Well Phil, once again you have enlightened even me. It is sad what nicotine does to our loved ones and friends. I get to watch what it does to my husband every single day. I also get to reap the benefits of smoking for the past 20 years with my asthma (not a good benefit but a bad one). My asthma has gotten so bad lately I have to use my inhaler more than twice a day. When I smoked, I used it maybe once a week. The doctor said it was because smoking was masking my asthma. Guess what, at least I quit BEFORE COPD got me, at least i hope. I cough and cant catch a breath anymore just because I smoked. It also has gotten my oldest and youngest (18 and 6) wtih asthma as I used to smoke in cars (yep with the window down even) and now they are living with asthma because of MY choice. Pathetic.
Keep the Quit
Kim
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/7/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 189
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,735
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $765.45
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 16 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 18
Hi Phil
Well your story says in loud and clear doesn't it. For me it's my mum. She smoked for years and now suffers from COPD which really restricts her big time. She also is on an inhaler everyday and has a nebuliser for when things get really bad. What troubles me more than anything though is the awful sound she makes when she is just simply breathing - there's a real rattle there and she sounds terrible.
That said the lady does inspire me too - she has stopped smoking and has been quit for almost 5 years now.
I can understand your anger - but I can also understand where your friends are too - I was once that addict and I smoked through colds, chest infections and even bhroncitis!!!! Yes, crazy I know but it just shows you to never underestimate that demon - he is strong but I'm finding recently that I am stronger :)
The good news is that we are free - I'm free for 60 days, Kiwi is free for 75 days and has faced huge challenges in that time too. You, Phil, you are free for a whopping 127 days - not sure if you realise it but that is over 1/3 of a year buddy!!!
Lets promise that we will reach tomorrow smoke free too.
Ever onward and all the best
Sharon
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/14/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 60
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 603
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] �161.4
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8
That is undoubtedly true Phil.
One of the most powerful things on this site is the solidarity that we all share - it's huge!!! Knowing that there is a place where we can come and just be is wonderful - we can rant and rave, reach out, celebrate and support - it's pretty groovy here.
We are like regular wee musketeers - all for one and one for all :)
All the best mate
Sharon
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/14/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 60
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 603
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] �161.4
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 49 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33
Gidday Phil,
Stories like this are all too common, but that does not make them any less tragic. I feel so sorry for these nicotine junkies and it makes me grateful that I am beating this beast once and for all.
KiwiKeith
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/29/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 75
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,879
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $870
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 58 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26