Morning
Michele! I happen to agree with both members's replies here. I too smoke, and have quit several times, only to fail each time as well. The last time I tried, I was given the
"Chantix" program…I believe they are Blue and white tablets. I do remember that the instructions said it was OK to smoke while starting the program, but when you get to the blue or the white tablets, (can't remember which one you start with) you should stop smoking completely.
When I got to the second color tablet, they made me sick and I quit the program. If you can lick the habit…then good for you! That will be quite an accomplishment! We all hope it goes well.
The other item I wanted to comment on was asking your Dr to reduce your pain med's. I think it is great if you can indeed do this and feel well enough to do so, however, please make sure you are ready for this. I have done this several times, and regretted it each time. Remember your surgery was not too long ago, and you could very well be cycling in and out of good days, and bad days. You may have a Dr that will increase them again for you if needed, but from my own personal experience, I would not chance it again.
I have not had a rib removed but did have a double lumbar fusion, and we know that it can take 12mo to 18 mo to heal from that kind of surgery. Only you know how you feel, so I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I do see that you wrote,... that your pain is still quite bad, so be very careful, as it may be hard to undo the reduction of the pain med's
Once you have quite smoking you may find that the healing process may indeed speed up, and that your pain med's might be more effective as well. I would suggest that you kick the smoking first, and re-visit the idea of reducing the pain med's at a later date. Again, it's just a suggestion, and only you know how you feel.
Take care,
SE