HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Smoking and still in remission for 4 weeks and counting

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/29/2008 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
No meds. I won't say much for fear of being locked out.
Posted 1/29/2008 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

It's great to hear that you're still in remission.  I'm a former smoker (diagnosed with UC soon after I quit) and though I'm not considering taking up smoking again, it's useful to read your experiences as there's very little information on ex-smokers who have actually gotten into and stayed in remission after taking up smoking again.  All the best.

Posted 1/29/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was like you where as long as I smoked, I went into remission, problem is that everytime I tried to quit, no matter what I used for help, I would flare. The last time I tried to quit I had been on no meds for about 2 years and in May of 07 I used Chantix and would recommend it for anyone who wants to quit. By June, however I was in the worst flare I have ever had and prednisone, imuran, and remicade couldn't fix it and I had to have my colon removed. I started smoking again because of the frustration of the ostomy and wanting to feel "normal" whatever that is now for me. The point I really want to make is that if you do decide to quit smoking, please go back on Imuran for a time before you do quit and let your GI know of your plans. I got cocky and thought that since I went 2 years without any problems or medication, that somehow I would be ok, boy was I wrong! For years, no one believed me including doctors that I did better when I smoked, too bad it wasn't them on the bathroom floor shoving enemas in their rears!! nono
Posted 1/29/2008 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
How many do you have to smoke a day to keep you from flaring?  Do you still have some issues with your BM's or are they normal?

Posted 1/30/2008 12:14 AM (GMT 0)

ithurtsmom said...
How many do you have to smoke a day to keep you from flaring? Do you still have some issues with your BM's or are they normal?

I have no issues at all. I have calculated that I smoke 9/10 pack a day or 18 cigs. I am 61 so I can take chances. I would not recommend anyone to start.
Posted 1/30/2008 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
JM, your last thread wasn't locked due to content. It was because there were arguments that were going that just don't belong on a support forum. I think that it's great you are still doing good. I don't preach to anyone about their choices so no codemnation from me :)

But yes, I have to agree......I also highly don't recommend that someone start smoking in hopes that it will ease their Uc symptoms.
Posted 1/30/2008 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear it's working for you. Since you were unlucky enough to develop UC, hopefully the health fairy will protect you from the bad effects of smoking. Sometimes we just have to choose the lesser of two evils, if we can just figure out what that is!
Posted 1/30/2008 3:35 PM (GMT 0)

Judilyn said...
Glad to hear it's working for you. Since you were unlucky enough to develop UC, hopefully the health fairy will protect you from the bad effects of smoking. Sometimes we just have to choose the lesser of two evils, if we can just figure out what that is!

As the moderator, do you know if any doctors visit this forum? I think they should and keep an open mind. I just got a new primary care physician (insurance change) and after telling her about the success of my smoking, she said we have a smoking cessation program to stop smoking. I looked at her and said "you got to be kidding". I had already told her I had been quit for 3 years and only started again on 2 Jan 2008. She evidently either did not listen or did not believe the success that it has given me. I told her I would not stop smoking so she then said she would prescribe an inhaler that would help keep my lungs clean. Has anyone ever heard of an inhaler that would do that. I know cigs have chemicals in them and I also know how they affect me (total of 30 years smoking off and on), but what I don't know is how all of these other drugs for UC would affect me long term. Your liver and other organs will have to process these and I don't want to take a chance on long term use. It is rear that I will take any chemical in my system including pain killers etc.. I have always said that if I am just uncomfortable I will not take anything. I don't want my system to get use to some medication and then when I am in real pain that it doesn't work.
Posted 1/30/2008 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Weird...I've never heard of an inhaler that can keep your lungs clean. I want one! Do you know what it's called?
Posted 1/30/2008 7:34 PM (GMT 0)

Sara14 said...
Weird...I've never heard of an inhaler that can keep your lungs clean. I want one! Do you know what it's called?

I didn't think to ask, but when I get it I will let you know. It is being mailed to me from the VA.
Posted 1/30/2008 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad you are in remission, and don't want to start an argument over this. I just want to state that I have seen the effects of smoking when my Mom died of Emphysema last year, and I'd rather take a chance with the UC meds any day. I understand your doctor's reasoning. I hope you continue to do well.
Posted 1/30/2008 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone picks their poison. Some choose meds, others cigarettes, and I chose surgery. The one irony I see in your statement was your fear of "long term side effects" from meds. Since you smoke you won't have to worry about any long term side effects!

I am a former smoker. I quit over 20 years ago and long before I was diagnosed with UC. I have read over the years how smoking can keep the UC symptoms at bay. Although I really desired remission in my last flare, I didn't want to smoke and sacrifice my athletic life.

I wish you continued good health on both ends! Oh, even though the inhaler might help keep your lungs clear, it will not help prevent cancer.

Sue
Posted 1/30/2008 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
To each his own. I would rather smoke and be free of this disgusting illness. It is that simple. As for the risks of smoking, well, there are risks to having an inflamed colon too.
Posted 1/30/2008 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
JM, if any of our members are physicians, I'm not aware of it. I doubt a doc would identify as such here, for fear of being inundated with questions from all of us. It could be that some browse the board, but most of them spend their time trying to keep up with medical journals, I think.

Most GP's and internists don't see a whole lot of IBD, and since they don't follow us for it, they don't really understand what some of us go through. So she's giving you the standard "good" medical advice. You properly explained to her that you've chosen which risk you care to take, and that's certainly your right. I'm glad she was willing to work with your plan and offer what she can to help keep your lungs healthy. She sounds like a keeper to me!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply