Help, I'm scared.

[Peace4me]

I am currently in remission from stage 3 cancer (Diffuse, Large B-Cell, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma). Diagnosed in January, 2010. 13 hours of very powerful chemotherapy cocktail containing 5 separate poisons every three weeks for most of that year, until November, 2010. Have been in remission since January, 2011 and am due for my next "6-month" check up this month. I initially stopped smoking on November 7, 2010, right after my last chemo infusion. But unfortunately the chemo damaged my body so much that I now am disabled due to a poor immune system, neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and auto-immune disorders that all together cause unimaginable chronic pain 24/7. I take many opiates everyday to help me cope with this pain. As I was saying, I initially stopped smoking for a few months, but the physical and emotional pain, constant vomiting and severe sleep deprivation caused me to start again. None of my doctors know this though. So, I cannot reach out to them for help. I am embarrassed and ashamed that I started again and feel like a failure. These feelings are real, so please don't reply back that I shouldn't feel this way. I already know that, but yet I still feel these emotions! I used to be an extreme optimist. That's how I survived the cancer in the first place. I also have a high threshold when it comes to pain, yet here I am on so many pain medications because I cannot go without them even for one day. I used to hate taking medications and would always use alternative medicine and holistic remedies first, before submitting to prescription medication. My life is so different now. I want to quit smoking. I have been researching e-cigarettes for about a month and recently decided to try the brand called V2. I was going to place my first order, (a starter kit) from them a few hours ago. However, I went on their website and before ordering I viewed one of their instructional videos to refresh me on how to use their product. At the end of the video, the lady speaking stated the company's disclaimer, which scared me so much that I didn't order. She said that the product was not for non-smokers (well that's a no-brainer), but she also said it was not for people with high blood pressure, not for those at risk for heart disease and not for people with asthma. First of all, I have been on blood pressure medicine for about 10 years now and it is basically under control with the medicine. Second, heart disease runs in my family and I myself have had some heart issues in the past due to stress, but never had an actual heart attack. My cholesterol and triglycerides are through the roof I might add and as far as asthma, I have minor attacks occasionally. But those asthma events happen so infrequently that I go through one inhaler every 10-12 months. Still, I was terrified to order because of their warnings. I need help. I can't turn to my doctors about this, so please don't suggest that. I just can't. Still, I feel so foolish to still be smoking. I mean I had cancer and am only in remission...that does NOT mean I'm cancer free. You only get to be labeled as cancer free if you go at least 10 years without the disease coming back. Is anybody out there? Can anybody hear me? I am sleep deprived, very weak most days, in constant pain all over my body and very scared. I really want to quit smoking asap. Please help me if you can. Thanks guys.

 

[gjshaw29]

First of all I'm sorry you feel the way you do, and are going through this tough time in your life. From what I've read nictone is as addictive as caffine. So if you over do it it will give you a racing heart, etc. But I say go for it, vaping is so much better than smoking. But hey I'm not a doctor I just play one on tv. Welcome to ecf.

 

[SoUnique]

I agree, I'd go for it. The disclaimer is a must do for businesses. I haven't needed my asthma inhaler since I started vaping over 4 months ago, and my BP has come down. I'd say vaping is much safer then smoking.

Sorry about all the health issues you have been through, take care

 

[steven36]

That is scarey .... you are going through and any one that tells you not to feel frighted is trying to comfort you as far as e cigs go I say give it a try it will beat smoking and you may want to look into a cancer support grop the members of ecf are a great bunch .... only they that have fought can truly know your struggle

 

[bodrell]

(((Peace4me)))
Agree with the others. And as a new vaper coming off of 37 years of heavy smoking (2 1/2 PAD equivalent - I was a roll my own smoker all that time, no filters) my morning coughing is gone, I am smelling and breathing easier and I have more energy.

Also if you look through juice vendor websites, you'll see that juice is available in strengths from zero mg nicotine all the way up to 36 mg so you can experiment with flavors and strengths that work for you.

Spend some time reading through all the forums and stickies...you'll get information overload at first, I think we all did! Welcome to ECF and I hope you find that vaping works to make you feel better.

 

[r77r7r]

Try to keep your nic level down some. Maybe max of 18mg to get you off ciggies, then, if you start chain-vaping like most of us, cut down to 12mg or less. I also have hi blood press and this works for me.

 

[ego-fan]

Hi
So sorry that you are in pain...but glad you won round !. in fighting cancer
Keep focus on the positive, it will help your immunesystem

Best Wishes.

 

[genelman]

I know what you are going through because I am a Cancer patient myself (melanoma) and I will have my PET scan done in few hours, I did purchase an e cig without hesitation three months ago because I know it is far better than smoking, I am exactly in your shoes, I take pain medication and have other medical issues. However, I am worried about your heart condition and I would not take an answer from anyone except from a Doctor, there is not such thing as "can't tell my doctors" face it, be strong and ASK YOUR DOCTOR, what are they going to do to you other than point you to the right direction. that's is my advice to you.

