Smokers
 

I have been trying to get my mate to stop smoking for years now, and she always has an excuse - she sees it as a valid reason and not an excuse.

She has crohns and says it helps to stop the inflamation and whn she has tried to stop her Crohns flares up badly.

She also says that she has read statistics that prove that smokers come round quicker in the recovery room after having surgery.

Can this be true? I am sure she is just validating to herself her reasons for continuing to smoke.

Re: Smokers
 

If she didn't smoke she might be less likley to need surgery in the first place. Her argument is like suggesting a guy wears a condom 24/7 just incase he gets lucky.

Re: Smokers
 

Smokers take longer to heal in general. They are more likely to have problems with anaesthetics so I would assume would be more likely to have problems in recovery room. There is absolutely no evidence anywhere that says smoking is good for ANY medical condition. Crohn's is not kept under control by smoking. Your friend has an addiction and is trying to justify it to herself and anyone else willing to listen.

Re: Smokers
 

You will not be able to 'stop' your friend smoking, she needs to want to stop. Smokers will use any excuse to carry on with their habit, as do alcoholics ect.
I have friends who smoke because it 'stops' them putting on weight, the fact that their skin looks grey and their breath and clothes smell means nothing to them.
You could easily prove that her excuses are not valid, but believe me, she will not listen.
jacqui

Re: Smokers
 

Thanks - I think I kinda new that - it's just that she is so ill and grey and always hacking away with a cough - why does she continually spout this stuff though - surely she can't really beleive it???

Re: Smokers
 

Addicts will tell themselves anything so they don't have to quit.

Re: Smokers
 

As a born again ex smoker (positively evangelical about not smoking now..) I can vouch for the fact that no one can 'make' anyone else give up...

Post surgical complications are higher amongst smokers... There is plenty of evidence to support this.

But that should be the LAST of her worries..

Subtle hints ... ie not stepping outside with her when in a public place, moving away from her when she lights up, stop visiting her if she smokes in her own home... After all do you want to suffer the effects of passive smoking?

Hows about YOU give up.... trying to persuade her to stop, Its none of your business and if anything the constant nagging/interest in her smoking status creates extra attention, leave it out, lead by example and let her get on with it..

You can't 'save' her, only she can save herself...

Re: Smokers
 

She probably does know how bad smoking is for her health, it is far easier to carry on smoking than to give up.
What a nice person you are for caring about her so much.
jacqui

Re: Smokers
 

As a smoker Sarah, I can say if she wants to stop she will and if she doesn't she won't - it's that simple.

I say I want to stop all the time, and part of me does but then there's a bit of me that really enjoys sitting down with a nice cup of tea and a ciggie - so until I stop enjoying it there's not a cat in hell's chance I will stop, whether I'm ill or not.

You're lovely for being worried about her, but you'll probably make her more determined not to stop by telling her to all the time. ;)

Re: Smokers
 

i don't constantly nag her - and she lives in UK and I am in Oz - but she is my best mate and i do care about her.

She has been so ill recently and she has a 16 year old daughter who s following in her footsteps by smoking.

I know I can't save her - but I wish I could:(

When I went back to the UK last year - I stayed with her for a couple of days and she smoked outside while I was there - but the house absolutely smelled terribly of smoke. And so did she.

When i see her on msn I alsways say - put down that bloody fag woman!

And when she comments on how ill she is/has been - i tell her to quit smoking and she will feel the benefit.

i know she will only stop when she wants to but she never will want to - and that is so sad.

Re: Smokers
 

I used this excuse also for years as i suffer with stress, however i gave up 7 months ago in preparation for moving to Oz and have found my stress levels and gone right down because im not worried so much about my health anymore.

It is hard to watch someone smoke, however that person wont be able to give up untill they really want to it a hard slog. I had motivation which made it easier for me.

I am sure she will see the light eventually but untill then you will need to just bite your tongue.:)

Re: Smokers
 

Try buying your friend The book "Alan Carrs easyway to stop smoking". In order to stop smoking smokers need to realise that its not an enjoyable habit but a plain and simple nicotine addiction. Try smoking one after the other without that cup of tea or coffee or chewing gum after and just see how revolting it actually tastes.
BTW i am a smoker, i was an ex smoker but started again after 3 years for reasons i don't want to go into but i am getting ready to stop again and very much look forward to being free from my nicotine addiction.
Most smokers will justify their addiction any way possible so try getting your friend to read this book if you can. I hope this helps:)

Re: Smokers
 

You want to get someone to quit something? (and this means anything, for we all have our vices that strike others as detrimental to our lives ...)

Don't nag them about it.

And for Christ's sake don't buy them a book about stopping unless you want to lose a friend as well.

Re: Smokers
 

Well guys today is my last day of fagging it!!!!!

There! Iv put it in writing now so I have to do it tomorrow, I have my patches ready and this time Im gonna do it!!!:blink: I hope.

