smokers?

[capricorn]

You're right badboy...that's the problem. The habit. It is addictive behaviour that keeps us going back. The physical withdrawal is not half as bad as anyone believes. That's why I always say you have to be dedicated and make it a priority in your life to be successful. I don't believe any of us can do that with all going on in our lives.

Deb.....I took one of the 8 week course in my local hospital a couple of years ago. I did quit BUT it didn't last. Even the teacher of the course said she was surprised that I could even quit in the first place with all going on in  my life, contacted me 6 months later and wasn't at all surprised that I had started again. They do work mainly on the habit but also offer free aids e.g patches, gum, losenges.

I also do most of my smoking while on the computer since it's my only social life right now. LOL

CAP

[ksgirl]

I have also thought about quitting. I started smoking when I was nine and that was 24 years ago. I've never went more than twenty four hours without a cigarette since I started smoking.
I also did research before my last back surgery and I found all of the conflicting reports on the web. You have to quit, you don't. Surgery won't work if you smoke, it will work. Who knows?
When I asked my Dr. if I should quit (this was two weeks before surgery), he told me that I would be better off to wait til after surgery because the coughing that comes about three weeks after quitting would cause me pain and possibly hurt my surgical results.
Having said all that, I have talked to several people who were long term smokers who have quit (easily) with Chantix. From what I understand, it is expensive and insurance won't pay for it.
Smoking is an addiction and a habit. That's why it's so hard to quit. You have a double whammy.
Just thought I would put my two cents worth of information in.

[rickandkryss]

Well thought I would join into this one, but I did not read through all four pages so I hope I did not miss anything major, lol. I was a pack and 1/2 a day smoker for 16 years! I quit cold turkey the day I went into my second knee surgery 2 1/2 years ago. I just want to say that I loved smoking! Loved the tatse and the smell of Marlboro's...and I still do love the smell strangley. It does not bother me to be around smokers. However I feel so great not being one and I enjoy the cleaner smell of my house a whole lot. I also had a sever smokers cough that I no longer have that makes it all worth while.

Lastly, would like to point out that I healed 2X quicker from my second surgery than I did from my first and I have no doubt in my mind that not smoking after my second surgery made all the difference! In fact I had lung spasms during my first surgery that scared the hell out of my doc...I had no breathing problems during the second (had not smoked since the night before) and woke up without feeling like I could not breathe. The first time they had to put me on oxygen because I woke up gasping and unable to breathe. Something to think about.

[rickandkryss]

I have been told those that quit cold turkey tend to have more success in the long run. If I can do it anyone can...I was the queen of smoking, lol. It truly is mind over matter.

[Still in Limbo]

Believe it or not, My PM Dr. told me with all that's going on in my life right now, the pain, depression, stress of having to deal with w/c etc. That trying to quit right now would NOT be the best thing to do. She said she wants me to quit, but the timing has to be right for it to be successful. I've had to quit so many things, work, hunting, motorcycle riding, drinking, and the list goes on, this is the only vice or I guess you could call it stress relieving device that I have left. I do want to quit someday, but with all of this pressure, I find myself looking at that cigarette as to helping me cope with it all. Does this make any sense to you all?

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Limbo, WoW, besides our injuries being different. I'm wondering if your Doctor knows my Doctor, or went to the same school. For my Doctor told me the exact same thing. I use to drink for many years, then one day in 1991, I woke up, and said I will never have another drink of Booze again. Hmmm, I never have since that date. Plus, I still continued to meet my friends at the Bars and such, to look the Devil in it's eyes, and I sat there with my soda pop, and it never bothered me. But, I can't give up the smokes at this time like you. And I too, gave up alot of my other enjoyments. Well buddy, I guess me and you wait this one out together.,..