COPD, The E-Cig and Me

[LittleLuLu]

LittleLuLu- I been vaping 9 months now and have been completely analog free for most of this time. I no longer have to take COPD meds and my lungs are finally clear. Good luck with yours and hope you can get off of your medications also.

Wow! That is GREAT Martha. I sure hope I get to quit the meds soon. Truth is, right now, while I am transitioning and trying inhaling new things, I would be afraid to not take them and I have a months worth anyway haha. If I feel real good next month, I will broach the subject with my DR, right after I tell him about e-cigs.

Not this Dr, but one in the hospital told me I would be on medication for the rest of my life and I just believed him. He may be correct, but a little hope, a little light at the end of tunnel, is never a bad thing. I was running a little short of that this morning and you guys sure have helped me adopt a sunnier outlook. It is my nature to be optimistic and upbeat but ever since I picked up the e-cig to keep from going back to analogs I have been feeling quite the failure. Just like if I were smoking analogs again. Even after going to the Dr, not reporting the change, and having him be happy with my progress! What is wrong with me.

Maybe I am a little depressed LOL. Some of y'all mentioned that is common - what do you do about it? I mean short of using a couple analogs a day like so many seem to do. I'm sorry but that just scares the you know what out of me. I do still have the happy pills . . .

 

[LittleLuLu]

Also, helps with depression. And, believe me, I know depression.

Answered before I asked. Does D3 make you psychic too? Ok, I am going to read up on it and then probably get some, perhaps right away, without knowing my starting level.

Any chance you started losing weight, too? hehe

 

[Katmar]

Answered before I asked. Does D3 make you psychic too? Ok, I am going to read up on it and then probably get some, perhaps right away, without knowing my starting level.

Any chance you started losing weight, too? hehe

Actually, yes, I did. I have a little more energy, so I burn more calories, also, D3 addresses our bodies on so many levels, I could probably start my own forum about it. Like I told Raven, check your sources when you research. Always bad info on the internet. I check sources on everything. If I can help, let me know.

 

[Raven1]

It is more than promising, Raven1. The studies are conclusive and done worldwide. They were double-blind placebo controlled. There is more info coming in almost daily. Be careful when you research it. Always check the source. ALWAYS.

Believe me, I know. When I researched advancements for Parkinson's and RA you really have to look closely to make sure the sites aren't funded by some big pharma co. There've been some studies done on Glutathione therapy for Parkinson's that look good - I wonder if it could help MS as well (related neurological disease).

Regular Vitamin D does seem to help w/the depression, I must admit. I take it every day.

 

[LittleLuLu]

Actually, yes, I did. I have a little more energy, so I burn more calories,

Well, that settles it. I'm getting some.

also, D3 addresses our bodies on so many levels, I could probably start my own forum about it. Like I told Raven, check your sources when you research. Always bad info on the internet. I check sources on everything. If I can help, let me know.

Well, yes, if you wouldn't mind providing a link or 2 to something to read that I might be able to understand and that you find accurate, that would be greatly appreciated.

Do you know any of the other patients in the study? Is D3 helping people who still smoke, too? Thinking of my dad and brother here.

Raven1, I wonder if that is why my hubby has been putting Vitamin D in front of me lately! This guy will not go to a DR, will not take any kind of "drug" but he smokes like chimney and as long as the bottle has a green lid on it, he will take it! He is actually a lot healthier than me so I guess I shouldn't jest or tease . . . just saying . . . I'm the opposite - I tend to trust RX drugs more than supplements . . . hmmmm

LLL

 

[Raven1]

LOL! Well, they don't call it the "sunshine vitamin" for nothing! I'm a firm believer in natural remedies. Valerian has worked for anxiety/sleeplessness for me in the past.

No, I haven't gained weight either. I think the nicotine in the e-cigs is helping with that - nicotine is a known appetite suppressant (one reason so many models smoke). A relief, since when I quit smoking 15 or so years ago for 5 years I gained 10 lbs.!

 

[Valkerie]

Maybe I am a little depressed LOL. Some of y'all mentioned that is common - what do you do about it? I mean short of using a couple analogs a day like so many seem to do. I'm sorry but that just scares the you know what out of me. I do still have the happy pills . . .

I find that a good old fashioned crying fit can be very beneficial. The only problem is finding a time block where hubby isn't around, so I can bawl to my heart's content without him interfering. I tend to be very reserved and "in charge" in real life, so a good cry isn't something I can indulge in often.

While it doesn't keep me from being depressed, it does kind of reset my emotions to a nice flat level. That way I can deal with what's coming at me without an emotional filter.

 

[Katmar]

Vitamin D and Lung Health
FT.com / Reportage - Why governments are selling Vitamin D short
Vitamin D Physiology

These should get you started.

