10 months not smoking - what's normal?

TL;DR: How am I supposed to feel after 10 months of not smoking and what is normal? Does throat clearing, air hunger and the odd lung ache persist even at this stage of quitting? When does it all get better?

Hi all - joining this community for the first time and thought I'd reach out. I've been smoking for 11 years and have stopped smoking for 10 months. I seem to be doing just fine with it all and look forward to the health benefits.

But even at this stage, I occasionally I get 'air hunger', experience every now and then a dull ache in the lungs (not painful and goes away soon enough), and find that I clear my throat regularly.

Having said that, I've been keeping fit and don't find daily activity much of a struggle. I cycle often and do two 10k runs per week and don't suffer from it. The symptoms I have and what I am able to do are a bit contradictory, so I feel rather confused. Most websites say that after 9 months, lung capacity will have improved and that I would be well onto the road for recovery. What it doesn't mention however is how one should feel.

Any ex-smokers out there able to help answer this question through their own experience would be vey much appreciated and would give me great peace of mind. I'm going to have a telephone appointment with the GP in the next few days to discuss, but wanted to reach out to this community also. I hope it's nothing serious like lung cancer.

Many thanks,

J

[peege]

Hi, you've done the very best thing you can do for your future health in stopping smoking and keeping up the exercise.

I've never been addicted to tobacco or smoking but been a member for over 7 years but read so much here about others experiences. It seems people are very different in their post smoking symptoms. Some are okay after smoking for 30 years other take six months other longer. Some asthmatics still smoke with mild emphysema/copd, it's very weird.

You've had 11 years of addictive noxious substances settling in your lungs so it stands to reason it may take a while. A friend 's (who has severe copd) mother died recently of dementia related issues, not because she was still smoking like a chimney at 95. Weird.

Good luck, some ex smokers will be along soon. P

[Hidden in reply to peege]

Thanks for your response. Indeed these sorts of things are strange and vary from person to person. I think it will be a matter of time till I realise what the long-term affects of those 11 years are as well as from a later consultation. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. Best, J

[Hidden]

Feel as good as you feel - the fitness achievement is fantastic, that you are able to achieve it incredible. I know some people with damaged lungs can achieve so much more than most.

Possible you have some lung damage from the smoking and that is what you are feeling when you over exert.

I certainly felt like I could breathe easier after stopping smoking but from my diagnosis I could not run at all - well max 6 steps.

Do you actually have a diagnosis already?

I gave up around 16 years ago now, so recall of how I was after 10 months is probably faded.

Congratulations with your achievements, stopping smoking, staying smoke free and fitness levels.

Keep up the good work. I am sure your doctor will be able to put your mind at rest.

Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the praise, Bkin. I guess the fact that I have the symptoms yet can do exercise with ease makes this situation a bit odd. Perhaps it's minor damage that irreversible, but not to the extent that I'm unable to function. Consulting with the GP now, so I hope to get a few answers, given the current C-19 situation. Hope to share more widely when I know a little more. I trust that you are managing fine. Best wishes, J

[Oshgosh]

When I gave up smoking over 30 years ago I got loads f coughs,colds etc.

After a year or so,it seemed to settle down a bit.

I hoe some one can answer your question

[Hidden in reply to Oshgosh]

Thanks Oshgosh. Seems like I'm having similar symptoms to what you had when you stopped. Got off the phone to the GP right now and the fact that I'm able to do the running etc. suggests there is nothing to be concerned about and that I should monitor for the time being. Cheers again, J

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

Hi it might be a good idea to put your post in the Quit group on here as well.

[Oshgosh]

I think you may be right.if you can do exercise like you do,you are on the right track.

I think it takes a while for your bod to clear itself of toxins etc from smiling.

Before lockdown. Was talking to the sentist. We agreed that the smoking cessation as peddled by Govt don’t care etc doesn’t really. Cut the mustard.

When you e given up,it smokes,there’s no long term back up regarding 1- health issues

2- resisting the temptation to start smoking again.

Sorry to go on,

Keep up the good work

[Catnip]

Greetings

I stopped smoking about 20 years ago now, after 40 years of indulging. I didn't know that I'd also got the Alpha-1 deficiency at the time either. There are times when I could kill for a fag, despite the fact that I'm now on palliative care. I think that I'd done too much damage to my lungs for much improvement to take place; however, I've had the extra 20 years, for which I'm grateful.

I may not have answered your question -- but you've done the best thing possible and once all the gunge and rubbish is out of your lungs, you'll feel much better. The coughing will stop, and you'll be able to do more.

Hang in there - it's worth every extra minute of being alive.

Cheers

Catnip