Is this a wierd reason to give up smoking ... ?

[Paul_Smith]

Hi

I gave up smoking 28th July, I got a bad cough, went to my local health - centre and was promptly told I had COPD because I was a smoker and my lung capacity was down to 40%.

I was sent for a chest x-ray and given antibiotics and steroids .... the thing was x-ray slip had reason for x-ray and it said COPD ? Chest Infection ?

I was scared ... but more mad because of the ?

I'm using gum and seeing a local chemist quitting thing for 12 weeks .... when asked by chemist reason for giving up I said mad at the health centre a-holes.

she "translated" this to "so you are strong willed" lol.

I dont have many friends, but I'm finding I have more energy and I am sleeping alot better than I was ... this is keeping me going. I also live not far from a hilly woods

which has lead me to re-discover walking alot more I try and aim for at least an hour if not more per day.

Hope this is ok for my 1st post

[Hidden]

Anything which makes us quit cigarettes has to be good. It really sounds as though it has already had great benefit - more energy and better sleeping, more walking - all very positive. Perhaps (probably) I'm being thick but why did the doctor querying your having a chest infection make you mad?

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Paul Welcome to the forum and your post is good.

I was also being warned of COPD and that was it.!!!!!..... I did not even got steroids or antibiotics just a starter pack Champix with the words stop smoking and come back after 3 months.

Well Paul I did stop to smoke and rediscovered a wonderful smoke free world out there and after the initial few weeks suffering I started to take control of my life and make my own happiness.

Believe me... It was a roller coaster ride but worth every single moment.... Be positive and the activity is super good for you...!

Stay strong and keep us informed....!

[nsd_user663_63998]

Welcome Paul and congratulations !! The way I see it, any reason to quit smoking is a perfectly good reason, so well done!!

Its lovely that your reaping the rewards - having that extra energy and nice sleep is something many of us here are still hoping to find

Your doing well, keep it up and visit here often - there are many nice folks here going through the same thing and want to offer you support.

[Paul_Smith]

Chickweed .... it was the could be COPD or could be chest infection .... it got me mad ... like I was being palmed off as a typical "smoker" not patient/human being

and amazingly stopping smoking was never mentioned. At that point I wished there had been a "am I a doctor ?" option. lol

thanks for the warm welcome Que & Hercu

[Canwes 1000 Days Smoke Free]

Any inspiration to quit smoking is good. take it and run with , you'll be happy in the long run.

[nsd_user663_64024]

Hi Paul

It appears that as soon as you get an asthma attack a chest infection or bronchitis if your a smoker they will tell you you have COPD this is standard practise, and we probably do given the years and amounts we have smoked, millions are sufferers all over the world but whether it's severe or mild it's certainly a reason to rethink our lifestyles and give ourselves a reality check, if this means giving up smoking and getting more exercise it can't be bad can it. I was tested when I had a full blown attack of bronchitis and told I have the lungs of a 90 yr old,I weigh 54 Kls and they even sent me to a dietician? well I was angry too because why would you test someone who is really sick to start with, I thought well if a non smoker was as sick as I was they would probably have got the same test result as I did but they probably would just have prescribed anti biotics and sent them on there merry way, now I am not sick anymore I can still climb up and down 3 sets of stairs as I do everyday going to work and walk over 3 kms a day without any issues, I am due to go back to the Drs on Monday for another test so truth will be told then. Anyway that's my little rant for the day, you are doing well Paul in your quest keep it up and let us know how you get on in the future.

[Paul_Smith]

This is very true Jillibean53 .... good luck with your appointment, I had my lungs tested (all done electronically now) I've been luck(ish) apparently a non-smoker would be 96 - 100 %

I came in at 94 ... so reality check learned ... I've been given a HandiHaler with tiotropium capsules and have to return in a month.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Paul That is actually very good news and I am happy for you.

Stay strong on the road to recovery !!

[nsd_user663_64191]

I think its fabulous that you quit....Honestly, the fact that you quit is really the main point here! Some of us look for a sign, anything that gives us that push to give up the ciggies. The fact that you have given them up makes you a winner hands down! Congratulations and you have just become my newest hero

[Paul_Smith]

Thanks Sophia and Hercu and all really ... this board is great and I'm sure it will eat up parts of time when temptation comes knocking. Which I'm sure it will its nice to know

your not alone and its nice hearing everyone's stories & support