Major advice needed: strong toxic painkillers, two +ve, two -ve

[Ebee19]

Hi,

I am 29. Hoping for kids in a few years but wanted house, marriage etc sorted. However, would not choose to abort a child right now and would try to make work. I have a long term boyfriend.

I have a slipped disk and on a host of very strong medications for last three weeks. I started last week but period lasted less than a day and very light. I was concerned. I have had irregular periods since April when I had Covid and Lyme. Some very light and very irregular timings but a couple normal. I had not considered the fact I could be pregnant as using condoms, had sex three times since may and had no other symptoms and still getting periods sometimes.

However, predicting a Gp may ask, I took a test on Saturday. I fully expected it to be negative. All say 99% accurate. First two litmus tests came back positive. I was absolutely in shock and devastated as if pregnant all these meds would cause defects and I would have essentially unintentionally harmed my child. After hearing me crying and falling to the floor, my mum who was a midwife, rushed to get more tests after helping me up. These were the fancy clear blue ones and they both came back negative. This means we are both more pragmatic about it, though it has really shaken her too.

I have been trying to contact a GP, but the female GP who originally prescribed the drugs is not available till next week as doing non patient duties. It was on my records about irregular periods but no one discussed pregnancy or harm of pregnancy before prescribing. I asked the pharmacist and he said best to see the Gp who originally gave the drugs as should have been discussed and would be polite to go through her. After trying to see her and failing, I asked today if any female Gp but also no female Gp available till next week either.

I have tried Googling alternative explanations but none exactly are great - menopause, cancer etc. One positive possibility could be one of the drugs but not seeing their names on the list. Though unsure whether to do an online consultation form about a drug query, and that may prompt a phone call from the Gp itself.

I was just wondering if anything like this has happened to anyone else or any advice welcome. Please be kind as I am trying to keep a stiff upper lip about this but hanging on by a thread :) thank you

I was on a host of medications due to a work place injury by a patient I'm an Emergency Nurse and I've had spinal surgery due to this and awaiting another spinal surgery.

I was on very strong ones and all ones I can't take being pregnant and the minute I found out I came off them, it's been really hard and the pain is hard, withdrawals from the pain meds were the worst but I'm keeping going and just wanted to offer you my support whatever you choose to do.

I don't know where you are, I live in Australia originally from the UK so know both health systems and if you live somewhere like that it should have a medical advice line/health line too which could even maybe be an option to get through to a medical professional you could call them or places have walk in appointments that you can go and see a GP and get some medical advice xx

With regards to the tests - some tests will have a lower threshold than others. FRER are most sensitive, if you mean clearblue digital they are less sensitive. Also, your wee becomes more diluted in terms of HCG if you have peed already and if you have eaten or drunk anything. I would therefore recommend you get a FRER and use with your first morning urine for a clear answer.

Regarding your medication, I would ask to see any GP at the practice on an emergency basis. You could also fill in the form too. Wishing you all the best x