tkgoodspirit
01-30-2005, 12:12 AM
I wondered if anyone who is a smoker out there (cigarettes only please :) ) notices that after you have your first cigarette or any cigarette, your pain increases?
I am a moderate smoker, about a half pack a day, and I notice, especially after the first cigarette of the day, my pain jumps up. I could actually kick myself. I quit smoking for four months until Hurricane Ivan decided to make landfall in my backyard! Talk about nervous!
Anyhoo, I was just wondering if anyone else who smokes notices an increase in pain after you finish the cigarette. I should know better, my mom died from lung cancer that spread throughout her body. She smoked A LOT, and she smoked nearly up until the day she died. There was no stopping that woman, for sure.
I'll quit again. It's tough though. The last time I quit, I was up til 4 a.m. a lot but it eventually got better and I DID feel better. Thank goodness I live in the country and nothing is near or open late at night!
So, I'll look forward to see if anyone else feels like I do, 'til then,
Happy Madi Gras!
tk
I am a moderate smoker, about a half pack a day, and I notice, especially after the first cigarette of the day, my pain jumps up. I could actually kick myself. I quit smoking for four months until Hurricane Ivan decided to make landfall in my backyard! Talk about nervous!
Anyhoo, I was just wondering if anyone else who smokes notices an increase in pain after you finish the cigarette. I should know better, my mom died from lung cancer that spread throughout her body. She smoked A LOT, and she smoked nearly up until the day she died. There was no stopping that woman, for sure.
I'll quit again. It's tough though. The last time I quit, I was up til 4 a.m. a lot but it eventually got better and I DID feel better. Thank goodness I live in the country and nothing is near or open late at night!
So, I'll look forward to see if anyone else feels like I do, 'til then,
Happy Madi Gras!
tk
Sponsor
lillypad
01-30-2005, 12:40 AM
If you are looking for support to stop, here it is! Ciggies will kill you, and while you are waiting for that, they poison you....That's is the feeling you get after that first ciggie!
It is no secret that the poisons you breathe into your body make it impossible for your body to work properly. Add FMS to that and you are in big trouble!
Get some gum or a patch and take up yoga. As you know it is difficult to stop. If you are interested, really interested in your well-being, you know what to do.
My mom died from COPD, smoked like a bandit for so many years. That is not a way to die. Good luck, there is a board for smoking cessation, but ultimately it is your decision. Just because you started again doesn't mean you failed, think of that as the begineer's race, now you are ready for the big girls!
Ok, now I am getting down off my soapbox, I wish you well. Your clothes will smell better! Mine do, and my hair also!
It is no secret that the poisons you breathe into your body make it impossible for your body to work properly. Add FMS to that and you are in big trouble!
Get some gum or a patch and take up yoga. As you know it is difficult to stop. If you are interested, really interested in your well-being, you know what to do.
My mom died from COPD, smoked like a bandit for so many years. That is not a way to die. Good luck, there is a board for smoking cessation, but ultimately it is your decision. Just because you started again doesn't mean you failed, think of that as the begineer's race, now you are ready for the big girls!
Ok, now I am getting down off my soapbox, I wish you well. Your clothes will smell better! Mine do, and my hair also!
tkgoodspirit
01-30-2005, 01:21 AM
If you are looking for support to stop, here it is! Ciggies will kill you, and while you are waiting for that, they poison you....That's is the feeling you get after that first ciggie!
It is no secret that the poisons you breathe into your body make it impossible for your body to work properly. Add FMS to that and you are in big trouble!
Get some gum or a patch and take up yoga. As you know it is difficult to stop. If you are interested, really interested in your well-being, you know what to do.
My mom died from COPD, smoked like a bandit for so many years. That is not a way to die. Good luck, there is a board for smoking cessation, but ultimately it is your decision. Just because you started again doesn't mean you failed, think of that as the begineer's race, now you are ready for the big girls!
Ok, now I am getting down off my soapbox, I wish you well. Your clothes will smell better! Mine do, and my hair also!
Wow! Got more than I asked for, but thank you. I know you are a concerned ex-smoker, and I appreciate your emphatic concern. But I still would like to know if other's experience the increase in pain after smoking a cigarette. I know all about the toxins and of course adding more toxins to my already toxic condition is not good, but, like you said, I'll quit again only without support, gums, or patches. I already use a duragesic/fentynal patch for pain, so no more patches for me. Besides the one and only time I used the patch to quit smoking, and this was back in my drinking days, I would simply sit at the bar, beer in hand, take off the patch and light a cigarette. Simple!
