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Posted 8/15/2010 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone...

I gotta just vent about something that happened last night...

My blood pressure has been way up and they've been watching me closely because I'm now 30 weeks pregnant with the girls. I'm currently taking Labetalol - which is a BP medication.

So, I wasn't feeling that well yesterday and I had to go up to Labor and Delivery. Good thing I did - my BP was 170/100 and rose up to 195/100 while I was there...and I had a horrible BP headache. So, they gave me a small dose of diaudid for my headache, and gave me meds to get my blood pressure down, including a high dose of labetalol.

Fast forward to several hours later... when I was feeling better and babies were looking good, I did a urine sample for them. They had already told me that when someone comes in w/ that high of BP, their protocol was to do a drug screen, in addition to everything else. Fine.

Well, an hour or so later - the two doctors who my husband and I had a great rapport with, came back in. They started asking me all these questions - Did I take any Sudafed during the day? (Nope, only the meds I had already told them about). They ask me a couple of more questions that I can't even think of right now. After a few minutes of this... they said - "Well, you tested positive for amphetamines". I just kind of sat there looking at them, like "Okay....". So, my husband starts saying - well, she only takes her prescribed meds; what does it mean?"... and it was at that point that she tells us that a positive amphetamines test doesn't necessary mean meth, or whatever... and that a by-product of Labetalol (my BP med) *can* show up as amphetamines.

Ummmm, so you just interrogated me and made me worry for 5+ minutes and THEN tell me that one of my meds can cause a false positive?? Wouldn't you think you would have started w/ that information?????

My husband's like "Why are you worrying about this? You know you haven't done anything...", etc. It was hard for me to make him understand - even though he's seen it - the way the stigma of chronic pain makes you feel... and I've always passed every drug test I've ever had. Even though I know the explanation of why I tested positive (especially after I googled it when I got home) :) - it still bothers me. But what bothers me the most, though, is the attitude of the doctors when they were telling it to me. It was like they were looking for me to be guilty or something.

Sorry, I just needed to vent.... Side note, I'm feeling better today and the babies are doing well. They are over 3 pounds each. I go back on Monday to my doctor. Thanks for listening. :) --Tina
Posted 8/15/2010 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tina

 

You know sometimes I think Doctors do that just to see what type of reaction the elicit from the patient. It is not right, and I know even when you know that you are not guilty of anything, it still makes you feel bad or uncomfortable that they would even think that! Especially when they already know that the meds they are giving you can cause that reaction. I know there is no use telling you not to let it bother you, because understandably it does! But I will tell you to just concentrate all your energies on keeping those "LiL" ones comfortable  these last few weeks are going to be trying for you, I keep you and those "LIL" one in my prayers, I wish you well!!!

 

White Beard

Posted 8/15/2010 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Tina, I think White Beard nailed. I do not blame you for getting upset over this, but you know it is part of a label people with CP have to deal with at least once in their lifetime it seems like. When you see your dr on Monday bring this to his attention too. Glad that you are feeling better and the little ones are ok. If you suffer with CP then you understand why you felt as you did, thats the difference. Take care and keep that BP down as much as you can. Any reason for it to have crept up there like that?

Susie
Posted 8/15/2010 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hey girl! Do you remember when I tested positive for marijuana?! Oh my gosh! I was embarrassed, ashamed, frustrated and lots of other adjectives! It even hurt my feelings! And yes, it’s the stigma as you were saying; I think that is just awful! The pharmacist said the Protonix I was taking for IBS has that side affect. The pm group didn’t call me when they got the official text back or anything. When I went back to the pm doc the next month, they said yes, they knew about the Protonix! I thought it was crummy that they didn’t call me but that’s pm for you. I hate that you had to go through this, it just makes me so angry to stress you out when you are already stressed to the max! Well, I’m glad to hear the girls are doing so well and we are always glad to hear from you no matter why!
Stac
Posted 8/15/2010 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mom. Wow. What rotten doctors. I understand that they have to be careful, but come on! I can't stand it when people are judgmental. It really sits the wrong way with me.