 

[dee5]

I don't have copd but found this thread very interesting. One question though for Katmar, is there a difference between D3 and vitamin D? I'm a little confused!

 

[ladyraj]

Additional benefits of taking D3 include enhancing bone density, calcium absorbtion, as well as steroid efficacy. Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis (I was diagnosed about 6 months ago). Part of my problem was based on a less than 4 D level which should have been around 40. Low levels prevent calcium and steroid uptake.

Just remember to take the med on an empty stomach and refrain from laying down for 30-45 minutes after ingestion. Antacids and/or GERD meds should not be used for a couple hours before and after taking D3.

Further, I found the muscle soreness/aches I encountered intermittently from vaping subsided as well.

Over all, a beneficial med that has little side effects but enhances natural processes.

 

[ladyraj]

I don't have copd but found this thread very interesting. One question though for Katmar, is there a difference between D3 and vitamin D? I'm a little confused!

I'm not Katmar but I offer my 2 cents for your purview:

D2 is ergocalciferol
D3 is cholecalciferol

Good article discussing difference:

Vitamin D3 vs Vitamin D2

Vitamin D suppllements may or may not have therapeutic doses of D3 (1,000 to 2,000 IUs)...so a check of the ingredients on the label is essential:

The Best Vitamin D Supplements are Always Vitamin D3



Hope this helps to clarify until Katmar responds!

 

[Gottabefree]

Is anyone gaining weight? I have been readiing up on my medications and at least one of them could be causing weight gain. I don't feel like I have been eating all that much more - at least not like the time I gained 16 pounds in 16 days. Another FAIL! I have gained 12 pounds in 7 weeks. I am hoping the e-cig might curb the hand to mouth thing and keep me from having a whole brand new reason to not be able to walk. sigh . . .

I found e-cigs first part of October - have been smoking analogs 35 years at a pack and a half a day - I feel e-cigs have saved my life Tried everything over the years to quit - hypnosis, patches, gum, Chantix (gained 20 pounds in a month and freaked out - only quit smoking for 11 days, what an expensive horror!) I may still smoke a couple of cigs a day (still don't know why - smells and tastes nasty now) but I can do without analogs now. Haven't gained a pound in the 3 months I have been on e-cigs. They have really been a miracle for me. In the first week, my morning cough went away completely and I don't wheeze at night. I have so much more wind and lung capacity - when the weather gets nicer I am going to start my mega-walks again and get my life back. This forum has been a blessing!!!! Wish all the best - and a much Happier New Year!!!

 

[LittleLuLu]

I found e-cigs first part of October - have been smoking analogs 35 years at a pack and a half a day - I feel e-cigs have saved my life Tried everything over the years to quit - hypnosis, patches, gum, Chantix (gained 20 pounds in a month and freaked out - only quit smoking for 11 days, what an expensive horror!) I may still smoke a couple of cigs a day (still don't know why - smells and tastes nasty now) but I can do without analogs now. Haven't gained a pound in the 3 months I have been on e-cigs. They have really been a miracle for me. In the first week, my morning cough went away completely and I don't wheeze at night. I have so much more wind and lung capacity - when the weather gets nicer I am going to start my mega-walks again and get my life back. This forum has been a blessing!!!! Wish all the best - and a much Happier New Year!!!

Yes - this forum is awesome. Happy New Year everyone.

Today I start a low-carb diet again.

Hi Dee! I was confused about D3 being D, too. Checked the label and Lo and Behold my hubby has been feeding me D3 for awhile now Good hubby! Thanks ladyraj!

Katmar - thanks for the support and the tips! You are awesome. I read the stuff and as you can see I have actually been taking D - just not enough Today I took 3 - that's 3000 units? Enough?

Today I woke up with a scratchy/raspy throat, cluttered airway and cotton mouth. I have a crack at the corner of my lip. I have been licking my lips a lot due to dryness - guess I better stop that. I can live with these things if my lungs are not being affected. So far - Day 9 - I think the lungs are ok. I'm going out today and will be walking in and out of the cold more than usual. Good test. I have been doing really well in the time I was sucking lozenges only. I can see if there is any difference with 9 days of e-cigs. Crossing my fingers.

Happy New Year everyone and thank you for the support and the contributions to this thread. Keep coming back (Yeah I have been to meeting or two!)

LLL

 

[Katmar]

I'm not Katmar but I offer my 2 cents for your purview:

D2 is ergocalciferol
D3 is cholecalciferol

Good article discussing difference:

Vitamin D3 vs Vitamin D2

Vitamin D suppllements may or may not have therapeutic doses of D3 (1,000 to 2,000 IUs)...so a check of the ingredients on the label is essential:

The Best Vitamin D Supplements are Always Vitamin D3



Hope this helps to clarify until Katmar responds!

