Hey everyone. I am in the UK. And I am 27 years old.

So I have been on opioid medication for around 7 years due to a neurological disease I have.

I found out I was pregnant after ttc but lost the baby a few days ago at 4 weeks (I don’t want to solely blame medication use, but I imagine the chances of using it did not help it survive)

I am on max dose currently, but have managed to take away one dosage of it over the last year. (Taking 4 a day rather than 6)

Prior to this shift, I was in a rehabilitation facility to learn to walk again, learn to be independent in every way, and have a quality of life, after being bedbound permanently for 5 years. (I still use a walking stick when outside)

During my stay there, they actually gave me an extra dose. I was supposed to have 2 tablets, no more than 3 times a day (6 all in all) but afterwards found out by GP that I was taking too many, and was taking 8 a day! and this is what the staff there told me I need to take after I left the facility just over a year ago.

They did not allow me to take my own medication without them present, and I never saw the prescription labels so I had no idea of this until later. (Controlled environment)

I immediately withdrew the 2 extra pills. I was pregnant at the time, but sadly had to terminate due to medical complications at 8 weeks pregnant. (The baby was extremely healthy, but I was not, and my health was rapidly declining.) I have substantially improved now.

This time around though upon ttc, I was not truly aware of the risks of my medication on an unborn baby, until I did more research. But found out soon after I was already pregnant. But as said earlier. I lost the baby a few days back. (Which could have happened without the medication being involved)

I wish to taper off of them now, Gradually and very safely enough, for my body to handle it. But quick enough that I no longer have to take them anymore. And can have my life as normal as possible, and body safe enough for any baby I carry.

I am due a medication review with my GP surgery anyway. But the worst scenario is that they decide to take me off immediately because I am expressing not wanting them anymore.

And I know going cold turkey is very dangerous. I have had withdrawal on it before multiple times, when there was medication shortages, and it felt like death.

I still suffer chronic pain bad so also worried of the effects of this. I wish for nothing more than to not have to take any medications. And I used to be on so many different types. But now literally only take the opioid medication. Which unfortunately is the worst kind on our bodies.

Would they do this safely for me? Or assume it is manageable for me, to be thrown in the deep end with withdrawal?

Would it be possible at all for me to gradually decrease myself ‘now’, by just one tablet, every few weeks, prior to my doctor’s appointment? And gradually doing so even more, but slowly, when I feel the change of dosage is not affecting me any more?

I know no one here can advise medically. But I am looking for advice from anyone who may have done this route themselves.

Thank you in advance to whoever responds x

Disabilities & Chronic Illnesses Support