Guest guest Posted April 3, 1999 Report Share Posted April 3, 1999 I am a smoker...about a pack a day. My husband quit smoking 3 wks. ago using the patch, so I'm going to give it a try. I'm aware of all the health problems connected with smoking, but I started as a teenager before the warnings there are today. I would like nothing better than to get rid of this nasty habit, but its a very difficult habit to break. I don't think its contributed to my vv problems, as they just started 5 yrs. ago. I would welcome any ex-smokers tips on how they were able to quit. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 1999 Report Share Posted April 3, 1999 I am a smoker...about a pack a day. My husband quit smoking 3 wks. ago using the patch, so I'm going to give it a try. I'm aware of all the health problems connected with smoking, but I started as a teenager before the warnings there are today. I would like nothing better than to get rid of this nasty habit, but its a very difficult habit to break. I don't think its contributed to my vv problems, as they just started 5 yrs. ago. I would welcome any ex-smokers tips on how they were able to quit. Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 1999 Report Share Posted April 3, 1999 Beth, I've smoked off and on, never got up to more than one pack a day. I quit (FOR GOOD!!) January 4th this year. I too thought there was probably some correlation if nothing else because of all the yeast on tobacco that is inhaled (and smoke did not kill the yeast and as you know you are pulling smoke thru about 2-1/2 inches of tobacco that hasn't burned yet! But, I can tell no difference in my vulvar irritation when I do or when I don't smoke. I gave it up for all the reasons listed by Judy Church. Even if it didn't contribute directly to VV, quitting has be to good for skin including vulvar skin. Donna -------- >From: epowell@... >To: Donna.Storter@... >Subject: RE: Smoking >Date: April 03, 1999 > > > >Does anyone smoke and have VV? Has anyone improved by stopping? I know >it's a crazy question, but my " patient " still smokes and I'm looking for >evidence to convince her. I think she's allergic to tobacco, and I know >cigarettes have 500 toxins and some molds. > > Thanks, > Beth > epowell@... > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Ideas on how we can improve ONElist? >http://www.onelist.com >Check out the Suggestion Box feature on our new web site >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 1999 Report Share Posted April 3, 1999 Hi Beth, I don't smoke. I can't even be around the smell of it. Your " patient " should give it up for many health reasons, but I don't think vv is one of them. How about giving it up for possible lung, bladder, esophageal , larynx, mouth, tongue and pancreas cancer. How about giving it up for possible chronic lung disease, stroke, heart disease, circulatory problems. How about giving it up for the people she is exposing to her second hand smoke, especially if she has children or anyone else who lives with her. Second hand smoke is just as problematic for the innocent people around her. You said she is your patient. What kind of profession are you in? God Bless, Judy C Smoking > > >Does anyone smoke and have VV? Has anyone improved by stopping? I know >it's a crazy question, but my " patient " still smokes and I'm looking for >evidence to convince her. I think she's allergic to tobacco, and I know >cigarettes have 500 toxins and some molds. > > Thanks, > Beth > epowell@... > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Ideas on how we can improve ONElist? >http://www.onelist.com >Check out the Suggestion Box feature on our new web site >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 There has been some discussion on the list about smoking lately. I wanted to step up to the soap box for a moment on the topic. I have no idea or data about whether or not smoking affects vulvar pain. In all honesty - I hope that it makes it worse, because maybe that will be more incentive for people to quit. I was always anti-smoking, but since my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago, my hate for smoking has increased tremendously. Smoking killed my aunt...plain and simly. She smoked since she was about 18-19 years old and after 20 years of nicotine coursing through her body she became riddled with cancer. The cancer filled her lungs, moved into her spinal cord, her shoulders, her knees, her arms, her brain. It destroyed her body and pushed her spirit to the limit. She died at age 45 - just 13 days before her 46th birthday. I'm tired of hearing excuses from smokers about why they can't (won't) quit. I'm tired of being inundated with second hand smoke at bars and clubs. I'm tired of hearing smokers bitch about being limited to where they can or can't smoke. I'm tired of the cigarette companies playing on our human weaknesses and our addictive nature. I'm tired of seeing 13 year old children on the corner puffing away. IT HAS TO STOP! Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker. The second hand smoke is dangerous to all around the smoker. The smoker, by putting their body at risk, is putting undue stress on family and friends. Smoking pollutes our bodies and our environment. It is evil, it is stupid, and it steals our loved ones away from us at an alarming rate. LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN SUFFERING FROM CANCER! It kills more than breast cancer does. If you smoke, or are considering smoking, DON'T. You are killing yourself and you are killing others. You are polluting MY air. Don't make excuses for yourself - just do whatever you need to do to quit. Get hypnotized, get the patch, get the drugs, get accupuncture - JUST QUIT. Have had enough, Heidi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 There has been some discussion on the list about smoking lately. I wanted to step up to the soap box for a moment on the topic. I have no idea or data about whether or not smoking affects vulvar pain. In all honesty - I hope that it makes it worse, because maybe that will be more incentive for people to quit. I was always anti-smoking, but since my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago, my hate for smoking has increased tremendously. Smoking killed my aunt...plain and simly. She smoked since she was about 18-19 years old and after 20 years of nicotine coursing through her body she became riddled with cancer. The cancer filled her lungs, moved into her spinal cord, her shoulders, her knees, her arms, her brain. It destroyed her body and pushed her spirit to the limit. She died at age 45 - just 13 days before her 46th birthday. I'm tired of hearing excuses from smokers about why they can't (won't) quit. I'm tired of being inundated with second hand smoke at bars and clubs. I'm tired of hearing smokers bitch about being limited to where they can or can't smoke. I'm tired of the cigarette companies playing on our human weaknesses and our addictive nature. I'm tired of seeing 13 year old children on the corner puffing away. IT HAS TO STOP! Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker. The second hand smoke is dangerous to all around the smoker. The smoker, by putting their body at risk, is putting undue stress on family and friends. Smoking pollutes our bodies and our environment. It is evil, it is stupid, and it steals our loved ones away from us at an alarming rate. LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN SUFFERING FROM CANCER! It kills more than breast cancer does. If you smoke, or are considering smoking, DON'T. You are killing yourself and you are killing others. You are polluting MY air. Don't make excuses for yourself - just do whatever you need to do to quit. Get hypnotized, get the patch, get the drugs, get accupuncture - JUST QUIT. Have had enough, Heidi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi and everybody: >>I have no idea or data about whether or not smoking affects vulvar pain. >>In all honesty - I hope that it makes it worse, because maybe that will >>be more incentive for people to quit. >> >(snip) >>I'm tired of hearing excuses from smokers about why they can't (won't) >>quit. I'm tired of being inundated with second hand smoke at bars and >>clubs. I'm tired of hearing smokers bitch about being limited to where >>they can or can't smoke. I'm tired of the cigarette companies playing >>on our human weaknesses and our addictive nature. I'm tired of seeing >>13 year old children on the corner puffing away. IT HAS TO STOP! AGREED 1000%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually, in California, all " public " smoking was banned in bars, theatres, restaurants, etc., but not every place adheres to the new 'law.' >>Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker. The second hand smoke is >>dangerous to all around the smoker. The smoker, by putting their body >>at risk, is putting undue stress on family and friends. Smoking >>pollutes our bodies and our environment. It is evil, it is stupid, and >>it steals our loved ones away from us at an alarming rate. My sentiments exactly!!!!!! My mother and sister have both smoked since they were 17. I had to grow up in a house always filled with cigarette smoke (no wonder I was always outside!). I have a hard time visiting ANY relatives if anyone's allowed to smoke in the house, which means holidays can be very sickening to me. I get so sick and tired of hearing them whine on and on about health problems, and yet deny that they're addicted to smoking!! And it REALLY p*sses me off when they criticize alcoholics or other drug addicts!!!! In my book, they are NO different. Nobody ever HAS to start smoking or take drugs. I realize alcoholism can be a different issue, but it's just as destructive. Btw, I've never been a smoker, never will be, and am not and never have been addicted to anything drug-like. Maybe it's easier for some than others. If so, then I'm grateful for that at least!! No one's EVER allowed to smoke at my house, or in our RV, or any of our cars, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't count the number of times I came out of someone else's house or a bar, etc., sick from the cigarette smoke. It's disgusting!!!!!!!! >>LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN SUFFERING FROM >>CANCER! It kills more than breast cancer does. >> >>If you smoke, or are considering smoking, DON'T. You are killing >>yourself and you are killing others. You are polluting MY air. Don't >>make excuses for yourself - just do whatever you need to do to quit. >>Get hypnotized, get the patch, get the drugs, get accupuncture - JUST >>QUIT. AMEN!!!!!!!! Couldn't have said it better!! I've lost enough relatives to this addiction, as I'm sure plenty of others have as well. I'm very sorry to hear about your aunt. I know exactly what it's like; it's sad AND it's aggravating because most likely the deaths were totally avoidable! That's why they call those things " nails in your coffin. " They are! Okay, I'd better get outta here before I REALLY start getting mean, heh heh. Just had to vent about that -- finally! Now I'm just waiting for the special on CBS at 10:00! 