This is true. You always want to be taking D3 not 2. However, D3 actually can be taken with or without food. I have done it both ways, and it gets absorbed. No side effects at a dosage of 2000 to 8000 ius. In my study, we have taken upwards of 15,000 ius per day with no problems! I don't recommend that you do that, though. My study regards MS.

 

[marlboro_man]

I am not sure if the e-cig will be a good choice for me but I am going to chronicle my experience for the next person who does a search and can’t find very many people discussing their COPD and whether or not e-cigs is a viable alternative to smoking for someone who waited way too long to quit. If it weren’t for the anonymity, I would never admit I have COPD and still “smoke,” but I just know there are a bunch of you out there.

My hubby and I heard about the e-cigarette on a conspiracy forum we frequent to be among our own kind. We have both been smoking over 40 years. Hubby is doing okay but I was diagnosed with COPD a decade ago and have been in denial ever since.

Our 901’s arrived in early November and I had trouble from the start. Every draw I took choked me. But I kept trying and I kept on with the analogs. Then I got really sick about a week into it. I mean really sick. I could NOT breathe. I went to my Dr and he sent me straight away to the ER where I could barely walk in. I was sure I had pneumonia but no. I had no infections, no virus, no fluid built up in my lungs and yet no oxygen exchanging. Finally I had to accept my diagnosis.

I was in the hospital four days and that was the easy part. When I got out I started sucking nic lozenges and I made it to 6 plus weeks. People kept saying it will get easier and easier, but that was not my experience. It got harder and harder until I was at the point where I cheated and had an analog and when I did that I was in complete despair. If I smoke I am going to die in not so many years. Except for not being able to breath, I just am otherwise too happy in my life to resign myself to such a short one.

I had to beg my hubby to let me try the e-cig again because we both thought that I must have been allergic to the juice. While rationalizing my need to smoke I recalled another thing that could have triggered the COPD exacerbation that horrible day. A cleaning product for air conditioners was heavily used on a window unit by where I sit all day. I did notice that it really bothered me to smell it but I did not connect it to my inability to breathe a few hours later.

My first session was amazing. No choking and I was satisfied in a way that a lozenge just can’t cover. I am really, really loving it.

I am 7 days into it and I am monitoring myself. I think I notice a little decrease in lung function but I just had a Dr appt and I am exchanging air at an acceptable level and better than when I left the hospital. I do notice a phlegm in my throat that I hadn’t had since quitting and a scratchiness and dry mouth that is a little annoying. I don’t think I vape as much as some members do. The battery and one cartridge, refilled as much as it will hold, lasts me all day. I charge at night and fill the cart in the morning.

So far not bad and I haven’t wanted an analog once. I am ordering VG juice to see if that changes anything for me. I really need this to work. I hope other people with COPD will chime in and give me their experience and advice. I know you are out there . . .

LittleLuLu

Hi LittleLuLu

I to have copd.I was diagnosed last Sept 2008 after being taken into Hospital for 5 days and terrified of dying from all sorts of fears,there were worse cases there!!

I have a lot more to say but will take more time to write it as I am so happy I have found this post.

So I am bookmarking this post to come back to.

Just one more thing I do not have to take many of my drugs anymore such as spiro inhaler and my seretide 500 I am still using my ventolin hand inhaler if I feel an Exacerbation coming.

I have also got an oximeter £25.00 from fleabay and my blood oxygen levels are 98% in the main... They where 89/91 when in hospital That was far to low ?? dangerously low!!! 8-o

I have been on e-cigs for 3 months and feeling better every day,I know there is no way to cure COPD but this seems the best so far,So stick with it and get the best device out there,I have a screwdriver MK2 using a 901 atty and also a 501 pass through and I vape tobacco flavours and fruit flavours at 24mg nic levels but will hope to bring that down soon.....

 

[Katmar]

You know, I can't help but wonder about the vaping itself. It seems to have a more immediate effect on the lungs in a positive way than just quitting cigs cold turkey. Lots of info on vaping PG about this,, but has anyone had the same success with using VG?

 

[LittleLuLu]

Hi LittleLuLu

I to have copd.I was diagnosed last Sept 2008 after being taken into Hospital for 5 days and terrified of dying from all sorts of fears,there were worse cases there!!

I have a lot more to say but will take more time to write it as I am so happy I have found this post.

So I am bookmarking this post to come back to.

Just one more thing I do not have to take many of my drugs anymore such as spiro inhaler and my seretide 500 I am still using my ventolin hand inhaler if I feel an Exacerbation coming.

