suewaz
08-01-2008, 03:48 PM
I am new to the pain management board, but I am hoping to find someone who might be able to relate to my situation. I am 32 weeks pregnant. Back in my 25th week I was hospitalized for severe pain on my left side. After a couple of days, they determined that it was most likely due to my fibroids and something I may have to deal with for the remainder of my pregnancy. While in the hospital, they had me on a Fentanyl drip. I was discharged with a prescription to Percocets. I was taking too many of these a day (aspirin), so they then changed my prescription to Oxycodone. These are being prescribed by my OB-GYN. After a few weeks, she thought it would be best for me to see a pain management specialist since I was still in pain and taking a good amount of meds (10/day - 5 mg each). The pain management doc switched me to OxyContin. I have never taken this before. I started at 30mg 2x per day, and was upped pretty quickly to 40mg 2x per day. Although it does not always last the 12 hours, I have not changed my dosage. I am extremely concerned about the baby, but without the pain medicine I wouldn't be able to function daily, go to work, clean, etc. I know that the drugs are passing through to the placenta, and I know that the baby may suffer from withdrawals when born if I do not quit before then. The pain management doc does not think there is anyway I can quit (he also thinks the pain is pregnancy related but due to nerve damage rather than the fibroids) before delivery since the pain will continue to get worse up the date of delivery. This is not really something an expectant mom wants to hear, but at least he is being honest. I know I need to talk more with by OB-GYN about what is going to happen when delivery time comes. Is there anyone on the board who took pain meds during pregnancy? Can you share your experiences with me? How was the baby when s/he was born? I get very depressed when I think about the fact that my baby is probably going to come out screaming and crying for weeks going through withdrawals. I just don't know what to do. :(
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Aver00
08-01-2008, 04:17 PM
Of course it is not the best thing for your baby but I have worked with moms about this very issue -withdrawal itself for the baby will not be weeks, more like 3-6 days - there may be other issues to deal with but the withdrawal itself is manageable - my own daughter got pregnant (against mom and docs advice) and she has severe lupus - she was on oxycontin 40mg tid -her baby was born prematurely at 29 wks and had some respiratory issues but as far as we could tell did not have withdrawal issues - the only person that has had any residual problems from the pregnancy is my daughter - she has gotten extremely ill due to stress of pregnancy with lupus, had a husband that just "could not take" her being sick all the time and left and my husband and I have adopted this wonderful girl that is now 4 years old
when babies do have withdrawal issues, there are all kinds of things they can do for the baby - they can put them on paregoric and wean them down slowly - it depends on what the baby needs - like I said not the best for the baby to be born addicted but this is manageable
I think the important thing is that you are being treated as a high risk pregnancy and that the baby be born in a facility with a Neonatal intensive care unit
the great thing about coming to this forum is that your baby will have the prayers of dozens of people - I will definitely be praying for you and your baby and please keep us posted as to how you are doing
you are in my prayers and there are other people cmpgirl, brian, steve, Ex, chrissy, izzy and dozens more (feel like one of those people at award shows that cannot remember all of the all stars here) that will by your side
huggs Aver
when babies do have withdrawal issues, there are all kinds of things they can do for the baby - they can put them on paregoric and wean them down slowly - it depends on what the baby needs - like I said not the best for the baby to be born addicted but this is manageable
I think the important thing is that you are being treated as a high risk pregnancy and that the baby be born in a facility with a Neonatal intensive care unit
the great thing about coming to this forum is that your baby will have the prayers of dozens of people - I will definitely be praying for you and your baby and please keep us posted as to how you are doing
you are in my prayers and there are other people cmpgirl, brian, steve, Ex, chrissy, izzy and dozens more (feel like one of those people at award shows that cannot remember all of the all stars here) that will by your side
huggs Aver
suewaz
08-01-2008, 05:21 PM
Aver - Thank you so much for reply. I am sorry to hear about your daughter. She is lucky to have great parents. It must have been hard to go through that situation. Her little girl is very lucky to have guys too. :)
I will be sure to see ask my OB-GYN if the hospital has a NICU. That is a very good point. I am going to see her tomorrow for the first time in a while, so I have all kinds of questions for her. I am already high risk due to blood pressure, gestational diabetes, the fibroids, and lupus (no symptoms yet for me but they were afraid of issues because I was pregnant - so far so good).
