Smoking

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/00 9:55:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< As a smoker I find that it relieves attacks before they get full

blown. >>

I am but I find that it doesn't help me at all, even more I think it hurts.

Just shows again the differences for each patient.

Poncho

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/00 8:55:44 AM Central Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< Just curious since it's never been brought up. We always speak about

drinking and pancreatitis (I don't and never have drank alcohol in my life)

but never mentioned anything else (vise-wise) like smoking.

Andre'

>>

andre - i don't smoke but two of my sisters do. i DO know that the nicotine

does something to your blood vessels, so maybe it opens them up more, that

might somehow help??

debbie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 11:14:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

poncho9191@... writes:

<< I am but I find that it doesn't help me at all, even more I think it hurts.

Just shows again the differences for each patient. >>

Funny, but my doctor agrees with you and seems to think that it isn't helpful

to my condition. I don't care, if it helps alleviate my pain when I am

undergoing an attack, I will use it.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 11:23:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

jang2@... writes:

<< I can;t see why nicotine would be helpful except for a relaxation effect.

Nicotine causes constriction & spasm of blood vessels, so I'd expect it to

make things worse. >>

Jang,

You're not a Puritan; just someone who was smart enough to quit 30 yrs ago.

Hopefully, I will join the ranks soon, but only if it doesn't result in my

Pancreatic attacks being more severe or more frequent.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 12:00:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

djssekis@... writes:

<< andre - i don't smoke but two of my sisters do. i DO know that the

nicotine

does something to your blood vessels, so maybe it opens them up more, that

might somehow help?? >>

Debbie,

Who knows, it sounds logical to me.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/00 9:55:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< I know smoking is bad for your

health, but it does seem to help me get through my crises periods better. >>

Hi Andre, I read an article that stated many times that smoking can increase

the chances of getting cancer of the pancreas. With our pancreas illness

smoking is a no, no. Shirley

[Guest guest]

--

>I was just curious as to how many in our group smoke (Cigars, cigarettes, pipe

....). As a smoker I find that it relieves attacks before they get full blown.

>Does any one else find this to be true? I know smoking is bad for your health,

but it does seem to help me get through my crises periods better.

>Andre'

Andre`, I was a heavy samoker (2-4 packs/day of unfiltered Camels), quit 30

years ago. I can;t see why nicotine would be helpful except for a relaxation

effect. Nicotine causes constriction & spasm of blood vessels, so I'd expect it

to make things worse.

jang (the ol' Puritan)

--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--

Before you buy.

[Guest guest]

Andre'

I have a friend that has this disease and smokes. He says it really helps

his nausea.

Diane

_________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at

http://profiles.msn.com.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/00 6:55:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< Does any one else find this to be true? I know smoking is bad for your

health, but it does seem to help me get through my crises periods better.

By

the way, started smoking prior to my knowing about my Pancreatitis. Also, I

am not condoning smoking to anyone. It may or may not work for me but it is

still a bad, filthy habit that one day will mean the end of me (if my

pancreas doesn't do me in first). Just curious since it's never been brought

up. We always speak about drinking and Pancreatitis (I don't and never have

drank alcohol in my life)

but never mentioned anything else (vise-wise) like smoking. Andre' >>

Hi Andre',

I think that all of health care would say that smoking affects everything. My

feeling on the issue is that our lives have been so catastrophically altered,

the quality of life we have is so minimal, that I say that if there is

anything that helps make the long minutes of a day less painful, then I would

not condemn anyone who smokes.

I don't think many of you remember Fred (Nufrius). He is still a member, but

is too ill to participate. He admits to drinking too much and smoking too

much. He now not only has Pancreatitis, but Lung Cancer and a trach. God

bless him. I too a lot of harmful things, sometimes, regarding my diet, or

activities, but that is the choice I make.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/00 8:00:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< I promise to never smoke while online to the group :-) >>

That's great!

Karyn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/02/2000 9:55:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< I was just curious as to how many in our group smoke >>

Hi Andre',

Guilty as charged!!!! However, before I got ill last year with an attack of

pancreatits I was a smoker and had been for years. When I woke up from the

coma, I didn't really even know who I was let alone that I was a smoker. LOL

I went for 10 months without a cig and then stress led me back to it. Not

to mention that my hubby and his son (who lives with us) are big time

smokers. I am so disgusted with myself over it though. Everybody said " you

had it easy, you went through the withdrawals during your coma " NOT

TRUE---Since I don't remember the withdrawals, they came later. So instead

of quitting getting easier it actually got harder for me as time went on. My

friend Janet said that she was glad that I started again, she knows it is bad

for us but she said that I was so stressed out over trying to quit that she

was afraid I was going to stroke out!!! Too funny :-) I think that I can

quit again-after all, we are pancreatitis survivors------WE CAN DO

ANYTHING!!!!!