I have also got an oximeter £25.00 from fleabay and my blood oxygen levels are 98% in the main... They where 89/91 when in hospital That was far to low ?? dangerously low!!! 8-o

I have been on e-cigs for 3 months and feeling better every day,I know there is no way to cure COPD but this seems the best so far,So stick with it and get the best device out there,I have a screwdriver MK2 using a 901 atty and also a 501 pass through and I vape tobacco flavours and fruit flavours at 24mg nic levels but will hope to bring that down soon.....

Hey there Marlboro Man! I'm glad you found this thread too! I'll be looking forward to your elaboration in a future post.

I am looking forward to dropping some of these expensive meds but I am going to wait for Dr ok this time. Not refilling when I should probably contributed to my last exacerbation.

I was 85/86 when I went to the ER. 4 days later, I left the hospital at 92% without O2 but I was begging because I don't have insurance. I was 94/5% two days ago at my checkup - Dr was ok with that. 95/6% at my first check up a month ago. I was told then that was probably the best I could expect without O2.

I am still too new to know what all these different brands are. I have a 901 and I loved it. Now I just "like" it because I just got JKY-319 with a manual switch and a USB Passthrough. Now I love it the most . Amazing clouds of vapor. I'm using Marlboro 26 and Virginia 11. Just started the 11 and I think it's going to work. It would be great if I could step down and down and down to eventually flavor only - but hey, for now this is saving me. It is over a week of analogs that I didn't smoke and that is a good thing no matter how guilty I still feel

I totally understand your fear in the hospital. When you see where we were headed it is truly mortifying. But we aint goin' there, right?

LLL

 

[marlboro_man]

You know, I can't help but wonder about the vaping itself. It seems to have a more immediate effect on the lungs in a positive way than just quitting cigs cold turkey. Lots of info on vaping PG about this,, but has anyone had the same success with using VG?

Hi, I am trying mainly my own mixing, using LorAnn - consentrate / 24mg 0% nicotine / and PG (Propelyene Glycol. Pharmacopoeia-Grade)This way I can start to reduce if need be,I have tried 36mg and far to heavy/strong for me,

I am waiting for some VG (VegatableGlycerine) hopefully from fleabay but need the answer from questions "Is it food/lung safe? As soon as I have it I will give it ago VG in place of PG and then combo's of both %wise and post it here after I have the effects re: COPD lung functions -/+?. if anyones interested.

Also I can get this liquid is this a form of VG? Aqueous Glycerine

info:aqueous glycerine is a blend of glycerine USP and just enough deionised water to thin it to the perfect consistency for vaping.
It can be added to any juice to increase vapour production and add a little extra sweetness, or mix it with the flavouring of your choice to produce a very economical zero-nicotine ejuice.

 

[marlboro_man]

Hey there Marlboro Man! I'm glad you found this thread too! I'll be looking forward to your elaboration in a future post.

I am looking forward to dropping some of these expensive meds but I am going to wait for Dr ok this time. Not refilling when I should probably contributed to my last exacerbation.

I was 85/86 when I went to the ER. 4 days later, I left the hospital at 92% without O2 but I was begging because I don't have insurance. I was 94/5% two days ago at my checkup - Dr was ok with that. 95/6% at my first check up a month ago. I was told then that was probably the best I could expect without O2.

I am still too new to know what all these different brands are. I have a 901 and I loved it. Now I just "like" it because I just got JKY-319 with a manual switch and a USB Passthrough. Now I love it the most . Amazing clouds of vapor. I'm using Marlboro 26 and Virginia 11. Just started the 11 and I think it's going to work. It would be great if I could step down and down and down to eventually flavor only - but hey, for now this is saving me. It is over a week of analogs that I didn't smoke and that is a good thing no matter how guilty I still feel

I totally understand your fear in the hospital. When you see where we were headed it is truly mortifying. But we aint goin' there, right?

LLL

Hello LLL

Thanks for the reply and glad your bloods are up,thats the one that kept me in the hospital @89% even the nurses keep saying quietly "He's really ill" I kept looking round wondering who was they talking about I'm 60 and been in bldg dust all my working life oh! plus the 50 marlboro reds a day or more...

Stupidly when I came out I just couldnt stop smoking to the point of inhaling to breath ...then smoke cigs to not breathing again...then nebulizer to clear lungs to be able to smoke again,,,,,,,STUPID!-STUPID!-STUPID!

since I been on this all fantastic and no expensive drugs even though mines free here in UK........ saving the tax £

LLL will keep you updated....... PM me if you need anything

Art

 

[LittleLuLu]

You know, I can't help but wonder about the vaping itself. It seems to have a more immediate effect on the lungs in a positive way than just quitting cigs cold turkey. Lots of info on vaping PG about this,, but has anyone had the same success with using VG?

I am waiting on some VG myself. I am hoping it might change the phlegm and throat irritation issues I'm having.

Marlboro Man - yes please do post your experiments and results for us!