'night everybody! Gail R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Diane, Heidi and Everyone, Smoking is a terrible habit. I used to smoke-got up to two packs a day and more for quite a few years-smoked for twelve years altogether. I felt I had no control-cigarettes controlled me. When my mother-in-law ended up in the hospital with emphysema due to smoking, I decided to take back control in my life over the cigarettes. I had a one year old daughter then, and didn't want her to have to visit me in the hospital in the distant future due to my weakness. I decided I did not want to contribute to my own demise. I quit smoking the day after my mother-in-law went into the hospital. That was 21 years ago this month. (My mother-in-law was unable to quit and, sadly, died about ten years ago of emphysema.) Quitting was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I go to bed with a clear conscience now, knowing that I'm doing the best things for my health- exercising, eating right, not smoking, drinking or using dangerous drugs. Now, I can relate to what Heidi is saying. I have no tolerance for smokers and can't stand to be around them. I've become allergic to cigarette smoke. I regard my smoking years as wasted, stupid years, and rue the day I ever started smoking. When I see someone light up, I feel sorry for them, but I can't help but feel that they're somewhat lacking in intelligence-as I know I was for all of those years. I started before we had all of the info about it being so bad for your health and then didn't believe the stories that I started to hear. I was in denial for a long time, but thank God I came to my senses. Diane, I wish you a lot of luck. It IS hard to quit smoking, but it is so worth it. Keep the future in mind. Drinking a lot of water and taking naps helped me. I also kept a journal and wrote down all of my feelings. I had tried to quit many times before, but this time I knew I would succeed. I was motivated and didn't waver in my resolve. I had a terrible physical withdrawal reaction at first as my body was so used to getting lots and lots of nicotine, thanks to the tobacco companies and their dirty little practices, and thanks to my own stupidity of smoking more and more and more as time went on. Diane, you will be so happy to get your life back under control and you'll be so proud of yourself. Off my soapbox now, too. Heidi, I'm so sorry about your aunt. I hope your days get better and that your fibro gets under control. Take care of yourself. Jeanne jeveronica@... >Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty >habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never >smoked, you have no idea how addictive nicotine is....one study noted nicotine >may be more addictive than heroin. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & >hope you never desire another cigarette, >but only another smoker or >ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Diane, Heidi and Everyone, Smoking is a terrible habit. I used to smoke-got up to two packs a day and more for quite a few years-smoked for twelve years altogether. I felt I had no control-cigarettes controlled me. When my mother-in-law ended up in the hospital with emphysema due to smoking, I decided to take back control in my life over the cigarettes. I had a one year old daughter then, and didn't want her to have to visit me in the hospital in the distant future due to my weakness. I decided I did not want to contribute to my own demise. I quit smoking the day after my mother-in-law went into the hospital. That was 21 years ago this month. (My mother-in-law was unable to quit and, sadly, died about ten years ago of emphysema.) Quitting was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I go to bed with a clear conscience now, knowing that I'm doing the best things for my health- exercising, eating right, not smoking, drinking or using dangerous drugs. Now, I can relate to what Heidi is saying. I have no tolerance for smokers and can't stand to be around them. I've become allergic to cigarette smoke. I regard my smoking years as wasted, stupid years, and rue the day I ever started smoking. When I see someone light up, I feel sorry for them, but I can't help but feel that they're somewhat lacking in intelligence-as I know I was for all of those years. I started before we had all of the info about it being so bad for your health and then didn't believe the stories that I started to hear. I was in denial for a long time, but thank God I came to my senses. Diane, I wish you a lot of luck. It IS hard to quit smoking, but it is so worth it. Keep the future in mind. Drinking a lot of water and taking naps helped me. I also kept a journal and wrote down all of my feelings. I had tried to quit many times before, but this time I knew I would succeed. I was motivated and didn't waver in my resolve. I had a terrible physical withdrawal reaction at first as my body was so used to getting lots and lots of nicotine, thanks to the tobacco companies and their dirty little practices, and thanks to my own stupidity of smoking more and more and more as time went on. Diane, you will be so happy to get your life back under control and you'll be so proud of yourself. Off my soapbox now, too. Heidi, I'm so sorry about your aunt. I hope your days get better and that your fibro gets under control. Take care of yourself. Jeanne jeveronica@... >Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty >habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never >smoked, you have no idea how addictive nicotine is....one study noted nicotine >may be more addictive than heroin. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & >hope you never desire another cigarette, >but only another smoker or >ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never smoked, you have no idea how addictive nictone is....one study noted nicotine may be more addictive than herion. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & hope you never desire another cigarette. My husband quit 2 wks. ago. I quit this past Monday. I'm trying to keep busy, chew gum, take walks....but I have to change my whole routine to avoid the times I want a cigarette. I'm not making excuses, but non-smokers have no idea how difficult this habit is to kick. I'm determined to succeed this time, but only another smoker or ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never smoked, you have no idea how addictive nictone is....one study noted nicotine may be more addictive than herion. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & hope you never desire another cigarette. My husband quit 2 wks. ago. I quit this past Monday. I'm trying to keep busy, chew gum, take walks....but I have to change my whole routine to avoid the times I want a cigarette. I'm not making excuses, but non-smokers have no idea how difficult this habit is to kick. I'm determined to succeed this time, but only another smoker or ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never smoked, you have no idea how addictive nictone is....one study noted nicotine may be more addictive than herion. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & hope you never desire another cigarette. My husband quit 2 wks. ago. I quit this past Monday. I'm trying to keep busy, chew gum, take walks....but I have to change my whole routine to avoid the times I want a cigarette. I'm not making excuses, but non-smokers have no idea how difficult this habit is to kick. I'm determined to succeed this time, but only another smoker or ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Hi everyone, I was not going to respond but now I feel I have to. I am a smoker of about a half a pack a day. I am very intelligent and a RN. I know exactly what it does to my body! I have quit many times and plan to again after all this stress in my life is better. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy June 1. It is VERY difficult to quit and I can only deal with one major stressor in my life at a time. I do take offense to being referred to as " them " . I understand many people do not like to be by cigarette smoke including myself. I can't stand to be in a smoky bar. I do not like it when someone has a prejudice against someone because of something they do or are. I am tolerant of everyone and have NO right to judge! Wether they are black, white, hispanic, fat, skinny, rich, poor, gay, or a smoker. We are not put on this earth to judge. It is easy to do that when you have not walked in that persons shoes. Even if you have smoked before, nobody knows what that person is going through. They maybe can try to understand but they really do not know. I truley believe in compassion and tolerance. When I say tolerance I do not mean allowing someone to smoke in your home but respect for that person as a individual. I have always thought of this group as being tolerant not the judges I have heard in these last few posts! Sorry but I needed to vent. This is not directed at one person at all. Just my $.02 Beckie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Hi everyone, I was not going to respond but now I feel I have to. I am a smoker of about a half a pack a day. I am very intelligent and a RN. I know exactly what it does to my body! I have quit many times and plan to again after all this stress in my life is better. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy June 1. It is VERY difficult to quit and I can only deal with one major stressor in my life at a time. I do take offense to being referred to as " them " . I understand many people do not like to be by cigarette smoke including myself. I can't stand to be in a smoky bar. I do not like it when someone has a prejudice against someone because of something they do or are. I am tolerant of everyone and have NO right to judge! Wether they are black, white, hispanic, fat, skinny, rich, poor, gay, or a smoker. We are not put on this earth to judge. It is easy to do that when you have not walked in that persons shoes. Even if you have smoked before, nobody knows what that person is going through. They maybe can try to understand but they really do not know. I truley believe in compassion and tolerance. When I say tolerance I do not mean allowing