I was reading the post that listed all those sites to go to and noticed mention of smoking and how some felt better before they quit. I'm wondering how many of us ex-smokers felt better prior to quitting smoking?? I'm not looking for an excuse to start again but just curious. I'm trying to cut costs so starting again would be too expensive with buying cigs also my life insurance would double again.
After I quit smoking I became exhausted all the time. It's been 4 years now and still exhausted. Every symptom I had increased ten fold. Breathing issues now, stomach issues are worse, severe thirst, terrible muscle pain, neuropathy 15 times worse and I'm 60 pounds heavier because I have no energy and too much pain to move.
So, I wonder...are better before or after quitting smoking and how has it affected you??
Hi Jozee, i am not a medical professional, but I think that the nicotene in ciggaretts is a stimulant and that may be why you had more energy when you were smoking.
As far as the other Symptoms I dont know why they have gotten worse.
I think there is something to this. It's not well understood, but Celiac Disease researchers believe that cigarette smoking has a protective effect against the development and or progression of the disease. It really needs to be investigated further. There is a strong connection between Celiac and Sjogrens.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11280554?dopt=Abstract (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11280554?dopt=Abstract)
I can't explain it either, but I have thought many times how much better I felt when I still smoked. It has been several years now since I quit. I have read that it speeds up our metabolism slightly, and helps our mood. So who know what else it does. I am not promoting it though, and no I couldn't afford it either to start again.
susanep :)
I quit smoking in December 2004 after smoking for about ten years and for a while, felt MUCH better. It's only recently that I've begun to have all of these autoimmune problems (or at least worsening enough to become a problem).
So maybe I'm in the minority here, but I felt better, and never had the desire to start smoking again because I enjoyed life much more as a non-smoker :)
BTW, my rheumy said pretty much the only thing that wasn't allowed while I was taking Plaquenil is smoking because it would negate its effects (not that I smoke, but I had asked about other meds). Thought that was interesting.
Sharyn
Smoking supresses the immune system. I wasn't a smoker before SjS, but I have been lately (not heavily or anything), and sadly it is helping.
That may be why a few hits of Mary Jane helps some people.
Jozee, you mention things you think may be better. However, don't forget the amount of harm to things we may not think about: your heart, your vascular system, and on and on. I am a 20 year clean, ex-smoker, and have to be vigilant all the time. I walked past a couple of relatives today outside smoking at a motel. I stopped and talked for a minute and it smelled so good. Sometimes a fresly lit cig smells good, but most of the time is nasty. Cigs cost $6.05 a pack in Michigan, not sure about where you are. I think I would be dead if I had not quit smoking in Nov 1989. Lucy
Quote from: eyeamdry on August 13, 2011, 10:11:33 PM
Jozee, you mention things you think may be better. However, don't forget the amount of harm to things we may not think about: your heart, your vascular system, and on and on. I am a 20 year clean, ex-smoker, and have to be vigilant all the time. I walked past a couple of relatives today outside smoking at a motel. I stopped and talked for a minute and it smelled so good. Sometimes a fresly lit cig smells good, but most of the time is nasty. Cigs cost $6.05 a pack in Michigan, not sure about where you are. I think I would be dead if I had not quit smoking in Nov 1989. Lucy
Lucy, thank you for your kind words of caution. But these days, (in case you hadn't noticed, haha) I am vigorously questioning the lifestyle arguments that medical experts make to the public in general. The claim is that if we just eat healthy, exercise, wear sunscreen, and avoid smoking, then good health will be assured. Well I did all that and look where I am now. There's strong evidence that illness has little to do with lifestyle, and everything to do with genetics, especially the epigenome. Another thing to consider is that we are not the general public. We have an illness that can bring us serious complications and the treatment options are meager. I think Jozee has brought up a worthy topic that merits a discussion.
As far as the cost goes, I buy pipe tobacco which is not taxed as heavily, then I roll my own cigarettes. After quitting for 18 years, I started smoking a few years ago just before my diagnosis. I began smoking to cope with the stress of becoming acutely ill, not having any support and suffering deprivation of all my needs for a prolonged period of time. I became unable to care for myself and there was no one who would believe me, let alone help me.
Does smoking help me? Yes it does make feel better physically, and not just emotionally. I also drink coffee. A doctor would say I have low self esteem, I'm sure. lol Tobacco and coffee, two pleasures in my life that bring me relief and I have no intention of giving them up. I'm not advising you to do the same, just saying that this is what works for me.
Medical Marijuana, Joe? Even if it were proven to help autoimmune disease, I don't know if I could go there. lol I associate it strongly it in my mind with crime and addiction. :D
stephL, A number of people that I know with Fibro, and MS have had on going discussions. Your point of linking it to addiction and illegal activity is similar to the points that I have taken in these discussions. The studies that Sha presented would indicate that smoking challenges that immune system and that may be why they choose Mary Jane.
I prefer to support my immune system--carrot juice among other supplements.