I appreciate your concern, and anyone else's concern who cares to jump in here, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
thanks for the luv,
always,
tk
PS My clothes and hair don't smell like smoke since I smoke outside in my front yard. If they did, my husband would divorce me.
It is no secret that the poisons you breathe into your body make it impossible for your body to work properly. Add FMS to that and you are in big trouble!
Get some gum or a patch and take up yoga. As you know it is difficult to stop. If you are interested, really interested in your well-being, you know what to do.
My mom died from COPD, smoked like a bandit for so many years. That is not a way to die. Good luck, there is a board for smoking cessation, but ultimately it is your decision. Just because you started again doesn't mean you failed, think of that as the begineer's race, now you are ready for the big girls!
Ok, now I am getting down off my soapbox, I wish you well. Your clothes will smell better! Mine do, and my hair also!
Wow! Got more than I asked for, but thank you. I know you are a concerned ex-smoker, and I appreciate your emphatic concern. But I still would like to know if other's experience the increase in pain after smoking a cigarette. I know all about the toxins and of course adding more toxins to my already toxic condition is not good, but, like you said, I'll quit again only without support, gums, or patches. I already use a duragesic/fentynal patch for pain, so no more patches for me. Besides the one and only time I used the patch to quit smoking, and this was back in my drinking days, I would simply sit at the bar, beer in hand, take off the patch and light a cigarette. Simple!
I appreciate your concern, and anyone else's concern who cares to jump in here, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.
thanks for the luv,
always,
tk
PS My clothes and hair don't smell like smoke since I smoke outside in my front yard. If they did, my husband would divorce me.
JustMeBeingMe
01-30-2005, 11:53 AM
Hello TK,
I smoke, too. About a half pack a day. I don't smoke first thing when I get up. I haven't noticed any difference in my pain when I do smoke. That may be because I use the duragesic patch for pain and usually, I don't feel a lot of pain unless I have overworked myself.
I have tried to quit twice this year and have failed. I will try again when my stress level is down to what I can handle. I know people will see stress as a cop out for not quitting, but unless you walk in my shoes with the amount of stress I am under, please don't judge me - or TK.
I have triumphed over many obstacles in the short amount of time I have been diagnosed. One thing at a time.
Good luck TK. Keep me posted on your progress.
To better days for all,
Becky
I smoke, too. About a half pack a day. I don't smoke first thing when I get up. I haven't noticed any difference in my pain when I do smoke. That may be because I use the duragesic patch for pain and usually, I don't feel a lot of pain unless I have overworked myself.
I have tried to quit twice this year and have failed. I will try again when my stress level is down to what I can handle. I know people will see stress as a cop out for not quitting, but unless you walk in my shoes with the amount of stress I am under, please don't judge me - or TK.
I have triumphed over many obstacles in the short amount of time I have been diagnosed. One thing at a time.
Good luck TK. Keep me posted on your progress.
To better days for all,
Becky
kcgage
01-30-2005, 12:39 PM
Becky & TK,
I'm a 1/2 pack a day smoker too. I haven't noticed an increase in pain levels when smoking but I do notice that if my back, chest or rib muscles are sore, it gets harder to breathe -- i know i know, DUH! I have attempted to quit on my own several times and am interested in trying gum or the patch. Becky, the amount of stress that I have has played a major factor as well. One of my bosses always comes down on me for smoking and makes me feel like a total idiot but she's never smoked so she seems to think you can throw your pack out and be fine. I have to get my stress under control and my FM under control, before I can even think about quitting.
TK, I smoke in my front yard too and trust me, we do still smell :)
OH - A pharmacist did tell me once that cigarrette smoking decreases the effect of our medicaitons.......
I'm a 1/2 pack a day smoker too. I haven't noticed an increase in pain levels when smoking but I do notice that if my back, chest or rib muscles are sore, it gets harder to breathe -- i know i know, DUH! I have attempted to quit on my own several times and am interested in trying gum or the patch. Becky, the amount of stress that I have has played a major factor as well. One of my bosses always comes down on me for smoking and makes me feel like a total idiot but she's never smoked so she seems to think you can throw your pack out and be fine. I have to get my stress under control and my FM under control, before I can even think about quitting.
