I've read that once you have a disease caused by cigarette smoke, lungs do not heal.
However, I'm reading contradicting stuff about whether lungs repair itself when there is no disease.
I saw a pic of a smokers lungs and it mortified me to the point I threw my cigarettes away and
Have not smoked since, but I'm very anxious and nervous about some of the stuff I'm reading.
I was wondering if anyone had accurate information or could suggest a site that they know for a fact is accurate for me to read.
Thank you,
Kae

Hi friend What the scientific literature says:While quitting smoking brings substantial health benefits at any age, the literature points to “threshold” amounts of smoking that produce irreversible increases in risk for some diseases. Quitting can prevent the risk from increasing further, but the prior cumulative exposure can have permanent consequences.but don't worry the best thing iz that u have stopped smoking,, and friend a non smoker can also have serious disease without having any riskfector so just hope for the best disease iz always from GOD not from anything or from anybody believe me ;;wishing u a happy healthy life,

Hi beautiful Kae : )

My Dad had empahzema - They told my Dad that if he stopped smoking, his condition would not get better, but it would not worsen either.

I'm not sure of the factual information - but I know I'd like you to join me in not smoking.
It's a little over a year for me. I didn't do it alone... I was clung to the thread here that Cbw started and Chantix.

I miss the little guys, but I refuse to go back. It effects so much.

So if you can, keep those cigs thrown away... but I love you either way!

The American Lung Association would have accurate information.
Home - American Lung Association site

My Mother smoked from the age of eighteen until she died at 45. I saw her lungs at the autopsy. Was so glad that, at sixteen, when I tried to smoke a cigarette, I got so sick I threw up and decided smoking was not that worth it.

When I worked as respirtory tech, the medical director of our department said that the lungs can regenerate only so much. Early detection and early smoking cessation are keys to better health.

Gosh Shy, sorry about Mom.

Dad did stop smoking but he had many ailments as well. Silly me has asthma and smoked. How bright am I? But thank God above, I stopped and don't take a second that I don't smoke for gratned. Because I am one puff away from going back but I won't.

It is so hard to quit... but the Chantix medicine really did help.

Sorry again Shy.

Thank you, Allheart. Mom knew, however that she was supposed to stop and refused. Even after being diagnosed with bronchial asthma. And she worked in a hospital! Go figure. There were times I thought about starting to smoke, not sure why anymore, but remembered her coughing so bad and yet reaching for that cigarette.

I sincerely wish you the very best in keeping to your goal of not smoking. It sure is tough to stop and to stay away. Hugssss.

Hugs to you to Shy. And that was me... coughing like crazy... had a cold... took my inhaler... said, hang on a minute... lit my cigarette... and said... go on you were saying..

Like all of that was normal. Even seeing Dad in his condition didn't stop me, until one time I got a terrible cold, never a good thing for an asthmatic, and breathing was optional.

If you could have seen the ladies faces in the asthma doctors office... the cocern, they took me right away. It was then that I thought... my gosh, I am making all of these people worry and it's something I can prevent. That was the clincher.

Hubby still smokes and I don't harp. You will never be able to quit unless you are so bound and determine and even then it can be difficult.

I heard the cigarette companies lace the cigarettes with a more addictive ingredient to keep people hooked. That really made me mad.

Since I stopped, I haven't needed my asthma meds at all.

I don't brag that's for sure -

Thanks so much for the encouragement Shy..

And huge hugs back :)

I have a good friend who is dying of cancer and she is not giving up smoking. Says it is her last pleasure in life - she gave up everything else. The only way I can relate to that is if my doctor told me to give up coffee. Which he has, by the way. Am trying though - have made it to only two cups a day. My goal is to be coffee free by May 1st. ACK!

To anyone who struggles with smoking cessation, you have my best thoughts for your success.

drhani, thank you for your response and the encouragement.

Allheart, I have joined you in the mission to stay smoke free.
I'm using the patch and determination and looking at pictures of rotten lungs
And thinking of my children and, well everything:p
I'm so happy that you have quit smoking especially with how challenging it must be with your husband still smoking. BIG APPLAUSE to you allheart!!

Shy, thank you for the link.
I have spent so much time ignoring, avoiding, and denying the consequences
Of smoking, that visiting the American Lung Association site never occurred to me.
Good luck with quiting caffeine.
That was the last challenge I successfully conquered on my way to a healthier living.
Dealing with the nauseating headaches from withdrawals was the hardest part for me.
Quite the contrary to my thinking that I'd never have energy again without caffeine in my life,
I now have more energy than ever, do not feel tired or burned out in the middle of the day, and get a great nights sleep as well.
Good luck to you on that mission!! And hope you have the same results as I did:D

Thanks for the support everyone!!

My Dear Kae, :)

Every time you normall would go and grab for a new pack of cigarettes, put that money in a glass jar. When you have enough money, call, make an appointment for a facial, massage or pedicure... or all three :).

Sending hugs. Kae, I KNOW you can do this. Aren't you tired of being told where you can smoke? Having to stand outside in all kinds of weather. No one loved us :(. But we love each other and you can do this.!

Hi sweet Shy :)

Why do you have to give up caffeine? :(

High blood pressure, Allheart. I gave up chocolate and soda without too much problem but coffee is my last hold out. Each day gets better.