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pregnancy and oxycodone, soma, xanax,+
Hello,
I am hoping a medical professional may read this, and give me their opinion. I was told by 3 gynecologists I could probably never get pregnant naturally due to lifelong gyn problems. Surprise... I found out on Friday that I am pregnant, for the first time ever, at age 41!!!
I was in a bad car accident mid-July and have been prescribed (and have been taking) serious medications. I have been taking four 30mg oxycodone, 3 Somas, and 2 mg of Xanax a day. (Obviously, I cannot work now.) I've had lots of tests, x-rays, injections, and all of this medicine while unknowingly being pregnant. When I missed my periods I thought it was because of all of the stress and medication.
I have also been smoking much more than usual. I don't think it takes a genius to tell me I will probably have to terminate this pregnancy, but I just need to ask as many people as will reply to me. With Monday being Labor Day, I have not even been able to talk to my OBGYN. After years of trying to get pregnant, THIS is how it happens! I'm still in shock.
I have more to say, but I want to keep this as short as I can and then pray someone will reply to me. I will write a follow up if needed after I hear from someone out there. This is all I think about, 24/7. All I do is worry and cry right now. I've barely slept. Now that I think about it, I don't even know how my back could handle carrying a baby...I herniated 5 discs, have 8 other ones bulging, and then some more stuff as well.
I'm sorry this is so long. Please, please know that any knowledgeable advice would be greatly appreciated and I will constantly be checking for any replies. Thank you for taking the time to read this and possibly reply to it.
Leigh
I am hoping a medical professional may read this, and give me their opinion. I was told by 3 gynecologists I could probably never get pregnant naturally due to lifelong gyn problems. Surprise... I found out on Friday that I am pregnant, for the first time ever, at age 41!!!
I was in a bad car accident mid-July and have been prescribed (and have been taking) serious medications. I have been taking four 30mg oxycodone, 3 Somas, and 2 mg of Xanax a day. (Obviously, I cannot work now.) I've had lots of tests, x-rays, injections, and all of this medicine while unknowingly being pregnant. When I missed my periods I thought it was because of all of the stress and medication.
I have also been smoking much more than usual. I don't think it takes a genius to tell me I will probably have to terminate this pregnancy, but I just need to ask as many people as will reply to me. With Monday being Labor Day, I have not even been able to talk to my OBGYN. After years of trying to get pregnant, THIS is how it happens! I'm still in shock.
I have more to say, but I want to keep this as short as I can and then pray someone will reply to me. I will write a follow up if needed after I hear from someone out there. This is all I think about, 24/7. All I do is worry and cry right now. I've barely slept. Now that I think about it, I don't even know how my back could handle carrying a baby...I herniated 5 discs, have 8 other ones bulging, and then some more stuff as well.
I'm sorry this is so long. Please, please know that any knowledgeable advice would be greatly appreciated and I will constantly be checking for any replies. Thank you for taking the time to read this and possibly reply to it.
Leigh
Hello! Please try to relax. I certainly hope and pray you do not terminate this pregnancy based on what you wrote! How far along are you? The first thing you need to do is call your Dr and let him/her know you're pregnant!! They will change/amend whatever meds you're on now to be compliable with your pregnancy. STOP SMOKING. Do not give up hope on your pregnancy! You may or may not have caused damage to your unborn baby, but only your Dr can tell you that. Call your Dr immediately!! AND Congratulations on your pregnancy! Because today is Labor Day, your OB/GYN can still get emergency calls--his answering service will track him down. Contact him or just go to the ER. But, make sure you call your OB/GYNs office to let them know!! Best Wishes!
Hi there,
I agree with Pam. You don't know yet if there is damage or not. I am not sure how far along you are, but they may be able to switch your meds to ones that are less dangerous. I was reading a few weeks ago how women with cancer and on serious medications no longer necessarily have to terminate pregnancies. This forum does not have any Dr's on it, it is primarily made up of women over 35 who either are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or have been pregnant. There are a few nurses, even a genetiscist, and they will probably know a lot more then I do, but regardless,you do need to see a Dr. sooner rather then later. All may turn out just fine, so please don't jump the gun and make any decision until you have all the facts.
