Conflicted

[Mystic Meep]

Th

A fantastic juice will contain nothing beyond VG, PG, flavoring, pharma grade nicotine, and maybe sweeteners. Water and alcohol and other additives are unnecessary fillers people do to cheapen the cost of juice production. What makes them fantastic is how they taste to you. My favorite juices have a pretty deep profile that use many different concentrates so I'd much rather let the food engineer at the shop make stuff up than my uneducated self.

Thanks, that makes sense to me. I have a lot more to learn about vaping. I really appreciate your advice.

 

[Mystic Meep]

Jamie, it's easy to be scared by one negative report. Until recently, it is my belief that the last regime wanted to ban vaping or tax it on the basis that it's as harmful as cigarettes. Often, vape equipment was tested under conditions of heat and actual burning of the coil (IMO on purpose) to generate those "OMG" reports. There were several coming out and in my opinion much of the research was political or driven by big tobacco. There are many scientists and doctors who have looked at this research and blogged about the findings, and how they were "skewed" to make vaping look bad, and I read some of those blogs when I showed up because I always remember that the most important thing about research is who pays for it, who solicits it, where it turns up (the Tobacco Control journal and site aren't going to be very pro vaping, for example) as well as methodology to see if outcomes are realistic. Seriously one study about off-gassing and harmful chemicals was done under mechanical conditions where they overheated the equipment so much that not a single vaper would vape under those conditions voluntarily (even if they could).

That said, it's good to look at both sides of the research and there are several threads about it here that you could do a search for.

The main thing though? I was headed toward COPD, some of my doctors are former smokers who vape themselves, they have noted health improvements and I have not had a cold, flu, pneumonia (end run of cigarettes I pretty much had pneumonia straight for 18 months, it sucked, in fact it is what got me to switch, I was like, "I am going to get COPD if I continue." ) Every one of my docs has noted health improvements with vaping, I have not had to use a single inhaler, I no longer have a wheeze, and I have more energy than I know what to do with!!!

IF COPD happens and you can't quit, vaping will probably work for you rather than cold turkey. I know several vapers with COPD who switched and noted health improvements and sometimes even slight regression of symptoms. I just spent a long time talking to a gentleman who had severe COPD and asking about e-cigs, I did refer him to his doctor, but I also explained vaping, and how it can be helpful, and he is interested, and is about to purchase his first setup after talking to his doc. (Most docs are cautious about recommendations, but every single one of my docs said, "Anna, the way you smoke and where you are now, I don't believe ANY harm reduction product could be worse than continued smoking.")

I do not believe there is harm in second hand vape, but I wouldn't vape it around a small child-- that's what outdoors is for. But, even if you vape indoors at home, the vapor really probably isn't going to linger around and harm your grandchild, it's just good modeling (that I myself was not able to do with cigarettes, I smoked in the car with my kid, but not in the house, it still sucked) not to vape in front of children, though others may feel differently about that.

Don't freak out. Science, the media, and politics have an interesting relationship these days.

Anna

Yes, I was scared by what I read. This is why I came to the experts on this forum. I needed advice from people who are not with politics or the tobacco industry. I have been in the hospital 14 times in the last 4 years with COPD flare ups. I know it is time for me to find a way to stop smoking. And after reading everything from your members and yourself, I believe I made the right decision in choosing vaping. Everyone's comments have made me feel so much better about it. I appreciate it so very much. Thank you.

 

[Mike McVape]

I am going to check with my doctor next week when I go. But I am getting such excellent feedback from members in here that I am pretty confident that I will continue to vape. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate everything you wrote to me. It truly helped me in my decision. Thank you so much.

Absolutely tell and discuss with your doctor as I did mine at my annual physical a month ago.

However be aware that there are many uninformed/misinformed doctors just like in the general populace. I remember reading one study where doctors where polled asked if nicotine causes cancer. 70% responded yes! Yet there are zero actual studies that conclude nicotine causes cancer, quite the contrary.

Also first thing my Dr said when I told him I was vaping instead of smoking was "so you are still addicted to nicotine". While my answer was yes, I also answered nicotine addiction is the least part of a long term smokers addiction. It's the act of smoking itself that is hugely addicting, worse than the nicotine addiction. Hence why nicotine gums and patches have such a poor success rate while vaping much better success. I also mentioned my research concluded nicotine and caffeine acted in very similar ways and about on the same health danger scale, extremely low. He didn't disagree or argue the point.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

Your physician is ethically bound to tell you the truth and explain both the risks and benefits, and let you make the decision. That jackleg in the park is not, and from the sound of him he wouldn't know the truth, risks or benefits if they took turns kicking his north end while he faced south.