TK, I smoke in my front yard too and trust me, we do still smell :)
OH - A pharmacist did tell me once that cigarrette smoking decreases the effect of our medicaitons.......
apriltones
01-30-2005, 01:20 PM
hi all. i quit 2 years ago. i started haqving occasional one or two last sept. i have one on mon and thu night as its college night. i dont buy them though. im stopping having then then though as i dont need them. im gonna have one when i go out though which is once every few months., my pain feels better apart from being short of breath, love aprilxx
tkgoodspirit
01-30-2005, 01:27 PM
QUOTE=kcgage]Becky & TK,
I'm a 1/2 pack a day smoker too. I haven't noticed an increase in pain levels when smoking but I do notice that if my back, chest or rib muscles are sore, it gets harder to breathe -- i know i know, DUH! I have attempted to quit on my own several times and am interested in trying gum or the patch. Becky, the amount of stress that I have has played a major factor as well. One of my bosses always comes down on me for smoking and makes me feel like a total idiot but she's never smoked so she seems to think you can throw your pack out and be fine. I have to get my stress under control and my FM under control, before I can even think about quitting.
TK, I smoke in my front yard too and trust me, we do still smell :)
OH - A pharmacist did tell me once that cigarrette smoking decreases the effect of our medicaitons.......[/QUOTE]
Thanks guys for not coming down on me with a hatchett! LOL Hmmm, the statement you made about cigarettes decreasing the effectiveness of the medications I take is interesting. I'll look into that more on the net. It usually takes me about 3 days to finish a pack. And Becky I DO understand about the stress, beleive me you! Since 2001, two of my family memebers, my uncle age 49 and my mom age 65 have died from cancer, my aunt developed cancer during the summer of 2003 the same time my mom was dying, (she is recovering and cancer free now at the age of 56), I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia, all sorts of back problems (herniated, torn discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, foramial something or other, blah blah blah) Cervical DDD and stenosis,Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis in my right hip, Chostocondritis, and now they think the damge in my back may not be repairable, I had two of my old dogs put down in the same month only 21 days apart, my husband has lost his job going from what he made in 2 weeks to making that in a whole month, my son has been dx'd with FM, and of course I had to quit my job because of all my health problems in February 2003, been turned down twice for disability, ahhhhh what fun!
So, I'm wondering if the toxins from the cigarettes isn't blocking the work that my pain meds are doing. I too am on the duragesic patch, and so far it has been the best as far as pain relief with percs for BT. Let me ask you, do you get a rash sometimes from the adhesive of the patch? I don't break out with every patch, just it seems, if I sweat a bit.
Anyway, I'm 46 and I started smoking when I was 15 then I quit when I was 25, I started running in 10K races, so smoking didn't go with that sport! LOL But at the age of 39 I went through sort of a "mid life crisis". Started dating a guy who was 11 years my junior, going out and staying out all night. Heck I can remember dozing off at a table taking an order ( I was a waitress for CrackerBarrel for nine years before I had to quit in 2003) from staying out all night, just having a good old time! :) It's funny, after having not smoked for over 15 years, picking up the habit was as easy as pie. But I have noticed, the older I am, the harder it is to quit. I quit cold turkey when I was 25.
Anyhoo, thanks for your replies, so far, I'm getting a big "NO" as far as the pain increasing after smoking a cigarette. Okay, I'll read anymore replies I get, and look into what cigarettes do to the effects of your meds. I already know how they interact with FM! ;)
Thanks for your input.
Happy Mardi Gras!
tk
I'm a 1/2 pack a day smoker too. I haven't noticed an increase in pain levels when smoking but I do notice that if my back, chest or rib muscles are sore, it gets harder to breathe -- i know i know, DUH! I have attempted to quit on my own several times and am interested in trying gum or the patch. Becky, the amount of stress that I have has played a major factor as well. One of my bosses always comes down on me for smoking and makes me feel like a total idiot but she's never smoked so she seems to think you can throw your pack out and be fine. I have to get my stress under control and my FM under control, before I can even think about quitting.
TK, I smoke in my front yard too and trust me, we do still smell :)
OH - A pharmacist did tell me once that cigarrette smoking decreases the effect of our medicaitons.......[/QUOTE]
Thanks guys for not coming down on me with a hatchett! LOL Hmmm, the statement you made about cigarettes decreasing the effectiveness of the medications I take is interesting. I'll look into that more on the net. It usually takes me about 3 days to finish a pack. And Becky I DO understand about the stress, beleive me you! Since 2001, two of my family memebers, my uncle age 49 and my mom age 65 have died from cancer, my aunt developed cancer during the summer of 2003 the same time my mom was dying, (she is recovering and cancer free now at the age of 56), I was dx'd with Fibromyalgia, all sorts of back problems (herniated, torn discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, foramial something or other, blah blah blah) Cervical DDD and stenosis,Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis in my right hip, Chostocondritis, and now they think the damge in my back may not be repairable, I had two of my old dogs put down in the same month only 21 days apart, my husband has lost his job going from what he made in 2 weeks to making that in a whole month, my son has been dx'd with FM, and of course I had to quit my job because of all my health problems in February 2003, been turned down twice for disability, ahhhhh what fun!
