I think the first time I tried to quit smoking was in 2006 or 2007. That was the first time I noticed being short of breath. I joined what was then quitnet I think, and was successful for awhile. I even made it to the Lodge. The folks who were on back then we're so supportive and it was super easy to maneuver the site. This one is going to take me a little getting used to.
Anywhoooo - Fast forward, many many quit attempts, many illnesses, shortness of breath, coughing attacks from hell. In 2017, I had a good 4 month quit going and went to see a Pulmonologist, she did all the testing, including the Lung Cancer screening and told me I had won the golden ticket for quitting before anything serious happened to me.
Now, 2021 - battled COVID last year, went to see Pulmonary doc, had all the tests, etc., still need to have the lung cancer screening, but she called to tell me, you now have COPD STAGE 4, 30% lung function and 229% air trapping in your lungs. Talk about a kick in the head.
This quit feels different, this one is to save my life. The other one's I thought were to save my life, but this one feels like the real deal.
I know my triggers, I'm ready and have already combatted some. This time I armed my self with some NRT, to help me, Nicotrol inhalers, seems to really be helping take the edge off. I use my nebulizer every morning when I get up to "get me going" which I need, almost feels like the replacement for the morning sickarette.
Dr. told me if I don't quit now, I won't be around in 10 years. WAKE UP CALL and I'm only 58 and very young at heart.
I can still do most things, it's just harder to breathe when I do.
PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T WAIT TO QUIT.
MUCH LOVE TO ALL IN THIS FIGHT
