourself....my thoughts are with you and whatever it is that your going through, thank  you though for putting your own problems aside to show me concern it is greatly appreciated.....hugs

[tryin2bbestme]

Three years ago I found out that I was 4 and a half months pregnant and I had been on oxys and methadone that I was getting from a friend for about a year. I had never had regular cycles and the pregnancy was a shock. I had no insurance and no job and had to go to the health dept. I saw their pregnancy specialist and she set me up with an appt with a dr the following week. I decided in the mean time that I  would try to get off the pills but when I saw the dr. they told me that going into withdrawl (withdrawal) would cause me to miscarry and they put me on methadone maintenance. I stayed on as low a dose as I could and my daughter was born with no addiction. She was 8 1/2 lbs and perfect. There was no methadone in her system at all. I was honest with all the medical professionals and was never threatened with having my daughter taken away. I followed the instructions they gave me and didn't take anymore oxys.  It wasn't the ideal situation - in fact it was an awful one - but I did the best I could and suffered horrible guilt. I worried about what everyone thought about me and worst of all was worrying my daughter would be born addicted. I thank God she was in perfect health. She is really smart and beautiful and about to turn 3! Good luck to you - please get medical help and know that you are far from being alone!

[mtgoat911]

oh dear, i see i have steped on a toe or two
it happens, i just want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers
i am not a hand holder, i will not pat you on the back and tell you things i think you want to hear
being in recovery i have learned that it is difficult at times to help others, who want it their way
but i have been clean and helping people for a while now
and i have my own ways of doing that
i am also a paramedic for an rehab facility, i deal with people in your situation all the time, your case is not unique
if you want my help i am here,
and by the way i do have my own issues, thank God, they are getting fewer and far between
each year i stay clean i am better equiped to handle my problems
i wish the same for you
good luck, i hope you and your baby make it

[mtgoat911]

listen, i just wanted to appoliogize,
i was lying in the bed last night, thinking about you and your situation
i am sure that you are scared and do not need someone being a *****
i am very upfront, you get what you see, kind of person
and i am so used to dealing with addicts and the denile they bring to the table, myself included
i realize that my approach to your situation has not been helpful to you and i am sorry, from the bottom of my heart for that
i understand, if you want to continue on without my help, but i also wanted you to know that your situation is one that i do have experience with and i am more than competent to aid you while you walk through this difficult time
xoxo
stacey

ps. i am also willing to do the best i can, to change my approach to suit any need you may have, i come here to help, not to add to the pain

[ohmygodhowdidigethere]

Do not concern yourself with in any longer, everyone is helpful in their own way, and I always appreciate help that is earnest, take care of yourself, I will get through this I have alot of faith, and not afraid to ask for help, because of this forum and the people who have brought me encouragement and insight, I am doing everything in my power to get myself a doctor, with proper care, and am going to be completely upfront about my condition regardless of the shame i feel, I was being very selfish and putting my own image ahead of me and my babys health, but everyone has been so great that I although I still feel like a loser, at least I dont have to continue down this path, and I can only do what I can only do today...thanks again hon

[cheerios]

I too became pregnant and was taking subutex.  The doctor told me to take subutex and not suboxone when pregnant and studies now have shown it to be "safe" during pregnancy (as per my sub doctor) and safer than meth (I have no experience with this) but anyway, I'm not telling you to get on sub but just letting you know that their are options.  My baby girl was born un-addicted and is totally normal and is 3.25 years old and ahead in her pre-school.  I worried SO SO much and tried to take the absolute minimun - the last 3 months, I took crumbs (I took a totol of 10mg the entire 3 last months! which is really nothing) but I needed those crumbs. And 5 days prior to my sceduled c/s I didn't take anything but I knew it was the end of my pregnancy.  

All went well and I truely worried much more than I needed to.

Good luck!
Cheerios

[mtgoat911]

i wonder what ever happen to this lady????anyone stayed in touch with her?

[elvinales]

Idk for sure but I thought it could cause miscarriage if you went cold turkey on your pain meds when you are pregnant. I was the victim of a drunk driver 10 yrs ago. I fractured my back, have a cadaver vertebraem two titanium plates in my neck and sixteen screws. In addition, degenerative scoliosis and as a result-have been on heavy pain medication through a legitimate pain management clinic. I should have filed for disability but have been struggling for yrs trying to work but keep losing jobs because I physically and mentally get exhausted easily and am quietly discriminated against as a result. I have no health insurance and cannot afford surgery, phys. Rehabilitation, counseling or any form of health care. My husband had insurance for 6 mos and as soon as we met all of the deductibles and in 6 more months-i could have had proper care and some quality of life- (and met that 'pre-existing condition' clause) I feel like my life is a waste, I had to pawn my wedding ring to afford my pain medication this month because my mobility is not up for debate-if i dont have mobility, i have nothing!! My doctors will not participate in the Purdue pharma plan-who would be kind enough to help me afford my medications because they said they dont want the responsibility/or liability issue-all my doctor has to do is fill out some paperwork and it breaks my heart that they won't take the time to help me...does someone have a solution?? Or know a doctor in alaska that would be willing to help?? I don't want to go back to being immobile..