I was happy to hear that the withdrawals would not last as long as I thought, but of course, I do not want the baby to suffer at all which is probably unrealistic at this point. I am hoping that since I did not take the meds throughout the whole pregnancy there might be some chance that everything will be OK, but I am planning for the worse.
Thank you for your prayers, I will definitely keep in touch.
I will be sure to see ask my OB-GYN if the hospital has a NICU. That is a very good point. I am going to see her tomorrow for the first time in a while, so I have all kinds of questions for her. I am already high risk due to blood pressure, gestational diabetes, the fibroids, and lupus (no symptoms yet for me but they were afraid of issues because I was pregnant - so far so good).
I was happy to hear that the withdrawals would not last as long as I thought, but of course, I do not want the baby to suffer at all which is probably unrealistic at this point. I am hoping that since I did not take the meds throughout the whole pregnancy there might be some chance that everything will be OK, but I am planning for the worse.
Thank you for your prayers, I will definitely keep in touch.
Sammiejoe
08-01-2008, 07:08 PM
Sue,
Congrats on your baby...I wanted to ditto what aver said and add that I, also, took percocet during my last pregnancy and my child is perfect and she's 8 now. I can relate to your being afraid about the baby being born addicted, but in my dtrs case, she was born perfect with no sign of withdrawal. The other thing is that you should not just stop taking your Oxy because that can bring on early labor, so even mothers addicted to heroin are put on methadone during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage/premature birth. As aver mentioned, paragoric can be given if any sign of withdrawal is noticed i.e; baby crying constantly, agitated.
I did wean down on my percocet during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy, but I was still taking a few 5mg pills daily before birth. I had terrible kidney stones and a disc problem in my back with nerve damage, so I know what your going through. Please don't worry, but ask questions and relate any concern you have to your OB.
Good luck
Congrats on your baby...I wanted to ditto what aver said and add that I, also, took percocet during my last pregnancy and my child is perfect and she's 8 now. I can relate to your being afraid about the baby being born addicted, but in my dtrs case, she was born perfect with no sign of withdrawal. The other thing is that you should not just stop taking your Oxy because that can bring on early labor, so even mothers addicted to heroin are put on methadone during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage/premature birth. As aver mentioned, paragoric can be given if any sign of withdrawal is noticed i.e; baby crying constantly, agitated.
I did wean down on my percocet during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy, but I was still taking a few 5mg pills daily before birth. I had terrible kidney stones and a disc problem in my back with nerve damage, so I know what your going through. Please don't worry, but ask questions and relate any concern you have to your OB.
Good luck
Aver00
08-01-2008, 09:59 PM
SamJo is absolutely correct do not just stop your medication - just stay in contact with you doc
huggs Aver
huggs Aver
brianpain33
08-02-2008, 12:44 AM
Well I can not imagine what you are going through. You are lucky to have a very understanding and caring doctor that is treating your pain needs. There are many women that are in severe pain that do not get ANY pain meds and that probably puts the baby through more stress and obviously the mother through more stress and pain than being on pain meds. You are definitely right to be concerned but hospitals have seen many situations similar to yours so hopefullly that will put your mind at ease. Keep us posted.
brian
brian
cmpgirl
08-02-2008, 04:43 PM
Hey Sue,
I just wanted to say that the responses you have already recieved gave you most of the advice that I could/would have, but I wanted you to know that, 1: I agree 100% with Aver, Sammiejo and Brian and 2: I will be keeping you, your precious baby and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
The only other thing I can think of is, (if you haven't done so already) you should choose a prospective pediatrician and ask for an appointment with them, to discuss what the possible issues might be. The hospital usually has a pediatrician on stand-by for all deliveries, but you can request the pediatrician of your choosing at most hospitals. This could provide peace of mind for you and a heads-up for your baby's future pediatrician as to any issues, should they occur.