Amanda

Ill let you know how Im getting on :o

Re: Smokers
 

substitute fruit juice with chewing gums and candies.

hope this may help :)

Re: Smokers
 

as with alcoholics you won't get a smoker to give up until they decide to give up themselves.
I teach smoking cessation and have a sis who is a smoker she knows she should give up but she doesn't really want to because she is not ready yet.

It is sad watching someone slowly kill themselves with smoking but there is not a lot you can do besides give them the information on why they should stop and then leave it up to them, constant reminders make them more determined not to give up:(

Re: Smokers
 

It makes me MAD....:frown:......you want your friend to do something that YOU want her to do and she doesn't!!!
Everyone who smokes know the risks that go with it......and some people are happy to live like that.....and if that is what SHE wants, then YOU have to learn to live with and respect her decision.....
I am a smoker, have given up a couple of times, but once a smoker, always a smoker....
Last time i gave up was August 2006 as we went to Oz Oct'06 and i knew being a smoker, i couldn't do the flight without a cig....I loved not smelling of cigarettes, (and so did my OH), no yellowing fingers, smelly clothes, and knew someone who smoked by them just walking past me as i got my sense of smell back, and everything i ate tasted soooo good....it was great to be able to say to people that i had given up, and for all the good and benefits i had being a non-smoker, i started again feb/march'07...
why?? cause i was bloody miserable!!
I ENJOY smoking....yes its a habit, but i really do enjoy having a cigarette...and the other thing, i put on nearly 4 STONE in just those months of not smoking....went from a size 12 to a size 18!!and that wasn't from picking....or eating the wrong things, i just ate what i normally did....but boy was i sad...:(
Since being back on the cig's i am back down to a size 14 and still have about a stone and a half to lose having lost 2st 6lb already, i am back to being smelly, but incredibly happy.....i know alot of it is a psychological thing, but right now in my life i would rather be slim, happy and a smoker, than a fat, miserable non-smoker!! Everyone benefits from having a happy mum/wife, and i've never smoked in our house so am not inflicting it on them....
Everyone is entitled to live their life the way they want to, and if smoking is part of that, so be it....sure, smoking kills, but have a look at the statistics on alcohol-related deaths!! Smokers are getting pushed out of society, but wouldn't everyone moan if all smokers gave up, where would the gov get the taxes from then??
This used to be a free country....;) but now it seems only if you fit!!

Re: Smokers
 

you are still free to smoke.
Unfortunately that stuff about taxes is not true I had to research this for my degree and I always thought that smokers paid for themselves however that is not true the costs of smoking outweighs the taxes produced, however smoking is not illegal and smokers shouldn't be discriminated against.
the OP is just concerned for her friend she is not having a pop at smokers:D

Re: Smokers
 

My 11 year old daughter has a bowel disease called Ulcerative Colitis.......and over the years I have read quite a few articles regarding Chrones/UC becoming passive/less active when the patient smoked.
Can't say for sure but I have been on many sites researching these inflammatory bowel diseases..........and it seems to be true that smoking can help certain people reduce their symptoms.
Seems to be stress related and smoking reduced their stress levels.....hence a milder flare up or remission.
Beth x x :wub:

Re: Smokers
 

I showed this to my sister, she packed in next day.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HHA0HRjDgc8

Re: Smokers
 

Taxes. Well the money could come from the billions saved on not treating smoking related diseases which far outweigh the taxes on cigarettes.

Its not a free country - its a democratic society. And that means when the clear majority of people don't want something around them, such as smoking then this can be legislated against.

I think even the most ardent smoker realises deep down that they are on a sinking ship both socially and from a health perspective.

Re: Smokers
 

I miss smoking. Im glad I dont anymore and I wont go back but I miss it.

Especially with a pint.

Or after sex.

I loved my smokes I did. :(

Re: Smokers
 

My favourite time for a smoke was while driving. I just couldn't put the car in gear until I'd lit that fag. Or with a cup of coffee after dinner. Or after sex. Or while having a drink. Or while watching TV. Or really any time. I did like smoking, although am glad we don't do it anymore.

Re: Smokers
 

:eek: If all smokers gave up, you would still have most diseases that are related to smoking, just wouldn't be able to blame smoking for them.....:blink:
Smokers know the damage it does to their body, and whilst i try not to inflict my addiction on others, i do get irate the way smokers are slated.....even when i was a non-smoker it would make me mad...i just think it's a personal choice to smoke or not, and that the OP should just accept the decision her friend has made to be a smoker, and whilst i know she has her friends best interests to mind, should let her live her life they way she chooses to...:thumbup:


I enjoyed being a non-smoker, to the point that i am going to quit again....:thumbsup: my biggest downside is putting on the weight...i have a really big issue with that which is why i started again....:(
Until i do give up again, i'll have 1 for you.....just let me know which 1 that'll be:rofl::p

Re: Smokers
 

Well guys its almost 24 hours since my last fag, and Im pleased to say Im doing ok!!!!!:) suck my patch on this morning, Iv chewed a few more chewing gums than I normaly would, and I walked for 30 mins along burns beach, so day 1 is almost over and Im giving myself a pat on the back :o Ill report back in a few days if that ok with you guys.

