New member, new to vaping due to stroke. Anyone else?

[Alicia McDaniel]

I am a new member, and also a new vaper. I have smoked for 20 years, with many attempts at quitting, still attempting actually. 7 months ago I had a severe brain stem stroke, am left with more issues than I can list, and I still can't put them down. I'm trying though. You would think almost dying @37 would do it, but so far, no. I'm currently steeping some liquids, waiting on some more, and a ton of vaping toys hoping I'll find something that works! I am hopeful I will put the cigs down soon, as my boys like to remind me if I don't, the next stroke will kill me. Fingers crossed everyone! And along the way of quitting, maybe I'll learn to walk again. Anyone else quit smoking due to stoke? Would love to hear your survival story! And any help you could give on putting down the cigs for the final time.

 

[HoseGarden]

fingers crossed

good luck we are here to help

edit: very recently i had to part with another substance due to the way it was treating my body. It felt like this most recent wake up call was the only thing life could do to get me to slow down or think twice about it. i've always known it was bad but...yeah. it's been difficult saying goodbye and sometimes i panic wondering if i'll NEVER be able to do it again. it was such an integral part of my life for so many years and im having a hard time dealing with the transition and the mindset.

to be quite honest, there are times i still feel willing to roll the dice Luckily, my vice and i havent crossed paths in a few days and for the first time in my life i feel more done with it than ever before. Again, as i said, im not completely over the romancing of said substance but one day at a time....

2nd edit: i do understand what you're going through. and furthermore, i understand how hard it is to accept reality sometimes no matter how loud and clear the signals are. we're all in this together

 

[greenterror]

Not me, my best friend. Just died (Jan 28th) due to complications of an aneurysm on his brain stem. It was a 2.5 year battle of multiple strokes, surgeries and glimmers of hope. The last conversation that he could have with me; he begged me to stop with the cigs. He was 33. Long story short, this is my first post after lurking for too long to try help someone out, your little ones will thank you for it.

I haven't touched one in 3 months...today actually

 

[Buggainok]

First, welcome to the forum. And good for you for getting through something so serious as a stroke. I wish you well on your continuing recovery.

Quitting cigarettes is a very scary thing for most people. So maybe don't tell yourself you are quitting. Just consider that you are switching to vaping. If you have an overwhelming urge for a cigarette, try to just vape through it if you can. It will pass. If it doesn't, and you have to smoke one, just get back to vaping and don't beat yourself up.

I smoked 2 packs a day for more years than you are old, 40+. I never even tried to quit once in all those years. I think because I didn't think I could do it.

I haven't had a cigarette since I got my starter kit and began vaping about two months ago. I am still amazed that I'm not smoking. I am vaping instead.

I wish you success, and please come here anytime if you need to vent or complain. We were all beginners once.

 

[Buggainok]

Not me, my best friend. Just died (Jan 28th) due to complications of an aneurysm on his brain stem. It was a 2.5 year battle of multiple strokes, surgeries and glimmers of hope. The last conversation that he could have with me; he begged me to stop with the cigs. He was 33. Long story short, this is my first post after lurking for too long to try help someone out, your little ones will thank you for it.

I haven't touched one in 3 months...today actually

Welcome, greenterror. Congratulations on your 3 months. That is a big accomplishment. Your friend would be proud of you.

 

[Art02]

Not me, my best friend. Just died (Jan 28th) due to complications of an aneurysm on his brain stem. It was a 2.5 year battle of multiple strokes, surgeries and glimmers of hope. The last conversation that he could have with me; he begged me to stop with the cigs. He was 33. Long story short, this is my first post after lurking for too long to try help someone out, your little ones will thank you for it.

I haven't touched one in 3 months...today actually

Really nice. You had a reason and the motivation. You seezed? the moment. You gave e-cigs a chance and they didn't really suck that much. And you quit. Hell yeah.

I am two months in. It is working great. I am saving money.

All you really need is a reason.

 

[Art02]

First, welcome to the forum. And good for you for getting through something so serious as a stroke. I wish you well on your continuing recovery.

Quitting cigarettes is a very scary thing for most people. So maybe don't tell yourself you are quitting. Just consider that you are switching to vaping. If you have an overwhelming urge for a cigarette, try to just vape through it if you can. It will pass. If it doesn't, and you have to smoke one, just get back to vaping and don't beat yourself up.

I smoked 2 packs a day for more years than you are old, 40+. I never even tried to quit once in all those years. I think because I didn't think I could do it.

I haven't had a cigarette since I got my starter kit and began vaping about two months ago. I am still amazed that I'm not smoking. I am vaping instead.

I wish you success, and please come here anytime if you need to vent or complain. We were all beginners once.

Same as you. Same numbers. There is no way in hell I can quit. Why even try?

It took me 3 days.

 

[eebant]

Oh, you're so young to have gone through this. My heart goes out to you and yours.

My first husband had a massive stroke back in 2002. It left him half paralyzed. It happened on the night of his birthday, no less...But he was 58 years old and didn't smoke. His problem was eating too much. He only lived 5 years after his stroke and it was an agonizing life. (for him AND me). He died at 63.

My advice to you will be to stop analogs, start vaping, and above all else, follow your physical therapy guidelines to the max. Don't miss an excercise session.

