Neuropathy

Smoking certainly does not help any health problem. I quit the day I was told I had cancer. One problem leads to another when you have serious illness. You really need to make a concerted effort to quit smoking. It can be done. Try chewing the nicotine gum or getting the patch. You have to make up your mind. Neuropathy comes with diabetes, which I now have. I also have arthritis in my hands. Getting older has not helped either. You really need to give up the cigarettes!!!! Please???? Hugs, MK

I get foot cramps since chemo.  Docs didn't think it had to do with that so much, just to keep an eye on it and log it.  My husband always says it has to do with potassium and to eat a bananna.  My endurance is lower too, in general.  My fears are higher, I won't ski or do rides at carnivals/amusement parks any more.  My life has changed, alot.  I'm more of a nervous nellie, less of a risk-taker.

 

As for smoking, I was able to quit and stay quit only after I tried Welbutrin, which got rid of the craving.  I once quit for about 7 years and still craved it all that time.  Then when 9-11 happened, I started that morning.  When I convinced myself that my asthma was going to kill me if I smoked, I was able to quit.  I think what really helped was using the Welbutrin, though, because the craving was gone.  There is a new drug called Chantix that I hear really is good.  You may want to ask about it if you're interested.

 

I'm sorry you have pains.  If anybody knows more about the foot cramps, please post, I'm interested.

 

 

Heres some good news bout the cigs and stopping.

A new drug (not like the ones preceding it) called Chantrix...u can look it up. It doesnt put nicotine in your body but tells the brain that you dont want it. I was a skeptic but............

I have a friend that got his before i just got mine. He is highly negative in attitude and never had any will power. from day one of taking it (and ur allowed to smoke while on it becuz they know at end of one week starter pack u wont anymore)....he stopped. He tried smoking 1 and he said left horrid taste in mouth. Next day he tried again, said it was like he wasnt getting anything.

He has NO craving, NO irritability at all. He also just had surgery in past 2 days and still not smoking at day 6, then after starter packet you get 60 days of smaller dose that keeps you stopped. This combined with their 1 800 number for support (like AA has) def works. I have kidney issues so i have to get green light from my general doc first.

Seriously, he was the least likey to quit. But hes had absolutely no problem. He said the only side effect he had was he was a bit drowsy.

Now as far as weight gain, i cant say, but.............even if u gain weight that is usually at beginning and can be taken off once stable from stopped smoking.

Pls look into this. As of right now they are prescribing it bigtime. It was made and used in Ireland, and Europe with great success. Took a long time for our fda to allow it. Thankfully, thank God , they did!

Insurance does cover it, my copayment tho was 20.00, usually my copayment is no more than 3 becuz of 3 insurances, but its 200.00 so 20 isnt bad. and only my first insurance (blue cross) grabbed the bill. So you cannnn do this!
Willpower mixed with it will ensure you stop.

best wishes,
kiera

I used the Chantix when I started my chemo. It worked where nothing else did. I was on my 4th week when I had trouble with nausea, so I cut down to 1 per day then eventually 1 every other day and finally at 6 weeks stopped. I am 8 months smoke free now and feeling great about it. Good luck, if it can help a smoker of 40 years it can help you!

Well, I can't help with the neuropathy, but just wanted to chime in that I have been getting foot cramps, too.  I'm glad to know I'm not alone!  LOL  It's usually when I'm chillin in the recliner watchin TV.  I eat a banana almost every day, because of my high blood pressure and taking diuretics for that, but it still happens.  I haven't discussed it with any doctor, though.