Hi Jozee, I quit smoking in January 2005 as things started to go down hill already (sure did feel better smoking, but the comments from coworkers/oder was really starting to get on my nerves). :P
Hi StephL, I knew how to roll a good cigarette by the time I was ten, whew, the things one learns in childhood (had an older relative that taught me (he swore by them)). :D
Patze
I have never smoked, but I bartended (major 2nd hand smoke) until I was 42 and I was very active. When I finished my masters degree I started working in an elementary school and wham, my sypmtoms hit me like a ton of bricks. It took me a while to make it to a doctor and I was diagnosed with SJS. So yes I do think there is something to the smoking angle.
SueAnn
Who knows? but like some of the others,, lived good,, quit drinking almost 20 years ago,, rarely smoked,, then the hammer hit me,, so I just think its a crap shoot on who gets sick,, and who doesnt,, lot of people die from lung cancer thatnever smoked a day in there life,,, on a side note,, when I was smoking,, I would go to a casino to lose some money and there would always be the one person that wold wave her or his arm constantly if i was smoking,, I finaly got pi**ed and told them,, look,, there are non smoking areas in this place,, dont make me look like the bad guy here,, but does smking help,, no,, I dont think so, does ithelp with teh stress,, ya it does for me,, at times,, but lets face it,, its not good for us,, I can see why someone with a chronic illness wold smoke, and if they tried to quit,, I can see why thre so sick,, its hard enough dealing with all this stuff,, and then the withdrawel from smoking,, that would send anyone over the edge,, least it wold me thats for sure,,
You guys might be on to something. I read the following study saying sjogrens smokers had less salivary gland infiltration than nonsmokers.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10627428
I too have been questioning this lately. I have never smoked and always taken good care of myself, run 3-5 miles a day, and generally have taken good care of myself. But of course who knows what things would be like if I had been a smoker. One thing I did not do all my life was pay attention to what I ate. I didn't read ingredients or pay attention to all the chemicals and additives they put in everything. I didn't make sure I ate fruits and veggies, etc. So I am starting with that and maybe I will revisit this smoking thing later. Although- I wonder if having one or two a week would give the same benefits without quite so much of the negative impacts.
My hubby went to a GI doc who was a really great guy and very down to earth. My gosh, he went on fishing trips to Alaska and he had rheumatoid arthritis.
Anyway, he was always after hubby to quit smoking, but he did tell him that nicotine was good at controlling ulcerative colitis and other types of colitis. Actually a person could use the patches and my hubby tried that but it was very short lived. He would rather smoke.
I know from his experience with tobacco and celiac and microscopic colitis that there is something to this story. However, you will not see this advertised by the doctors---not in this day and age at least. I actually think it paralyzes the muscles/receptor sites that instrigated the diarrhea and cramps. There also might be some relationship between the vagal response and the nicotene also. Just my opinion. Irish ;D
I think some might agree that nicotine may have some redeeming value medically, based upon numerous articles. However, don't forget that nicotine is NOT the only ingredient. As a matter of fact, a cigarette can contain over 600 ingredients, including things like ammonia.
How is one truly to know whether quitting made them worse or if the disease itself was just progressing? And WHAT are the other chemicals doing to do your body/health?
I would be interesting learning more about medicinal nicotine (in forms other than cigs)...WITHOUT the other harmful chemicals.
BTW, I use to smoke years ago and also got worse after quitting. BUT I continue to get worse each and every year...that seems like progression.
Well if my 2 cents matter at all.. I was part of the "smokem if ya gottem" group in the Army.. Wont even try to lie.. My only smoke free times were "your expecting" and "enemy was spotted, don't light up"... From 18 to 37.. During this period I could run 5 miles a day, did PT every morn at O dark 30 for an hr prior to the five mile run.. I did all manner of outdoor sports with my boys (dad was gone on field duty a bit more than mom.. )
It was not until a drastic health crisis with Hubby kicked us in the rump, or the Dr telling my hubby that every drag could be his "honestly be his last breath. " No go figure... I really gave the military some credit for destroying my body cuz retirement was soon following my quiting.. And my health took a real crazy turn for the worse.. Call it what you will.. but I have just learned the word for it and it's called a "FLAIR" .. Started right after I quit smoking... Got worse after I retired and I have been on a path of "someone help me" since..
(now have there been days that due to the stress of SSJ have i wanted to smoke.. Yes :o... But one thing my Dr did say.. SJS smoking patients are more Susceptible to mouth cancer and throat cancer and dangerous Lung Infections than the average SJS citizen.. So if ya want the nicotine.. Use those "vapor cigs".. But please my friends.. Lets not smoke if at all poss.. Our chronic odds are bad enough..
Blessings.. Keri
Eyeamdry- Don't worry. I am not planning on starting smoking again. The thought of trying to hide the stink and finding a place to smoke outside where it doesn't bother anyone is just too much of a hassle. Plus, yes, it does have some very bad side effects.
I was just stating how much better I felt when I did smoke. Not endorsing it tho.
When I quit smoking my hubby started and I can't stand the smell!!
