Connect
COPD and Can’t Commit to Quitting Smoking
I was diagnosed with COPD a year ago and have made efforts to stop smoking but I keep buying cigarettes. I have quit for a couple of days at a time and keep going back. I don’t want to let go of smoking because I can’t handle the stresses in my life. I know continuing to smoke will make my life worse but I feel like I just don’t care in the one hand and to no avail keep telling myself I’m going to be even more miserable if I don’t stop. Has anyone else gone through this?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Smoking & Quitting Support Group.
Connect
It is very addictive . I started a pac a day at 18 smoked until I was 57 .( 38 years ) Worked for the Forest Service BD Crew. If we weren’t burning off brush, we were fighting a wildfire . I did finally quit smoking at 57 . I had 20 years of good breathing . I had some minor surgery. Twice with general anesthetic. The 2nd one did cause me to come home on oxygen . I was able to get off of it after a week . Then at 77, I experienced shortness of breath . I was diagnosed with emphysema. I was put on a home oxygen concentrator at 4 ltrs. 24/7. And on a rental inogen portable . It didn’t make enough oxygen . I couldn’t walk around with it . I then started using a tank with a cart . Here I am, 3 years later with the same concentrator and cart with tanks for going out . I now have to pace myself . Even with 4 ltrs. I can run down to an 85 on the oximeter . And lower if I push myself . I will be 81 in Sept . I have a lot of arthritis, some very bad joints . Scheduled for surgery on my hand .. I broke my wrist . Had a bad cast . Came out of it with a disjointed thumb . They will be doing a nerve block . Theses are the Golden years ? Don’t get me wrong . I am very alive and enjoy my days. I value my peace. ☮️.
I know 3 people who quit smoking after reading Allen Carr's book "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking". Two of these smoked heavily for many years and I was stunned that they quit after reading a book. I smoked for 43 years and didn't quit until I got sick and basically had to quit. I bought the book for others in my family and read it myself. Very interesting approach. I would recommend it
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI’m 54 now and I’ve been smoking since I was nine. I was born four months early so I have an under developed lungs. I have COPD and asthma. I’ve been on NICOTROL nasal spray and it has done wonders for me not smoking.
Yes, I am going through the same thing. Sometimes the withdrawal is intense more of a physical thing. Getting light headed etc. I just started a pulmonary rehab. It’s hard when you live with smokers. I live in Wisconsin and there is no rehab per se here. Doctors say it’s in your head. They have rehab for alcoholics and drug addiction but none for nicotine addiction. I just wish I could go somewhere smoke free and get treatment.
@barboz, I understand what you are going through!!
Did you read the post by @mjb24?
When I was first quitting, I read the Allan Carr book as well.
It was filled with valuable tools and tips and really, really helped explain the psychology behind addiction. Nicotine is the most addictive substance on earth...but the physical withdrawals are nothing like heroin or alcohol withdrawals. With heroin withdrawals you wish you would die...with alcohol withdrawals you will die without help.
I have been smoke free for over 8 years now after being dedicated to my cigarettes for 42 years. The best way to quit smoking is the one that works for you!
Have you heard of the Allan Carr Book, The Easy Way to Quit Smoking?
I highly suggest you read it if you have not...it was a life changer for me.