[jbug]

Last night as I was laying in bed with my CPAP machine and oxygen on I had a moment of clarity. It is stupid for a person of my age to have to use oxygen at night. I was then reminded of a comment my GP made to me earlier this year regarding my smoking. He told me that if I didn't stop smoking that I would be on oxygen full time by the time I am 40 and I turn 37 in a few weeks. I then had a flashback to when I was in my GI's office last week and they did a pulse ox test and it was about 15-20 minutes after I'd had a cigarette and it was 92% and the nurse asked if I was on oxygen and I told her no just at night. I am almost to the point of saying its time to quit. Not there just yet but almost.

Jbug

[MyBestKids2]

Nine years ago, I registered an 82 pulsox and was rushed to the hospital from my doctors office. Then 8 years ago in September, I stayed with my Mom in another state for a month watching her die (and lay in my arms) from lung cancer.

I'll be 41 in September, and I still haven't hit rock bottom yet. My smoking has decreased dramatically, but still smoking.

[jbug]

I hear ya. I am ashamed of my smoking and feel bad everytime I light up but it has such a hold on me. My Grandma (my mom's birth mom) died of emphysema and still I smoke. My uncle (my mom's brother) died of lung cancer and still I smoke. I'm not sure what it's going to take to get me off of them but I know that it will be soon.

Jbug

[smiley1984]

OMG - you have lots of posts about your numerous medical problems and you still smoke?????????????????

smoking is not only associated with lung problems, but is a risk factor for heaps of problems, including helping causing and preventing stomach ulcers healing, (something you talked about before), and stopping any infections healing, plus soooooooooooo many other things.

I don't have any sympathy for smokers. Give up. Stop making excuses. Don't go to drs and complain about problems which are totally self-inflicted by something you have control over. Studies have shown that the only thing that helps people quit smoking is that you have to want to do it.

If you want to smoke, go for it, I don't have a problem with people smoking - but if they do, don't whinge about their medical issues that are totally self inflicted

[Cmara]

Unfortunetly quitting smoking is perhaps one of the most difficult habits to give up. I'm sorry that Smiley may not understand that. I was a smoker for almost 20 years. I can't tell you how many times I tried to quit. Three years ago I learned that my birth mother died from lung cancer at the age of 59. Even knowing that it took me amost 3 years to finally quit for good. I have been cigarette free and nicotine patch free for 4 months now. I've gained 25 pounds, and there is not a day that goes by that I still don't want one. It's insanity. Am I glad that I quit? Yes, but it is a struggle every day. I smoked when I was bored, angry, on the phone, sad, upset, frustrated, happy, or taking a break. It was my comfort. Much like alcohol would be to an alcoholic. One cigarette has many chemicals that are habit forming. I know smoking is so "unglamorous" now, but for those of you who were able to say "NO", I ask that you have a bit more patience for those who want to quit. Yes, it is crazy for someone to continue smoking when there are health issues, but it is an addiction! Good luck to all of you who are trying to quit. I consider it one of my greatest and most difficult accomplishments.