Please keep us posted, and I wish you all the best of luck.
I agree with Pam. You don't know yet if there is damage or not. I am not sure how far along you are, but they may be able to switch your meds to ones that are less dangerous. I was reading a few weeks ago how women with cancer and on serious medications no longer necessarily have to terminate pregnancies. This forum does not have any Dr's on it, it is primarily made up of women over 35 who either are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or have been pregnant. There are a few nurses, even a genetiscist, and they will probably know a lot more then I do, but regardless,you do need to see a Dr. sooner rather then later. All may turn out just fine, so please don't jump the gun and make any decision until you have all the facts.
Please keep us posted, and I wish you all the best of luck.
Hi,
I agree with everyone here. Also, in early pregnancy the blood flow to the uterus is not well developed and the baby won't get everything you're taking. Issue now is to stop smoking immediately, and work with a doctor on managing the other drugs.
If you really want to have this baby, please don't consider that termination is inevitable. It is also possible that you could have this baby, even with the back problems and other health issues.... you just need a good and supportive health care team working with you.
If one doctor recommends termination, you don't have to accept that, go get a second or even a third opinion to find someone to work with you, if that is what you want.
How far along are you? Let us know how you go, we are all here to support you, whatever happens.
Best wishes
Sally
I agree with everyone here. Also, in early pregnancy the blood flow to the uterus is not well developed and the baby won't get everything you're taking. Issue now is to stop smoking immediately, and work with a doctor on managing the other drugs.
If you really want to have this baby, please don't consider that termination is inevitable. It is also possible that you could have this baby, even with the back problems and other health issues.... you just need a good and supportive health care team working with you.
If one doctor recommends termination, you don't have to accept that, go get a second or even a third opinion to find someone to work with you, if that is what you want.
How far along are you? Let us know how you go, we are all here to support you, whatever happens.
Best wishes
Sally
OMG Sandi! I so disagree...This is ALL such discouraging advice you're giving her. Only her Dr can tell her what (if any) harm her fetus has been exposed to...and to suggest terminating? Absolutely Not! AND SMOKING IS VERY HARMFUL! !
This is really one of those situations only a Dr. can truly answer. I know for sure that there has been alot of studies done about women with pretty serious illness that can and do have healthy babies even though they may be on some pretty hefty medications. I refered to cancer earlier...it used to be that a women with cancer was told termination was the only option if she wanted to be treated. Thats not the case any more at all. At the end of the day only you and your Dr. can determine if termination is the best solution, but if you really want to have a baby then seeing specialists in these matters and getting all the information is so important. I agree with getting multiple opinions and making sure you have a completely clear picture of the whole situation is really important before making a decision like this. I have been thinking about you since I read your first post, wondering what I personally would do in this situation. I honestly don't know the answer, but I do know I would make absolute certain I had all the facts, risks etc. before making any decision. I really wish you well, and I hope you decide to post again and let us know how you are doing.
I agree for sure that if she chooses to continue the pregnancy some changes will have to be made. I just meant that working it through with Dr.s, or specialists or whatever the case may be should probably happen quickly. I mean, it is possible no serious damage has been done yet, and maybe there are good alternatives to the current drugs that are safer for a pregnant woman. My heart just goes out to you Leigh, this can't be easy. And Sandi, you know I love you dearly, so its ok for us to have different opinions sometimes. We all want the same thing here, to help women like us going through tough times with their pregnancy.
Leigh5252 - I will not debate as to whether you should terminate the pregnancy. The meds you are taking are not all category 'd'. The Xanax is but talk to your physician. When the benefit outweighs the risk, then a doctor will continue to prescribe it. The oxycodone is category 'b' and the soma is category 'c'. Category b means there have been studies performed for pregnant patients & is proven relatively safe. Category 'c' means little or no studies exist about the effect of the drug on a pregnant woman.
