Posted 12/29/2010 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much to you all for your encouragement! The official word from my rheumy today was "Quit Smoking NOW!". Having just had pneumonia, and lungs still recovering, even though I got a clear chest x-ray about 2 weeks ago (another 4-6 wks 'til I bounce back to pre-pneumonia condition) it is more important now than ever that I quit smoking ASAP, regardless of whether the stress of quitting makes the pain from flare any worse. The nurse who was relaying his info to me said that if my pain level increased, it would most likely be from psychological reasons, so I'll just bite the bullet and do it. Rheumy did have me increase my daily Prednisone (the main source of pain relief from the RA) from 10 mg/day to 15mg/day for a few days (to help me through my flare), at least until the end of the week, so that should take care of my increased pain. And actually, today when I woke up, my initial pain level was lower than it's been the past 2 days, so I may get through this flare quickly. That would be soooo nice!
I'm starting fresh tomorrow morning-my first day as a non-smoker. I decided that since I've already been smoking today (before I heard from my rheumy), I prefer to start my Quit Day fresh. I'm just going to smoke all I want tonight 'til bedtime, and that's it. I've gone around my apartment, picked up all my ashtrays, & set them in the sink soaking in soap. I know I should throw away any smokes remaining at bedtime, but I'm going to put them in the freezer if I have any left over. I've tried to quit 4 or 5 times & failed, but I never had such good reasons to quit until now. My doctors are no longer just suggesting, recommending, and telling me I should quit. My rheumy, and 2 pulmonologists, all 3 doctors, (within the past 2 weeks) who I trust and respect, looked me straight in the eye and told me that I MUST quit, in no uncertain terms. I must, or I face the very real possibility of getting pneumonia again, or some other lung infection, fairly soon (since my lungs are already damaged right now) and ending up in the hospital, possibly in a life & death situation. That's all I needed to hear. I mean, when 3 doctors tell me virtually the same thing, it's pretty much a no-brainer!
Many thanks for all the encouragement you've already given me. I'm very stubborn, so when I make up my mind to do something and apply my stubbornness to it, I usually succeed. I really want to succeed at this-I just hope I can, but I'm pretty sure I can do it this time. There's an organization here called the Colorado Quitline that has a website full of advice, encouragement, I think they have a chat room, and I know they hold regular meetings, kind of like AA, so I'm looking into that, because I'm really serious about it this time. Just like the little train-"I think I can, I think I can..." Wish me luck ; )
Thanks again, ladywriter