Please take care of yourself. I am sure that everything will work out in the best way possible. Try to keep us posted, OK? I wish you the very best, CMP/MM
I just wanted to say that the responses you have already recieved gave you most of the advice that I could/would have, but I wanted you to know that, 1: I agree 100% with Aver, Sammiejo and Brian and 2: I will be keeping you, your precious baby and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
The only other thing I can think of is, (if you haven't done so already) you should choose a prospective pediatrician and ask for an appointment with them, to discuss what the possible issues might be. The hospital usually has a pediatrician on stand-by for all deliveries, but you can request the pediatrician of your choosing at most hospitals. This could provide peace of mind for you and a heads-up for your baby's future pediatrician as to any issues, should they occur.
Please take care of yourself. I am sure that everything will work out in the best way possible. Try to keep us posted, OK? I wish you the very best, CMP/MM
Aver00
08-02-2008, 10:51 PM
Interviewing your pediatrician ahead of time is excellent advice - I never thought of that cmpgrl - Wow as a team we are pretty good - although I always like a little Steve advice for the icing
huggs Aver
huggs Aver
123dietdrpepper
08-03-2008, 12:07 AM
My heart and prayers go out to you and the baby. I know this is very difficult for you and one that you do not take lightly. May it help to know that others care and will be pulling for both of you.
magpie1970
08-03-2008, 05:38 AM
I had something similar during my last pregnancy. I was taking vicodin due to a back/hip problem and stopped taking it during the first trimester and continued it up until the day before I had the baby. I was taking about 6 a day throughout. I also had a surgery while PG and was on a morphine drip, dulaudid and percocet.
From the research I did, the chances of withdrawals in the baby is if you take the meds close to delivery time. What your OB may have you do is lower your dose the closer you get to delivery time. Also, since your OB is aware of your medication use, there will be precautions made during your delivery, just in case baby is withdrawing. My experience is that I had NO problems at all with baby. She was completely healthy at birth and to date has no problems.
Congragts on your upcoming little ones appearance and hopefully your pain stops after you deliver.
From the research I did, the chances of withdrawals in the baby is if you take the meds close to delivery time. What your OB may have you do is lower your dose the closer you get to delivery time. Also, since your OB is aware of your medication use, there will be precautions made during your delivery, just in case baby is withdrawing. My experience is that I had NO problems at all with baby. She was completely healthy at birth and to date has no problems.
Congragts on your upcoming little ones appearance and hopefully your pain stops after you deliver.
leilanbabies
08-03-2008, 09:57 AM
Hi Sue,
I am in a sort of similar situation, I am 26wks pg and due to pinched nerves, back problems and a recent broken tailbone, have been on percocet for about 2 months, MY dr however told me this is my last script, shes worried about me becoming addicted. HA how about the pain I go thru every day I can barely get moving without the pain meds! I also have 5yrs old and 2yrs old boys to take care of ! I am very worried about the baby, but as tests and ultrasounds have shown, she is absolutely perfect, gaining weight even a lil big! Do YOU have any advice for me? I see you live in NH as well:) I am at the end of my rope here:(
I am in a sort of similar situation, I am 26wks pg and due to pinched nerves, back problems and a recent broken tailbone, have been on percocet for about 2 months, MY dr however told me this is my last script, shes worried about me becoming addicted. HA how about the pain I go thru every day I can barely get moving without the pain meds! I also have 5yrs old and 2yrs old boys to take care of ! I am very worried about the baby, but as tests and ultrasounds have shown, she is absolutely perfect, gaining weight even a lil big! Do YOU have any advice for me? I see you live in NH as well:) I am at the end of my rope here:(
BrittleBones
08-03-2008, 08:38 PM
I am the mother of a perfectly beautiful, healthy 31 year old daughter who now has 2 children of her own. I took Percodan and then Percocet during 7 months of my pregnancy and there were no adverse effects for her. She didn't seem to have any withdrawal symptoms, but perhaps I just didn't know what to look for and the pediatrician didn't mention anything. I was 20 years old and not very knowledgeable about medical issues. I took it through my pregnancy because of severe back pain. Good luck to you! Memere (KathyMac)
suewaz
08-04-2008, 01:16 PM
