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Oxycodone and Pregnancy

I suffered second & third degree burns on my right arm in an accident in my home on June 1st, 2001.  I am pregnant and my due date is November 4th.  Since the accident I've been taking 5mg oxyir cap (oxycodone).  I took eight capsules per day during June, as well as two oxycontin tablets per day and since mid-July I've taken five capsules of 5 mg oxyir cap per day for pain.  No skin graphs have been done on the wound.  I clean the wound each day with dial anti-bacteria soap and dress the wound with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream.  I've had no other complications related to my pregnancy.  I will be forty years old September 6th and this is my first baby.
The area is not going to be healed before my due date; therefore, unless surgery is performed I will still be taking the oxycodone when my baby is born.  I am very concerned about having surgery at this point due to the risk of premature labor and since the recovery time would be about six weeks which means I would still require pain medication until about two to four weeks before my due date.  My doctors do not seem to know how the use of oxycodone will affect my baby if I continue to use the medication near or through my due date.
Is there any research on the effects of oxycodone on a new born whose mother has taken the medication as I have during pregnancy?  At this point would surgery provide enough benefits to my baby to justify all the risks involved in the surgical procedure and recovery period?  Are there any other alternatives in my treatment to help ensure the health of my baby?
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Avatar universal
I am a RN and thought you might like a little respectful education regarding oxycodone and pregnancy. FIrst, it is known to cause 0 effects to a developing baby. It is Cat- B same as tylenol. So anyone who has taken a tylenol during pregnancy has took the same risk. Second, the effects of pain- increased B/P, pulse, and anxiety are known to cause distress to the baby and placenta. Also, everyone perceives pain differently depending on the part of the body affected, the number of nerves and pain receptors present and past pain experiences. Would you a woman who was diagnosed with bone cancer while pregnant suffer unbearable pain for months to prevent easily managed and mild withdrawl symptoms in a newborn? Of course not. We must be careful not to judge people before we fully understand their situation. Everyone who requires opiate pain medication is not a pansy or drug addict. Mothers feel guilty enough about taking any medication during pregnancy without persons making uneducated remarks that will increase their guilt. Although it is best not to take any medication that is not needed, both during pregnancy and any other time, as the old saying goes................dont judge me without first walking a mile in my shoes.  
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Avatar universal
My husband was in a car accident and had NO skin left on his arm from second and third degree road burn. He took Tylenol 3's for a bit and then bared with the pain. It has been 6 months since the accident and his arm still has edema, is oozing and needs daily bandaging. It's healing but it takes time. Point here, if you are pregnant, you should be putting your baby first. YOU DO NOT NEED DRUGS. Especially drugs that are highly addictive and cause severe defects like Oxycontin. Doctors prescribe this stuff b/c they get a kick-back. Get a new doctor. Manage your pain better. Get a grip! My brother and his girlfriend are addicted to these meds and it's ridiculous. You live once, make it count and be respectful of the child you plan on bringing into the world.
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Avatar universal
Jenny, no no no you are not weaker than I think.  You or Kristen, or Katie, or even WW, You must realize that strength comes from within.  If you think your weak you will be, but you aren't you know how I know! You where young and had all these dreams, You married and had all these dreams, You had a baby and had all these dreams, You started working and you had all these dreams, And I will bet any amount of money that drugs or addiction were not in any of them. I'll bet that pain wasn't part of any of them.

You can't give up on these dreams, ok we all have setbacks I do to, who ever thought I would become disabled at 40, life was going so good, waking up and not being able to move my legs wasn't in the picture.  It's only been 3 years, three years in a lifetime, I still have 60 years left in me.  See you do to, you have plenty of time left.

Now to the kids, You know my shame as an adult, it's always there, but now i'm using it to change me, you can to, so can your husband. If you think your the only one who has had money problems, **** I lost 2 houses,  fully paid for, to the same woman 3 times, it's along story but, I'm not rich, no one gave me a penny, I worked my butt off, was in dept up to my ears, thank god for equity ( check out the equity in your home it may make it easier to get a loan  or to buy points down ) Even through my coke addiction in the 80's, I worked like a dog to make my kids life better than mine ever was, even through my depression and suicede attempt and my accident in 86, I found my way to work even harder to get clean, 10 years. I started excercising and running, no matter how bad it hurt I had a kid and a wife and a goal!

