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

[Bojeda]

Hi Alicia:
I've been a lurker here since I stopped smoking cigarettes and started vaping 7 months ago. Because of you I decided to join so I could post and be able to tell you that you just need to take it one day at a time and it does get easier. I started out with the E Cigs because they felt the most like a real cigarette. I gradually then got into the Ego's when I felt that the E Cigs weren't giving me enough of a throat hit as I was also cutting down on my nicotine level at the same time. I had been a smoker for 30 years and nothing I had tried worked in helping me to quit. I even worked for an Oncologist for 5 years and saw first hand what smoking can do and still I didn't quit. Finally last August I decided I was going to smoke my last pack and switch to E Cigs. I made no guarantees to my friends and family, but I started feeling better and actually enjoying the different flavors I was vaping better than my Marlboro Lights. I am now down to 0 nicotine and can't even imagine smoking a real cigarette. It's so nice not to smell like smoke and I actually really enjoy vaping better.
Everyone can tell you that you have to quit, but you need to make the decision and do it for yourself. It could only help you to feel better. I'm hoping you keep us updated on your progress. Good luck. We're rooting for you!!

 

[LarryDb]

I smoked heavy for 45 years, been vapin 3 weeks and smoked last analog 3 days ago. It can be done my freinds, just a little will power and lotsa vapin. The vaping Community is among the best group od people i have met in alooooong time. Very supportive, so Welcome Alicia!!!

 

[james chapman]

I did not quit,do to me having a stroke,but my Dearest. I first started smoking outside. I even added a sun room,so that would be my smoke room. I'm 52 and smoked for 35 years. Come April,I have been off cigs for 3 years. I'm not sure if your doctor told you,but if you had one stroke,its not IF you have a 2nd stroke,but WHEN. My Dearest had a 2nd stroke,that left some paralysis. After 35 years of the damn Cigs I could hardly breathe. I started with the Blu and quit. Moved up to the Ego for longer Battery life. Got a Vamo,then the ultimate and best there is,the Provari. It cost me 179.00 and is worth more than that. Not one problem with it in almost a year,that I have had it. I started Making my own juices,using Flavors and VG/Pg from Mt. Baker. I smoked 2.5 pks a day. Now I swim every day,at the gym. I breathe better,I can smell,I can taste,I'm sure I smell better. Its all about finding the right juices and delivery system. If you try something and you find it lacking,try something else. The short battery life,of the Blu,was about to drive me back to smoking. The ego was like a big cigar and took some getting use to. The Provari is big,but they do have the mini and for reliability,product guarantee and delivery it can't be beat. I tried all the stop smoking devices and they did not work. Vaping does work. Do it for yourself,do it for your boys. Ask questions and anyone will help you. Your here on ECF,the biggest stop smoking club. Good luck to you.

 

[HoseGarden]

I did not quit,do to me having a stroke,but my Dearest. I first started smoking outside. I even added a sun room,so that would be my smoke room. I'm 52 and smoked for 35 years. Come April,I have been off cigs for 3 years. I'm not sure if your doctor told you,but if you had one stroke,its not IF you have a 2nd stroke,but WHEN. My Dearest had a 2nd stroke,that left some paralysis. After 35 years of the damn Cigs I could hardly breathe. I started with the Blu and quit. Moved up to the Ego for longer Battery life. Got a Vamo,then the ultimate and best there is,the Provari. It cost me 179.00 and is worth more than that. Not one problem with it in almost a year,that I have had it. I started Making my own juices,using Flavors and VG/Pg from Mt. Baker. I smoked 2.5 pks a day. Now I swim every day,at the gym. I breathe better,I can smell,I can taste,I'm sure I smell better. Its all about finding the right juices and delivery system. If you try something and you find it lacking,try something else. The short battery life,of the Blu,was about to drive me back to smoking. The ego was like a big cigar and took some getting use to. The Provari is big,but they do have the mini and for reliability,product guarantee and delivery it can't be beat. I tried all the stop smoking devices and they did not work. Vaping does work. Do it for yourself,do it for your boys. Ask questions and anyone will help you. Your here on ECF,the biggest stop smoking club. Good luck to you.

james that is a great story. im sorry to hear about your significant other.

the fact that you call ecf the biggest stop smoking club gives me chills. im proud to be a member of this wonderful community

best wishes

 

[chimsweep]

Brain aneurysm June 18, 2006, emergency surgery and 30 day laying in ICU in coma, 3 major brain surgeries since.......I couldn't quit. Then a close friend called me from Ky a year ago.....told me he had a new hobby......oh boy...another fix....that won't work. Patches, Chantix, cold turkey.....this vape thing......I'll give it a try so I can add it to the list. Haven't picked up an analog since I got my Ego-C kit in the mail. I wouldn't even consider going back. My wife and son also are coming up on 1 year in a couple weeks. I called him and thanked him for the help. I just remembered I didn't post my mark and thank this forum....which I will soon as I am off this thread. Thanks for everyone's help...even if you're new...thanks

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

I did not quit,do to me having a stroke,but my Dearest. I first started smoking outside. I even added a sun room,so that would be my smoke room. I'm 52 and smoked for 35 years. Come April,I have been off cigs for 3 years. I'm not sure if your doctor told you,but if you had one stroke,its not IF you have a 2nd stroke,but WHEN. My Dearest had a 2nd stroke,that left some paralysis. After 35 years of the damn Cigs I could hardly breathe. I started with the Blu and quit. Moved up to the Ego for longer Battery life. Got a Vamo,then the ultimate and best there is,the Provari. It cost me 179.00 and is worth more than that. Not one problem with it in almost a year,that I have had it. I started Making my own juices,using Flavors and VG/Pg from Mt. Baker. I smoked 2.5 pks a day. Now I swim every day,at the gym. I breathe better,I can smell,I can taste,I'm sure I smell better. Its all about finding the right juices and delivery system. If you try something and you find it lacking,try something else. The short battery life,of the Blu,was about to drive me back to smoking. The ego was like a big cigar and took some getting use to. The Provari is big,but they do have the mini and for reliability,product guarantee and delivery it can't be beat. I tried all the stop smoking devices and they did not work. Vaping does work. Do it for yourself,do it for your boys. Ask questions and anyone will help you. Your here on ECF,the biggest stop smoking club. Good luck to you.

I'm very sorry to hear about your beloved, my heart aches for you, and I thank you for sharing what must be a painful story. My drs fortunately do not think there is any reason for me to have another stroke, due to it being a very rare and specialized stroke, also because I had it for no apparent reason at all. Guess my body telling me to slow my life down. They believe my BP just got so high I had it. Now at 37 I am on 3 BP meds to keep it in a good range, and we are still fighting with it. I tend to be a bit high strung. My doc did tell me that if I can't emotionally keep myself in check, which he feels plays the biggest roll in my BP, I will have a stroke again, and I will not survive this one. I know that while there are many factors that play a role in my BP, smoking is one, maybe not the biggest problem I have, but at this point I need to do what will help, even a little. Thanks for your support! I just need to make the switch and be done! I'm working on finding what works for me! Another shipment of juices came today, they are breathing now, start steep in the morn. I am determined!

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

Hi Alicia:
I've been a lurker here since I stopped smoking cigarettes and started vaping 7 months ago. Because of you I decided to join so I could post and be able to tell you that you just need to take it one day at a time and it does get easier. I started out with the E Cigs because they felt the most like a real cigarette. I gradually then got into the Ego's when I felt that the E Cigs weren't giving me enough of a throat hit as I was also cutting down on my nicotine level at the same time. I had been a smoker for 30 years and nothing I had tried worked in helping me to quit. I even worked for an Oncologist for 5 years and saw first hand what smoking can do and still I didn't quit. Finally last August I decided I was going to smoke my last pack and switch to E Cigs. I made no guarantees to my friends and family, but I started feeling better and actually enjoying the different flavors I was vaping better than my Marlboro Lights. I am now down to 0 nicotine and can't even imagine smoking a real cigarette. It's so nice not to smell like smoke and I actually really enjoy vaping better.
Everyone can tell you that you have to quit, but you need to make the decision and do it for yourself. It could only help you to feel better. I'm hoping you keep us updated on your progress. Good luck. We're rooting for you!!

