Trying to get off the pain meds-37 weeks

[38NewMomMay27]

I have never posted a question before, but this is important and I am hoping I will get some answers this way. I have talk to my general physician and my OB doc and no one knows the answer. First of all, I have been on pain meds for severe crohn's disease for probably 15 years and the fact that I can't take any NSAIDS for an arthritic back.

I have from the beginning of the pregnancy stepped down off about 7 pills a day for Norco (codeine+low dose tyl), 7 for delotted (hydromorphone), and 7 for tramadol (50mg). I had previously gotten off the Norco about 2 weeks ago, but I used the Norco to get off of the Dilaudid.  I had gotten down to 1 1/4 pills on the Dilaudid before I switched to the Norco. I then tapered off the Dilaudid from a 1/2 a pill a day to a 1/4 pill to none. I have gotten off the Dilaudid for about 5 days now but now back on 1 1/4 pills a day on the Norco and 4 pills a day for the tramadol. I have been on the Norco now for about 2 weeks. Can I just stop taking them? I know I am running out of time. Lately, my back has been in spasm so it's been a little difficult lately to reduce. I wish I had known how painful the end of pregnancy can be especially for me. I have been taking Tramadol continuously the whole time, because the doctor said that one is the easiest to get off of.

Does anybody know if my baby will be born with withdrawals at this dosage of 1 1/4 pills Norco a day and 3-4 tramadol a day? The tramadol was originally prescribed to make the Norco work better for me. Can I take Dilaudid in an emergency? Is there anything I can do? I have gotten little to no help from my doctors on this matter, and no one seems to have any answers. We don't have the money to pay for extra hospital bills to deal with a baby with withdrawals. Still in pain. Can I just stop or reduce quickly?

Will they be able to manage my pain during labor? My doctor implied that they won't work with the meds I was on. Was he just trying to scare me straight? Please don't judge me, but I would appreciate some answers and helpful advice, especially from someone who has been through this.

[38NewMomMay27]

I just wanted to post an update. I ended up having my little girl a couple weeks early due to preclampsia. I informed all hospital staff of the possibility that she could suffer from withdrawals though I was not really happy with the looks I got from those that didn't know the situation. She scored 1's and 0's on the addiction test and had little to no withdrawals at all. I am proud of the fact that I was able to reduce the meds so much, though I wish I could have done better (also for the pain relief). Unfortunately, now I am back up to 6-8 pills of Norco a day, due to the C-section. I don't really want to reduce the meds, though the pain is less every day. I know I will, because my hubby manages my pills and he will start reducing me sometime soon. I wish I hadn't had to get a C-section because now I am back on some of the meds. I am saving dilaudid for extreme pain. I have been breastfeeding and was told that was ok. However, this means I really do have to be careful for her. Thank goodness I have a helpful and supportive spouse that can help me keep an eye on the meds that I will continue to need on an occasional basis for the forseable future. I will say that when they did the C-section, that they found that the Crohn's wasn't bad. This means that I have come back from the brink of death a few times, transfusions and all, and have managed to heal most if not all of my fistulas with Remikade inside 6 years. It does not mean I don't still have scar tissue, but I have made an amazing recovery and the dosage of my meds should reflect that. I'm trying hard and starting to cut back without telling hubby, because he actually will hold me to those goals, as helpful as he is. I can do it. And for anybody out there in the same situation, you can too.
I just wanted to thank you for your comments. They were accurate and helpful and made me feel a lot better.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

Tramadol has low addiction potential.  Great that you have reduced down to 3 - 4 pills per day. It is a category C drug.

Dilaudid also is category C.  From what i've just read (safefetus(dot)com) it should not be used close to delivery as it can have effect on the baby's breathing.

What they say is that these drugs should not be used unless the benefits outweigh the risk.  However, managing your pain is also an issue.  The doses you are on now are pretty minimal, so hopefully it won't be too much of a problem.  Shame that your doctors can't give you more information.

Labor is painful.  That is a given.  But the duration is short and the end result is a beautiful much wanted child.  You will manage.

Have you also tried posting on the ask a pharmacist forum?  Maybe they can give you more information.  Also try asking your local pharmacist.  They can often be more knowledgeable on drugs and drug interactions than doctors.

Best wishes.