Jenny, read some books, mags, find a roll model to look up to and see what it took for them to change their lifes. Pray each day five times if needed and thank God for what you have, and for the life you brought into this world. Be that roll model for your kid, ( read Body for life by Bill Phillips) it will inspire you to change

Use everyone on this post, it won't be easy but, slowly the changes will come, slowly people will see them, slowly your kid will see a fun, life, loving mom who doesn't yell or let things make her mad any more, and she will be the one who can't keep up!
My kid sees a different person from the guy 5 months ago, and yours will to, Don't take me to the park, or Disney she can't keep up with me, now we challange each other to little goals and races, YOU CAN DO IT TO!!!

Give into it, the addiction, the pain, the shame. It will be the start of something big.

All of you can, strength and all the power of the day to you!!

peace Jenny

mickytim

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Avatar universal
wow, i wish i had your guts!
just sitting here at work, my daughter is driving me nuts.  I'm afraid that my boss will show up any minute with his boss, they couldn't get a flight back and rented a car.  his boss is from california, and we are in florida.  he doesn't know i take the baby to work (ugh!)
Your words were very powerful.  I'm afraid i'm weaker than you think!
Tim will tell!
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
Jenny, thanks for your vote of confidence, I am trying really hard to change things, see I've got these really cool people who seem to like me as a person without even meeting me, and they gave me this outstanding advice about being to hard on myself, even though I'm trying not to.

Well one of them has this problem, and she really could use the great advice that she gave me!  Well I think she also needs to know that she is a very strong woman. And as a strong woman she is dependable, loving, caring, gives of herself unconditionaly, and does'nt need a man ( even though it's nice to wake up next to a warm hinny ) who does'nt support her, listen to her, offer her advice without judgement, helps her be a strong person without controlling her, but let's her makes mistakes and is there to let her cry on his shoulder if need be, looking at her with only love.

I can only offer this advice to her, you do not need a man for valadation in your life.  I, let the person who means more to me than anything to my heart go this year because, I did not feel that they were getting from me the best that life has to offer anymore, because I have to many problems with my addiction, and the pain in my body, and have to work on getting better right now, That's love , letting go,and you know what? Now she loves me even more because I made a sacrifice, my missery for her happiness, unconditionaly. She loves me unconditionaly, and I don't take advantage of that.

Jenny you don't need things that bring you down only things that bring you up.

Stay strong, all the power and strength we can send to you!

peace
mickytim
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Avatar universal
I've heard that Jenny Jenny song so many many times, but it was during a fun time in my life (around '82 or so), so it brings back good memories.  I still lived at home, and was dating my current husband.
Hope you are doing better, i've been on vacation, visiting mickey and goofy, and yes, i had a BLAST!!!!!!!!!
Now back to reality; work, keeping up with the house, dealing with my husband moods, keeping up with my habit (UGH!), it just never stops!
I hope that you are feeling better about life!  Try to not look back so much, you can't change things that have already happened.  Look towards your future, and all the wonderful possibilities for happiness out there ahead of you!  You seem like you have the right attitude, you just need to stop beating yourself up so much over things that you can't change!
Prayers for happiness!
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
Jenny, I'm so glad to see you had a great time with the family, It's funny cause you almost need a vacation from the vacation. I'm also glad I can make ya smile ( You'll get my bill later ). Things have been going so good, that I just have not even had time to check posts.

Thanks for all the kind and strong words about beating myself up, although I can look past so much of it, it always pops up when I let myself drift ( which I work hard on not doing ).  

Right now I've got my business starting up, and I am working so hard to work through the pain in my body, and focus my thoughts on so many things , alittle reinforsment everyonce in awhile from my friends never hurts.

Thank you again for thinking about me!

