pregnancy and meds

I have been in pain management for 3 years.  I currently take 15 mg of methadone and 60 mg of oxycodone 2 times a day.  This is a hight dose of meds.  My Doctor has told me that it is fine for me to be taking these meds.  She said that there is a chance that the baby could go through withdrawels, but it would be monitored by the hospital and not to worry.  I am feeling really paranoid about this, but I want to follow my doctors advice.  I keep worrying that these drugs will kill my babies (twins)...I am aware of the possibility that they will go through withrawels, but what about in the mean time?  Are they ok in my tummy?

[cindy82]

its so hard to say, i would say get a sec opinion and go from there. i would try to wean myself off of the meds and try something else for the pain. can i ask what the meds are for? what kinda pain?

[bioclock1]

I worked in a methadone clinic (for substance abuse) up until January. When we had pregnant women coming in our doctor would advise them that it was okay to stay on a relatively low dose of methadone until delivering b/c going off methadone (or other opiates) could cause severe withdrawals (if done too fast) an this could pose a risk to the baby.
If a woman was in our clinic and became pregnant, because they were being so closely monitored by staff and doctors, the doctor would leave the decision up to the woman, saying that she could go down slowly as she felt ready and before the 3rd trimester, or she could continue until delivery.

Opiates are very addictive and your child may go through withdrawals. However, if you stop taking your medication abruptly, this could pose a risk to you and your twins. The fact that you've been in pain mgmt for 3 years sounds like you would probably be better off staying on it but maybe not the oxy. I would defintitely talk to a doctor and get a second opinion and maybe even contact a methadone clinic and ask one of their doctors.

My advice is not professional as I am no longer working there. It's just opinion.
Good luck.

[mslulu]

I have been on medication for the past 3 years too - Hydrocodone and a muscle relaxer.  I researched on line to see how the drug(s) could affect a baby - however didn't find much information to satisfy any detail questions I had. There sure is a lack of information about the topic!

I saw my Doctor for the first time on Monday- My first "real" appointment as a prego! (9 weeks / due Sept 11th)   I had asked the Nurst pract..  previously - 4 weeks ago when my test came positive - and she told me not to have too much concern since I had been on the medication for so long and the withdrawel issue is stressful for th baby..  She also pointed out the medication I take is one they prescribe to a pregnant woman dealing with lots of pain.  I felt more at ease.

HOWEVER - when I did finally talk to the Doctor this past monday - she made me feel terrible about taking medication!  She asked if I drove a car, if the pregnancy was a big mistake and she suffered with back pain and doesn't take medication!  I was very insulted and felt like a terrible person.  There is no way any expecting woman would have intentions of hurting the baby!   I am looking for a new doctor!  

I have sympathy for you and the stress you are going thru - as I am gong thru the same guilt and questions.  Life dealing with constant Pain is very difficult and others don't seem to understand the poor quality of life you can have without the help of taking medication to make the day bareable and not be completely depressed.  I don't have any really great advice for you other than get another opinion and research as much as possible on your own.  Good luck to you. Please feel free to email back chat if you need support!  God Bless!

[kara78]

Thank you for the comments.  Looks like it is up to me and my doctore.  I would love to hear more stories that are similar and the outcomes.  I am on the pain meds because of nerve damage in my right arm.  I severed my artery and median nerve.  The nerve has not grown back and it leaves me with burning pain.