Amanda :lol:

Re: Smokers
 

Best of luck Amanda. If you keep up the walking you should have no problem with weight gain, either.

I know for some people it can be extremely difficult to quit. I was one of the lucky ones who just stopped and never really had a problem. As a matter of fact I went to light up one day and realised as I pulled a ciggie out of the pack that I hadn't had one in a few days. It was then and there that I decided I was now a non-smoker. It also helped that I was 8 weeks pregnant and the mere thought of anything stronger than air made me yak.

Re: Smokers
 

Hey....Well Done!! :thumbsup:

I'll give you another pat on the back....:wink_smile:

Keep it up and yes, would like to hear how you get on...

Re: Smokers
 

You know you're supposed to put the patches on your skin, not suck them. That would give you one hell of a blast of nicotene :eek:

JTL

Only joking, keep going...

Re: Smokers
 

I enjoyed being a non-smoker, to the point that i am going to quit again....:thumbsup: my biggest downside is putting on the weight...i have a really big issue with that which is why i started again....:(
Until i do give up again, i'll have 1 for you.....just let me know which 1 that'll be:rofl::p[/QUOTE]


Hiye,

I understand completely about the weight issue. I gave up smoking a few weeks ago and having lost over 5 stone I was terrified of putting weight back on. I could have eaten all day long in the first few days after giving up but it will pass. You just need to be aware of what you are putting in your mouth. I eat fat free jelly and fruit. I do jog 3 miles a day so that helps me. I feel great now without the cigs. For me it was only a habit not a nicotine thing so once I broke the habit I was fine. Best of luck to you :thumbsup:

Re: Smokers
 

Thanks Helena, the actual giving up smoking was fine, because i wanted to do it, and staying off the cigs was ok, till the clothes started getting really tight...no what i mean..:frown:
I promised my OH and kids when i started again, that i would give up when i had lost weight and gone back to what i was originally, and am just over halfway there...:thumbsup: why is it it takes longer to lose than to put on....:blink:
i went up to 13st12lbs which is quite alot when your only 5ft3, and am now at 11st4lbs, would like to get to around the 9st 7lb/10st mark, though jogging 3 miles a day is out the question:eek:
congrats to you for doing so well....:thumbsup:

Re: Smokers
 

ditto....... I feel your pain

Re: Smokers
 

You are doing really well :thumbsup: Keep it up, you have done really well :thumbsup: I used to be 13 st 8lbs and I am only 5 feet tall :eek: I am now 8 st 4lbs. I have to admit that I did buy cigs a couple of weeks ago although I did not open them. I thought, God I'd rather die of cancer than put weight back on, so I bought them but I came to my senses :thumbsup:
Keep up the good work

Helena

Re: Smokers
 

My Dad had colitis and it definately worsened when he stopped smoking. He restarted (GP's advice :eek:) and it got much better and was manageable. This was when he was 47. He died at 65 from lung cancer :(

Re: Smokers
 

Sorry to hear about your Dad :wub:
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are bloody horrible......and I'm not suprised your Dad's GP suggested he started smoking again to help ease his symtoms.
I've been warned that my 11 year old has a much higher chance of developing bowel cancer at some point in her life..........and my gran died of breast cancer but she didn't smoke.
Life is short when you look back........so we want to give our kids some happy memories........hopefully in Oz :thumbup:
Beth x x :wub:

Re: Smokers
 

I read that book and after 20+ years of smoking and trying alsorts to give up, I did it with the book 3 weeks before my wedding 3 years ago and have not looked back..no cravings and no regrets!!

But as others say until your friend is ready then she wont....

Re: Smokers
 

Good luck Amanda - you can do it.:thumbsup:

The next 2 weeks will be the hardest. After that you are NO LONGER an addict!! Everything else is habit.

If you feel like a ciggie, come on BE and we'll all chat to you until the feeling has passed.:thumbup:

Re: Smokers
 

Thanks guys for the support :thumbup:

Amanda

Re: Smokers
 

How's it going? Have you got to 48 hours yet?

It gets easier every day.:thumbup:

Re: Smokers
 

Thanks for all the replies - and good luck for the ones who are on their way to quitting!

I have been free for 10 years now and am also just winning the battle of the bulge......:)

Re: Smokers
 

Good luck!
I'm giving up on Good Friday as we're going camping and I thought the change of scenery would help. I'm actually looking forward to it :)
Just hope I don't want to climb the walls of the tent ;)