Stay strong and all the power of the day to ya!

peace
mickytim
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Avatar universal
Definately sounds like things are looking up for you! :)
Hopefully, the good thoughts will continue and become more and more frequent and eventually overpower all those sad feelings and memories for you.  Just keep staying focused on the future and what is important to you.  We are all here to support eachother; a great place to turn too when the 'bad thoughts' start to take over!
I kind of wish it were just ME i was so worried about.  I seem to have this 165 lb being (laying on the couch in the living room at the moment) that constantly beats me down day after day after day.  I'm trying to be careful what i wish for, i love him dearly, but he's really pulling me down and it's so painful.
I seem to always have the weight of everything on my achey shoulders (literally), and the weight just gets so overwhelming some days!
Good luck with your business!!! :)
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
I second that( Thanks to you to Milo )

Peace

mickytim
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Avatar universal
Wiz,
No matter where life leads us, know that you will have my true, heartfelt gratitude until the day I die. You have given so much to so many people on this forum, including me. Your encouragement meant the world to me when I was going through my crisis. Just knowing that someone who understood was thinking about me and cared how I was doing was a tremendous help. Since then I have seen you share wonderful, wise, encouraging, and inspirational messages with more people here than I can count. I'm glad you're free of the dragon, and hope the old ******* gets tired of bothering you and moves on! I fully understand your need to shift your attention to your family now, and in a way it's kind of neat to see someone "graduate" or become an "alumnus" of the forum as you put it. But we will miss you. I hope you're able to drop by from time to time, but if not, go peacefully, secure in the knowledge that your time here was very, very well spent. --- your brother Milo
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Avatar universal
SO SORRY THAT'S 8675309 Don't know where my brain was at,

Hope you and all had a great day
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Avatar universal
Jenny Jenny 3679305 Sorry, got lost for a second in a song!!
Yes I have and that little girl is now 14. And yesterday had me in tears because I and her Mom, my X, who, I have a fantastic relastionship with, decided that she needs be with her Mom, even though, it means moving her to NY from PA. We split her each week in PA, sat through 3 interviews for private schools even though she hated being there.  She sat upright and was the vision of the most beautful, poised, articulate person, that she not only blew us away, but blew them away and all want her now.
so jenny, yes I've had the lollypops and poop squirted all over me and the throw-up on my best suites as I was walking out the door, BUT YESTERDAY WAS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT,

Have a great time in FLA and remember laughter threw your childs eyes can change and strengthen you, it has for me.

mickytim
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Avatar universal
I am so incredibly happy for you and your family. Your wife is a lucky woman to have a husband like you as are your children to have a father like you.  I wish everyone tht comes to this forum could read your last post I think it could give help to so many people.  Your words are like poetry!! Best wishes, lots of love to you and your family!
JENNY - When do your parents come?  How is your husband behaving on a day to day basis?  I really think you are being too hard on yourself you need to remember that you have kept your family together during this whole mess.  You were a single mom when your husband was in rehab and I am not so sure things have changed.  Please give yourself a little more credit!!!  I know we can both kick this.(((((((HUG))))))))))
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Avatar universal
Kristen, congrats on the 27 days! You hang in there because the best is yet to come. I've been sober since April 29th, 2001 and just knowing that I do not have to feel the anxiety of where or how am I going to get my next supply of opiates to feed the "Dragon" is a big key in staying sober. I NEVER WANT TO BE A SLAVE AGAIN......another thing is SEX IS WONDERFUL AGAIN! LOL...... and I am the one who is lucky to have my wife. I have been blessed to have a family who loves me unconditionally and now knowing what I put them through, I will never do that to them again...That thought by itself is enough to stay a warrior in the face of the "Dragon".
To my friends, after reading your responses to my post yesterday, I want to thank you for making me cry and blubber at my desk at work in front of my employees and all!!!! You "Angels" are without a doubt the finest people that I have had the honor of interacting with in my entire life. I love each and every one of you unconditionally! May Divine love shine upon you all for eternity.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light Upon U 2,
Love Wizard
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Avatar universal
Wiz my friend,
You have been such a life line..Your commitment to life, love, and joy is a major role model for me. May the love that you spread return to you always ten fold my friend.

