Quit Smoking

Today is my first day being a non-smoker AGAIN! I had quit for 7 months, and started again in Oct. Dont ask me why I did something so stupid... NOW... my question is.... I am 17 days away from surgery.. will I still be at high risk or is this enough time to get it out of my system? We are going to buy the kids a bag of balloons so I can blow them up for them (he he he, my PCP said it is good deep breathing exercises. She also said Lamaze classes. SORRY, I THINK I WOULD PASS ON THAT. HAHA. Of course she was teasing). Anyhow, if someone could answer my question, I'll appreciate it!! I am going to be a pain in the A** for the next 17 days. I didn't think I had any questions until NOW... !!!!!! Kell

Wow, congrats on stopping again. There has been lots said on the main message board about smoking and the risks, but IMHO what matters is what Dr Clough says. Did he discuss the smoking issue with you or at the time did you tell him you did not smoke? From all I have gathered it is something you should let him know if he is under the impression you have not smoked. Better safe then sorry. BUT, then again, he is pretty easy going and things seem to work out so well for him and his patients. I am soooooooooo glad we do not have some strict surgeon that is all DO THIS, DO THAT or ELSE! Let me know what you do please, always the curious one I am.

Theresa, I and quit smoking in March. I told them that I had been a smoker and quit. He didn't stress anything about the issue. I started again in Oct. but am smoking very light. I used to smoke two packs a day and from Oct till now smoked 1/2 a pack a day. Some days more, some days less. My pcp knows this and has put me on Wellbutrin off and on for it over the past year as Wellbutrin helps me to quit. She is sending all of my paperwork to Dr. Clough as I go to her. She said she wants him to be involved in everything going on up on this end as far as I go. I asked a bunch of times this morning (in the OH main chat room) and several different people said their surgeon said for them to quit at least two weeks before surgery and others said one month. I do feel that being a non-smoker for 17 days will help me. I set out to quit Dec. 1st, but it is so darn hard..... Kell

I applaud you for quitting. It isn't an easy thing to do, even when you know you have to in order to have surgery. I quit in March and thankfully the cravings went away and I don't even like the smell of it anymore--it makes me sick to my stomach. I am not sure what Dr. Clough's "policy" is on that, but I agree with Theresa that you should definitely make him aware. Keep up the good work and I'll be cheering you on! Jill