Cotinine testing - Day three of zero nicotine

[tearose50]

Two factors: first, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and for persons (like me) suffering from plaque buildup in arteries, this is not a good combination. Second, nicotine is still widely (incorrectly) associated with being the primary causative agent for heart disease in smokers. So it's a truth-and-fiction problem. And it's easy to do the cotinine testing for nicotine to "weed out" the smokers for insurance purposes.

I've been curious to see what my O2 sat levels are now - they were marginally abysmal when I was a smoker.. and horrid when I was having my heart attack.

The vacoconstrictor is about the only thing I can see causing concern with nicotine and, quite frankly, I can't find or can't understand what I do find about how horrible that really is. Have any good up to date references on this that a third grader could understand? Okay, maybe a 6th grader?

One of my beefs is that one can now get insurance with any pre-existing condition and it's not supposed to effect the cost, yet using a patch, gum or vape often does. Thank you ANTZ.

And here's to a negative for D.C. today!

 

[AndriaD]

The vacoconstrictor is about the only thing I can see causing concern with nicotine and, quite frankly, I can't find or can't understand what I do find about how horrible that really is. Have any good up to date references on this that a third grader could understand? Okay, maybe a 6th grader?

One of my beefs is that one can now get insurance with any pre-existing condition and it's not supposed to effect the cost, yet using a patch, gum or vape often does. Thank you ANTZ.

And here's to a negative for D.C. today!

For people who already have any type of narrowing of their vascular system -- like from high-cholesterol, or just having very narrow blood vessels (like mine, in my extremities), then vasoconstriction could make a mild-to-moderate-to-severe problem worse.

On the other hand, vasoconstriction is a good thing for migraine headaches (and I think other types of headaches too, like cluster headaches?), because the reason those can be so painful is because the blood vessels in the head become dilated and engorged.

Just like a lot of other things about vaping, it's really neither bad nor good in itself; it does this thing, and it really depends on an individual's starting point, as to whether it's a negative or positive thing. I have low blood pressure, so moderate vasoconstriction is helpful; but I also have narrow blood vessels in my extremities, so I've brought my nic level to 5mg, and the low level is really helping my "popsicle paws" problem.

Andria

 

[Douggro]

The vacoconstrictor is about the only thing I can see causing concern with nicotine and, quite frankly, I can't find or can't understand what I do find about how horrible that really is. Have any good up to date references on this that a third grader could understand? Okay, maybe a 6th grader?

I'm not in love with the slant of some of this article, but it covers the basics well:
The Effects of Nicotine on the Body - livestrong.com

 

[Douggro]

For people who already have any type of narrowing of their vascular system -- like from high-cholesterol, or just having very narrow blood vessels (like mine, in my extremities), then vasoconstriction could make a mild-to-moderate-to-severe problem worse.

On the other hand, vasoconstriction is a good thing for migraine headaches (and I think other types of headaches too, like cluster headaches?), because the reason those can be so painful is because the blood vessels in the head become dilated and engorged.

For persons in my condition, it's the narrowing of the arteries and the elevation of blood pressure that the docs are going to worry about with nicotine consumption. If you already have some form of coronary disease, neither of these are desirable effects and can lead to big problems. My current cardiologist was very adamant about getting off the cigarettes but didn't seem to care much about my caffeine consumption or other dietary concerns when I specifically asked him about making changes in those areas.

 

[pianoguy]

For people who already have any type of narrowing of their vascular system -- like from high-cholesterol, or just having very narrow blood vessels (like mine, in my extremities), then vasoconstriction could make a mild-to-moderate-to-severe problem worse.

On the other hand, vasoconstriction is a good thing for migraine headaches (and I think other types of headaches too, like cluster headaches?), because the reason those can be so painful is because the blood vessels in the head become dilated and engorged.

Just like a lot of other things about vaping, it's really neither bad nor good in itself; it does this thing, and it really depends on an individual's starting point, as to whether it's a negative or positive thing. I have low blood pressure, so moderate vasoconstriction is helpful; but I also have narrow blood vessels in my extremities, so I've brought my nic level to 5mg, and the low level is really helping my "popsicle paws" problem.

Andria

+1

Vaping eliminated my migraines. Over the course of a few years, using Imitrex and massage techniques, I had reduced their frequency and intensity, but they disappeared completely shortly after switching to vaping. Haven't had one of those day-ruiners in over 6 years now.

 

[roxynoodle]

I'm allergic to the flu shot, and no doctor is willing to give it to me. I wonder what would happen in my case if an employer required it?

It was always interesting to have the flu as a teacher. If you called in sick they got mad at you. But, if you came in with the flu they got mad at you for "giving it to others". Well, the kids already gave it to me.

 

[DC2]

The results of the Day 8 test are the same as yesterday.
So I'm going to say that I was negative yesterday.

