If you smoke

[george_r_1961]

You may want to seriously think about quitting.

I quit 4 years ago but in the past couple of years ive had increasingly frequent attacks of bronchitis. Ive also noticed more shortness of breath on exertion and attributed it to just being out of shape.

After a particularly nasty bout of bronchitis last week I went to to the doc. She reviewed my history, asked a few questions, and then told me what ive been expecting to hear for a while. I have COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Its fairly common among smokers and even ex smokers and many that have it are undiagnosed.

The good news: Since I no longer smoke this will be easy to treat and control. I have an inhaler that REALLY helps and I need to follow up with a lung specialist.

Moral of the story: If you dont smoke dont start. If you do smoke stop now. No excuses. So what if you gain a few pounds.

[WeatherLovingDoc]

Good for you George_r_1961. If you find need, Nicorette Gum has helped many.

Here's one doc who will be rooting all the way for you!

[Tireman4]

I am with you too. I have never smoked ( run for most of my life), but smoking caused my mother to have a stroke to which she has not fully recovered.

[george_r_1961]

Good for you George_r_1961. If you find need, Nicorette Gum has helped many.

Here's one doc who will be rooting all the way for you!

I havent smoked since December 2006 but after a quarter of a century the damage was done.

[Stephanie]

You may want to seriously think about quitting.

I quit 4 years ago but in the past couple of years ive had increasingly frequent attacks of bronchitis. Ive also noticed more shortness of breath on exertion and attributed it to just being out of shape.

After a particularly nasty bout of bronchitis last week I went to to the doc. She reviewed my history, asked a few questions, and then told me what ive been expecting to hear for a while. I have COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Its fairly common among smokers and even ex smokers and many that have it are undiagnosed.

The good news: Since I no longer smoke this will be easy to treat and control. I have an inhaler that REALLY helps and I need to follow up with a lung specialist.

Moral of the story: If you dont smoke dont start. If you do smoke stop now. No excuses. So what if you gain a few pounds.

I said that to you in Facebook. I'm glad that you did get to a doctor and get it diagnosed.

[george_r_1961]

You may want to seriously think about quitting.

I quit 4 years ago but in the past couple of years ive had increasingly frequent attacks of bronchitis. Ive also noticed more shortness of breath on exertion and attributed it to just being out of shape.

After a particularly nasty bout of bronchitis last week I went to to the doc. She reviewed my history, asked a few questions, and then told me what ive been expecting to hear for a while. I have COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Its fairly common among smokers and even ex smokers and many that have it are undiagnosed.

The good news: Since I no longer smoke this will be easy to treat and control. I have an inhaler that REALLY helps and I need to follow up with a lung specialist.

Moral of the story: If you dont smoke dont start. If you do smoke stop now. No excuses. So what if you gain a few pounds.

I said that to you in Facebook. I'm glad that you did get to a doctor and get it diagnosed.

I think that im like a lot of middle aged folks. I knew something was up but kept putting off getting it taken care of hoping it would go away.

[Gladstone]

I'm 58 years old, smoke 2 packs a day, and have been smoking non-stop since I was 14.

Yes, my lungs get congested, but I cough out all the crap regularly each morning. After 'clearing out the tubes' I'm ready to start my day.

I can ride my bicycle 5, 10, or even 15 miles and when done I'm feeling fit as a fiddle.

I like smoking my ciggies but I'd be the first to admit they do stink up the place. Oh the difference from outdoors to indoors!

As much as I like smoking - I'd never recommend it to anyone else. If ya don't smoke; crimany, don't start. If nothing else, it stinks up everything - and too many other people don't like that!

Now please pass me a Pall Mall thank you...

Gladstone

[george_r_1961]

What you dont cough up, especially from your lower lobes, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

[Aquawind]

Sorry about the news George..I am glad you and the doctor understand the issue now and hopefully can take all of the steps to make life better for yourself. Excersize can cure many things including weight gain.

[Stephanie]

I know George and I hear you Gladstone. I enjoy it too much, but I know many people that used to smoke and quit.

[angelwing]

My hubby smoked for 2-3 packs a day, sometimes 4, I believe he started when he was a teenager, but I remember how he quit very very well...July 23, 2005 he had severe heartburn, he was doubled over..to make a long story short, perforated peptic ulcer, sepsis, periotinitis (sp?) and ARDS. After his 4 and a half hour surgery, his lungs got so tired they put him on a vent. He was on the vent 9 days and he remembers being suctioned. He has not had one since and is after me to quit. I have cut down a lot, I will not smoke around him at all, but he can smell it on me and even a whiff of smoke takes his breath away.

