Cigarettes/Hydrocodone

[Ryan9698]

I'm 20 years old and have been diagnosed with herniated discs and "degenerative disc disease" I'm working with conservative treatment because I don't think surgery would be good for my case. I have been prescribed Hydrocodone (Lortabs) and have used them at night when the pain gets bad. I also have sciatica, which is dulling my quality of life, at least for the time being. So I've noticed that the medicine has changed my mood and I get irritable on the off hours where I do not take it, so I know I need to cut back and stop. I'm in trouble because I also need to quit smoking cigarettes as soon as possible and it seems like it would be mental suicide to try to quit both at the same time. I don't know what to do or how to approach this situation. Any answers are much appreciated.
*Note* I smoke a pack a day on average.

[Ryan9698]

My motivation to quit smoking right away comes from two factors. Lack of money do to low income coming in due to the back issue. I want to quit smoking because cigarettes are known to reduce the oxygen flowing through your blood, which is incredibly bad for my condition in which I need all of the oxygen and blood flow that I can get to the herniated disc. I have tried the electronic cigarette and I actually liked it. However, it was a disposable and it had a few issues. I am a fan of the rechargeable green cigarette thing they have out but it's like $150 if I remember correctly. I need to kick the habit in order to exercise to my full potential as well, because I also need to increase blood circulation. All around, I honestly believe smoking had a big part to do with my condition and I feel that it needs to be kicked before I can get better.

[HenryS354]

Hey Ryan,

Welcome to the forum.  It seems you have quite a bit on your plate!!!

Heres just a suggestion.  You are going to have quite the battle, with decreasing your pain meds, and being in legitimate pain. But you will do great with that, just keep your head strong.

If I may ask, what is your motivation to quit smoking right away? Is it just for long term health reasons?

The reason I ask is, there may be another option that could be of help to you for the time being.

I quit smoking tobacco cigarettes about a year ago by using an electronic cigarette.  Its another form of nicotine replacement, as you still get your nicotine, but without all the negatives from tobacco. While nicotine itself isnt a healthy thing, its more of a harm reduction strategy.

It seems to have a high success rate, as it still simulated the physical action of smoking. So it assists with the chemical and behavioral aspects. Of course, this is just substitution, but perhaps you could try those until you are more solid in your recovery, and then take on the nicotine battle.  You will gain immense strength when you overcome your narcotic issues which may help you kick the tobacco later.

Do some research on it.  I do have to add, that unlike other nicotine alternatives, electronic smoking has not been proven to be safe. But then again neither have cigarettes...  Just some food for thought.

Good luck.
Henry

[GoingToMakeIt]

Never was a smoker, but like anything else you decide to do it. Then you do it. I know that is a simplified version, but ask around and see what others did.
   As far as the hydro, I would just quit. Now that I do know about. You can do this! On another note. Seek alternative care for the back. Chiropractic, massage, evn accupuncture. Ice needs to be your friend. I get more relief from Ibuprofen 600 and 1/2-1, 2mg Zanaflex. It's a weaker muscle relaxer that doesn't leave me groggy the next day.

[tiggz1977]

howdy and welcome to the forum. I quit smoking for 6years after I started using pills and noticed I was startin to crave smokes. and I finally gave in after about a year of taking them. and I also noticed when ibwas taking the pills I would smoke a lot more! then when I wasn't high. is there a connection? it sure seems like it.. lol I have been pill free for 17 days now and my smoking remained the same. I have been ob the patch for 2 days now it helps me a lot with cravings. but after meals and normal smoking usage it comes on strong, I pop on my iPod and listen to music it has been helping. first what I would recomend is talking to your doctor first before trying anything on your own. if you quit smoking get patches try the alternatives out there, don't get chantix it is a high rate of mental issues that follow it. when I quit smoking the first time I went 3 days with no smokes then applied te patch for a month and after 2 months I forgot my patch on my way to work and just Forgot about it from then on. but talk to your doctor about quitting smokes and see what options you have, try alternatives out there. God bless