Wow, thank you to everyone for all the great response and advice. I really truly appreciate it! You guys are very helpful, and I am glad that I posted here. Thanks to all of you that shared uplifting stories with me on your babies as well. You have no idea how much that helps to hear. I will be trying to find a pediatrician this week. When I saw my OB on Saturday, she still does not seem overly concerned about the pain medicine and the baby. She did explain that they would deal with the baby's withdrawals if the baby had any. There is no NICU at the hospital where I am deliverying, but, she said there is no reason to believe at this point that a NICU would be necessary. She said if she felt that I would need a NICU, she would send me to another hospital for delivery. Overall, she is very confident that all is going to be just fine. I guess I need to try and be just as confident, but it is hard. When I asked about tapering down on the meds, or possibly stopping, before delivery, she said that she wouldn't have me do that. First of all because she said I am still in pain, and secondly, she believes that it would be worse for me to do this since I would then experience withdrawals which could be harmful to the baby. At this point, she (and the pain doctor) has said that I am dependent on the medicine so withdrawals are most likely inevitable. I find that hard to believe, but I guess you must become dependent very quickly. I will say that I do take my pills everyday like clockwork, but just because of the pain I am in, but I guess some of it is dependency as well. I will keep you guys updated on how things go.
leilanbabies - I wish there is something I could say to make it better. I am sorry that your doctor feels that way and is not willing to help treat your pain any longer. Have you asked to see a pain management specialist? I would try that if you haven't already. It is sad that she said she was afraid you would be addicted too. Addicited is such a bad word I think, which is why I like the fact that my doctors use the words physically dependent rather than addiction. I know there there is a fine line between the two, but addiction makes me think of drug addicts, which is not something that I am (or you are). I am a little surprised she is not worried about your withdrawals either, but maybe she provided you with the last script to help with that. Unfortunately, I do not know a lot about pain meds, and this is the first time that I have ever been prescribed them for a long period of time. At this point, it wouldn't be wise to switch your doctor for lack of treatment, especially since you are so far along. I would try the pain specialist track and see what your OB says. That is funny that we are both from NH...what a coincidence! :)
leilanbabies - I wish there is something I could say to make it better. I am sorry that your doctor feels that way and is not willing to help treat your pain any longer. Have you asked to see a pain management specialist? I would try that if you haven't already. It is sad that she said she was afraid you would be addicted too. Addicited is such a bad word I think, which is why I like the fact that my doctors use the words physically dependent rather than addiction. I know there there is a fine line between the two, but addiction makes me think of drug addicts, which is not something that I am (or you are). I am a little surprised she is not worried about your withdrawals either, but maybe she provided you with the last script to help with that. Unfortunately, I do not know a lot about pain meds, and this is the first time that I have ever been prescribed them for a long period of time. At this point, it wouldn't be wise to switch your doctor for lack of treatment, especially since you are so far along. I would try the pain specialist track and see what your OB says. That is funny that we are both from NH...what a coincidence! :)
leilanbabies
08-06-2008, 08:40 PM
Thank you for your response, I have not asked about a pain specialist but I believe I will now. It just sucks because of the pregnancy, meds are the only course of treatment allowed. I cant have xrays, mris etc, So, again, thank you and I will talk to my dr soon! Good luck with your pregnancy and your baby!!! I hope all goes well for you!
suewaz
12-02-2008, 04:42 PM
Hi All. I don't know how many of you are still on here from when I first posted this topic but I wanted to still post a follow-up for those who may be interested. I delivered a healthy baby boy at the end of September. His name is Alex Joseph.
He did suffer from some very minor withdrawals initially for the first couple of days in the hospital but nothing severe at all, in fact, the doctors weren't sure if it was truely withdrawals or just fussy baby. We stayed in the hospital only one day longer than normal just to watch him a little more, but we were able to go home.
He is now 2 months old and doing very well. So, being on the pain meds worked out OK. Of course, I would never recommend this to someone who is pregnant but it is good to know that it can workout if you are in pain while pregnant and taking medication.
