dollface007
02-20-2004, 03:38 PM
I just found out from my podiatrist that I have something called Buerger's Disease. It is caused by smoking, and affects my toes. In order to slow the progress of this incurable disease, I have to quit smoking, but I don't think I'm strong enough. Anyone have any advice?
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smartgal
02-20-2004, 03:52 PM
Of course you are strong enough! How many difficult things have you had to do in your life? All of us have some. (Sometimes just getting out of bed is an accomplishment!) There are subliminal tapes, hypnosis, nicotine replacement - patches, gum, prescriptions. There are live support groups available. You just came through surgery, right? That required a lot of strength. You can do this, and you have a very strong motivation for it! Cigarettes are not a gift to yourself. Smoking is not something you do to reward yourself. Ultimately it is punishment. Put your needs first. Be good to yourself! You deserve a great healthy life! Congratulations on making the first step!
eightball61
02-20-2004, 04:08 PM
I just found out from my podiatrist that I have something called Buerger's Disease. It is caused by smoking, and affects my toes. In order to slow the progress of this incurable disease, I have to quit smoking, but I don't think I'm strong enough. Anyone have any advice?
Anybosy is strong enought to stop smoking....You just gotta have the will power :bouncing:
Go to your Dr. and see what is best for you instead of going to the local supermarket.
Anybosy is strong enought to stop smoking....You just gotta have the will power :bouncing:
Go to your Dr. and see what is best for you instead of going to the local supermarket.
smartgal
02-20-2004, 05:56 PM
Yes, the will power, support, possibly medication.... hey, whatever works. I hate that old will power thing. Some of us can just wrestle up more of it then others I guess! Personally, I depend on the support I get here and nicotine patches. My will power just helps me to remember why I'm doing it.
Tobias
02-20-2004, 08:43 PM
"It is essential that patients with Buerger’s disease stop smoking immediately and completely. This is the only treatment known to be effective in Buerger’s disease. Patients who continue to smoke are generally the ones who require amputation of fingers and toes.
Despite the clear presence of inflammation in this disorder, anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids have not been shown to be beneficial. Similarly, strategies of anticoagulation (thinning of the blood with aspirin or other agents to prevent clots) have not proven effective. The only way to prevent the progression of the disease is to abstain from all tobacco products."
I'm sure your doctor told you this already.
Since nicotine acts to constrict blood vessels, you might consult your doctor over the advisability of using nicotine replacement therapy when you have Buerger's. Ask your doctor for assistance in your efforts, perhaps in the form of a Rx for Zyban. If s/he approves the use of nic replacement in your quit effort, you have several forms to choose from: the patch, gum and lozenges can be purchased OTC; Nicotine inhalers are available with a doctor's Rx. Some quitters use both Zyban and nic replacement.
Good luck with your quit effort. It's the hardest thing you'll ever do but also the smartest. It took a medical situation for me to quit after 38 years.
2 years and counting.
Despite the clear presence of inflammation in this disorder, anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids have not been shown to be beneficial. Similarly, strategies of anticoagulation (thinning of the blood with aspirin or other agents to prevent clots) have not proven effective. The only way to prevent the progression of the disease is to abstain from all tobacco products."
I'm sure your doctor told you this already.
Since nicotine acts to constrict blood vessels, you might consult your doctor over the advisability of using nicotine replacement therapy when you have Buerger's. Ask your doctor for assistance in your efforts, perhaps in the form of a Rx for Zyban. If s/he approves the use of nic replacement in your quit effort, you have several forms to choose from: the patch, gum and lozenges can be purchased OTC; Nicotine inhalers are available with a doctor's Rx. Some quitters use both Zyban and nic replacement.
Good luck with your quit effort. It's the hardest thing you'll ever do but also the smartest. It took a medical situation for me to quit after 38 years.
2 years and counting.
alright4now
02-20-2004, 09:22 PM
Life can be friggin scary. Very frustrating when you have no choice but to quit. You can't even do it when you want to do it. The only way to get a grip on it is for you to take control. You're the boss of your life and you do it on your own terms. Don't think of it as you HAVE to stop, think of it as you WANT to stop. Reverse psychology on yourself. You want to quit, thats it.
Trust me please it gets better each and every day that goes by. You have to retrain yourself how to live without smoking. I promise you that one day you will get out of bed and cigarettes won't enter your mind. It will happen.
I dont really believe to much in smoking aides such as nicotene gum and patches etc, although I did use them once and it worked but they just made me think about them to much. This time I didn't use anything I can swear quitting is so much easier this time.
Please remember my words, it will get better.
Trust me please it gets better each and every day that goes by. You have to retrain yourself how to live without smoking. I promise you that one day you will get out of bed and cigarettes won't enter your mind. It will happen.
I dont really believe to much in smoking aides such as nicotene gum and patches etc, although I did use them once and it worked but they just made me think about them to much. This time I didn't use anything I can swear quitting is so much easier this time.
Please remember my words, it will get better.
LL29
02-21-2004, 10:38 PM
I agree with Tobias completely and I've read the facts and stats on Buerger's disease - STOP SMOKING NOW!!!!
There's a woman that was diagnosed with BD and didn't quit smoking - make a long story short - she lost her toes, then feet, then her legs by the time she quit for good. Think of the life altering change and you still have to quit so why not quit, save your life, still be able to walk and wiggle your toes and remain sane.
Not to mention, a much healthier lifestyle that you will learn to love. It will take a little time but you will. Please go bk and read all of our threads - and set your quit date.
We'll be here for you and please - do your homework and ck the lung cancer boards as well - do not become a statistic - if you do - be a success story on your quit!
My prayers are with you and don't forget to pray :)
Laurie
There's a woman that was diagnosed with BD and didn't quit smoking - make a long story short - she lost her toes, then feet, then her legs by the time she quit for good. Think of the life altering change and you still have to quit so why not quit, save your life, still be able to walk and wiggle your toes and remain sane.
Not to mention, a much healthier lifestyle that you will learn to love. It will take a little time but you will. Please go bk and read all of our threads - and set your quit date.
We'll be here for you and please - do your homework and ck the lung cancer boards as well - do not become a statistic - if you do - be a success story on your quit!
My prayers are with you and don't forget to pray :)
Laurie
smartgal
02-25-2004, 06:08 PM
Dollface, are you still out there? I'm worried about you! You can talk to us even if you haven't made the final decision to quit. Information is power. I really hope we can help you!
jacksinn
03-01-2004, 08:39 PM
You have to at least try to quit! Arent you scared? I was a student nurse and was watching people die from 40 to 50 years of smoking and I was so scared that would be me. I had smoked a pack a day for 10 years and quit cold turkey. That was my wake up call. NOW YOU HAVE YOUR WAKE UP CALL!!!
jacksinn
03-01-2004, 08:39 PM
You have to at least try to quit! Arent you scared? I was a student nurse and was watching people die from 40 to 50 years of smoking and I was so scared that would be me. I had smoked a pack a day for 10 years and quit cold turkey. That was my wake up call. NOW YOU HAVE YOUR WAKE UP CALL!!!
jacksinn
03-01-2004, 08:39 PM
You have to at least try to quit! Arent you scared? I was a student nurse and was watching people die from 40 to 50 years of smoking and I was so scared that would be me. I had smoked a pack a day for 10 years and quit cold turkey. That was my wake up call. NOW YOU HAVE YOUR WAKE UP CALL!!!