5 months pregnant and taking Morphine and Roxicodone for pain

[gretch1976]

I have been trying to fine forums on line where I can ask anyone who is experiencing any of these issues like myself..I am 35 years old and have been in  pain management for 6 years..I was in a horrible car accident in 1999 which led me to have neck surgery a fusion on my neck..I have a 8 year old that was born in 2003 and that pregnancy was no meds at all..I started having severe neck pain again which was probably around when my son was 2 or 3 years old which led me in having to make a  decision wether to have neck surgery again to fix it which i was told by 3 doctors or be on pain meds..I of course went on pain meds not wanting to have surgery again on my neck..I am currently on Morphine (30mg) 3x's a day and roxicodone (15mg) 4 x's a day, I have recently cut back a lot..When I found out I was pregnant I was taking 60 mg 3'xs a day of Morphine and the same of Roxicodone except I took 6 (15mg) a day..I am extremely worried where my pain managment and rehaab centers tell me DO NOT WEEN ANYMORE off of my meds because it can lead to a  miscariage..Even though I am trying my best to do better then I have..Where as my OBGYN says to try and get completely off or I am taking a chance in my baby being addicted..This is the hardest thing I have been dealing with trying to get off, but I do not want to stress my baby or go through the withdrawl since my body has been so immuned to this medication for so long, to mention the many days of having severe pain in my neck..I would love to speak with anyone who can give me advice , or who has been in my shoes to make me feel  better..Only the lord above can help me feel better as I pray and hope and have faith that my baby comes out okay..Lord I Pray!! Thank You for listening and again I just need some advice from only people who know or know someone who has been in this situation..Thanks :)

[adgal]

Oh my heart goes out to you.  I haven't been in your shoes, but I do know a bit about this.  I deal with this at work, although the folks I work with are not necessarily using it by prescription, but the end result is the same.  

For starters, no quitting cold turkey.  That can be very harmful to the fetus, and yes can cause miscarriage.  Many women do wean but there are so many variables.  Amount typically taken, how far along you are in pregnancy, etc.  You really need to find a Dr. who has experience in these types of situations.  Contact local agencies and rehab centers to find out their experience in this. There are rehab centers that sort of specialize in working with pregnant women.   Weaning has to be done under close medical supervision and slowly.  It is not an easy thing to manage during pregnancy if there is a high level of addiction. Each situation is unique and it is critical that you work with someone experienced in addiction during pregnancy.  I know at our agency our OB's are specially trained for this and work closely with rehab and counsellors.  It's not going to be easy.  BTW..don't take offense at my use of the word addiction.  Prolonged use of these drugs would create a dependency no matter who you are..it does NOT mean you are some sort of horrid person.    Your body became dependant on them.  It's not your fault.


As for pain management.  Sadly pregnancy does not end chronic pain.  Many many women go through pregnancy on pain medication.  It's not good for you or baby for you to be in pain.  You need to find the right mix to keep you comfortable and keep your little one safe.  This too requires close medical supervision.

I guess the best advice I can give you is too look for a medical team that will work with you and really knows what they are doing.  This will require some research and you should act quickly.  This needs to be handled carefully both for your health and the health of your baby.  I wish you all the best, and I commend you for seeking help to help your child be born healthy.  Good luck to you.

[tamtam305]

Oh dear you poor thing, but there is no way id be taking any of that with my pregnancy, i know your case is severe but the baby may have withdrawl's when he/she is born and ive seen that and its heart breaking. I know it wouldnt be your fault please dont get me wrong, i feel for you alot i really do but you need to kow that your baby can get addicted to them whilst in the womb. i have a bad back that has 3 disks out and i use mercindol which was ok when i was preg with buba number 6. maybe its not strong enough for you in your situation but.
you cant just stop your meds love it could be harlmfull to u both, let us know how u r going ok, and you and baby are in my thoughts.