Basically you are asking the wrong people. I told you about my experience but that does not mean you should copy it. If I were you I would buy the V2 express package for now (I know that money is an issue after paying all these medical bills) and ask a doctor, not just any doctor, BUT MY DOCTORS, my family doctor and my oncologist. good luck to you and I hope you get better soon.

 

[ego-fan]

Sound advise Genelman I also recommend that doctor-consultation !!!( Best of luck to you, hope you get 100% well)
Pease4me....stop smoking
Think I will remove my post....promoting e-cigs....I feel somewhat embarassed, giving advise to you, having such a serious condition.

it takes a fool to remain sane......and I am no fool

 

[blkhwk07]

Peace4me,I can't say I know what your going thru,because I don't. Let me tell you I smoked for over 35yrs 1-3 packs a day. And I was feeling it,waking up feeling like i was going to hack up a lung or cough so hard I felt like I was going to throw up. Wheezing,out of breath,etc. I quit smoking and started vaping no quite 6wks ago,no more coughing, wheezing, can breath again. Feel better than I have for a long time. With that being said, you know everyone would tell you just quit everything and be happy. Like everyone told me if you feel that bad just quit (well crap why didn't I think of that). But I will say vaping is better than smoking. Just watch your nicotine level,I started at 12mg and down to 9mg most of the time. I also started with V2,and it got me off the smoke. Good luck with your choice,my prayers are with you!

 

[Bb177]

As long as your not using any liquid over 18mg there really isn't a downside is there? I'm not going to go into the whole cancer topic, one because others here have already, and 2 I do not know near enough about it to comment. I know I had high bp before I started vaping, I'm on 18mg all day and 8-12mg while chaining at night with a few drinks, and I no longer have high bp. I know that part of the add is scary,but I think they kinda have to do it to cover their ..., I mean aren't there the same warnings (and worse ones) on the sides of our old smokes? In my opinion, if you can not kick the smokes after having gone through what you have, isn't something that has helped us all off analogs, feel better, and in some cases even quit nicotine all together be something worth trying? Unless I'm wrong, there is no downside to switching as long as you stay 18mg or lower, since more nicotine would most likely raise your bp. I will echo talk to your doctor (mine was actually thrilled about my switch). And shop around, I started with v2 and bought an upgrade before a month had passed. Also they just released their new sight and their prices are up > 10%, no idea what they are doing over there, but their customers on their forum are tearing them a new one.

 

[tinajfreeman]

I am very sorry to hear about what you are going through. With respect to your question, as others have said, businesses must give disclaimers to prevent lawsuits. And nicotine is not 100% safe, but vaping is much, much safer than smoking. I would suggest making the switch to vaping, and once you are off the cigarettes, you can decide to reduce your nicotine level as desired to give up the nicotine also (if you choose to). One of the nice things about vaping is you can slowly reduce your nicotine level on your own, at your own pace, if you choose to.

 

[Spazmelda]

I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems! I know you must be a very strong person to have come through all that and still be reaching out for help even now. It's obvious you still have some fight in you, so hold on to that and be proud of yourself.

but she also said it was not for people with high blood pressure, not for those at risk for heart disease and not for people with asthma.

You know that cigarettes would be even less recommended for people with high blood pressure, risk for heart disease, and asthma, right?

IMO, I would consider quitting the best option, BUT that's much easier said than done right? Ecigs are going to be a fraction of the risk of continuing smoking. I'm not a doctor (actually, I am, but not the kind that helps people, LOL), so just take that as some random person on a message board's opinion.

Talking to a doctor would be good. You have to know that you are not the only person who has gone back to cigarettes after quitting. More people have done that than have stayed quit. Doctors know that. They see it all the time. You are not unique in this inability to stay quit. Many doctors are unfamiliar with ecigs, and their first reaction may be to say 'no, that's bad. Just quit.'. I'm sure you have quite a few specialists with all your health issues, and I'd bring it up with a few of them to get a variety of opinions. Be prepared to educate them if they are unfamiliar with ecigs.

Best of luck to you! Stay strong.

 

[luvinit]

I say go for it. How much worse can it be?? Ever watch a drug commercial?? Most medications have horrible side effects and people take them anyway. Vaping is just SO much better than smoking. Keep the nic level at 12mg or below and I think you would be fine. V2 got me off the analogs too and for that I will be forever grateful. They have to say those things,, it's kinda like the surgeon telling you there's a risk you won't wake up from surgery.. just something they have to tell you. Is it likely? Not so much, but they have to cover their a**. You've been through enough, stop stressing over that order. Vaping CAN and WILL get you away from those stink-sticks. Much luck to you..

 

[Spazmelda]

Oh, I'll also add that some flavors do irritate my asthma. I stay away from those flavors and I try to be aware and on the lookout for tightness of chest and wheezing if I am trying new flavors. So if you do decide to try the ecigs you may have to experiment and discard some flavors if they do irritate your asthma.

 

[tj99959]

I lack the education and licenses to practice medicine, so I won't even begin to say if you should or shouldn't.
However I look at vaping as a "risk reduction" method for those of us with a life long addiction to nicotine.
I haven't smoked a cigarette in over a year, but I am still addicted to nicotine as much as I ever was.