Hugs,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 3:11:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

shirlf3542@... writes:

<< Hi Andre, I read an article that stated many times that smoking can

increase

the chances of getting cancer of the pancreas. With our pancreas illness

smoking is a no, no. >>

Shirley,

You know, as it stands now, I don't know if I will even mind if/when I

develop Pancreatic Cancer. Sometimes death doesn't seem too bad an

alternative.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 9:42:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Helen4@... writes:

<< BUT, they weren't successful until they

themselves really wanted to quit for themself, and not for any other reason.

Then, they just did it - one by one.

So, when it's time for you, I'm sure you'll do it >>

Helen,

Thanks for not being condescending or offering false of phony words of

encouragement. Only a smoker knows how irritating it can get when people who

have never smoked a day in there lives start telling you why you need to quit

and how easy it should be. If only I didn't enjoy smoking so damned much!

That's been my biggest downfall over the years and has been responsible for

my continuing to indulge after all of these years. I have managed to keep my

daily intake down to a pack a day (2 packs if I am up all night) and can go

long stretches between smokes. When working, I never stop for breaks and

have gone over 14 hours before lighting up! Therefore, I am fairly confident

that, when I am ready, I will be able to give them up without much

difficulty. At least, that's what I'm counting on :-)

I promise to drop the smoking thing now. This is a Pancreas Support Group;

not a smoking cessation seminar. I'll just need to find another egroup for

this :-)

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/2/2000 9:53:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

dhollis062@... writes:

<< I have a friend that has this disease and smokes. He says it really helps

his nausea. >>

Thanks Diane, that helps somewhat, since I too find that ti does help, up to

a certain point. I find that if I am about to vomit, lighting a cigarette

will not help; however, it does seem to make you vomit a lot faster, if that

is your intention to get it over with as quickly as possible. I still fight

it with all my might and refuse to give in to the vomit urge until the last

possible minute. I've been lucky thus far. I haven't come across a locked

bathroom when I've needed one :-)

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/2000 10:41:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

<<

I think that all of health care would say that smoking affects everything.

My

feeling on the issue is that our lives have been so catastrophically

altered,

the quality of life we have is so minimal, that I say that if there is

anything that helps make the long minutes of a day less painful, then I

would

not condemn anyone who smokes. >>

Karyn,

That has always been the rationale I've used whenever approached concerning

the subject of my smoking and my health. I've been deprived of every

" enjoyable " social function (not that smoking is very social nowadays) such

as eating (anything), drinking (anything but water), going out to visit

friends and family very short on these as of late), going out dancing (too

fatigued or in too much pain) or to a movie (usually fall asleep shortly

after lights go dim). Smoking seems to be the one activity that I can enjoy

(if you ignore the constant nagging from my wife, that is).

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/2000 10:41:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

<< I don't think many of you remember Fred (Nufrius). He is still a member,

but

is too ill to participate. He admits to drinking too much and smoking too

much. He now not only has Pancreatitis, but Lung Cancer and a trach. God

bless him. I too a lot of harmful things, sometimes, regarding my diet, or

activities, but that is the choice I make. >>

Karyn,

I was wondering what ever happened to Fred. I am so sorry to hear that he is

doing so poorly and will remember him in my daily prayers for a quick

recovery.

If you have access to Fred in any way, please convey my sincere concern for

what is happening. I, like the rest of us in the group, miss his insight ad

compassion and appreciate his contribution to my understanding of this

illness.

Get better Fred!

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/2000 10:43:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

<< That's great! >>

Oops! I just broke my promise :-)

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/2000 1:10:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

spets@... writes:

<< I am so disgusted with myself over it though. Everybody said " you

had it easy, you went through the withdrawals during your coma " NOT

TRUE---Since I don't remember the withdrawals, they came later. So instead

of quitting getting easier it actually got harder for me as time went on.

My

friend Janet said that she was glad that I started again, she knows it is

bad

for us but she said that I was so stressed out over trying to quit that she

was afraid I was going to stroke out!!! Too funny :-) I think that I can

quit again-after all, we are pancreatitis survivors------WE CAN DO

ANYTHING!!!!! >>

,

Don't get disgusted with yourself over smoking. Yes, it is a terrible vice

that we don't need in our lives. And yes, it will ultimately lead to our

demise. However, what else is there for us to enjoy? Maybe there is no need

to quit after all?

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/00 1:55:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<<

You know, as it stands now, I don't know if I will even mind if/when I

develop Pancreatic Cancer. Sometimes death doesn't seem too bad an

alternative.

Andre'

>>

Dear Andre, I understand completely how you feel but I do believe there are

treatments in the works right now that will help us down the road. My

daughter was at a party Friday night and she met a man who is a Ph.D. and

works with University of Cincinnati Hospital and he told her that Harvard and

other famous institutes are working on the islet cell transplant for

diabetics. You have probably heard of this but I will explain it anyway

since I care about you and don't want you to give up. They are taking

cadaver pancreas and removing the islet cells and transplanting the cells

into people who are diabetic. Canada is already doing this and now the US is

really getting involved in the research of this new way of helping diabetics.

If they can do this I am sure that in the near future pancreatitis sufferers

will be able to have their pancreas removed and islet cells will be harvested

from cadavers then transplanted into the patient. I saw on the television

that here in Cincinnati a new researcher is now at the University of

Cincinnati Hospital working on this procedure right now. I sent him a letter

and he wrote me aback along with a form to fill out. There is progress going

on and I know that in the next five years big things are going to happen for

us. Never, Never give up Andre. Too many people love and care about you.

We are at the threshold of new cures for us. Sorry I have gone on and on but

I am enthused and want you to have a different frame of mind. A hopeful mind

set. Your friend, Shirley PS I sure hope I haven't offended you. If I have

I am so sorry.

[Guest guest]

--

>If only I didn't enjoy smoking so damned much!

Of course! Why else would it be so hard to quit? You can only quit when you

see benefits to stopping outweigh benefits of continuing.

>I promise to drop the smoking thing now. This is a Pancreas Support Group; not

a smoking cessation seminar. I'll just need to find another egroup for this :-)

Andre`, sorry to disagree. Whatever is part of your life is a concern of this

support group. Please feel free to continue to speak your mind. Hope you're

having a comfortable weekend.

jang

--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--

Before you buy.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/3/2000 5:46:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

shirlf3542@... writes:

<< My

daughter was at a party Friday night and she met a man who is a Ph.D. and

works with University of Cincinnati Hospital and he told her that Harvard

and

other famous institutes are working on the islet cell transplant for

diabetics. >>

Shirley,

No, you could never offend me. Help is what we are all about.

As for the Islet cell transplant, I am no longer a candidate since I've

already lost 90% of my Pancreas.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, though. I've been through too much

already and am just waiting to be told he next thing. The Big " C. "

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/00 12:35:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<<

daughter was at a party Friday night and she met a man who is a Ph.D. and

works with University of Cincinnati Hospital and he told her that Harvard

and

other famous institutes are working on the islet cell transplant for

diabetics. >>

Shirley,

No, you could never offend me. Help is what we are all about.

As for the Islet cell transplant, I am no longer a candidate since I've

already lost 90% of my Pancreas.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, though. I've been through too much

already and am just waiting to be told he next thing. The Big " C. "

Andre'

>>

Hi Andre, I would think that you are or will be a candidate if you have

diabetes. Canada is having lots of success with transplanting islet cells

from cadaver pancreas. I am planning a trip to MN. to talk with Dr.

Sutherland about having my pancreas removed and the islet cells transplanted

into my liver. Wish me luck. Shirley

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/2000 3:37:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

shirlf3542@... writes:

<< I am planning a trip to MN. to talk with Dr.

Sutherland about having my pancreas removed and the islet cells transplanted

into my liver. Wish me luck. >>

Shirley,

Will you not have a Pancreas when this is over? Is this to also take you out

of pain? This may be the only option left and I'd like to know more about

it, if you don't mind.

Thanks Shirley for being there. You've done a lot to uplift my spirits with

your responses to me and to others. You are truly a blessing to the group.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/00 4:52:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<<

<< I am planning a trip to MN. to talk with Dr.

Sutherland about having my pancreas removed and the islet cells

transplanted

into my liver. Wish me luck. >>

Shirley,

Will you not have a Pancreas when this is over? Is this to also take you

out

of pain? This may be the only option left and I'd like to know more about

it, if you don't mind.

Thanks Shirley for being there. You've done a lot to uplift my spirits with

your responses to me and to others. You are truly a blessing to the group.

Andre'

>>

Hi Andre, since you have diabetes you would not qualify for the

autotransplanted cells but you might be a candidate for the cell transplant

they are doing in Canada. I am sure if you call Dr. Sutherland in MN. he

could help you. His secretary is Anne Marie Papas. She is very nice. I

will give you Dr. Sutherland's number. He also is involved in patients with

diabetes. I will give you a site to go to and you can read all about it.

Andre, there is so much going on in research now for diabetics. Hold on

something will help you. I just know it. A cure won't be too long in

coming.

DR, Sutherland's # is

The site is ----------http://www.insulin-free.org/stories/rebello.htm

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/00 4:52:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<<

<< I am planning a trip to MN. to talk with Dr.

Sutherland about having my pancreas removed and the islet cells

transplanted

into my liver. Wish me luck. >>

Shirley,

Will you not have a Pancreas when this is over? Is this to also take you

out

of pain? This may be the only option left and I'd like to know more about

it, if you don't mind.

Thanks Shirley for being there. You've done a lot to uplift my spirits with

your responses to me and to others. You are truly a blessing to the group.

Andre'

>>

Andre, here is another one plus when you get into this one you will find many

more.

http://www.insulinfree.org/sutherland.htm I know that you will find

these very interesting. Feel free to call Dr. Sutherland, he is very nice

from what I am told. He talks with patients who live far away from his

hospital and answers all their questions.

Let me know if you think you can be helped. Shirley