I talked to my husband who's a pharmacist & he said the one that concerns him is the Xanax but also he said the above. He doesn't like giving professional advice over the internet but will give a little in this situation.
If you want a medical professional to answer your question, post it on the 'ask-the-expert' forum. Sometimes they're closed and it's hard to get a question posted but keep trying. Also, if you go consistently to one pharmacy, you can also talk to the pharmacist there to answer questions about your meds. Good luck & please pm me if there's anything else I can do to help.
I talked to my husband who's a pharmacist & he said the one that concerns him is the Xanax but also he said the above. He doesn't like giving professional advice over the internet but will give a little in this situation.
If you want a medical professional to answer your question, post it on the 'ask-the-expert' forum. Sometimes they're closed and it's hard to get a question posted but keep trying. Also, if you go consistently to one pharmacy, you can also talk to the pharmacist there to answer questions about your meds. Good luck & please pm me if there's anything else I can do to help.
Oh one more thing - don't try to go off any of your meds cold turkey. After reading and talking to my husband, going off the soma, xanax & oxycodone abruptly could have dire effects on your health if proper precaution is not used. They are drugs that have to be weaned off gradually - all three of them. If you do go off of them, do so w/a dr's supervision.
Sandi,
Right now I am pretty confused and upset by your last post. At first your seemed to realize that I am looking for support. Then, your last post seemed to blast me for looking for free medical advice. Just read your posts to me again, and I think you will see they appear gradually inconsistent with each other. They seem to go from understanding to accusatory.
Of course I need support!! My OBGYN doctor is on vacation and his on-call partner needs to see me to discuss and review all my records. I just found out on Friday that I am pregnant, and this feels like the longest weekend of my life with the Labor Day holiday. I DON'T HAVE ANYONE ELSE TO TALK TO RIGHT NOW! My dream of being a Mom has finally come true, and it's under these awful, scary circumstances.
ABSOLUTELY, I quit smoking immediately! That is no sacrifice, it's for my baby. Although I am in tremendous pain, I have also barely taken ANY medication. Did you miss the part of my post where I stated I had been trying for YEARS to get pregnant??! I never smoked then, and just started 2 years ago when I felt all was hopeless. Who, in their right mind would try to get pregnant forever, and then not try to do everything they could to have a healthy baby???
Yes, I am fully aware of all the specialists I will need to see and all the necessary sacrifices...I am only worried about having a healthy baby. I guess I was just hoping to hear from someone else that had been through, or had knowledge of someone in a situation similar to mine, that had a happy, healthy baby.
I am pretty bummed out right now, and was just looking for some compassionate, knowledgeable insight. There are no specialists that I have been able to see/speak to this weekend and all I can think about is this baby. Sorry my post "worries" you, but I did not know where else to turn, or who I could talk to before Tuesday. I just wish you would have asked me some questions before assuming the wrong answers.
Leigh
Right now I am pretty confused and upset by your last post. At first your seemed to realize that I am looking for support. Then, your last post seemed to blast me for looking for free medical advice. Just read your posts to me again, and I think you will see they appear gradually inconsistent with each other. They seem to go from understanding to accusatory.
Of course I need support!! My OBGYN doctor is on vacation and his on-call partner needs to see me to discuss and review all my records. I just found out on Friday that I am pregnant, and this feels like the longest weekend of my life with the Labor Day holiday. I DON'T HAVE ANYONE ELSE TO TALK TO RIGHT NOW! My dream of being a Mom has finally come true, and it's under these awful, scary circumstances.
ABSOLUTELY, I quit smoking immediately! That is no sacrifice, it's for my baby. Although I am in tremendous pain, I have also barely taken ANY medication. Did you miss the part of my post where I stated I had been trying for YEARS to get pregnant??! I never smoked then, and just started 2 years ago when I felt all was hopeless. Who, in their right mind would try to get pregnant forever, and then not try to do everything they could to have a healthy baby???
Yes, I am fully aware of all the specialists I will need to see and all the necessary sacrifices...I am only worried about having a healthy baby. I guess I was just hoping to hear from someone else that had been through, or had knowledge of someone in a situation similar to mine, that had a happy, healthy baby.