I went to my ophthalmologist's office the other day for an appointment and the "clerk" that was working with me reeked of cigarette smoke. I'm sure she tried to disguise it, but it didn't work. I was in a closed room with her for about 1/2 hour. It was enough to make me want to barf. I noticed she really didn't look clean as you expect in a dr's office. I did not say anything as I didn't want to cause her any trouble.I remember trying to hide the smell.
If I go to a casino--and we go about once a month--I expect to be surrounded by smoke nd smokers. A hazard of the habit. This is the only place people can smoke any where. I rarely say anything unless someone has a cigarette in my face. One other point to smoking is that we also expose our family to second hand smoke. I know we like to think we don't do this or try and go outdoors away from everyone, but it's not always possible.
If I was given a death sentence of 6 months t6 live--I would go out tomorrow and buy a carton of Virginia Slim menthols. As I said I need to stay vigilant that I don't smoe.
Smoking is a strange issue isn't it. I know that the doctors were adamant that it was causing all my issues years ago. I told them that there is no way the smoking was causing my health problems and that I knew it wasn't good for me and I would quit when my brain got psyched up.
Finally my brain got psyched up and I quit cold turkey without any problem. For some reason I didn't even crave a cig for a couple of years. I made my hubby go outside to smoke and there was no more smoking in the house.
I loved to smoke and if I picked up a cigarette tonight I would smoke a pack by tomorrow night. That is the way I am!!! So, I don't pick one up. I do know that I am like you Lucy, as sometimes the smell just makes me ill----but there are other days when I would kill for a puff. As all you ex-smokers probably know that the first puff after not smoking (for me it is now 10 years) just about drives me to my knees. It makes me so sick and nauseated. Years ago after quitting several times and having that first puff and getting sick I would just keep smoking til that reaction went away. :o :o
After I quit smoking this last time and THE last time I never felt one bit better nor did any of my symptoms improve. Didn't make any difference. I know that if I started in again now my lungs would really give me grief. Plus SIX DOLLARS A PACK!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE!!! That would be like drinking up almost 2 gallons of milk a day!!!!! Wow. Irish ;D
Irish, my hubby and I often talk about the cost of cigarettes. Some of the guys he used to work with still smoke and their wives too and we wonder how they have any $ to buy food.When I quit about 20 years ago, they were a buck a pack. Hubby quit 5 years after me, so now on Soc Security, there is no way we could afford to smoke now. It was getting to be hard to find places to smoke back then and often you had to go out to the street and I always felt a little like a hooker. That gal in the eye dr's office about made me want to barf. Somehow I don't think she will be there long. Someone will complain about her smoky odor.
Do you ever see someone out in the pouring rain trying to squeeze under a ledge to stay dry so they can smoke a cigarette? I pity them and remember I used to be just like them. It's crazy to think how the weather affects me so bad yet I'd go out in a blizzard just to have a few lousy puffs.
I love everyone, smoker or not, I'm just glad I've quit.
Hi all,
Well my experiences are that I felt much worse after quitting smoking. I stopped smoking about 4 yrs ago and soon after (within 2 months) I started having issues, thyroid and onset of SjS. People would always ask me if I felt better but I could not really say that I did??
One thing though that I do not miss is the stink of tobacco. I feel 100% cleaner and was only a 10-15 a day person but still..
My intention is never to go back as although it may have kick started my autoimmune problems?, there must be so many other benefits for the body as a whole being non smokers that we dont see or feel!
Paula ;D
I can so relate to what everyone is saying, and it is funny thinking back now how I would climb a fence to get cigs if they fell there, and I was out. Don't ask how I know. ;D
Doctors always telling me too that I felt bad, because of all my smoking. Yeah right!
I also would be the same way if I picked up a cig tonight, I would smoke the whole pack by tomorrow night. I also enjoyed smoking.
I did decide to quit when I started having more lung and mouth issues. I also quit cold turkey. I haven't felt good since. ::)
I heard about a doctor that said when he turns 80 he is going to pick up smoking again. :-\
I am also glad to not have the smoke smell. I very rarely think about smoking now, but once in a blue moon something will happen, and I kind of grin to myself and think, this is definitely a smoking moment if I still smoked.
susanep :)
Susan, My sjoggie friend in town who I went to high school with and who is also a nurse has quit smoking also. She has been so ill the past 1 1/2 years and has almost died a couple of times due to infections in her lungs. She has COPD---especially in the one lung.
She and I have made a pact that when we get old (don't ask me how we will figure out what old is and probably in the nursing home) we are going to start smoking again and also drink with our pureed pizza. I think it is a sound plan as we will be so close to dying. Maybe we could con cigs out of our kids at that time to help defray the cost!!! ::) ::) ::) Irish ;D
I "quit" smoking about 20 years ago. I use the quotes because I never want to be a non-smoker, I like it too much! I actually set aside one evening per year when I smoke for just that one night.
I never want to be "hooked" again because I would easily be one of those gals squeeked into a corner trying not to get wet. But, dang, a good smoke is a good smoke. :D