So, I'm wondering if the toxins from the cigarettes isn't blocking the work that my pain meds are doing. I too am on the duragesic patch, and so far it has been the best as far as pain relief with percs for BT. Let me ask you, do you get a rash sometimes from the adhesive of the patch? I don't break out with every patch, just it seems, if I sweat a bit.
Anyway, I'm 46 and I started smoking when I was 15 then I quit when I was 25, I started running in 10K races, so smoking didn't go with that sport! LOL But at the age of 39 I went through sort of a "mid life crisis". Started dating a guy who was 11 years my junior, going out and staying out all night. Heck I can remember dozing off at a table taking an order ( I was a waitress for CrackerBarrel for nine years before I had to quit in 2003) from staying out all night, just having a good old time! :) It's funny, after having not smoked for over 15 years, picking up the habit was as easy as pie. But I have noticed, the older I am, the harder it is to quit. I quit cold turkey when I was 25.
Anyhoo, thanks for your replies, so far, I'm getting a big "NO" as far as the pain increasing after smoking a cigarette. Okay, I'll read anymore replies I get, and look into what cigarettes do to the effects of your meds. I already know how they interact with FM! ;)
Thanks for your input.
Happy Mardi Gras!
tk
terrerizer
01-30-2005, 04:34 PM
I used to be a smoker & have made every effort to quit since I was diagnosed. I have smoked about 3 times in 4 months. I feel 10 times worse after an evening of smoking. I have also read that Fibro causes a lack of oxygen in your muscles so smoking will certainly make the pain worse. Good luck on quitting!!! It is tough but you can do it. :wave:
lillypad
01-30-2005, 09:12 PM
But I still would like to know if other's experience the increase in pain after smoking a cigarette
TK - I got so carried away I didn't answer your question....YES, when I smoked I could get up in the morning and feel ok, then smoke and started feeling achy and sick. I don't know how much it has to do with FMS, but expect the O2 issue certainly plays a part in it.
TK - I got so carried away I didn't answer your question....YES, when I smoked I could get up in the morning and feel ok, then smoke and started feeling achy and sick. I don't know how much it has to do with FMS, but expect the O2 issue certainly plays a part in it.
JustMeBeingMe
01-30-2005, 11:24 PM
Hi TK,
You asked about a rash using the patch. When I first started using it, I also had some skin irritation, but I think I was trying too hard to clean off the gummy, dirty looking, band-aid like deposit it leaves after taking it off. I read you are not supposed to use soap to clean the area when you take it off. I think that is what caused my reaction. Since then, I'm careful about how I clean the area after taking the patch off.
To better days for all,
Becky
You asked about a rash using the patch. When I first started using it, I also had some skin irritation, but I think I was trying too hard to clean off the gummy, dirty looking, band-aid like deposit it leaves after taking it off. I read you are not supposed to use soap to clean the area when you take it off. I think that is what caused my reaction. Since then, I'm careful about how I clean the area after taking the patch off.
To better days for all,
Becky
tkgoodspirit
01-31-2005, 01:10 AM
But I still would like to know if other's experience the increase in pain after smoking a cigarette
TK - I got so carried away I didn't answer your question....YES, when I smoked I could get up in the morning and feel ok, then smoke and started feeling achy and sick. I don't know how much it has to do with FMS, but expect the O2 issue certainly plays a part in it.
Right, that's how I feel, sick and achy after I smoke the first cigarette of the day. Like you, I woke up feeling okay (as okay as my pain meds allow!), then after I smoked that cigarette, I started feeling achey and sick.
I will totally admit that when I quit a few months back I felt better. So, I know I need to do it again, and the sooner the better. I know the time is near, and I'm going for a smoke free St. Patti's day. LOL
Thanks a bunch,
tk
TK - I got so carried away I didn't answer your question....YES, when I smoked I could get up in the morning and feel ok, then smoke and started feeling achy and sick. I don't know how much it has to do with FMS, but expect the O2 issue certainly plays a part in it.