 

[Bosco]

So I went to the park last night and a young man was explaining to me that vaping is very bad for you. He said there were cancer causing chemicals in the juice. Told me to read the Surgeon Generals Report, which I did, and that was just bad news all around about vaping. So needless to say I am very conflicted as to what to do. I have just started vaping and know nothing about it. I had heard it was safe to do from friends and google searches. I desperately need to quit smoking cigarettes and was so excited to discover vaping. My family is not supportive of my vaping as they believe it is harmful to me. I am 64 years old with COPD and they think I am a nut job. I also have a 6 year old grandson that I babysit every day. I would not want to harm him by vaping in front of him and the smoke do him any damage.
I am at a loss as to what to do. Any advice or information about this would be greatly appreciated. Everyone here has a lot more knowledge about vaping than I do. Thank you very much.

To me, the fact that the USDA postponed doing anything about vaping for 4 more years is a strong indicator that it's AT LEAST way better than smoking. If they could've shown that there were cancer causing chemicals or that vaping was just as bad as smoking . .or even close to as bad, etc, they'd have regulated it out of existence by now.

Having COPD is another wrinkle, though. My MIL has COPD and tried vaping for a while. She never felt comfortable with it. I think it helped her get off cigarettes because now she's off everything - vaping and smoking. Which is not to say it was easy. If the choice was between vaping and smoking then I'd go with vaping. If possible, though, doing neither (and maybe using lozenges or something to quit) would probably be best. Good luck!

 

[PJReid]

Yes, I was scared by what I read. This is why I came to the experts on this forum. I needed advice from people who are not with politics or the tobacco industry. I have been in the hospital 14 times in the last 4 years with COPD flare ups. I know it is time for me to find a way to stop smoking. And after reading everything from your members and yourself, I believe I made the right decision in choosing vaping. Everyone's comments have made me feel so much better about it. I appreciate it so very much. Thank you.

Wow - hospitalized 14 times in 4 years for COPD flare-ups? You definitely made the right decision. I live in the US and my doctor is totally behind vaping over cigarettes. I have had pneumonia four times in four years and cried to my doctor the last time. She said that even non-smokers get pneumonia and I was much less ill than I would have been if I still smoked. I haven't had bronchitis since I quit the stinkies. I don't smell like an ashtray, a huge bonus. No more coughing and hacking, no more wheezing.

I wish you success. It is a healthier option.

 

[Topwater Elvis]

You are far too nice.
I wouldn't listen to more than 15 seconds of their male bovine poo.
Family, friend or stranger / anyone that gave me their unsolicited negative opinion about vaping would be told in a calm firm voice exactly where to go and exactly what to do once they got there.

 

[OlderNDirt]

Welcome @Jamie Plum

There is a lot to wade through on the pros and cons attributed to vaping and we each must determine what we do or do not consider credible. Given my GP and cardiologist both supported my vaping over smoking as well as the credible organizations trumpeting the benefits, I have reached my comfort level.

I mostly wanted to add to your concern with vaping around small children. While I support avoiding that as much as possible, I wouldn't be traumatized should the little tyke bust into the room into your exhaled cloud. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, "the air inside the vape shops was equivalent to the air outdoors or inside the average home." Full article here:

Air Quality in Vape Shops May Provide Insight into Secondhand E-Cig Vapor

That should also come in handy if vaping around family and friends should they express concerns.

Good luck and here's hoping your vape journey is a success and provides relief to your medical conditions!

 

[Grimwald]

So I went to the park last night and a young man was explaining to me that vaping is very bad for you. He said there were cancer causing chemicals in the juice. Told me to read the Surgeon Generals Report, which I did, and that was just bad news all around about vaping. So needless to say I am very conflicted as to what to do. I have just started vaping and know nothing about it. I had heard it was safe to do from friends and google searches. I desperately need to quit smoking cigarettes and was so excited to discover vaping. My family is not supportive of my vaping as they believe it is harmful to me. I am 64 years old with COPD and they think I am a nut job. I also have a 6 year old grandson that I babysit every day. I would not want to harm him by vaping in front of him and the smoke do him any damage.
I am at a loss as to what to do. Any advice or information about this would be greatly appreciated. Everyone here has a lot more knowledge about vaping than I do. Thank you very much.

I am 65 with COPD. I see a pulmonologist and a cardiologist and my regular doctor. All of them say quitting my 40 year smoking habit and taking up vaping was the best thing I could have done.

I have grand children and my daughters pediatrician says vaping is fine (just keep the bottles of liquid out of reach).

 

[Mystic Meep]

Absolutely tell and discuss with your doctor as I did mine at my annual physical a month ago.

However be aware that there are many uninformed/misinformed doctors just like in the general populace. I remember reading one study where doctors where polled asked if nicotine causes cancer. 70% responded yes! Yet there are zero actual studies that conclude nicotine causes cancer, quite the contrary.

Also first thing my Dr said when I told him I was vaping instead of smoking was "so you are still addicted to nicotine". While my answer was yes, I also answered nicotine addiction is the least part of a long term smokers addiction. It's the act of smoking itself that is hugely addicting, worse than the nicotine addiction. Hence why nicotine gums and patches have such a poor success rate while vaping much better success. I also mentioned my research concluded nicotine and caffeine acted in very similar ways and about on the same health danger scale, extremely low. He didn't disagree or argue the point.

