Please Help!

[stressedsc]

I am currently taking 5 norco per day.  I have ran out before and started having the withdrawal symptoms.  My problem is that I have an ICD for heart failure therapy along with chronic back pain.
I would love to stop taking the pain meds, but am afraid that it will affect my heart.  Any suggestions?
I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy in 2000, was on the transplant list for a while but meds and the ICD have helped with the heart.  I don't know if my heart can handle the withdrawal symptoms.  Should I try to kick the habit at home? Thanks for any help you can give me.

[IBKleen]

I am concerned for you. This is serious business, and should not be taken lightly. You need to se a doctor, s everyone suggested. Please don't fool around with this. I also have heart disease and going cold turkey proved to be very dangerous for me.

Let us know how you are doing.

[Summer123]

I visited an addictionologist once due to being on pain meds and xanex.  The first thing he said I needed was an EKG and asked if I had any heart problems.  It is important NOT to go cold turkey without medical supervision.  If you don't want to go to YOUR doctors, go to a different doctor about your problem (preferrably an addictionologist).  Good luck.

[flmagi]

Please call your doctor today. I assure you, you will not be the first person he's ever heard this from. I just don't think cold turkey is the way for you to go with your heart problem and you will start withdrawls within 24 hours which may cause you serious problems. Please call your doctor and get his advise, soon, before you go into withdrawls.  Let us know whats happening with you.
Magi

[kit10]

I will say a prayer for you tonight. No need to feel ashamed around us we are all dealing with or have dealt with similiar situations. I now have a problem with oxycontin but my addiction started from doing hydrocodone. So I know how you are feeling. I know that this is by no means going to be the same as taking the norco, but I would always substitute the hydro with acetaminaphin bc that is a large portion of the makeup of the loratabs, percs, norco, etc. Another thing to think about is maybe just hanging on to the last one that you have just for your sanity. When I went get low on meds. and be broke at the same time I would keep one in my pocket and just knowing that it would be there for when I absolutely reached my lowest low I could do it. Silly advice I know, But it has helped me before.

[kit10]

I will say a prayer for you tonight. No need to feel ashamed around us we are all dealing with or have dealt with similiar situations. I now have a problem with oxycontin but my addiction started from doing hydrocodone. So I know how you are feeling. I know that this is by no means going to be the same as taking the norco, but I would always substitute the hydro with acetaminaphin bc that is a large portion of the makeup of the loratabs, percs, norco, etc. Another thing to think about is maybe just hanging on to the last one that you have just for your sanity. When I went get low on meds. and be broke at the same time I would keep one in my pocket and just knowing that it would be there for when I absolutely reached my lowest low I could do it. Silly advice I know, But it has helped me before.

[stressedsc]

I haven't taken my last pill tonight.  I guess this is a step.  I am sure in the morning I will feel horrible.  If I can just take it one day at a time.

[stressedsc]

Thank you for your response.  It helps so much to know that there are people out there that feel the same way I do.  I hate being dependent on these pills.  It is ruining my life!  I feel isolated and so alone.  Why do doctors even prescribe these things?  I have never felt so humiliated and helpless in my life, even when I was diagnosed with the heart thing.  I have one more pill for tonight and then I don't have anymore. I will have to do something in the morning.  Please keep me in your thoughts.

[formernurse]

It is important for you md to know about your pain med dependency.  Please believe me, as a former nurse, this is not something to be ashamed of.  5 norco's/day is not a huge amount, but you can become dependent on them.  I think your md will help set up a program of taper with you that you can do at home, but at least he will know what is going on if you have any problems

[kit10]

I definately wouldnt try to cold turkey it without medical supervision. I was taking up to 15 hydros a day before and quit cold turkey, went to the dr. and told em what was going on, my heart rate was almost 145 bpm. from the wd, anxiety, etc. Please dont do this without being monitored. They tried to admit me into the hospital stating that bc of my heart rate, the amount I was doing, and the length of time that I had been doing it, I may have a seizure, (which I have never heard of in dealing with hydro. wd.) But that is what they said. I refused the stay bc like you I was ashamed and didnt want everyone in my town knowing the reasoning behind my stay, but I probably shouldve. But please this is a serious situation in dealing with your heart issue, try to seek some sort of med. help.

Msg us back and let us know how your feeling.

[imanaddict]

You need to consult your Dr. BEFORE you try this on  your own! WD's raise blood pressure and pulse, and could be dangerous with your condition.

[stressedsc]

I am embarassed and ashamed to tell the doctor that I think I have a problem.  I know this sounds stupid, but I don't know what to do.

[Givitup]

I am very new here and don't have the answers but wanted to say, have you discussed this with your doctor?  With a heart condition, I can't imagine doing anything without their help would be wise, espeically withdrawing from anything.