Right, that's how I feel, sick and achy after I smoke the first cigarette of the day. Like you, I woke up feeling okay (as okay as my pain meds allow!), then after I smoked that cigarette, I started feeling achey and sick.
I will totally admit that when I quit a few months back I felt better. So, I know I need to do it again, and the sooner the better. I know the time is near, and I'm going for a smoke free St. Patti's day. LOL
Thanks a bunch,
tk
tkgoodspirit
01-31-2005, 02:37 AM
Hi TK,
You asked about a rash using the patch. When I first started using it, I also had some skin irritation, but I think I was trying too hard to clean off the gummy, dirty looking, band-aid like deposit it leaves after taking it off. I read you are not supposed to use soap to clean the area when you take it off. I think that is what caused my reaction. Since then, I'm careful about how I clean the area after taking the patch off.
To better days for all,
Becky
Thanks Becky,
I didn't know about not washing the area where the patch was.
When I DO get a little breakout from wearing the Patch it is usually right around the outside area, like where the adheasive is. You can see a little rectangular shape of rash sometimes. Looks wierd. But now I know not to scrub the bajeebers out of the area where I have just removed the patch from! LOL
Thanks again,
tk
You asked about a rash using the patch. When I first started using it, I also had some skin irritation, but I think I was trying too hard to clean off the gummy, dirty looking, band-aid like deposit it leaves after taking it off. I read you are not supposed to use soap to clean the area when you take it off. I think that is what caused my reaction. Since then, I'm careful about how I clean the area after taking the patch off.
To better days for all,
Becky
Thanks Becky,
I didn't know about not washing the area where the patch was.
When I DO get a little breakout from wearing the Patch it is usually right around the outside area, like where the adheasive is. You can see a little rectangular shape of rash sometimes. Looks wierd. But now I know not to scrub the bajeebers out of the area where I have just removed the patch from! LOL
Thanks again,
tk
tutough
01-31-2005, 01:34 PM
Well I have to disagree with most of what was said here. It's either that or I am just wierd. I smoke and smoke alot first thing in the morning and can't tell any differnce in my pain or the way I feel.
tkgoodspirit
01-31-2005, 02:53 PM
Well I have to disagree with most of what was said here. It's either that or I am just wierd. I smoke and smoke alot first thing in the morning and can't tell any differnce in my pain or the way I feel.
Disagreement duely noted. :)
Disagreement duely noted. :)
dee1964
01-31-2005, 07:33 PM
Nope, I've never noticed a difference when I smoke. I've never stopped so I don't know if it would make a difference! I remember asking my doctor and he said it wouldnt make a difference, but he still lectured me on the dangers of smoking.
Toodle
01-31-2005, 10:04 PM
I have to say that I do feel worse after smoking. Then I wonder why do I do it. I light up and then during and after that cigarrette I feel more fatigued and painful. I especially notice it with the first ciagarette in the morning. Actually, after smoking my first cig in the morning, it makes me dizzy and weak.
mbeltram
02-03-2005, 08:52 AM
i smoke too and i have found no increase in pain either. i am also tring to quite. and i am under alot of stress. i tried quiting and i will admit it hard. have a good day mb
countrygal
02-05-2005, 02:15 PM
I have not ever experienced any added pain after a cig. either. Usually when i wake up i am already in pain . I have found that having a cig. seems to be a comfort for me so too speak. And find that after it, i can get up and start my day the best i can. But i do agree that everyone is different and things affect everyone differently.
Copper
02-05-2005, 03:54 PM
Hi All,
Smoker, here, too. Funny how many of us are "light" smokers, holding to about a half-pack a day. I generally don't even make it all the way through a cigarette - butting it and relighting later. I know - that's even WORSE than smoking it all the way through! I'm not too worried about the health effects at this point - my last lung x-ray showed clear lungs, and I'm mid-50's and been smoking since I was 13. I have quit, even for extended periods, in the past, and I'll do it again before too long. Going through a stress mountain (as opposed to bump) at the moment, and don't EVEN want to try until I've climbed down the other side.
I don't feel any increase in pain levels from smoking, though sometimes I have experienced feeling quite sick (headache, nausea) after a late night cig. what do you suppose that's all about? DUH!!!! This c--p is REALLY bad for us, we ALL know that, and lectures that instill guilt and/or shame only serve to make us feel worse. We're big kids, now, and I know we will all quit when the time is right. HOPEFULLY before any MORE illness is brought on by this lousy habit! Perhaps some computer whiz-kid out there could develop a stressometer of some sort? :D
I sometimes feel that I have lost so much, or had so much taken away, by this FMS and other Dx's, that smoking is the only decadent pleasure I can still enjoy. Kind of a defiance thing, I guess. But, it gets old always being told, "you can't do that anymore". Well, I CAN do this, and I'LL quit when I'm darn well ready!
Happy trails!
Smoker, here, too. Funny how many of us are "light" smokers, holding to about a half-pack a day. I generally don't even make it all the way through a cigarette - butting it and relighting later. I know - that's even WORSE than smoking it all the way through! I'm not too worried about the health effects at this point - my last lung x-ray showed clear lungs, and I'm mid-50's and been smoking since I was 13. I have quit, even for extended periods, in the past, and I'll do it again before too long. Going through a stress mountain (as opposed to bump) at the moment, and don't EVEN want to try until I've climbed down the other side.
I don't feel any increase in pain levels from smoking, though sometimes I have experienced feeling quite sick (headache, nausea) after a late night cig. what do you suppose that's all about? DUH!!!! This c--p is REALLY bad for us, we ALL know that, and lectures that instill guilt and/or shame only serve to make us feel worse. We're big kids, now, and I know we will all quit when the time is right. HOPEFULLY before any MORE illness is brought on by this lousy habit! Perhaps some computer whiz-kid out there could develop a stressometer of some sort? :D
I sometimes feel that I have lost so much, or had so much taken away, by this FMS and other Dx's, that smoking is the only decadent pleasure I can still enjoy. Kind of a defiance thing, I guess. But, it gets old always being told, "you can't do that anymore". Well, I CAN do this, and I'LL quit when I'm darn well ready!
Happy trails!
tkgoodspirit
02-05-2005, 04:41 PM
Hi All,
Smoker, here, too. Funny how many of us are "light" smokers, holding to about a half-pack a day. I generally don't even make it all the way through a cigarette - butting it and relighting later. I know - that's even WORSE than smoking it all the way through! I'm not too worried about the health effects at this point - my last lung x-ray showed clear lungs, and I'm mid-50's and been smoking since I was 13. I have quit, even for extended periods, in the past, and I'll do it again before too long. Going through a stress mountain (as opposed to bump) at the moment, and don't EVEN want to try until I've climbed down the other side.
I don't feel any increase in pain levels from smoking, though sometimes I have experienced feeling quite sick (headache, nausea) after a late night cig. what do you suppose that's all about? DUH!!!! This c--p is REALLY bad for us, we ALL know that, and lectures that instill guilt and/or shame only serve to make us feel worse. We're big kids, now, and I know we will all quit when the time is right. HOPEFULLY before any MORE illness is brought on by this lousy habit! Perhaps some computer whiz-kid out there could develop a stressometer of some sort? :D
I sometimes feel that I have lost so much, or had so much taken away, by this FMS and other Dx's, that smoking is the only decadent pleasure I can still enjoy. Kind of a defiance thing, I guess. But, it gets old always being told, "you can't do that anymore". Well, I CAN do this, and I'LL quit when I'm darn well ready!
Happy trails!
Amen sista!
LOL
tk
Smoker, here, too. Funny how many of us are "light" smokers, holding to about a half-pack a day. I generally don't even make it all the way through a cigarette - butting it and relighting later. I know - that's even WORSE than smoking it all the way through! I'm not too worried about the health effects at this point - my last lung x-ray showed clear lungs, and I'm mid-50's and been smoking since I was 13. I have quit, even for extended periods, in the past, and I'll do it again before too long. Going through a stress mountain (as opposed to bump) at the moment, and don't EVEN want to try until I've climbed down the other side.
I don't feel any increase in pain levels from smoking, though sometimes I have experienced feeling quite sick (headache, nausea) after a late night cig. what do you suppose that's all about? DUH!!!! This c--p is REALLY bad for us, we ALL know that, and lectures that instill guilt and/or shame only serve to make us feel worse. We're big kids, now, and I know we will all quit when the time is right. HOPEFULLY before any MORE illness is brought on by this lousy habit! Perhaps some computer whiz-kid out there could develop a stressometer of some sort? :D
I sometimes feel that I have lost so much, or had so much taken away, by this FMS and other Dx's, that smoking is the only decadent pleasure I can still enjoy. Kind of a defiance thing, I guess. But, it gets old always being told, "you can't do that anymore". Well, I CAN do this, and I'LL quit when I'm darn well ready!
Happy trails!
Amen sista!
LOL
tk