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Posted 3/23/2007 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Has anybody had exacerabations while trying to quit smoking? I am having a terrible time, all of my symptoms are flaring! I would love to know if anyone has had the same experience and has any advice. Thanks.

Jezz

Posted 3/23/2007 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Ya know I did not know I had MS when I quit smoking cold turkey. Now looking back I can tell you I had an awful time. I think that it was the stress of it all. But I can also say it was totally worth going through! Just remember the nicotine is out of your system in 72 hours and you are dealing with the habit from that point on. Quitting smoking also makes you extremely tired, there is an actual reason for that, I just can remember what it is. So take it easy and rest. Good Luck!!!!

Posted 3/23/2007 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jezz!

WAY TO GO!!!! :)) Congrats on u'r decision to quit and best wishes on u'r efforts!! I know u'll do it! I"m not dx'd nor do i smoke, but just wanted to come tell u how great u'r doing!
Posted 3/23/2007 11:54 PM (GMT 0)

Congratulations on your efforts to quit smoking!  I so hope you're successful, as there are so many negative side effects to tobacco!

I've never smoked, but been around smokers all my life.  Nicotine is a drug. Seems reasonable that it affects a body in a whole bunch of ways, and certainly could dampen symptoms that you're now experiencing.  Given the huge negative effects of nicotine, though, I'd think it worth it to keep trying to stop.  You might also be experiencing nicotine withdrawal; like withdrawal from other drugs, that's not a pleasant thing.

Hang in there. Ask your doctor if there are things you can do to minimize the withdrawal effects right now, so that you can be successful in quitting smoking.  Good luck!

Posted 3/24/2007 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Confessions from the 916! LOL! I smoked one cig a day for about 8 years and didn't think about the damage it was doing to my body. After being diagnosed with MS in Nov 2006, I decided it was time. I was scraed enough without adding to anything. I wanted to cleanse my system from anything that might be harmful. That one Djarum (type of clove cig) was VERY hard to give up though. TRUST ME. I was going through the most stressfull time of my life (watching my dad die of brain cancer, marriage issues, along with the diagnosis) but HAD to take charge of something. It's not an easy thing to do. My father has since passed away (1/13) and I filed for divorce (3/15) but I will NOT start back on the cloves. I've been told that I have an addictive personality and can't trust myself with old bad habits. They are just too easy to continue. You can do it though. Please feel free to check my contact information and contact me directly if you ever need to share something you don't want posted. Did I mention that NO ONE knew that I smoked? LOL! Anyway, I hope this information was helpful, but you can do it. Chew lots of gum, and eat lost of pumpkin or sunflower seeds!! Keep yourself busy and change your patterns around a bit. It does help. Take care and take charge of your destiny!
Posted 3/25/2007 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jezz,

 

    Stressful situations can trigger flares.  Quitting smoking can be hard but don't let that stop you.  If you really want to quit you will be successful!!   Are you trying any kind of withdrawal help system?  That might help with the withdrawal part of it.  You can also try gum, candy, lollipops, just having something in your mouth might help.  Best of luck and I wish you success!

Kimber 

Posted 3/26/2007 1:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hey all -

Thanks for your encouragement.

Kimber - yes, I'm on the nicotine patch. I'm on my last step (started on step 2)

I don't know if it is stress. I'm sure that has some to do w/ it. My neuro says it's my immune system saying "What the heck are you doing?!!!"...hehe... I guess since cigarettes are an immune suppressant, since I took that away, it's doing overtime... I'm on my 7th week, so I hope it's over soon. I seem to be doing better. Finished my second round of steroids last week, and my body seems to take about a week after the steroids to get better. We'll see. Thanks again everyone!

Jezz

Posted 3/26/2007 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Jezz I didn't realize you were into the 7th week, that's excellent!  Sounds like you are on the end of it all though, the flare and the withdrawals.  Keep up the good work, you are doing great!

 

 

Kimber

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