The effects of stopping smoking

[pete_mcc]

I was lucky, I had smoked for 20 years until the start of the year. Out of the blue I collapsed early in the year and was rushed to hospital and was operated on. They found loads of holes in my lower intestine casued by Crohns disease which is heavily linked to smoking.

I have now had 6 major operations in 5 months, can't sit down properly and haven't been on a bike in far, far too long

On the plus side, I haven't smoked since, have lost loads of weight and have saved enough money to buy myself another Seven Titanium which is my 'recovery treat'.

Get yourself a goal and put the money that you would spend on cigs in a visible jar. It has to be visible as it is a great mental aid; at the end of every meal - go look at the jar, when you have a coffee - go look at the jar, whenever you want to smoke - go look at the jar. Take a photo of it so it's with you at work.

Alternatively just PM me and I'll tell you how painful 6 major internal operations are (most done through the one hole in your body that no sharp implements should go near), and how annoying it is to know that you have to have a major operation every year for the rest of your life....

I hate all ex-smokers as they are the most painful people in the world, but they are right!

 

[letmetalktomark]

I quit smoking back in 2004/5 - I was a reasonabley heavy smoker

For the first couple of years I had a really bad time with annual chest infections and a re emergence of asthma for when I was a kid.

I have noticed a much bigger change more recently though with regards to cycling/general fitness - I guess it just takes time :?

BTW cold turkey is the only way. I gave up smoking and lost weight at the same time.

Just need something to concentrate the mind on or a significant reason to stop.

Still get the odd urge now though.

Be prepared to turn into "reformed smoker man" though - I propperly hate the smell of smoke now

 

[Neil G]

I smoke a few roll ups at the weekend with a drink but never during the day, can sort of take it or leave it. Can't say I feel it's effect, probably fitter now than I was 10 years ago but I suppose regular commuting helps.

Glad you've seen an improvement, that must be a real incentive to stop now.....good luck with it.

 

[MartinYorkshire]

Nice to hear everyones point of view I'll try and stick to it. Already hard though.

 

[drcarlos]

Well as we are at similar stages of our quit (and I guess similar ages as well) it will be good to hear and share updates.

My father in law quit 2 years ago, 60 a day to zero, but he had heart failure and there fore a big reason to stop. A mate at work quit around the same time because he ended up in hospital coughing up blood and thought he had lung cancer, turned out to be a bad chest infection.
I guess if you have a big health related reason (much like pete) it makes it easier, but I would prefer not to get to that stage.

Carl.

 

[pete_mcc]

but I would prefer not to get to that stage.

Hell yeah!


Don't forget it will be tough and remember to be proud of yourself for every day that you do without them. Even if you do end up back on them don't treat it as a failure.

 

[FMJ]

I used the gum. It has the added benefit of while you're chewing it, you're not eating.

If you go the gum route, it is very important that you follow the instructions on how to chew it. If you chomp away on it like regular gum, you will get light headed and (eventually) pass out. Ask me how I found this out. Instructions? I don't need no steenking instructions! It's gum for Christ's sake.

 

[IDB1]

The docs at the hospital that treated my Pa reckon it was giving up smoking that caused his cancer (and subsequent demise)..

I find now that when my fitness improves, the desire to smoke reduces.
So much so that I'll go up to 6months or thereabouts in between packs of 10.

 

[chrisv40]

I stopped using the free 12 weeks NHS supply of patches and gum, unfortunately as soon as the patches ran out I started smoking again

Will try to stop again soon but at the moment its nice to feel my normal self again.

 

[jamabikes]

my mate smoked 60 rollies a day for 20 years, had a heart attack, now doesn't smoke. just need a good enough reason to quit.

i quit when my missus got pregnant. haven't had a fag for 4 and a half years!