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UPDATE on smoking to help UC

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Posted 10/16/2013 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I truly believe that smoking cigarettes is what helped me get out of my most recent/worst ever flare.

I was seriously worried that the flare would end my life.

My intent was to continue to smoke 1 or 2 per day to try to maintain remission.

Well, I couldn't handle it.

I tried to convince myself that I was taking a dose of unpleasant medicine, but couldn't continue. 

Hated everything about it.

That being said, I am not 100% symptom-free, but I am not flaring either.

At the first sign of a flare, I will try smoking again to see if I can take care of it before it hits me too hard.

Posted 10/16/2013 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
I wondered how you were doing...so glad you are out of the horrible flare. How long has it been since you stopped smoking?

Thanks for updating!
B
Posted 10/16/2013 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Were you a previous smoker?
Posted 10/16/2013 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I smoke when I feel a flare coming on. If I have symptoms, I usually go buy a pack. You can tell something is off if you see me with cigarettes. It helps me to destress. I know it's an awful habit but I figure, for me, it's better than going into months of flaring, being unable to get to work and losing my source of income. I have no financial support from anyone aside from myself, if I were unable to make income, I would have no where to live.
Posted 10/16/2013 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
@ gary yes I was a previous smoker.  Not sure why sometimes my signature / history shows up and other times it doesn't.  My first flare hit me 6 months after I gave up the cigs in 2009.

@ hateuc I haven't smoked a cig in at least 2 months.  I probably consumed 3 packs in total before I quit dosing myself with them again.

Posted 10/16/2013 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
quick reply = sig
post reply= you have to check the box
Posted 10/16/2013 2:17 PM (GMT 0)

soystud said...

post reply= you have to check the box

Thanks - that explains everything.
Posted 10/16/2013 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I experienced a horrible flare when I quit smoking. That was what ultimately led me to getting dx.

With that said, regular cigs are horrible for your health. I now smoke an ecig all the time and it seems to help. I get more nicotine now than when I smoke, but my lungs feel wonderful and I don't stink. I'd recommend smart green living ecigs. Look them up, $20 for a started kit (I bought 2, so I always have a charged battery.) it is only about $16 bucks for 5 refill carts = 5 packs. I get the Acai berry.
Posted 10/16/2013 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
I smoke sometimes when I feel stressed. Tried E-cigs but they didn't help since here in Canada E-cigs with Nicotine are not allowed :(. Just flavored smoke.
Posted 10/18/2013 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
@ determinedtobeatuc

I have been using an ecig since I quit smoking.  3 ml of 24 mg/ml nicotine per day.

It's not the nicotine that helps me in a flare.  Is is anatabine?  Whole tobacco alkaloids?  Carbon monoxide?  Nobody knows, but there are research articles discussing it.

So, even though you have a cute ecig there (mine are monsters with kick) IF you do find yourself in a flare nothing else will touch, you could TRY a real cig if you're so inclined.  I would have tried almost anything...

Posted 10/18/2013 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Geeker,

I tried this but unfortunately didnt have any success for me if im honest when i was flaring every time i had a drag on a cigarette and inhaled it, made me wanna run to the toilet i find it helps when im constipated to be honest to get things moving if you know what i mean.

From what i understand though its the nicotine that does help as it relaxes you, if i go into a flare again i think im going to try patches apparently 14mg is around the right amount needed.

Cheers

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