random_ryan
New member
Vanillagorila Maybe I should get better aquantances.
OT: Stop smoking aids and quiting
- Thread starter random_ryan
- Start date
vanillagorila
It stings the nostrils
that sounds like a good idea. then you would have friends to talk to.
random_ryan
New member
IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY THEN DON"T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
random_ryan
New member
Oh by the way I have friends.
vanillagorila
It stings the nostrils
all I was trying to say is that FRAG is not a support group for people who are trying to quit smoking. (IMO) it sounds like you need real help (if you've had a mild stroke in the last three months.) I too believe that its mind over matter. Aren't you looking for peoples opinions?
Last edited:
random_ryan
New member
lol
Vanilagorilla, this is a group of friends that support one another throughout the hobby, and their personal lives. If you have a problem with him posting about help, then don't view the thread. Random ryan has always been a great guy and is very helpful here. The true members here will support each other no matter what. As I have seen recently, the number of "true" friends on this board have gone down greatly. Ryan, I believe in you and I know you can do it! The best of luck to you. Ryan, I do think you do need extra help and I am sure support groups will help. But, most members here will do our best to support you!
random_ryan
New member
I know alot of people out there have inquired about quitting too. So I thought it would be good to keep them posted on how I am doing. Nobody told me what I could exspect. an well it kinda sux. hope that some how my experiance helps someone. and I am ok with giving my experiance. I have alot of good support from people on here. and this is why I keep letting them know how I am doing. thanks to all those who have been supporting me.
random_ryan
New member
nope 9 days clean. it's been very very hard.
cerreta
Premium Member
I wish I have seen this earlier. But, looks like you are doing very well thus far. It is very good to involve people around you with your attempt at quitting. The more people that know, the more support you will have for this arduous task.
I have some suggestions:
It seems like you and your wife are good at making some rules about smoking. She does not smoke in the home, but does in the car. Make that a new rule, if she can manage. A lot of time is spent in vehicles and an odor-free environment will help you.
It was once thought, and I too believed it, that sheer will-power is the overall deciding factor on ones ability to quit. Unfortunately that is a myth. Nicotine is the most powerful addictive substance. There is a 3-link chain of addiction with tobacco. Statistics show that quitting cold-turkey is not as effective as using nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs) and/or cessation classes.
Cold-turkey worked for me too, but my addiction levels were not even half of yours. People with higher levels of nicotine use have a more difficult time in quitting tobacco.
Do you have a "Quit Plan?" It is a Smoker's Helpline brochure that gives some great tips and suggestions for dealing with those little bumps in the road, like dealing with hunger, dealing with cravings, etc. If you have a well developed plan, you can have the ammunition ready to combat these obstacles. I can send you one if you need it.
Simple phrases for dealing with urges are paramount. In my first three attempts to quit cold-turkey, I was unaware of how to deal with cravings. On my forth attempt, I received advise from a radiologists, former smoker, that would repeat the phrase: "I don't smoke any more" I used this phrase and kept repeating it until the urges to smoke went away. It usually lasts for less than 3 minutes. This works very well if you are around others that smoke, like at a bar or pool hall.
Ryan, developing COPD at your age is alarming. Is there a history of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) in your family?
Did your doctor have you perform a spirometry test? It's a test where you blow into a tube and it measures how much and how fast you can exhale. If you have not done this you need to. It confirms the diagnosis of COPD and can rule out asthma as a differential diagnosis. If need be I can perform this test for you next time I am up in Glendale.
Those affected by COPD at such a young age should be tested for a genetic form of COPD called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a protein secreted by the liver that breaks down essential enzymes known to cause tissue damage in the lungs. Tobacco smoke makes it more likely that one with AAT will develop COPD at a younger age. You should ask your doctor about testing for this as well. If they do nto agree, you can contact the Alpha-1 research center and they offer a home test kit, where you ***** your finger and send in a sample of blood. If you do have this rare form of AAT caused COPD, there is treatment for it.
If I can help you with anything else, please call me at the office, 520-323-1812. Like Doglover, I have access to many resources that can help you or anyone else for that matter looking for assistance with tobacco control or COPD.
Here is a list of resources for you to check into:
http://www.ashline.org/ (Smoker's Helpline)
http://www.ashline.org/downloads/downloads.html (Link to coping tips and withdraw tips)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm (COPD Facts and Information)
http://www.alpha1.org/newlyDiag/should_be_tested.php (Alpha-1 testing criteria. Call me if you would like contact info for home testing)
Scott Cerreta
American Lung Association
COPD Program Manager â€"œ Provider Educator
I have some suggestions:
It seems like you and your wife are good at making some rules about smoking. She does not smoke in the home, but does in the car. Make that a new rule, if she can manage. A lot of time is spent in vehicles and an odor-free environment will help you.
It was once thought, and I too believed it, that sheer will-power is the overall deciding factor on ones ability to quit. Unfortunately that is a myth. Nicotine is the most powerful addictive substance. There is a 3-link chain of addiction with tobacco. Statistics show that quitting cold-turkey is not as effective as using nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs) and/or cessation classes.
Cold-turkey worked for me too, but my addiction levels were not even half of yours. People with higher levels of nicotine use have a more difficult time in quitting tobacco.
Do you have a "Quit Plan?" It is a Smoker's Helpline brochure that gives some great tips and suggestions for dealing with those little bumps in the road, like dealing with hunger, dealing with cravings, etc. If you have a well developed plan, you can have the ammunition ready to combat these obstacles. I can send you one if you need it.
Simple phrases for dealing with urges are paramount. In my first three attempts to quit cold-turkey, I was unaware of how to deal with cravings. On my forth attempt, I received advise from a radiologists, former smoker, that would repeat the phrase: "I don't smoke any more" I used this phrase and kept repeating it until the urges to smoke went away. It usually lasts for less than 3 minutes. This works very well if you are around others that smoke, like at a bar or pool hall.
Ryan, developing COPD at your age is alarming. Is there a history of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) in your family?
Did your doctor have you perform a spirometry test? It's a test where you blow into a tube and it measures how much and how fast you can exhale. If you have not done this you need to. It confirms the diagnosis of COPD and can rule out asthma as a differential diagnosis. If need be I can perform this test for you next time I am up in Glendale.
Those affected by COPD at such a young age should be tested for a genetic form of COPD called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a protein secreted by the liver that breaks down essential enzymes known to cause tissue damage in the lungs. Tobacco smoke makes it more likely that one with AAT will develop COPD at a younger age. You should ask your doctor about testing for this as well. If they do nto agree, you can contact the Alpha-1 research center and they offer a home test kit, where you ***** your finger and send in a sample of blood. If you do have this rare form of AAT caused COPD, there is treatment for it.
If I can help you with anything else, please call me at the office, 520-323-1812. Like Doglover, I have access to many resources that can help you or anyone else for that matter looking for assistance with tobacco control or COPD.
Here is a list of resources for you to check into:
http://www.ashline.org/ (Smoker's Helpline)
http://www.ashline.org/downloads/downloads.html (Link to coping tips and withdraw tips)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/index.htm (COPD Facts and Information)
http://www.alpha1.org/newlyDiag/should_be_tested.php (Alpha-1 testing criteria. Call me if you would like contact info for home testing)
Scott Cerreta
American Lung Association
COPD Program Manager â€"œ Provider Educator
random_ryan
New member
Thanks man. I suprised they haven't closed this thread.
JMCAquarium
They are among us!!
Keep going Ryan, its hard but you are well on your way!