I'm happy that your little ones are doing well.

HUgs,

Flower
Posted 8/15/2010 4:15 PM (GMT 0)

   Dear Tina,

     Goodness, I am floored. I cannot believe you were treated like that. And worse, it wasnt even needed. They could quite simply send the sample off to the lab! ..I hear what your husband is saying, I do. But! It is just a matter of trust! To approach you in such a manner before even sending it off to the lab is rediclious!

     I hope more than anything that you are able to keep your cool next time you see them. Though I fear that your relationship with them is forever changed now.

     Oh I cant believe it is 30 weeks now! Oh! It is almost time! Have you been getting things ready? So exciting!...of course, it will be nice once they are here to finally get a handle on your pain too!

     I hope you can get your stress levels down enough to enjoy your sunday. You are always in our prayers here.

*hugg*
  dani

Posted 8/15/2010 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

Thanks, as always, for listening to me vent... and for all the supportive words. I've just tried to let it go and know it will all be ok when I see my doctor tomorrow. It's just the last thing - especially as a pregnant woman - that you want to test positive for something on a drug screen. It just shows that many factors can make those tests "off".

Re: my BP and such - I just think, with all my health issues, my body is done. I'm just praying to hold on for another 2 weeks at least.

I love you guys! Thanks for all the encouragement and kind words.

--Tina
Posted 8/15/2010 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Tina,

I would have been PO'd too. I had that experince with my older daughter when she was born. I came in with delivery pains but was not progressing. After 5+ hours they sent me home with something to sleep..saying I'd probably be back in a few hours. 6:00 that night my water broke. Anyways this hosp. did mandatory drug test on all the moms. They told me I tested positive for opiates. I knew I hadn't done anything. I told them about the sleeping pill well the nurse hadn't put it in my records. 2 days later and they were talking about cps that nurse came back on duty. I talked to her and explained she went and told them about the sleeping pill. What do u know it test pos. for opiates. I was furios. I hope you have a better exp. next time or maybe there won't be a next time. Take care!! Heather

Posted 8/16/2010 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there little Pumpkin! :)

We need you to keep the BP low as possible. It won't be long now, and we are so excited for you! :)

Just wanted to cheer you on, and let you know that you are loved!

Get some rest now, and start picking out those names, or maybe you have already done so. The last I saw, they were Baby A & Baby B

SE:)
Posted 8/16/2010 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Ugh....I hate those stupid tests, but I understand the need for them.

I'm so sorry you have been going through so much so close to your little baby girls being born.

I'm so excited for you!

Please keep us up to speed on the little ones. I know the boys will be jealous, but it should be fun to have some baby girls in the house to liven things up a bit.

All my best to you!
Posted 8/16/2010 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
  Hey Tina , sorry I'm late here , I was in New Jersey , had to put my Dad who has Alzheimers into a home . Its a Veterans home  , it was just built and its state of the art , the people seem to care and are dedicated to helping , but still very sad . My Dad is just a shell of a man now and it breaks my heart .       Don't worry about insensiytive doctors  , they are just idiots who don't know their job , how you can become a doctor and not be thorough;y schooled on how to treat people with respect , and empathy amazes me , but unfortunately there seem to be many of these doctors . Your doing great although that blood pressure is worrysome , when are you going into the hospital Sweetie ? Keep me posted and keep up your great work , your amazing and your a wonderful Mom/Friend/wife /person !!!   LOVE yOU LOTS , Mikel
Posted 8/16/2010 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi sweet Tina. So sorry you had such a rough time with the docs. I just wanted to give you my shoulder to lean on, my ears to listen to you. I hope you are feeling a bit better regarding this situation and can put it behind you. That BP just has to come down girl. I will feel better when you are in the hospital. When is that happening? that way they can keep a close eye on you.
Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and praying for you and the safe arrivals of your sweet baby girls!!

Love and hugs
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