I am pretty bummed out right now, and was just looking for some compassionate, knowledgeable insight. There are no specialists that I have been able to see/speak to this weekend and all I can think about is this baby. Sorry my post "worries" you, but I did not know where else to turn, or who I could talk to before Tuesday. I just wish you would have asked me some questions before assuming the wrong answers.
Leigh
Thank you so much for your advice and concern!!!! Yes, I had already spoke to my pharmacist and he told me the same thing about not stopping cold turkey. Please thank your husband for me, as well.
I did try numerous times to post on the "Ask-the-Expert" forum, but was not able to under "pregnancy". I ended up at this forum because it was the closest one for my situation.
Lastly, thank you for your kindness in offering me to PM you. I feel better than I did a little while ago!
Leigh
I did try numerous times to post on the "Ask-the-Expert" forum, but was not able to under "pregnancy". I ended up at this forum because it was the closest one for my situation.
Lastly, thank you for your kindness in offering me to PM you. I feel better than I did a little while ago!
Leigh
Hi Leigh,
Please stay as calm as you can at the moment. Congratulations on being pregnant. It is amazing what can happen when you're not all expecting it. After all this time and of course you are very worried and emotional, particularly given your situation.
Don't panic about the meds yet. As they said above, it can surely be managed. Sounds like you've got good advice from your pharmacist and 40smama and her hubby.
Written messages are also so abbreviated that sometimes it is hard to gets someone's true intention. I think the messages here to you are overall very supportive.
How far along are you? Wishing you the very best. Let us know how you go. I'm certainly for one going to be thinking of you and hoping all is going well.
Sally
Please stay as calm as you can at the moment. Congratulations on being pregnant. It is amazing what can happen when you're not all expecting it. After all this time and of course you are very worried and emotional, particularly given your situation.
Don't panic about the meds yet. As they said above, it can surely be managed. Sounds like you've got good advice from your pharmacist and 40smama and her hubby.
Written messages are also so abbreviated that sometimes it is hard to gets someone's true intention. I think the messages here to you are overall very supportive.
How far along are you? Wishing you the very best. Let us know how you go. I'm certainly for one going to be thinking of you and hoping all is going well.
Sally
Its not that I don't wish the best for anyone in these kind of situations, because I do. But as a woman and a mother I know that the opinions of others are just that, opinions. When it comes to something like this things tend to become too emotional, get out of hand and then peoples feelings get hurt unintentionally. Please do not judge Sandi poorly as she has a big heart. We all love her and value her opinon. I do not believe she meant ill will towards the poster but was only basing her opinion on what she has seen. Oh, and for the record I do not smoke now but did so with all three of my older children. Its nothing I am proud of nor do I advertise but they are healthy as can be and grown up. I didn't even have a healthy diet then to beat all. I was a very young mother and not so smart. I was actually smoking when I first learned I was pregnant this time too but this baby kicked my habit (smile). I still occasionally fight the urge but when I get around anyone that smokes I am quickly reminded how nasty the habit really is. I can be in my own car and smell the person in the car in front of me smoking and its aweful. I just think how much better it is for Gabriella (thats my babys name!) that I do not smoke.
Leigh2525~ I can understand your need for immediate answers and weekends are the worst for them from professionals. You are scared, worried, happy, shocked, overjoyed, and a million other feelings all at once. Your best advice is what you will get from your doctor. Call the one "on call" and be evaluated. Start tomorrow putting your mind at ease and get his professional opinion. You may be far enough along to see your baby on ultrasound. I saw mine at 6 weeks. Know the risks concerning your back (lord knows mine is killing me right now and thats just from pregnancy) and the drugs......but also go with your heart and mind. This is a choice only you and your husband can honestly make. I wish you the best and hope everything works out for the best. I have hopes that all will work out for you. You did not go through all of this for nothing.
Best Wishes!
