smoking

[Patze]

Hi Judbow,

Oh yes, smoking hid problems with hypothyroidism and was causing problems with breathing too. 

I went cold turkey on 2 January 2005 and I haven't gone back (was a pack and a half pack a day smoker for more years than I care to remember by the time I quit).

Which ever way you choose to quit, good luck and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Take care of yourself and keep us updated, okay?

Patze

[KellyG999]

All - it does my heart good to hear how many have successfully kicked this habit. I encourage any who do still smoke to really consider quitting before your lungs are permanently damaged. I worked as a Respiratory Therapist in the hospital for many years, and was responsible for the care of patients on life-support ventilation. Many of these patients were diagnosed with COPD, and were on the horrible downward spiral toward complete respiratory failure. By the time they need a ventilator to breathe for them, there is no turning back. The suffering I saw was too horrible to describe. I am not trying to frighten anyone, just being honest about the devastation this has on the body.

My parents both quit over five years ago. I am so very thankful - and somewhat surprised. My father smoked 2 pacs/day of Pall Malls, no filter. He had bladder cancer twice, and colon cancer once, all attributed to the accumulation of cigarrette posions in the body. I am happy to say my parents are both happy and healthy in their late 60's, and walk every day. They have no shortness of breath or cough. It can be done, if you really want to quit. I can only imagine the determination it takes to overcome this addiction.

Good luck!!
KellyG 

[susanep]

I have not heard of a laser treatment either. I am interested in it for one of my sisters. She has had a heart attack, and quit for awhile, but started back. Her husband passed away not long ago so it has been difficult for her.

I am glad me and my husband don't smoke now too, because I got tired of worrying about running out of cigs and ready to go to an open store late at night etc.

I do not judge anyone still smoking though, because we do know how it is, but we all can better encourage others, but also be patient with them, as we all are,  on this board. 

susanep

[Scarlett]

The laser treatment is similar to acupuncture as it targets certain pressure points on your hands, nose and ears.  The treatment causes the same chemicals to be released in the brain that smoking causes (seratonin, if I remember correctly).  One treatment causes these chemicals to be released for a month.  This results in no physical cravings for nicotine during that period of time.  Once the month is over you'll no longer have a desire to smoke.  I smoked for 20 years and was up to two packs a day and it worked for me.

[Maggie12]

I quit nearly 8 years ago, after smoking for 45 years - the most hardest thing i ever did, since I packed up my sjogrens seemed to get worse, perhaps due to stress ? of giving up and it never really has left me wanting to have one, but I never have  -  I was diagnosed with possible sjogrens 10 years ago - but since then my blood tests have showed possitive and each year i seem to get additions to it, but I hope I never go back to smoking, but who knows  .. good luck all with quitting, it is hard as it is an addiction. Hope you all have a good Christmas, and an even Healthier 2012 and beyond.

[irish]

I quit smoking about 10 years or so ago and haven't smoked since. I don't know how I did it cause I really like smoking.

My hubby smoked for many years also until he had his stroke. It is interesting to note that nicotine or something in the cigarettes helps control ulcerative colitis. His GI doc told him this but said it was still better to quit smoking as a patch can be used.

I have read this several times since. Kind of interesting info cause I found that smoking made irritable bowel worse. Information that doesn't make much difference really as we all need to be tobacco free. Irish

[judbow]

Thanks for all of your comments..I really appreciate the responce that I get on this website...Awesome...  Hope everyone has a Happy New Year, and I will be stopping smoking tomorrow..Wish me luck.....

Judbow

All of you guys are fantastic...keep up the good work and all the posative energy coming...