LOL Good for you. I am going to print this out and take it when I go see the dr. I won't remember all this good stuff. Thanks dear.

 

[Mystic Meep]

I am 65 with COPD. I see a pulmonologist and a cardiologist and my regular doctor. All of them say quitting my 40 year smoking habit and taking up vaping was the best thing I could have done.

I have grand children and my daughters pediatrician says vaping is fine (just keep the bottles of liquid out of reach).

Well, that was the best news ever. I am so so happy to hear that. Thank you so much. And good luck with the COPD it sucks.

 

[Mystic Meep]

Welcome @Jamie Plum

There is a lot to wade through on the pros and cons attributed to vaping and we each must determine what we do or do not consider credible. Given my GP and cardiologist both supported my vaping over smoking as well as the credible organizations trumpeting the benefits, I have reached my comfort level.

I mostly wanted to add to your concern with vaping around small children. While I support avoiding that as much as possible, I wouldn't be traumatized should the little tyke bust into the room into your exhaled cloud. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, "the air inside the vape shops was equivalent to the air outdoors or inside the average home." Full article here:

Air Quality in Vape Shops May Provide Insight into Secondhand E-Cig Vapor

That should also come in handy if vaping around family and friends should they express concerns.

Good luck and here's hoping your vape journey is a success and provides relief to your medical conditions!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I am going to print out your response as well as many others to give to my family. I hope it will help them to understand better. It has certainly helped me a great deal in my decision to keep vaping. Now I just have to find the right mod for me.

 

[Mystic Meep]

You are far too nice.
I wouldn't listen to more than 15 seconds of their male bovine poo.
Family, friend or stranger / anyone that gave me their unsolicited negative opinion about vaping would be told in a calm firm voice exactly where to go and exactly what to do once they got there.

LOL LOL LOL that is so funny. After I present them with all the info I have learned from you guys, I might just do that. Thanks so much for the laugh. It made my day.

 

[Mystic Meep]

Wow - hospitalized 14 times in 4 years for COPD flare-ups? You definitely made the right decision. I live in the US and my doctor is totally behind vaping over cigarettes. I have had pneumonia four times in four years and cried to my doctor the last time. She said that even non-smokers get pneumonia and I was much less ill than I would have been if I still smoked. I haven't had bronchitis since I quit the stinkies. I don't smell like an ashtray, a huge bonus. No more coughing and hacking, no more wheezing.

I wish you success. It is a healthier option.

Well that is an excellent response. Just what I needed to hear. Everyone on this site has been so wonderful and nice. Thank you so much for responding.

 

[PJReid]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. I am going to print out your response as well as many others to give to my family. I hope it will help them to understand better. It has certainly helped me a great deal in my decision to keep vaping. Now I just have to find the right mod for me.

We can help you find the perfect mod too. We enable shinyitis (a condition affecting some vapers that leads to owning far more mods and tanks than a person will ever need)and vaping.

 

[Mystic Meep]

To me, the fact that the USDA postponed doing anything about vaping for 4 more years is a strong indicator that it's AT LEAST way better than smoking. If they could've shown that there were cancer causing chemicals or that vaping was just as bad as smoking . .or even close to as bad, etc, they'd have regulated it out of existence by now.

Having COPD is another wrinkle, though. My MIL has COPD and tried vaping for a while. She never felt comfortable with it. I think it helped her get off cigarettes because now she's off everything - vaping and smoking. Which is not to say it was easy. If the choice was between vaping and smoking then I'd go with vaping. If possible, though, doing neither (and maybe using lozenges or something to quit) would probably be best. Good luck!

Thank you for your well wishes. My ultimate goal is to quit everything. But, one step at a time. And I think vaping is a good first step. Thanks again.

 

[Mystic Meep]

We can help you find the perfect mod too. We enable shinyitis (a condition affecting some vapers that leads to owning far more mods and tanks than a person will ever need)and vaping.

OMG that is so true. I started vaping 4 days ago and have purchased 2 mods already. Can't keep doing that. Lol

 

[Mystic Meep]

We can help you find the perfect mod too. We enable shinyitis (a condition affecting some vapers that leads to owning far more mods and tanks than a person will ever need)and vaping.

OMG that is so true. I started vaping 4 days ago and have purchased 2 mods already. Can't keep doing that. Lol

Your physician is ethically bound to tell you the truth and explain both the risks and benefits, and let you make the decision. That jackleg in the park is not, and from the sound of him he wouldn't know the truth, risks or benefits if they took turns kicking his north end while he faced south.

LOL LOL thanks so much. I will remember that.

 

[Tonee N]

Was the guy who told you eliguid causes cancer wearing a nice suit, kissing babies, and then stealing their lollipops?[emoji6]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[Mystic Meep]

Was the guy who told you eliguid causes cancer wearing a nice suit, kissing babies, and then stealing their lollipops?[emoji6]

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL No he wasn't.