Kicking Norco out of my life!

[sunshine24850]

I have been taking Norco/hydrocode for ten years. I don't even know where to start and have been sitting here for over an hour debating on if I wanted to really post or not. I started out taking a small dose of hydrocodone and then my doctor just increased it as the years went by. I'm now taking 10/325. I am scared to death but so tired of these pills running my life. Some days I was taking 8 a day but the past two days I have been taking 4. I have an addictive personality and do not want to take anything to help me get off these. I am so done with laying in bed wondering what I am going to do when I run out early. My family and friends have no idea and it's not really something I want them to know. I don't know if I should just ask the doctor to lower my dose and just lower it every 2 weeks or what. Even as I type this behind a computer I'm embarrassed and ashamed. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[kateleforskinny]

I have the same story as you. 12 years on norco 10/325 Nobody knew,I was ashamed to even go to my Dr at the pain clinic. I Quit cold turkey, but got back on a year later. I am taking suboxone now, have been for 4 months.If you want, I can tell you more about the experience Ive had these  past 4 months

[sunshine24850]

Hi everyone. I started taking 3 halves a day and so far it *****. I can't seem to get my mind off of it. I did reach out to a friend that had posted something on a Social Media site a few weeks back and I have opened up to her. I wouldn't say we are close friends but she is going through something very similar and has invited me to an NA meeting. The NA meeting is in my town and I'm so afraid I will know someone but it is the only one during the day. It was a big relief to tell her. I have talked to my doctor about tapering off before but he just kind of blew it off and gave me the same script.

I could not sleep last night because all I kept doing was thinking about how I could make these last pills last. After I found out about the affair my doctor put me on Xanax but I don't take them so I'm not sure that would help or not. Oddly enough, I don't like to take other pills. I took a Xanax once and didn't like how it made me feel but it may help with the anxiety I'm having?

[Nursey7]

My heart goes out to you. You are in such a tough spot with the divorce and all.  Hopefully you can take the first step and talk with your doctor if you plan to taper. If you decide to go this route you need to have someone handle the pills for you. Is there a family member you can trust with your secret?  Just telling someone is a big relief. Also, have you ever been to a NA meeting?  It really does help; they don't judge, just love you for who you are. Please, please don't be humiliated or embarrassed!  An addict can't help they have this disease but they CAN choose to say no. No to a crappy life of counting pills, breaking pills in half, obsessing over the date of the next refill, etc. so choose today to take your life back!!!

[hlpplse]

Hi sunshine, I know what you mean about pills consuming your mind, or making you feel off. I am a chronic pain patient who was hit by a car and after my last surgery decided to stop and I can tell you for me life is so much more vivid and better without the medicine. I still get aches and pains but at least I feel alive.

I am so sorry that you are going through a divorce as well at this time, that is really hard especially having children my heart goes out to you. Can you talk to your doctor about the way you feel on them and set up a plan? We are all here for you, God Bless you

[toothfairie]

Just let us know how we can help...post your symptoms and we can recommend what worked for each of us...you can do it...just keep posting for support!!!  

[sunshine24850]

I had my first pill after I had my daughter, then a month later is when I developed Kienbocks so that is why I say she has never seen me off of pills. I'm think Cold Turkey may be the best way to go.

[sunshine24850]

I have been reading your posts and you are doing great!!

[sunshine24850]

Thanks so much for the responses. I take the Norco for Kienbock's Disease and back problems. You have probably never heard of it and it took me 7 doctors to get diagnosed so since they didn't know what was wrong they just kept throwing pills at me. I have never had a break from the pills. It is seriously consuming my mind and I need it to stop. I am also going through a nasty divorce right now so that does not help the situation. My youngest daughter has never seen her mom off pills.

[toothfairie]

You can do this Sunshine...just when you decide you want to stop, we can help you get thru WDs...if you could get your doctor on board with this, it would help you....maybe he could put on a regular taper schedule..you could also CT and just get it over with,  IF you are in good health etc....either way, we are in your corner and want you to succeed...please let us know how you are doing....don't be embarrassed...you didn't wake up one morning wanting to be addicted to those pills...but I get what you are saying.  Good luck and keep posting for support!  Also telling your family would help so much...they could keep you accountable and less chance for relapse.  

[Justin925]

I wish you all of the luck in the world! I am also going cold turkey I am on day four and believe me when I say this it is very hard but I know if you put your mind to it you can overcome this. You will get some great advice from this awesome group these people have helped me out a ton, I thought I was alone but that was not that case knowing that there are people that have overcome this horrible nightmare make me feel way better. I hope you stick to it and good luck on your road to getting your life back!

[CRSeaside]

Hi sunshine   In the 10 years have you ever taken a break from the pills?

[Sonrissa]

Hi sunshine, and welcome to the forum! You will find lots of advice and support here. Please don't be embarrassed or ashamed. We have all been where you are in one way shape or form. What kind of pain are you taking the Norco for? Congratulations on making the decision to quit and take back your life. The next step is to figure out how. Make a detailed plan. I suggest writing it down, and then carry it out. Basically, there are 2 ways you can quit. You can either taper down slowly or quit cold turkey. If you taper down, it would be best to talk to your doctor and get his assistance with a taper schedule. Tapering should be slow and steady drops in dosage. Tapering is easier on your body, as the withdrawal symptoms are not as severe, although you will still have them. Most of us have tried to taper, including me, but were unsuccessful. For me, it was way to difficult to control my dosage. If I had pills! I took them.

For me, cold turkey was best. It feels like you have a bad case of the flu for about a week, and then you slowly get better each day. It's not easy by any means, but totally do able. There are things you can do and take, such as vitamins and supplements, that will ease the symptoms.  

Please consider confiding in someone like your family or friends. I know it's scary, but it will be much easier with someone giving you support. You may just be surprised at how much they know or suspect, and how much support they can give. Also getting some counseling, group therapy, or attending NA or AA meetings will help give your courage and strength. You won't feel so alone.

I am so glad that you decided to post. You will get more replies, just be a bit patient, as it is a holiday weekend and late. Take care, and please keep posting with any questions you may have or if you need support. I know I've given you a lot of information to consider. I wish you all the best. You can do this! Life is much better off the pills!