I want to step away from the caravan to get something off my mind. Maybe it will also help someone in the process.
Does quitting smoking cure all your illnesses? I think we all know better than that.
I smoked my last cigarette at 11PM 11/21/2013.
On 11/22/2013, I underwent 10 hours of surgery for a triple bypass.
Was I cured?
No, my heart is still weak. My blood pressure is considered low and I can't perfuse my body well.
I had masses in my lungs. Did quitting cure those?
No, they are still there. They aren't growing, but still there. I have scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on them.
I have to have tests on my vascular system to keep a check on it. Is the balloning in my Aorta cured because I quit? No, but maybe it won't get worse.
Is my COPD cured because I quit?
No, but I'm not damaging my lungs with poison anymore. I have to take medications and treatments to ensure my airways are open so I can breath. I have to work every minute to breath.
Am I bitter?
No, I chose to do this to my body because I didn't know better at the time.
I have to take each thing as it develops now.
Your body will heal itself if the damage you have done isn't too severe. It takes time, but your body will heal.
I want to thank each and every person I have met here, especially those that have helped me along my journey. Be well, and keep those quits going strong.
I ask you to please forgive the ramblings of this old caravan master. He might have baked his brain out there in that desert.
I think it is time to mount back up on my camel and get back to work.
Keep them away from your face.
One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.
Larry the Caravan Master
