Saw the Doc Yesterday. His Response to PVs.

[Duckies]

So went in to see the Doc yesterday for a followup. He has been working with me for years to try to help me stop smoking. Last attempt was Chantix. I was his first Chantix patient back in Nov of 2006 when it was first released and I attempted in early 2007 and then again in mid 2008 to quit.

Started the convo by saying that I had quit smoking earlier this week. Just put them down and haven't craved one since. He was shocked but thrilled! Asked how I liked the Chantix and I told him it made me uber psychotic and I wouldn't try it again if my life depended on it.

His followup was "So how did you quit"?

I just grinned, whipped out the PV and started vaping in the exam room

His eyes got HUGE and he literally jumped out of the chair he had been sitting in. "What on earth is that VERY cool thing"? lol.

I took it apart, explained how it all works, topped it with the hand-labled fluid I was carrying with me. Explained the chemical makeup and after putting it back together, took a few more vapes for him. I added that I received this on Monday at noon, by midafternoon I tried an analogue and couldn't smoke it -- and have had no desire since.

He is positively thrilled. He noted that it isn't nicotine that concerns him (as NRT is considered OTC now) but the gazillion of other poisons, tar and carcinogens in smoke. I brought up the self regulation on dosage issues/concerns out there (along with outlining my stepdown plan), but he said he trusts me to make solid decisions and to listen to my body on it.

I told him that I know he can't recommend something like this, but if he can figure out a way to blow a dog whistle, that he should know that for hard core smokers (or former smokers!) like me, this Just Worked. I was 2pk/day full menthol. He said that he agrees that this is not something he would blanket recommend but that for those who he thinks can handle the maintenance/math and want to try this method to assist a quit, he will be indeed making direct recommendations.

Unfortunately, the FDA may change that for him, but as of yesterday, he is really intrigued by this and was planning to do some research and build a library of links over the weekend.

My Doc is a real progressive who likes to stay on top of issues and technology. The kind of guy that will advocate for something he believes in with the state/regulatory/whoever.

Thought I would share.

[TropicalBob]

Very positive account. I had a similar reaction from my GP doctor. Mostly he was thrilled that I was off cigarettes. I could have been eating dog biscuits, and as long as I wasn't inhaling smoke, he would have been for it. But the e-cig did tweak his curiosity. Every e-smoker needs to demo and explain to their doctor what these are and what they do. No, the doctors can't recommend it now, but we are laying a foundation to build on.

[Duckies]

Hi TB,

Thats why I went. When I realized what a miracle method PVs turned out to be for me personally, I called the office and said that although I was scheduled for a followup in May, I really needed them to squeeze me in as soon as feasible "so that I can stop smoking before taxes go up". I wanted to surprise him, but also plant positive seeds to counter all of the negativity coming out of Canada/UK/OZ and our own FDA.

I was thrilled that they could get me in so quickly and that I was his first exposure to this.

I love my Doc. Our convo totally entertained me.

[b00stzx3]

My dads doctor recommended them "off the record", of course he's already been using mine!

[Trumpybloke]

I was in my GP's for a knee referral and a few other bits yesterday as well , we went through the whole rigmarole , until we got to "hows the smoking?" he near fell off the chair when I told him I was only having a cigarette now and then ... down from 8 packs a week to 1 or so now, and up to 3 weeks without an analogue... I had left my e-cig in my neighbours car who delivered me to the clinic so couldnt show him , we have it lined up for next visit tho! He obviously knew of the existance as he gave me a sly little look and we had a small conversation on the legality of such matters, he was aware of the illegality of said product , but was more concerned with how I get supplies in to keep it going.... I suspect he might be a convert or converted, will pump him next month when I see him again... also the pharmacist filling my prescriptions was a little guarded when I casually inquired as to a pharmaceutical nicotine suspension..he didnt say yes, but again gave me the impression it may well exist... another something to investigate next time around with the doc, maybe that was what he was hinting at during the consultation?
Altogether a very positive experience, and something I am sure we will discuss further.