Sue 34.3 weeks
Leigh2525~ I can understand your need for immediate answers and weekends are the worst for them from professionals. You are scared, worried, happy, shocked, overjoyed, and a million other feelings all at once. Your best advice is what you will get from your doctor. Call the one "on call" and be evaluated. Start tomorrow putting your mind at ease and get his professional opinion. You may be far enough along to see your baby on ultrasound. I saw mine at 6 weeks. Know the risks concerning your back (lord knows mine is killing me right now and thats just from pregnancy) and the drugs......but also go with your heart and mind. This is a choice only you and your husband can honestly make. I wish you the best and hope everything works out for the best. I have hopes that all will work out for you. You did not go through all of this for nothing.
Best Wishes!
Sue 34.3 weeks
You are so welcome. As I said, my husband hesitates to give advice in most cases but when I read your situation, he was glad to help although he doesn't have the full details. You sound excited yet scared about your pregnancy. After going through minor infertility myself, I can appreciate what you've gone through.
My husband knows first hand about these meds in pregnant women as I've had to take some after a nasty car accident myself. I did wean off some before ttc but not all as was recommended by my doctor. I know what it's like in other words to have real, true physical pain & need those medications in order to have any kind of life. Please pm me if I can help - jennifer
My husband knows first hand about these meds in pregnant women as I've had to take some after a nasty car accident myself. I did wean off some before ttc but not all as was recommended by my doctor. I know what it's like in other words to have real, true physical pain & need those medications in order to have any kind of life. Please pm me if I can help - jennifer
Thank you for all the heartfelt support. Sandi, I guess there was just a misinterpretation, as it is hard to sometimes understand exactly what someone is saying in a message, sorry. I think I can understand more now that you told me about your sister. I am extremely emotional right now, too. That shouldn't be a good excuse, but it is the truth.
Right now, I am in so much pain I cannot sleep...although I did sleep about 3 hours. I am so anxious about getting to see the doctor and what he will say. I don't know how in the world my back will be able to support the additional baby weight if I feel this bad even now. I just keep worrying about it all, but I know I need to relax, as you have all encouraged me to do.
I am supposedly 9-10 weeks pregnant. We went to a Planned Parenthood that I found was open Saturday. After doing their pregnancy test, they did a sonogram, but didn't let me see it even though I asked to. My car accident and all the xrays, tests, medications, etc. began when I was one week pregnant if the sonogram is correct.
I will let you know more once I do.
Thanks again for all the replies and the congratulations to me/us! Leigh
Right now, I am in so much pain I cannot sleep...although I did sleep about 3 hours. I am so anxious about getting to see the doctor and what he will say. I don't know how in the world my back will be able to support the additional baby weight if I feel this bad even now. I just keep worrying about it all, but I know I need to relax, as you have all encouraged me to do.
I am supposedly 9-10 weeks pregnant. We went to a Planned Parenthood that I found was open Saturday. After doing their pregnancy test, they did a sonogram, but didn't let me see it even though I asked to. My car accident and all the xrays, tests, medications, etc. began when I was one week pregnant if the sonogram is correct.
I will let you know more once I do.
Thanks again for all the replies and the congratulations to me/us! Leigh
Oh geez Leigh,
You have been through such a lot. Seeing that your car accident is still so recent I would think that you still have a lot of recovering to do so your pain now should improve as you go on. Two months is not very long in the recovery scheme of things. The human body is pretty wonderful. Praying for you.
S
You have been through such a lot. Seeing that your car accident is still so recent I would think that you still have a lot of recovering to do so your pain now should improve as you go on. Two months is not very long in the recovery scheme of things. The human body is pretty wonderful. Praying for you.
