Introduction

[Walrus22]

Hi all I'm Ian I'm 54 and after 40 years of 40/60 a day I've officially become a non smoker for 12weeks but I can't get my chest to clear and struggling with breathing I've been using prednisolone as prescribed to no effect I'm open to any advice if anyone else has had the same problem... Ian

[diesel12]

Patience. I had the same thing when I stopped, the pharmacist explained that when you smoke, the chemicals  in tobacco paralyse all the nodules (?) in your throat and lungs as the bodies natural reaction is to say NOOOO! So when you stop smoking they all start coming back to life but because they are not used to being able to sort out the good stuff from the bad they are super sensitive and you end up coughing and choking on everything. It does settle down, just give yourself some time but if in doubt, back to the doctors.

Well done with the stopping smoking xxx

[Walrus22 in reply to diesel12]

OK thanks diesel

[Hidden]

Hello Ian and welcome.

You have done really well at giving up - it is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do, but, like childbirth, the agony fades in time and 12 weeks is great.

Seriously- your body is doing it's best to recover after the punishment of years, I know; I have been there. diesel's advice is spot on and good luck to you.  We are all here for you at any time, day or night there will usually be someone around to help with advice or just a chat.

[Walrus22 in reply to Hidden]

OK thank you Jennifer...

[Hidden]

Well done Ian on giving up, it takes time to feel any benefits, but for long term health it's the best thing for u. Xx Sonia xx

[Lolly2]

Hi Ian,

Huge congratulations on quitting!!!  I quit after the same amount of time, and now it is 10 years since I quit.  I had the same problems as you, and it continued for a while.  You may get lots of niggles-type things cropping up.  Usually they all go in a bit.  Do take advice from any other quitters you meet, as they have been there, done it and got the t-shirt.  Keep as fit as you can, as I did not/could not, and now I am on oxygen 24/7.

It took 40 years to damage things in your body, so it may take some time for your body to heal.  BTW, I have gone through childbirth, and it was easier than quitting cigarettes!

[Magpuss]

First and foremost - brilliant! You've stopped smoking, well done! Don't worry about the coughing or the breathlessness, it will go - it just takes time for your lungs to clear out the gunk. In the meantime remember to keep a few cough sweets in your pocket for when you need them - I found Imps, those tiny liquorice ones from the chemists particularly good when I stopped. (Ten years ago, this month) - 👋🏻👋🏻, giving myself a pat on the back, & here's yours 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻.

[Walrus22]

LOL.,....thankfully I don't have to go through the child birth bit I was diagnosed with two aneurisms in 2013 and had one of those operated on a week before Christmas last year plus I have a few other health issues.. But I just get on with it

[Titchy52]

Walrus22  well-done you will feel worse before u feel better but don't give up I've given up 13yrs best thing I've ever done god knows how bad my copd would have been otherwise best wishes x

[Tee1008]

Hello Walrus, nice to meet you.  It does take time to get over the effects of years of smoking but you mention being on prednisolone.  That is for an infection....back to the doctor??

Well done for your hard work giving up!

Tee x

[megannell]

" Be and Feel so proud of yourself. Ian....WELL DONE!! To you..I think that diesel12s... well written post cant be bettered by me.. I'm stage 4 with a very low fev1..27% at the moment and have been smoke free since my Diagnose... 2 years this very Month☹.. It took me months and months to feel the benefits of not smoking.. And so will you too..keep us informed with your amazing progress....and keep positive..your amongst friends...Megan."

[katieoxo60]

Hello Walrus22, well done to give up smoking, it takes some time for the body to adjust back to non smoker status especially if you have been smoking most of your life, you have taken the first step that's what counts. I gave up after around forty years and have been a non smoker for ten years now, sadly due to COPD I still have chest problems but much lesser having given up smoking, so it does pay to keep up the non smoking, try lots of warm drinks, chew gum and avoid smoky places for now. Good luck and every best wish.

[FarmerD]

A few more weeks and you will feel the full benefit of your struggle.It will be worth it.All the hidden stuff in fags is there to stop you stopping so well done ,keep up the fight!D.