Squeeze the ball (you know what I mean!) <and to all the ones that don't know, it's a squishy ball that excercises your hand> (not what you actually think!)

I have a neighbor friend, who's a dairy farmer, who had a massive stroke also. You wouldn't know it to look at him. He kept thin and did his exercises religiously.

Keep off the analogs, hon, keep vaping, excercising, and look forward to a much longer life in front of you.

Find the juice that works for you and STOP smoking.

 

[Buggainok]

Same as you. Same numbers. There is no way in hell I can quit. Why even try?

It took me 3 days.

Good to know, Art. The stars were aligned for both of us!

 

[DavidAmonettNashville]

I also turned to vaping due to some medical issues. I'm still dealing with the consequences of smoking for 30 years but I feel more optimistic now. Best wishes on your recovery -Dave

 

[HoseGarden]

Best wishes on your recovery -Dave

yes best wishes indeed

 

[davis0710]

My grandpa has had strokes/heart attacks. I had twin boys 20 months ago and that's what did it for me. I'll be damned if smoking takes me away from my boys! Congrats and good luck!

 

[2naphish]

Oh, you're so young to have gone through this. My heart goes out to you and yours.

My first husband had a massive stroke back in 2002. It left him half paralyzed. It happened on the night of his birthday, no less...But he was 58 years old and didn't smoke. His problem was eating too much. He only lived 5 years after his stroke and it was an agonizing life. (for him AND me). He died at 63.

My advice to you will be to stop analogs, start vaping, and above all else, follow your physical therapy guidelines to the max. Don't miss an excercise session.

Squeeze the ball (you know what I mean!) <and to all the ones that don't know, it's a squishy ball that excercises your hand> (not what you actually think!)

I have a neighbor friend, who's a dairy farmer, who had a massive stroke also. You wouldn't know it to look at him. He kept thin and did his exercises religiously.

Keep off the analogs, hon, keep vaping, excercising, and look forward to a much longer life in front of you.

Find the juice that works for you and STOP smoking.

AMEN... keep the faith....

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

Thank you for sharing. Stay strong, and know you have support!

 

[dripdaze]

Hi Alicia! I had two strokes. I got really lucky and didn't have any bad permanent afflictions from them.They ran all kinds of tests on me and the only thing the doctor could tell me was to quit smoking.

I struggled to cut down and couldn't get below about 8 cigs. a day. Then I decided to try an e-cig. I had my last cig. just previous to leaving for the store to buy my eGo starter kit. I had been smoking for 40yrs and quit in one day. I didn't tell myself I was going to quit. I was just going to vape instead of smoking when I could. Vaping completely eliminated my need to smoke.

It can be done. I started with 24mg/ml juice and just vaped when I had the urge to smoke. If I can do it, you can do it.

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

Sorry! My little reply was going to be individual, and I was going to do it to each one separately! Not sure what happened! Lol! Then I also realized my arm will never keep up with all the posts! Thank you to all who have the courage to share your experience with me, it means a lot! I will continue to fight to vape and vape only, and will continue to fight to get my body and mind back to feeling like they are mine. Although my husband says he thinks a lot of days I continue to get worse, I remind myself I'm very early in recovery, and even if I am always partially paralyzed in my rt arm and leg, at least I'm still here to be with my hubby and boys! Who btw, are so not little anymore! 18&13, and growing faster than I can keep up! Thank you all for the support, I was overwhelmed with how many replies I had so fast! I would love to be able to return the support to any of you that may ever feel you need it! Thanks again all! My PBA now has me crying uncontrollably at all of your support! Did any other stroke victims suffer PBA? Just curious, it's annoying and damn embarrassing!

 

[dripdaze]

I had to look up PBA. Thankfully I don't have that issue. I'm sorry to hear that you do. My only problem is slight paralysis of my left arm and staggering when I walk sometimes.

 

[eebant]

Yeah, PBA is a very real thing in stroke patients. My husband did it soooo many times, I mean cried his eyes out. First of all, DON'T be embarrassed by it. It's a very real emotion. I mean, geezy peezy, look what happened to you!

Go with the flow. No, you're too young and energetic to be getting worse. Remember that. You WILL get better! Please keep excercising!

 

[HoseGarden]

Sorry! My little reply was going to be individual, and I was going to do it to each one separately! Not sure what happened! Lol! Then I also realized my arm will never keep up with all the posts! Thank you to all who have the courage to share your experience with me, it means a lot! I will continue to fight to vape and vape only, and will continue to fight to get my body and mind back to feeling like they are mine. Although my husband says he thinks a lot of days I continue to get worse, I remind myself I'm very early in recovery, and even if I am always partially paralyzed in my rt arm and leg, at least I'm still here to be with my hubby and boys! Who btw, are so not little anymore! 18&13, and growing faster than I can keep up! Thank you all for the support, I was overwhelmed with how many replies I had so fast! I would love to be able to return the support to any of you that may ever feel you need it! Thanks again all! My PBA now has me crying uncontrollably at all of your support! Did any other stroke victims suffer PBA? Just curious, it's annoying and damn embarrassing!

no worries hun

we know where you're at and you know where we're at. this is the cycle of support

dont be a stranger

 

[eebant]

no worries hun

we know where you're at and you know where we're at. this is the cycle of support

dont be a stranger

Best answer tonight!