I am pretty much positive that my wife's second line was darker than mine.
I have no idea what that means though.


I'd ask her to do it again, but we're out of tests now.

 

[DC2]

And one thing I noticed about all this...
Alcohol has a much more pronounced effect on me without nicotine.

 

[Douggro]

I'm allergic to the flu shot, and no doctor is willing to give it to me. I wonder what would happen in my case if an employer required it?

You get the doctor to give you an exemption note based on your allergy. They (the employer) don't have the authority to make you get a flu vaccination that will knowingly cause a threatening allergic reaction. That's the stuff lawsuits are made of..

 

[Bunnykiller]

yupperz, nic is a vasoconstrictor ... and ethanol is a vasodialator ... soooo.... have a shot of your favorite booze along with that vape and everythings gonna be ahhrite

 

[Bunnykiller]

I'm allergic to the flu shot, and no doctor is willing to give it to me. I wonder what would happen in my case if an employer required it?

It was always interesting to have the flu as a teacher. If you called in sick they got mad at you. But, if you came in with the flu they got mad at you for "giving it to others". Well, the kids already gave it to me.

isnt that the reason Skype was invented??

 

[zoiDman]

The results of the Day 8 test are the same as yesterday.
So I'm going to say that I was negative yesterday.

...

Damn!

Sounds like I'm going to have to pay Vinnie and Rocko a visit.

 

[r77r7r]

And one thing I noticed about all this...
Alcohol has a much more pronounced effect on me without nicotine.

Gonna have to keep that in my mind regarding your future posts
Great thread...

 

[Douggro]

yupperz, nic is a vasoconstrictor ... and ethanol is a vasodialator ... soooo.... have a shot of your favorite booze along with that vape and everythings gonna be ahhrite

Nahhh, there's alcohol in our juice, remember?

 

[AndriaD]

+1

Vaping eliminated my migraines. Over the course of a few years, using Imitrex and massage techniques, I had reduced their frequency and intensity, but they disappeared completely shortly after switching to vaping. Haven't had one of those day-ruiners in over 6 years now.

I used to get them a lot, in the past; for a while the only caffeine I ever consumed was when I had a migraine. What seemed to help mine the most was when I quit drinking. I think alcohol dilates the blood vessels so I guess that makes sense.

I rarely ever got the full-on pain, though; I'd get the "lightshow", often completely blinded by it, and occasionally a bit of nausea; only once or twice did I get the pain. Maybe because just as soon as I'd get the psychedelic flashing lights, I'd tie a scarf around my head really tight, chug some coca-cola, and go lie down in a dark room for an hour or two, and that usually made it leave before it got really bad.

Andria

 

[roxynoodle]

isnt that the reason Skype was invented??

Not really, since my classroom had one ancient computer, for my personal use. I don't see 30 students managing to crowd around that one small screen to learn today's lesson.

 

[Rotowoman]

DC2, thank you for this extremely interesting thread. Some of the posts on here have boggled my mind, but for the most part, I've not been surprised.

My company is self insured, but they do offer an incentive program to reduce the rates. I participated in it last year, and my rate STILL increased significantly this year. Yes, I'm considered a "tobacco user". Cough cough.......BS. And, YES, I find the program intrusive beyond belief.

Ironically enough, I'm the Wellness Representative at my base, and the guys I work with (mechanics) refuse to participate in the Wellness Initiative program. (Can't say as I blame them.) I only participate because I don't make the money that they do and try to minimize my costs.

The bottom line for me right now is that I feel like I'm living in the book "1984".

 

[Lessifer]

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/09/1...-programs-work-usually-not.html?referer=&_r=0

 

[curiousJan]

Two factors: first, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and for persons (like me) suffering from plaque buildup in arteries, this is not a good combination. Second, nicotine is still widely (incorrectly) associated with being the primary causative agent for heart disease in smokers. So it's a truth-and-fiction problem. And it's easy to do the cotinine testing for nicotine to "weed out" the smokers for insurance purposes.

I've been curious to see what my O2 sat levels are now - they were marginally abysmal when I was a smoker.. and horrid when I was having my heart attack.

So because people with certain conditions shouldn't use nicotine, anyone who uses it should pay higher premiums? That's a crock. There is an increased disease risk with combustible cigarettes and with chewing tobacco. There is no proven, associated risk with vapor or snus. It's about time that distinction was acknowledged and testing methodology was updated.

 

[Douggro]

So because people with certain conditions shouldn't use nicotine, anyone who uses it should pay higher premiums? That's a crock. There is an increased disease risk with combustible cigarettes and with chewing tobacco. There is no proven, associated risk with vapor or snus. It's about time that distinction was acknowledged and testing methodology was updated.

You are a preachin' to the choir..