He is on an inhaler only if needed, but the humidity bothers him tremendously, the AC is on in April even if its 60 out.

I know I should totally quit, I have numerous times, did the pills, did the patch, nada. Maybe if I give up trying it will happen, but to tell you the truth I enjoy it and I don't have a lot to enjoy.

[Tireman4]

My hubby smoked for 2-3 packs a day, sometimes 4, I believe he started when he was a teenager, but I remember how he quit very very well...July 23, 2005 he had severe heartburn, he was doubled over..to make a long story short, perforated peptic ulcer, sepsis, periotinitis (sp?) and ARDS. After his 4 and a half hour surgery, his lungs got so tired they put him on a vent. He was on the vent 9 days and he remembers being suctioned. He has not had one since and is after me to quit. I have cut down a lot, I will not smoke around him at all, but he can smell it on me and even a whiff of smoke takes his breath away.

He is on an inhaler only if needed, but the humidity bothers him tremendously, the AC is on in April even if its 60 out.

I know I should totally quit, I have numerous times, did the pills, did the patch, nada. Maybe if I give up trying it will happen, but to tell you the truth I enjoy it and I don't have a lot to enjoy.

You could try replacing it with walking or running. My mother did that in the early 80's and ALMOST quit. It was that close. After the gym class ( she was taking it for her degree), she started smoking like mad again. She had cut from like a pack a day to two a day during that time they made her run.

[southerngale]

Sorry to hear this, George. At least with treatment, you'll feel better. I recommend anyone who smokes to do whatever it takes to quit.

I smoked for several years, not heavily, but I quit a long time ago. I guess I didn't realize how bad I stunk until I quit. Now I can't stand the smell of smoke, either second hand smoke or the smell of people who smoke. No offense to anyone who smokes as I used to be one, but you smell nasty.

And kissing a smoker... ewww...it's like kissing an ash tray.

[vbhoutex]

I quit a 3 pack a day habit 30 years ago at my kid's pediatricians insistence for their health. Now I am the only one in my family who doesn't smoke. My wife(who smokes maybe 5 a day) and both of my children smoke. Go figure. I have no desire to ever start again. I still find it difficult to get over any type of cold, bronchitis, etc. Fortunately I don't have them too often. George, I am glad you have a diagnosis and a treatment now. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Tireman4]

I quit a 3 pack a day habit 30 years ago at my kid's pediatricians insistence for their health. Now I am the only one in my family who doesn't smoke. My wife(who smokes maybe 5 a day) and both of my children smoke. Go figure. I have no desire to ever start again. I still find it difficult to get over any type of cold, bronchitis, etc. Fortunately I don't have them too often. George, I am glad you have a diagnosis and a treatment now. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Wow. My dad quit cold turkey in 1973. Just stopped and then started running during the first running boom. All the running completely reversed all the side effects. ( He had smoked from 1958-1973). At 70, he still swims and kicks my butt in swimming.

[Stephanie]

I quit a 3 pack a day habit 30 years ago at my kid's pediatricians insistence for their health. Now I am the only one in my family who doesn't smoke. My wife(who smokes maybe 5 a day) and both of my children smoke. Go figure. I have no desire to ever start again. I still find it difficult to get over any type of cold, bronchitis, etc. Fortunately I don't have them too often. George, I am glad you have a diagnosis and a treatment now. I hope you are feeling better soon.

I did notice when I had quit for about five years that I had strep throat on several occassions and I NEVER had it when I smoked before or after I started again. It's killing something, that's for sure....

[wyq614]

Luckily enough, I haven't smoked a single cigarette.

[Tireman4]

Luckily enough, I haven't smoked a single cigarette.

Me neither..not one...but for those trying to quit, you can do it.

[Stephanie]

Luckily enough, I haven't smoked a single cigarette.

Me neither..not one...but for those trying to quit, you can do it.

Good for the two of you!

[Tireman4]

Luckily enough, I haven't smoked a single cigarette.

Me neither..not one...but for those trying to quit, you can do it.

Good for the two of you!

Thank you Miss Stephanie!!!