Question:
How do I get past the fears I have?

I RECENTLY FINISHED READING OUR MEMORIAL PAGES. IT SCARED THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. I OBSERVED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS PAST AWAY DUE TO BLOOD CLOTS. I AM 1 MONTH POST-OP, AND I HAVE BEEN SNEAKING CIGARETTES FROM MY HUSBAND. NOW I AM HAVING SLEEPING PROBLEMS IN FEAR THAT I MY HAVE INCREASED MY CHANCE OF DYING DUE TO A BLOOD CLOT. I HAVE ALREADY DECIDED TO QUIT AGAIN. I WAS SMOKE FREE FOR 1 AND A HALF MOS. [SO FOLKS PLS DON'T BASH ME.] MY QUESTION IS HAVE ANY MEMBERS BEGAN SMOKING AGAIN AFTER SURGERY OR DID THEY EVER QUIT, AND IF SO DID THEY HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS? HOW LONG AFTER THE SURGERY DID THEY RESUME SMOKING? THANKS    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 17, 2002)

February 17, 2002
Hi. I have experienced a blood clot (multiple clots, actually) and can tell you that I was never so scared in all my life. They were in my neck veins, bunches of them, completely occluding two major vessels on one side. I'm only 36 years old and all I could think about was that I wanted to live so badly. I feared that one of them would break loose and go to my lungs. I had no risk factors for clots whatsoever, but it still happened to me. My sister-in-surgery, it is with concern for you in my heart that I ask you to read the post below from Ronni... she is right on target. Perhaps you could have a heart to heart with your doc, as there are meds now that can help with quitting. Good luck to you, JK, RN
   — Joya K.

February 17, 2002
I haven't had WLS yet, but I did quit smoking many years ago. Just wanted you to know that it took me about 4 different tries over the course of 7 months to do it. Keep at it. The previous poster had a good suggestion about looking at some of the ways out there now to help you quit, gums, patches, etc. You CAN do it! Maybe you can get your hubby to do it too. It is easier if you're both quitting at the same time.
   — garw

February 17, 2002
I started smokiing again after surgery. I was doing so well, and just caved one day. The stress after surgery was too mch for me, I just had to smoke. I think I lasted about a week post-op and then I was back. No problems yet, I'm three months now, but I balanced everything. I exercise all the time and apart from my smoking I think I am pretty healthy. Now having said all that, if you can quit, then by all means do so, more power to you, but you asked if anyone had started again, which is hat I answered. Good Luck sweetie and listen to your heart!
   — [Anonymous]

February 17, 2002
I quit smoking almost 2 years ago. However, just recently at a party I couldn't resist the urge and had one - esp since I couldn't drink or eat what was offered [still on mushy foods] so every now and again, it's "normal" to need a crutch. <br> <br> However, quitting is one of the hardest and best things I ever did [until this that is *g*] and I doubt I would heal so well if I still smoked. <br> <br> If you want to quit, never give up trying - it's the best path to success.
   — blank first name B.

February 18, 2002
I am not a smoker but.... when I had surgey they gave me some kind of medicine to prevent blood clots. My 1st husband died from a blood clot that traveled and blocked off a major artery. He was normal weight, and in perfect health. The coroner said anyone at any age can have a blood clot, even a child. If they do not move no harm done. It's when they travel that becomes dangerous. just my 2 cents.
   — Cindee A.