Subutex withdrawal 30 wks pregnant

[emmiej2112]

I was taking oxy for years for back pain and decided to detox but they put me on Subutex 16mg a day.  I really wish I would have never started it.  Worst drug ever!  I was down to 4mg a day and now cannot get a script because of cost or the fact that I am pregnant.  I can't find anyone to help me.  I was wondering if Kratom is safe to use while pregnant and whether it would be effective.  Also, It's been 2 days since my last dose.  Will withdrawals get worse and how long will they last?

[dominosarah]

I am so glad you found someone to help you out for now.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing~

[emmiej2112]

Thank you vicki595.  And everyone else.  It is a really hard place to be in.  I wasn't misusing my scripts I just chose to get off of it for the sake of the baby and they had left me worse off than I was before.  Such a frustrating situation.  I went into preterm labor at 25 weeks because I was withdrawing till I could get my script so it was really scary to me.  And the people at the hospital just thought I was a junkie.  It's bull**** that they can treat patients that way.

[emmiej2112]

I actually went to one of the biggest hospitals in the state (Intermountain Medical Center).  They were on 'red status' and had no beds and probably thought I was just a druggie looking for pills.  They were very rude. I finally got a hold of the doctor that checked me out of detox at LDS Hospital (after threatening a lawsuit) he called me and asked the situation.  I told him and he just gave me a script for the next two weeks and got me in to see a doctor at Valley Mental Health.  I don't understand why it took threatening a lawsuit to get help.  Absolutely ridiculous.  PLEASE no one ever take subutex.  It is HORRIBLE.  I would have rather taken the 3-4 days of withdrawals off the oxy than the 2 weeks of withdrawals off the subutex which is more intense than oxy withdrawals.  

[lulu747]

God Bless Vickie-
Listen to her lovely, she really knows her stuff.  Please keep us posted.

PS.  Sorry for the typos and bad grammar in my previous post.  Just a show of how enraged I am by your situation.  You do not deserve the treatment you are getting.
Sending comforting hugs...
Lu

[vicki595]

It's 4mg that you're down to...sorry.  Nonetheless, you need to be monitored and evaluated...

[vicki595]

Hi there- The Univ of Utah Hospital on Medical Dr., SLC will treat you. They have a neonatal unit and drug/alcohol exposure is one of the conditions they treat.  I suggest you get yourself over there.  16 mg is a large dose to abruptly stop and you're going to get sick pretty soon.  

What kind of place has doctors who aren't licensed??  Wow!   Just hurry and get to Univ. Hosp. And good luck.

[lulu747]

This situation makes me so mad for you I wish I could come pick you up at drive you to the Women's hospital here myself!!
NG and Sweetness are right.  You cannot give up.  Your babies health and well-being is at stake and so is your own.  Please don't beat yourself up.  When we're feeling desperate we often trust doctors and do as we're told.  Then we learn the hard way that we must ALWAYS do our research before putting a substance in our body.
Years ago I very nearly died from a 'miracle' drug for my Crohn's disease.  I got serum sickness and coded at the hospital.  Afterwards I learned that this was not that rare of an occurrence.  Scary as hell.  It's the same with Tramadol which has being prescribed for years as a non-addictive non-narcotic pain med.  Nothing could be further from the truth.
Alas, this is where you are so forget about how you got here for now and just focus on getting the proper care for you and your baby.  Don't blame yourself.  Just do whatever you have to do from here on out to ensure the best possible outcome.
Please keep us posted...
Lu

[nursegirl6572]

I'm so sorry you're going through this, it really is crazy.  

Do you have a women's hospital somewhere nearby?  That may be the way to go.  Otherwise, start calling around and explain your situation.  You could also talk to your PCP's office and ask for a referral.  Keep trying hon.  

[Sweetness91]

We have hospitals around here like that...little hole in the wall places that really don't seem to care for their patients. If ppl want proper treatment in my area, we have to drive to the nearest big city, which is 60-75 miles in either direction. You may need to try something like that. Whatever you do, do not give up! Your health and that of your unborn child is at risk. Take every necessary step to get the treatment you need for you both to be safe and healthy!

[emmiej2112]

I went to the ER and they pretty much turned me away at the door saying that the doctors aren't licensed and there was nothing they could do for me.  I just don't understand how all these medical professionals can turn away a pregnant woman in this situation.  It's disgusting and I feel stuck.  I really wish they wouldn't have started me on the subutex.  I wish I would have done my own research before I agreed to the 'treatment'.  It has left me worse off than I was before.

[nursegirl6572]

I agree 100% with the ladies above....find a new doctor, preferably one with experience in treating expectant mothers with a history of addiction.  You should not be stopping the Subs abruptly, and now really isn't even the time to start thinking about a taper.  Your doctor's goal should be to carefully watch you and baby while you're maintained on the Sub (or Methadone, which is the preferred drug of choice for pregnant women).

Please find a new doctor sweetie.  I wish you the very best...please update us!

[lulu747]

That is the most awful and ridiculous thing I've ever heard!  Seriously that OB needs their license revoked.  It is unconscionable that your OB will not help you.  Sub withdrawal is extremely intense and your baby will feel it all.  You need to get yourself to another OB ASAP.  If you must, go to the ER and explain the situation.  Your main concern is I am sure your baby- and withdrawing from Sub at this time is way too dangerous.  You can't do it.
I am being blunt because this is VERY serious.
I'm sorry this is happening to you.  Please try to be calm, take deep breaths, and do whatever you must to get proper care.  Don't try to do this alone.  You can't do it alone.
Please keep us posted-
Sending support...
Lu

[Sweetness91]

No offense meant here, but if your OB has known you were on the Subutex and have suddenly had to stop the medication, but will not offer any advice on the situation, well in my own honest opinion, it's time to seek a new OB! That's just unbelievable...they're supposed to look out for you & baby's well being, and I don't withdrawing cold turkey from that stuff while pregnant is in either of your best interests. I hope you find someone that will help you. Good luck and God Bless.

[emmiej2112]

My OB doesn't prescribe the meds and won't give me any advice on it at all.  She knows I've been on it but that's as far as it goes.  It's day 2 with nothing and I feel like I'm going crazy.