Thanks again to all of you who responded to me when I needed the help during my pregnancy. :)
Unfortunately, my pain did not go away when the I delivered so I am still dealing with that which is a little depressing. I am trying to not let it control my life. The medication is still helping me but I am not happy about having to be on medication all the time. I continue to go to doctors to try and see what is going on with me. All I can do at this point it take it one day at a time.
At least I have a beautiful little baby boy to lift my spirits everyday. :)
He did suffer from some very minor withdrawals initially for the first couple of days in the hospital but nothing severe at all, in fact, the doctors weren't sure if it was truely withdrawals or just fussy baby. We stayed in the hospital only one day longer than normal just to watch him a little more, but we were able to go home.
He is now 2 months old and doing very well. So, being on the pain meds worked out OK. Of course, I would never recommend this to someone who is pregnant but it is good to know that it can workout if you are in pain while pregnant and taking medication.
Thanks again to all of you who responded to me when I needed the help during my pregnancy. :)
Unfortunately, my pain did not go away when the I delivered so I am still dealing with that which is a little depressing. I am trying to not let it control my life. The medication is still helping me but I am not happy about having to be on medication all the time. I continue to go to doctors to try and see what is going on with me. All I can do at this point it take it one day at a time.
At least I have a beautiful little baby boy to lift my spirits everyday. :)
IZZY'SMOM
12-02-2008, 11:38 PM
Hi Sue!
Im so thrilled for you! I didnt get a chance to respond when your original post came up. I was probably out of town as I used to be on tour for days at a time.
Anyhow, what a super update! You certainly have had tons of support, as always, with everyone here. I love each and every one of these ppl here who are like my second family.
Congratulatons on your wonderful boy, and Ill tell you, my son is my life. Boys are the best! I hope your pain can be treated, and you can enjoy your new blessing.
Thank you for the update, and THANKS to my girl Aver, who always gives me a shout out~
xoxoxoxo,
IZZY'SMOM
Im so thrilled for you! I didnt get a chance to respond when your original post came up. I was probably out of town as I used to be on tour for days at a time.
Anyhow, what a super update! You certainly have had tons of support, as always, with everyone here. I love each and every one of these ppl here who are like my second family.
Congratulatons on your wonderful boy, and Ill tell you, my son is my life. Boys are the best! I hope your pain can be treated, and you can enjoy your new blessing.
Thank you for the update, and THANKS to my girl Aver, who always gives me a shout out~
xoxoxoxo,
IZZY'SMOM
Sammiejoe
12-07-2008, 02:42 PM
Congrats Sue:angel:
I'm thrilled everything went well...Sorry to hear you're still in pain though:(
Good luck in getting the pain under control.
I'm thrilled everything went well...Sorry to hear you're still in pain though:(
Good luck in getting the pain under control.
Vuitton70
12-13-2008, 12:36 PM
Wanted to add that if you nurse your baby the amount of meds are actually *weaned* out of her system as you go through the nursing process. Less med's secrete from breastmilk than through the placenta. So say you nurse for 6 months, as you wean your little one off breast milk, any amount of the meds that is in her system also weans out.
I went through my pregnancy on Vicodin 3x's a day + before I knew I was preggo, was on Dilaudid. I have extreme back issues (being pregnant and that weight didn't help). DD was born 4 weeks early, not due to the meds, I have high risk pregnancies. She had no ill effects from my meds. I'm still nursing her at 19 mo, but only a couple times though the day.
Please don't stop your meds, I was like you, could not function without them.
Good luck - you'll do great and CONGRATS!!!!!!!
Trina
I went through my pregnancy on Vicodin 3x's a day + before I knew I was preggo, was on Dilaudid. I have extreme back issues (being pregnant and that weight didn't help). DD was born 4 weeks early, not due to the meds, I have high risk pregnancies. She had no ill effects from my meds. I'm still nursing her at 19 mo, but only a couple times though the day.
Please don't stop your meds, I was like you, could not function without them.
Good luck - you'll do great and CONGRATS!!!!!!!
Trina