someone to smoke in your home but respect for that person as a individual. I have always thought of this group as being tolerant not the judges I have heard in these last few posts! Sorry but I needed to vent. This is not directed at one person at all. Just my $.02 Beckie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi, AMEN! To all you smokers, You CAN quit! I quit 18 years ago and I was a 1-2 pack a day addict. Quitting smoking was the best gift I ever gave myself. Robin Re: Smoking There has been some discussion on the list about smoking lately. I wanted to step up to the soap box for a moment on the topic. I have no idea or data about whether or not smoking affects vulvar pain. In all honesty - I hope that it makes it worse, because maybe that will be more incentive for people to quit. I was always anti-smoking, but since my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago, my hate for smoking has increased tremendously. Smoking killed my aunt...plain and simly. She smoked since she was about 18-19 years old and after 20 years of nicotine coursing through her body she became riddled with cancer. The cancer filled her lungs, moved into her spinal cord, her shoulders, her knees, her arms, her brain. It destroyed her body and pushed her spirit to the limit. She died at age 45 - just 13 days before her 46th birthday. I'm tired of hearing excuses from smokers about why they can't (won't) quit. I'm tired of being inundated with second hand smoke at bars and clubs. I'm tired of hearing smokers bitch about being limited to where they can or can't smoke. I'm tired of the cigarette companies playing on our human weaknesses and our addictive nature. I'm tired of seeing 13 year old children on the corner puffing away. IT HAS TO STOP! Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker. The second hand smoke is dangerous to all around the smoker. The smoker, by putting their body at risk, is putting undue stress on family and friends. Smoking pollutes our bodies and our environment. It is evil, it is stupid, and it steals our loved ones away from us at an alarming rate. LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN SUFFERING FROM CANCER! It kills more than breast cancer does. If you smoke, or are considering smoking, DON'T. You are killing yourself and you are killing others. You are polluting MY air. Don't make excuses for yourself - just do whatever you need to do to quit. Get hypnotized, get the patch, get the drugs, get accupuncture - JUST QUIT. Have had enough, Heidi ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Did you know that we add over 1,000 new e-mail communities every day? http://www.ONElist.com Explore a new hobby, discover a new friend, laugh at a new joke! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Heidi, AMEN! To all you smokers, You CAN quit! I quit 18 years ago and I was a 1-2 pack a day addict. Quitting smoking was the best gift I ever gave myself. Robin Re: Smoking There has been some discussion on the list about smoking lately. I wanted to step up to the soap box for a moment on the topic. I have no idea or data about whether or not smoking affects vulvar pain. In all honesty - I hope that it makes it worse, because maybe that will be more incentive for people to quit. I was always anti-smoking, but since my aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer a month ago, my hate for smoking has increased tremendously. Smoking killed my aunt...plain and simly. She smoked since she was about 18-19 years old and after 20 years of nicotine coursing through her body she became riddled with cancer. The cancer filled her lungs, moved into her spinal cord, her shoulders, her knees, her arms, her brain. It destroyed her body and pushed her spirit to the limit. She died at age 45 - just 13 days before her 46th birthday. I'm tired of hearing excuses from smokers about why they can't (won't) quit. I'm tired of being inundated with second hand smoke at bars and clubs. I'm tired of hearing smokers bitch about being limited to where they can or can't smoke. I'm tired of the cigarette companies playing on our human weaknesses and our addictive nature. I'm tired of seeing 13 year old children on the corner puffing away. IT HAS TO STOP! Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker. The second hand smoke is dangerous to all around the smoker. The smoker, by putting their body at risk, is putting undue stress on family and friends. Smoking pollutes our bodies and our environment. It is evil, it is stupid, and it steals our loved ones away from us at an alarming rate. LUNG CANCER IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN SUFFERING FROM CANCER! It kills more than breast cancer does. If you smoke, or are considering smoking, DON'T. You are killing yourself and you are killing others. You are polluting MY air. Don't make excuses for yourself - just do whatever you need to do to quit. Get hypnotized, get the patch, get the drugs, get accupuncture - JUST QUIT. Have had enough, Heidi ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Did you know that we add over 1,000 new e-mail communities every day? http://www.ONElist.com Explore a new hobby, discover a new friend, laugh at a new joke! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 I'd like to add a couple of things here: I used to work in a pathology lab at a hospital. I worked in the office, but it was right next to the lab area. I could see specimens as they arrived and were being examined by the assistant pathologist. The most common specimens were always skin samples, breast tissue, uteri and lung portions. I've SEEN what smoking does to both smokers' and non-smokers' lungs first-hand and let me tell you, it is GROSS. The history of the patient as it pertained to the pathology exam always accompanied the samples, so we knew which were the smokers or non-smokers, and how long they smoked, etc. The lungs of non-smokers were sometimes just as black (and I mean BLACK, not gray!) and diseased as those of smokers. Also, the financial statistics for the hospital bills clearly stated that over half the health care dollars for emergency, surgical, and chronic/terminal patients were eaten up by smokers and alcoholics. Sorry, but those are the facts. I agree with Heidi that we're not necessarily judging anyone by their character, only by those actions that harm others esp. when it is not their choice (second-hand smoke). Sure, smokers should feel free to smoke in their own homes, cars, etc., and are perfectly free to smoke if they WANT to (as my mother's always said), but no one should feel they have a right to force the effects of a deadly habit on others! I too have heard that smoking is more addictive than heroin, and I've heard countless times how difficult it is to quit smoking, but people have done it before. It's not impossible, just DIFFICULT. There's a difference. Maybe the time in life a person chooses to quit smoking is what makes the difference, since smoking usually helps the smoker deal with stress. That's understandable. Also, I'm not saying any of us has the right to try and FORCE anyone to quit smoking. No, it must be a conscious choice of that person! I think what Heidi has been reiterating here is the effect of second-hand smoke on non-smokers (young and old alike), and of course the sad toll that nicotine takes on the smoker's health in the long run. Diane, good luck and congratulations in deciding to quit! I doubt you'll regret it. My two cents again. Gail R. ******************************************************** >Heidi....everything you said about smoking is true & accurate. It is a dirty >habit that kills, but its not as easy to quit as you think. If you've never >smoked, you have no idea how addictive nictone is....one study noted nicotine >may be more addictive than herion. Its not so easy to just put on a patch & >hope you never desire another cigarette. My husband quit 2 wks. ago. I quit >this past Monday. I'm trying to keep busy, chew gum, take walks....but I >have to change my whole routine to avoid the times I want a cigarette. I'm >not making excuses, but non-smokers have no idea how difficult this habit is >to kick. I'm determined to succeed this time, but only another smoker or >ex-smoker can truly understand. Take care....Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 You will all be surprised, I imagine, to hear that I HAVE smoked. I smoked when I was 16-17 years old during a very difficult time in my life. I quit. I know what smoking is like. I still get cravings once in awhile when I go to a bar for a puff or two. Not only that, but I suffer from an addiction called compulsive overeating. It is a horrible conditionn which is basically bulimia without the puking. In my opinion, compulsive overeating and food addiction is the WORST addiction someone can suffer from. Why? Because you cannot avoid food. Every day, you are faced with your addiction as you choose your meals and your snacks. At least with smoking and/or drugs - you can choose to not have them in your home and you can choose not to hang out with people who smoke or get high. Food is everywhere and necessary to live. My food addiction caused me to be morbidly obese. It is not socially acceptable to be fat. I have been laughed at, ridiculed, ignored, denied jobs and patronized because of my weight. Yet cigarette smokers who pollute the air and slowly kill me with their second hand smoke are complaining about their rights. I have no tolerance any more for this. I'm sorry if this upsets some of you, but my opinion is my right. You are all free to agree or disagree with it. Of course, this topic is not applicable to our group discussions so I'm going to ask that anyone who has comments please email them to me personally at mailto:dwalsh@... I have no problem defending my opinions or the facts that stand surrounding cigarettes. To those of you who smoke - I will pray that you can find the strength to leave the addiction behind before it's too late. Cigarettes took my aunt away. It's too late for her. It's not too late for you. Quit. Heidi mailto:dwalsh@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 I agree with you Beckie...And please ladies can we change the subject! >e >Hi everyone, >I was not going to respond but now I feel I have to. I am a smoker of about a >half a pack a day. I am very intelligent and a RN. I know exactly what it >does to my body! I have quit many times and plan to again after all this >stress in my life is better. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy June 1. It is >VERY difficult to quit and I can only deal with one major stressor in my life >at a time. I do take offense to being referred to as " them " . I understand >many people do not like to be by cigarette smoke including myself. I can't >stand to be in a smoky bar. I do not like it when someone has a prejudice >against someone because of something they do or are. I am tolerant of >everyone and have NO right to judge! Wether they are black, white, hispanic, >fat, skinny, rich, poor, gay, or a smoker. We are not put on this earth to >judge. It is easy to do that when you have not walked in that persons shoes. >Even if you have smoked before, nobody knows what that person is going >through. They maybe can try to understand but they really do not know. I >truley believe in compassion and tolerance. When I say tolerance I do not >mean allowing someone to smoke in your home but respect for that person as a >individual. I have always thought of this group as being tolerant not the >judges I have heard in these last few posts! Sorry but I needed to vent. This >is not directed at one person at all. Just my $.02 > >Beckie > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Have you visited the new ONElist home page lately? >http://www.ONElist.com >ONElist: The Leading e-mail list and community service on the Internet! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 1999 Report Share Posted April 8, 1999 Beckie....I just wanted to respond to you personally & thank you for saying something about smokers. I'm not overly sensitive at all, but really took offense to some of the comments made about us smokers. A question was asked to the list whether anyone smoked & thought it contributed to their vv. I was honest & answered yes & the next thing I know there were some pretty strong, nasty letters written. To say that we aren't intelligent because we have an addiction to cigarettes is ridiculous. Heidi admitted herself that she has an addiction to food, but because food is everywhere that isn't her fault. Apparently, its our fault we're addicted to cigarettes. I started smoking as a teenager, long before health warnings were made public. It was the cool thing to do then & I regret starting every day of my life....but it isn't easy to quit & it is a true addiction. What difference does it make what you're addicted to....cigarettes, drugs, food, alcohol...its all the same. I'm not doing too well trying to quit. I smoked a few cigs. today. I think those letters upset me so much...or maybe that's just my excuse...lol. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks. I was glad there was someone who was trying to be supportive & understanding, which is what anyone needs with this problem. I hope all goes well for you with your surgery? What reason do you need a hyster? Does it have something to do with your VV problem. Write back if you have time...thanks again....take care....Diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 1999 Report Share Posted April 10, 1999 I, for one, don't smoke, never have but I can sympathize with those who do. I found out when my daughter was 16 that she'd been smoking since she was 14. I don't know why she started -- neither does she. She's now trying to quit (she's 19) and it's hard. What am I to do? I encourage her to quit. I let her know I care about her health. Anything more forceful might alienate her. Do I want that? No, I don't think so. A little encouragement goes a long long way, so for those of you who have been smoking and are trying to quit, I encourage you and I support you. And I wish you health and happiness, Sheri In a message dated 4/8/99 8:57:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, DMDi1@... writes: << Beckie....I just wanted to respond to you personally & thank you for saying something about smokers. I'm not overly sensitive at all, but really took offense to some of the comments made about us smokers. A question was asked to the list whether anyone smoked & thought it contributed to their vv. I was honest & answered yes & the next thing I know there were some pretty strong, nasty letters written. To say that we aren't intelligent because we have an addiction to cigarettes is ridiculous. Heidi admitted herself that she has an addiction to food, but because food is everywhere that isn't her fault. Apparently, its our fault we're addicted to cigarettes. I started smoking as a teenager, long before health warnings were made public. It was the cool thing to do then & I regret starting every day of my life....but it isn't easy to quit & it is a true addiction. What difference does it make what you're addicted to....cigarettes, drugs, food, alcohol...its all the same. I'm not doing too well trying to quit. I smoked a few cigs. today. I think those letters upset me so much...or maybe that's just my excuse...lol. