Looking for Tips/Support

[NewMotivations]

I have been lurking on here for several days now....especially the middle of the night when the restless legs keep me from sleeping. I am inspired by so many of you on here that I felt compelled to post. I have been on some form of pain meds for the past three years. At first they were Norcos, but then in 2006, I was referred into a pain management group where I eventually worked my way up to a daily dose cocktail of Oxycontin and Percocet - about seven pills a day total.

On Sunday, I figured out that I was about six weeks pregnant. The pregnancy itself is a good thing. Even though it wasn't planned, I am married and my husband is well aware of my drug situation. I was told I would not be able to have any more children due to my disease. But when I took that test on Sunday, I nearly had a panic attack. Why? Because I knew I had to get off the drugs.

Am I an addict? Probably. Even though I got the meds from a legit source and I have legit pain, they very much ran my life. I would count down hours or minutes until I could take the next pill and obsess on whether or not I would run out early. Taking the meds in a way became my "hobby." I would plan to go places around my pill schedule so that I could be gone or busy while waiting for my next dose. But I would always like to be home when it was time to take the meds, because I didn't want anything to interfere with that buzz. I thought my life would be empty without them. I looked at everyone around me (and still kinda do) wondering how they aren't bored day-in and day-out being clear-headed.  

I knew I had to get off them sooner rather than later. Many times, as I sat out in my garage smoking (chain-smoking when I was buzzed), I would say to myself, "This is not who I am. I am better than this." Well here's my big chance right?

This is my chance to get off these things once and for all, as I refuse to do this to my unborn child. In a way, I feel fortunate that I have something else besides my own sense of self-preservation to get off these things. Because if I weren't pregnant, I know I wouldn't have had the guts to come off the meds.

So the first thing I did Monday was call my pain doc and tell them, "I'm pregnant, help me get off these things." I was at the end of my script anyways, so intead of prescribing me the 120 Percs and 90 Oxys a month, they wrote a script for 20 Percs, no Oxys. I thought that was a bit harsh, but the doc who wrote them is not my regular doc (he's the anti-narcotic guy of the practice). And here I thought they'd have some fantastic taper schedule planned out for me with a coach to go along. Instead it was like, "Here's your 20 pills. Do your best to get off them."

On Monday, I cut my dose from the daily 100mg total of oxycodone to 30 total mg. I tapered to 25mg on Wednesday and 20 mg. yesterday. I feel okay. I'm taking just two 10mg Percs a day now. No Oxy. I have to say I don't feel too bad, but I can't sleep!  The restless legs are a nightmare for me!  And unlike in previous withdrawal episodes, I can't really take anything to help me sleep due to the pregnancy. I'm basically on day six now. Does anyone have any idea how long the leg thing will last?!  I'm also worried that if I withdraw too quick and too harsh that I may endanger the baby, but I figure the jump from 100mg to 30mg was probably the worst part.

I have the goal of being med free by Thanksgiving. But I know I can't do it alone. Even though I'm not really getting the high from the meds anymore, I still feel myself watching the clock until I can take the next one. Old habits - especially ones of an addict probably never die do they?  Anyways. Sorry for the lengthy post. I guess I'm just looking for some words of advice/encouragement to help me on my journey. You guys seem so great. I'd love to be a part of the board.

  

[allaboutmary]

If you are not familar with Lotsatrout  he is the forum's comedian.    You will learn to love him..

[Lotsatrout]

Is there anyway that we can get back to the "trying to stary way from TMI" part of the post?  I'm sorry but I really need ALL of the details before making my contribution,.  I'm just kidding you guys/gals.  Although.......

Trout

[lurker]

Congrats on posting, pregnancy and trying to get clean.  Be sure to talk to your OB about the drugs and the taper - you want to get off the drugs, but do it in the safest way for your baby.  The restless legs will pass with time.  if you're not able to sleep try taking hot baths at night to calm your legs.  Your OB may want to have you taper using plain oxycodone instead of Percocet to avoid the Tylenol.
Be careful, keep us posted on the taper and how you're feeling.  I think it's awesome that you are going to have a baby.

[NewMotivations]

Thanks for all the well wishes!  Actually, my OBGYN is well aware of the meds. He's the one that initially prescribed them to me, as my disease initially began in that general area. (Trying to stay away from TMI) Both he and my pain doc are shrugging their shoulders as far as how quickly I need to get off these meds for the baby. They both keep telling me to talk to the other guy!  

Anyways, I hope that the worst of the withdrawal is over with. Everyone keeps asking if I have morning sickness, but to tell you the truth, I'm not sure! I feel like butt, and I'm certain its from the meds, not the baby. Now that I'm only at 3 Percs or less a day and no Oxy's, I'm going to slow down the taper just a bit. I want my body to adjust before I shock it some more!  Any wonder cure for the restless legs? I am going crazy here? Thanks again!    

[avisg]

congrats i am so happy about the baby , you can do this ...I agree the doctor pulled you down way to fast. I would talk to you regular doctor about setting up a reasonable taper schedule.... There is no reason to put your body into shock......I don't know about the safety of oxys and unborn babies...We have a few nurses that post i would bet one will read your post and can help you out with that.
we are here to help .....Post often ......
avis

[flmagi]

Congrats on pregnancy and on your decision to get clean. Sounds the the Doc felt tappering is the way to go. But I would bring this up to OBGYN.  There is no doubt, getting clean is what you should do, for yourself and that baby.    You have so many reasons to do this now. You have a wonderful life ahead when you get clean. Please be strong and keep talking to us. We're here for you and we'll help you through it. Take care.
Magi

[allaboutmary]

Congrat's on your pregnancy !  You are in a tuff situation and I fear giving any advice as I don't know much about detox and pregnancy.  Can you get to an obgyn and explain the situation?  We are here for you. Hang in there.