love,
WW
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Avatar universal
That story was great....thanks so much....I'm still battling this sobriety thing....I havent taken any pills in 27 days, but my personal life is a wreck and im wanting to cover up my pain so bad....I just wondered how long you have been sober and how are you staying sober and happy?????....you wife is a lucky woman!!!!!
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Avatar universal
Hi Wiz,
All we ever hope to expect out of everyone on this forum is that someday they will find inner happiness and peace with their lives; and it looks like you are well on your way to finding that for yourself, if not fully there already!  You're post really made me smile, it's so nice to hear such a wonderful successful story from such a wonderful person!
Just remember, even if you aren't here often, if at all, your words will forever echo in my mind.  You'll never know how much you've helped me, even though i've not beaten it yet, but i've gathered some important tools to do the job!
I'm gearing up, i'll be running out of pills soon anyway, with no way of replenishing the supply.  That's how i have to do it, just run out and deal with it!
Best of luck to you!
Email me anytime good friend!
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
Hi Jules,
You're always so sweet!
I just don't know what the answer is.  I feel like i am almost dragging him down, how sick is that!
The guilt is incredible.  He went through rehab, came home to his addict wife.  Not that i planted that first oxy in his truck, or stuck the needle in his arm, but he quick to blame me for still having MY habit upon his return home.
What a mess!
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
Hey girl. My one year old loves the rain too!  He loves to jump in the puddles one the deck.  How do your parents feel about your husband?  I really get the feeeling that he is totally a hinderance to you getting better.  It seems like you put all your energy into him but that is what we women care takers do.  I know its easier for me to say than for you to do but maybe you should take a step back and look what he is doing to you and your family.  At least with your addiction you have held down a job and taken care of your children. Has he done anything to help?  NO!  It doesn't make him a bad person but maybe he needs a little scare.  Anyway i just know how hard it is for me with a husband who helps and has a good job and I only have one child.  I just want the best for you!!  I really wish there was something I could do for you I am better at taking care of other people than i am myself.  Good luck!  Love Jules
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much for all the support....I haven't had time to post as much, but I'm reading every day and am so happy you all are here.  

WW, I am still having trouble sleeping and its been 24 days for me....It did just occur to me that taking something to sleep probably does interrupt your normal sleeping pattern....so try and get through these nights without anything, then if your not sleeping at all, maybe take the valium.  I take a tylenol PM occassionally, and they make one called "sleepy time" without the tylenol that works for me too...and its not addictive.

As far as the dreams everyone.....oh god, they are the worst.... that is VERY normal....I have had some CRAZY ones lately about using...but when I wake up, I'm SOOO glad they are just a dream.

Hang tough everyone....hope everyone has a WONDERFUL day  :)
~kristen~
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your words of encouragement!  My 18-month old is making is practically impossible to even get any typing done at all!!!  Maybe it's good she starts daycare in 2-weeks!
I need more time to concentrate on ME anyway, and what i have to accomplish for ME!
Disney will be fun, but i know i have to take pills in order to 'make it', and i hate the thought of NEEDING them and taking them around my parents (something i used to be able to get away with not doing -- before i became so physically addicted).
Have you ever typed on a keyboard after a sticky one-year as been at with armed with a lollipop?  It's a weird sensation!!!!!  Ha, i still have a little humor in this tired, sick soul!!!!!
Thanks again!
Lv Jenny
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Avatar universal
Just remember Wiz.  You may not always see us, and you may not always hear from us.  But your Angels are always here......I love you and your free spirit.....Susan
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Avatar universal
I am so proud of you!  You are really doing great!!! I had promised myself I would call for help yesterday and never did it.  I was having a good day and I knew I would get very upset when I started making those phone calls.  I do not think you were here when I first came on but what led me to this forum was trying to get help I called 2 pain addiction therapists who did not know about Ultram and I called two rehad hospitals that told me they could not help me with Ultram then I called NA they gave me 2 numbers of support people 1 number was disconnected and the other one the person did not speak english I just cried all day that day I was so ready to get help then I came here.  I have been cutting down but I know I need help.  My whole famil has addiction tendancies its a good thing no one drinks  I can only imagine what holidays would be like if they did because I have 6 brothers and sisters .  Thanks for being here to write to I will really need our help when I am ready to totally quit.  I hope everyone is having a great day.
WIZ - Are you around?  Miss you!
J.B. How are you feeling?
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Avatar universal
We are impressed with you, no one told me when I was young life was hard, you seem to be juggling a big load. Take a step back and laugh at Mickey, and Goofy and your kids in Disney, they say laughter is the best medicine.

You sound like a great mom have FUN!!!!

mickeytim
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