S
Dear Leigh - we're all praying for you - update us to what the doctor says. It's going to be okay, sweetie - jen
I second Jen. I will say some extra prayers for you. Please do keep us updated and know that we are here to support you if you need it. Amanda
You certainly have alot to work thru right now. I know what it's like to finally be pregnant after being told you can't have children. I hope you are able to see a Dr immediately so they can advised you about your meds. I worked as a pharmacy tech for many, many years. You have every right to be concerned about the meds you are taking. They can have serious consequences for your baby but your Dr will be able to help you with the best course of action. Testing, etc. If you continue the pregnancy you need to be prepared for a child with problems (just in case) Your back injury is also something else to consider. With the herniated and bulging discs you might not be able to carry to term. I wish you the best of luck with all the decisions you need to make. No matter what you decide to do don't let anyone else make you feel bad about your decision. This is your life not theirs.
Also- I know without a doubt that Sandi didn't mean to upset you. She is a wonderful, caring person and just wanted you to think of every possibility. Good luck!
Also- I know without a doubt that Sandi didn't mean to upset you. She is a wonderful, caring person and just wanted you to think of every possibility. Good luck!
Was just thinking about you and wondering if you have been able to get in to see a Dr. yet? I am hoping its good news for you!! Please let us know if you can. Take care. Amanda
Please get all the info before you make a decision. I was watching a Baby Story the other day and a mom on there was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 3months pregnant and she went through kimo and everything else that goes along with treatment and her baby was just fine... medical science has come so far you'd be amazed at what they can do. I have Hep C and I'm trying to have a baby. My doc said I would be fine. PLEASE DONT GIVE UP. and please stop smoking, think of it as your baby is swimming in a cloud of smoke...also think of the crack moms crack is way worst then the meds your on. If doc can help these babies they can help yours. your doc can change your meds so it will be safer for baby. and you may be on bed rest your hole pregnancy.It's well worth it. I wish you the best of luck!! D*
D
D
WOW! I was just trying to help and give some support. I didn't mean to wind anyone up! I'm not against abortion at all. I was just giving some feedback like she asked for. Not to get my head bit off... all I can say is WOW !!!!
Just a comment on the thread....I don't think anyone is trying to tell Leigh what she should ultimately do. I don't think anyone is trying to say she shouldn't terminate if thats what she ultimately decides. I personally got the impression she wants to have this baby and if that is the case, then seeing Dr.s and specialists are a great idea. They will certainly know more and have more info then any of us will. But Leigh, I will tell you that no matter what your decision is, I know I will support you 100% and I am pretty sure the majority of the other posters will as well. Just wanted to say this, because it sounds like some of the posts are being mistaken as arguments, and I hope it doesn't turn into that. I would hate to see you stay away from here as I can only imagine you must be very frightened right now, and what you most need is support I am sure. Sometimes these posts can be like emails...the words are there but the intent behind them can be so easily mistaken or taken out of context. K, theres my two cents.
Amanda
Amanda
Sandi - not to get rude but have you studied pharmacology? You seem to have a wealth of knowledge about the makeup of these drugs. Dh (pharmacist) is not in right now but when he is, I plan on asking him if crack/heroin has the same chemical makeup as Oxycodone. Right now that sounds ridiculous!
You know I love ya but come on - these statements about drugs sound silly to say the least.
You know I love ya but come on - these statements about drugs sound silly to say the least.
Girl, my husband would know - ya know he would. Pharmacists like himself know even more about meds than doctors - street, otc and prescribed ones.
What shrink has said that the chemical makeup of oxycodone is the same as heroin/crack? Further, I will argue this because I don't want misinformation floating around there when there are others who read these posts who get the wrong idea
My husband never said what was okay for a fetus or not - you need to reread my post. He only gave out the info he's familiar with and that's the CATEGORY of the drugs. Even pharmacists don't have magical insight.
Wait a minute - he just walked in & laughed when I asked him about the chemical makeup between oxycodone and heroin/crack.
What shrink has said that the chemical makeup of oxycodone is the same as heroin/crack? Further, I will argue this because I don't want misinformation floating around there when there are others who read these posts who get the wrong idea
My husband never said what was okay for a fetus or not - you need to reread my post. He only gave out the info he's familiar with and that's the CATEGORY of the drugs. Even pharmacists don't have magical insight.
Wait a minute - he just walked in & laughed when I asked him about the chemical makeup between oxycodone and heroin/crack.
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