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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AMD on March 12, 2006, at 15:37:37
I've used cocaine often in the past year or so, although just fell off the wagon from a four-mouth abstinence.
What kind of long-term heart damage may I have done? Particularly the other day, with the cocaine excess? Is this damage permanent? Would I know if I had it?
My heart rate seems regular now, about 60-70 bpm, but I'm worried that I'll have a heart attack soon. Worried is an understatement.
I exercise more-or-less regularly, although recently my exercise schedule has been more sporatic.
Can I expect this exercise to help my heart recover from any damage done? Does one-a-week cocaine use for a year or so do serious long-term damage to the heart?
My last physical revealed a mild apparently congenital heart regurgitation. Any complications there?
Basically I want to know whether I'm doomed, or if I can recover from the heart, brain, body damage I went through over the past year.
Finally, does one night of use tax one's system to the extent that I am now "screwed" for life?
amd
Posted by James K on March 12, 2006, at 22:12:12
In reply to Heart damage from cocaine, posted by AMD on March 12, 2006, at 15:37:37
I'd say no. my pulse stays around 90. I've abused inhalants and alcohol and cocaine and lsd and marijuana, and tobacco all in the same long night. I'm "fine". I believe, you either die, or you don't. I could die tonight. But it won't be because of a binge I did 20 years ago.
James K
Posted by notfred on March 13, 2006, at 23:03:45
In reply to Heart damage from cocaine, posted by AMD on March 12, 2006, at 15:37:37
The dangers from cocaine to the heart are well known:
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/921033839.htmlIf you have any vascular defects or weak spots you could have a blow out (aneurysm). People stroke out on cocaine. Cocaine disrupts the hearts electrical signals yielding a heart attack, muscle death, or the heart stopping altogether.
When cocaine use is a cause of death it is most times a cardiac event thaat caused the death.
Posted by AMD on March 14, 2006, at 10:49:15
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine, posted by notfred on March 13, 2006, at 23:03:45
What about post-use? If I survive a binge, and refrain from more, will my heart recover?
amd
Posted by notfred on March 14, 2006, at 13:49:03
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine » notfred, posted by AMD on March 14, 2006, at 10:49:15
> What about post-use? If I survive a binge, and refrain from more, will my heart recover?
>
> amdNo.
Posted by AMD on March 14, 2006, at 14:05:03
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine, posted by notfred on March 14, 2006, at 13:49:03
So it's irreversible damage? That's crazy!
> > What about post-use? If I survive a binge, and refrain from more, will my heart recover?
> >
> > amd
>
> No.
Posted by notfred on March 14, 2006, at 14:22:21
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine » notfred, posted by AMD on March 14, 2006, at 14:05:03
I think you have far more significant problems to worry about; you blew several grand on coke. Wake up !
I feel like this site serves as a willing enabler to you. What is the motivation to stop if every time you binge you get support here that says you have done no harm ?
Everytime you binge you stress your cardio system;
stress is cumulative.
Posted by AMD on March 14, 2006, at 14:24:51
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine, posted by notfred on March 14, 2006, at 14:22:21
That's an astute observation, but I don't think of it as an enabler. It's not as if I'm thinking of this board as justification. Just happens to be the place I run to for support.
In any event, thanks for the comments. You're right, there are some serious issues here and I'm starting work with a therapist to get them dealt with.
On another note, I have a killer headache. Could this be related? Or is it just a headache? It's in the front of my head.
amd
> I think you have far more significant problems to worry about; you blew several grand on coke. Wake up !
>
> I feel like this site serves as a willing enabler to you. What is the motivation to stop if every time you binge you get support here that says you have done no harm ?
>
> Everytime you binge you stress your cardio system;
> stress is cumulative.
Posted by madeline on March 24, 2006, at 7:11:10
In reply to Heart damage from cocaine, posted by AMD on March 12, 2006, at 15:37:37
AMD,
I think you need to be seen by a cardiologist and be very candid about your cocaine use. You need to have a complete cardiac work up. And, of course, stop binging on cocaine.
This visit will most likely reinforce that there has been damage done, but also give you additional strength to stay off cocaine.
I can not urge you to do this strongly enough.
Maddie
Posted by AMD on March 24, 2006, at 10:06:51
In reply to Re: Heart damage from cocaine, posted by madeline on March 24, 2006, at 7:11:10
I had a sonogram a few months ago, and it came back fine, aside from a slight congenital heart regurgitation. So I think I've escaped most damage. My most recent bout may, however, have done some more, but as long as I exercise regularly and refrain from future use, I am optimisitic I'll be all right.
One can't cry over spilled milk, anyhow, no? And lord knows I do that all too often.
amd
This is the end of the thread.
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