Coronary Heart Disease Support Group

No one in my house smokes not even me. I really do not think they had any basis for accusing me of smoking. They just did not feel like giving me any credit for quiting. Even though I had told the I had quit before for over four years and that I was only smoking three to four cigerettes a day for about a year prior to quiting this time. They just seem to be saying what the want to believe.

Also I think that the reason for my plaque is stress. Lots and lots of stress and the docs have no anwer for that.

After my heart attack I had to quit smoking too. For ever so long I was questioned about starting again. I think because so many people do start again. It's been 1 1/2 years now and I can honestly say that I don't want a cigarette.

This is from someone who told the doctor that if he says that I have one week to live, put me in a chair in the back yard with a carton of cigarettes and I'll enjoy that last week. Needless to say the doctor didn't think it was funny. It really wasn't as I was very serious.

Please try to jump back on the wagon. I had a massive heart attack and those electric paddles they use to bring you back are no fun what so ever! When I was tempted to have a cigarette, I just thought of the electric shock.

Sally~
I agree with grannied.......it is not worth it. I quit cold turkey after my heart attack one month ago...and believe me when I say I was a TRUE smoker! I never ever tried to quit...didn't want to...but things are different now. All I have to think about is the morning of my heart attack, the ambulance, the ER, and the 5 days in the hospital (not to mention I peed on my neighbor's floor when I went for help) and smoking really is a HUGE TURN OFF!

I hold good thoughts for you to not smoke!
There are so many thing in life to enjoy next to a stinky smoke stick!!!!

Be blessed and be well!
angelessence

Thank you all so much for adding some great comments and sharing you reasons for quiting. B

But for me I think I might be older, 61, and just more fed up with life.

Recovery is not joy I still have lots of pain and am limited in my activities.

My only child died 21 years aga and I have a rather losey marragie. My mother and brother are deceased.

The rest of my family have made it clear they are not interested. So smoking seems to be and OK thing to do. It will either may life worse or not.

Simply put I don't really care. In fact if I had known all the details of this stuff I would never have consented to stents, by-pass or any of it. Life would have been better without it.

sallymarc, I know what you mean about being fed up with life.
I know it doesn't happen to everyone, but I know exactly how you feel. Not about the loss of your child, God Bless you, but just considering that living a long life is not all that important anymore. I talked to my little Aunt on the phone about a week ago. She is 93, in a nursing home, and doesn't have a clue most of the time where she is.
As soon as I got off the phone with her, I said to myself "I'm never going to quit smoking. I don't want to live that long"
Most normal people will think we are crazy, but they probably have more to live for that you and I do.
After being kicked in the teeth for so many years, it does get old. When there are very few pleasures in life, it makes life harder to tolerate.

I too am a smoker. I've been smoking 42 years. I guess I feel like you do about quiting. I simply do not want to quit. I was raised with parents who smoked. My grandmother also taught me that you can do anything if you want to. I used drugs in 60's and alcohol since I was 15. I made the decision one day about 25-30 years to quit. I quit cold turkey with no withdrawals at also. My brain tells me to quit, but it hasn't reached my soul yet. I admire anyone who does quit and pray for the desire to quit to take over. I have coronary artery disease and have 4 stents in place. After watching the news about Tim Russert's sudden death due to his CAD, I have really thought alot about this disease. I honestly did not realize how serious CAD is. The Drs. never really discussed it much. They seemed to be more concerned about my other health problems. I'll be thinking of all you and praying for your good health. becky

This smoking is a big deal for me. I've quit a million times. I hadn't had a cig. for 4 months before I had my by-pass. I was at a County Fair and literally begged a Guy that put on a show to Hypotise (SP) me later that night. I was fine went a year or so then started sneaking a smoke her and there. Finally got on Chantix it worked to make a long story short I've did the Chantix treatment 3 times. My addiction is smoking I don't need the nitotine I just use that cig for smoothing out my stress level. Right now I am fight like heck not to go and get a pack. But I promised my oldest daughter I wouldn't smoke again. I fight this urge every second. I don't like taste of them I hate sneaking around and hiding the smell on me. I don't like taking the Chantix. Most of all I hate disappointing my kids, my husband always tells on me. LL