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks. I was glad there was someone who was trying to be supportive & understanding, which is what anyone needs with this problem. I hope all goes well for you with your surgery? What reason do you need a hyster? Does it have something to do with your VV problem. Write back if you have time...thanks again....take care....Diane >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 1999 Report Share Posted April 10, 1999 I, for one, don't smoke, never have but I can sympathize with those who do. I found out when my daughter was 16 that she'd been smoking since she was 14. I don't know why she started -- neither does she. She's now trying to quit (she's 19) and it's hard. What am I to do? I encourage her to quit. I let her know I care about her health. Anything more forceful might alienate her. Do I want that? No, I don't think so. A little encouragement goes a long long way, so for those of you who have been smoking and are trying to quit, I encourage you and I support you. And I wish you health and happiness, Sheri In a message dated 4/8/99 8:57:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, DMDi1@... writes: << Beckie....I just wanted to respond to you personally & thank you for saying something about smokers. I'm not overly sensitive at all, but really took offense to some of the comments made about us smokers. A question was asked to the list whether anyone smoked & thought it contributed to their vv. I was honest & answered yes & the next thing I know there were some pretty strong, nasty letters written. To say that we aren't intelligent because we have an addiction to cigarettes is ridiculous. Heidi admitted herself that she has an addiction to food, but because food is everywhere that isn't her fault. Apparently, its our fault we're addicted to cigarettes. I started smoking as a teenager, long before health warnings were made public. It was the cool thing to do then & I regret starting every day of my life....but it isn't easy to quit & it is a true addiction. What difference does it make what you're addicted to....cigarettes, drugs, food, alcohol...its all the same. I'm not doing too well trying to quit. I smoked a few cigs. today. I think those letters upset me so much...or maybe that's just my excuse...lol. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks. I was glad there was someone who was trying to be supportive & understanding, which is what anyone needs with this problem. I hope all goes well for you with your surgery? What reason do you need a hyster? Does it have something to do with your VV problem. Write back if you have time...thanks again....take care....Diane >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 1999 Report Share Posted April 10, 1999 Guess I can't be quiet today.....wanted to add my two cents about smoking. I don't smoke and am very grateful that I didn't start. Several of my siblings do and my heart goes out to them. They are a lot older than me (10, 12 and 15 years) and as I tell my young daughter, they started back in the 50s before we knew what we know now. If I had been a teenager in the 50s, I could have easily started too I suppose. They don't smoke in my house (they go outside) and I know they wish they could quit but they haven't been able to at least for any great length of time. They know all about cancer, heart problems, etc, so I don't need to tell them. My father-in-law died from lung cancer from smoking and even up to a couple of days before he died he wished he could have a cigarette (he was in the hospital and wasn't able to). He told my husband that it was an insidious, revolting habit and to never start, but that he himself couldn't quit......I don't like to be around cigarette smoke, but fortunately I am able to avoid it for the most part. California has very strict laws about smoking in public places. So I feel sorry for those who wish they could quit, but can't, am thankful that I don't, and try to avoid second-hand smoke as much as I can. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 1999 Report Share Posted April 10, 1999 Guess I can't be quiet today.....wanted to add my two cents about smoking. I don't smoke and am very grateful that I didn't start. Several of my siblings do and my heart goes out to them. They are a lot older than me (10, 12 and 15 years) and as I tell my young daughter, they started back in the 50s before we knew what we know now. If I had been a teenager in the 50s, I could have easily started too I suppose. They don't smoke in my house (they go outside) and I know they wish they could quit but they haven't been able to at least for any great length of time. They know all about cancer, heart problems, etc, so I don't need to tell them. My father-in-law died from lung cancer from smoking and even up to a couple of days before he died he wished he could have a cigarette (he was in the hospital and wasn't able to). He told my husband that it was an insidious, revolting habit and to never start, but that he himself couldn't quit......I don't like to be around cigarette smoke, but fortunately I am able to avoid it for the most part. California has very strict laws about smoking in public places. So I feel sorry for those who wish they could quit, but can't, am thankful that I don't, and try to avoid second-hand smoke as much as I can. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2000 Report Share Posted July 18, 2000 Not to mention the dirty looks that one could get from their spouse! Found out that it's just not a good idea to go to a diabetic function and ask for the smoking section. So dear, if you can read this, I quit - really. Ok, so maybe I will continue a few cigars from time to time. Just a warning, smoking is doubly dangerous for diabetics. Both shrinkthe small blood vessels, and foot ulcers are a common development. Theloss of circulation makes them troublesome to treat. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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