You can't believe how honored I truly am that you signed up, just to reply to my thread! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will gladly keep you updated on my progress! I promise the first day I don't smoke 1 analog, you all will be the first to know!! I currently have 12 new juices sitting and waiting, I'm determined to find one or several that work! And maybe I'll have fun finding it! My son (18) asked me today if he could try vaping, said some kids at school do, almost had another stroke! Lol! This is my straight laced, walk the line kid! Told him I couldn't stop him, not would I, but I wouldn't let him try my stuff due to nicotine, so I guess I'll be ordering more without nic! Maybe trying new things with him will make it a fun mission for me, who knows! Again, I'm honored! Thanks for the support!

 

[tj99959]

Believe me, I understand.
I passed an embelism to the brain at 38, and could not quit. had a triple bypass, and still couldn't quit. Three years ago I was introduced to e-cigs, and the transission was seamless.

And guess what?!? I'm still alive, and enjoying life.

Oh and, don't enable your son. If he doesn't smoke, he doesn't need to start vaping.

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

Believe me, I understand.
I passed an embelism to the brain at 38, and could not quit. had a triple bypass, and still couldn't quit. Three years ago I was introduced to e-cigs, and the transission was seamless.

And guess what?!? I'm still alive, and enjoying life.




Oh and, don't enable your son. If he doesn't smoke, he doesn't need to start vaping.

My thoughts exactly on the son! I'm just a little stressed, as he leaves for college very soon, and as much of a mommas boy he is, and really walks a very straight path, I'm so worried he will go to college, be a some stupid party and get convinced he should try! Not that he's much for peer pressure, nor is he a drinker really, so not likely he will do out of a drunken stupor, maybe I'm being that paranoid mom who is telling herself if he's gonna do it, at least do it here, with me, where I can at least have a little control. Please know, when it was originally brought up I had a fit, then think I over thought it. Thank you for bringing me back to my senses! I will recognize that I raised a bright, smart, wonderful son, and trust that if I tell him he shouldn't start, that he won't. And if he does when he leaves me, well....I'll deal with it then! Just wish he'd stay at home forever with his mom! I swear him leaving for college is whats gonna give me another stoke, not the cigs! Lol?

 

[FourWinds]

My little story is not such a significant health issue as most of them here. After 30 years smoking I switched to vaping on the advice of my periodontist. I've never had a filling, and my teeth had apparently always been just fine. One day they tell me I have advanced gum disease, and that the smoking has been hiding it from me (no blood when you smoke as much as I did you see). My gums are pink and healthy again now; it's amazing how fast a body can recover if you stop beating it with a cancer stick it seems.

Nice to say hi Alicia.

 

[numbskull]

First and foremost I want to express my condolences to everyone.

Back in 2000 my mother had a multiple brain aneurism and nearly lost her life. The doctors said it was most likely cause by years of smoking and extremely high levels of stress. Did this keep me from picking up a cigarette? No, sadly I let myself become an addict. I started smoking at around 15 and by 17 it was a pack a day habit. I did try to quit a few times, and always felt ashamed when my mom would point out the fact that I would come home stinking of smoke. As bad as I felt I know she felt worse. She had survived veins in her skull bursting, the brain surgery and countless hours of PT just to attempt to become "normal" again and now she was watching her oldest son literally take years of his life with every pack. You see the hardest part of quitting for me was the fact that I LOVE to smoke. She, along with the GF were elated when I started Vaping (Coming up on the one year mark!!). Now they tease me because I'm always lurking ECF or checking out the newest gear and filling up my night stand with ego batteries mech mods and all sorts of toppers lol.

In any case, best of luck on your journey OP. Best wishes to you all, and know you are in the right place for not only information but also support. Thank you Vaping and thank you ECF. You may have just saved my life!

 

[DarkDays93]

Welcome to the forum!

Here's to hoping your 'box of tricks' reveals something that you enjoy and stick with!

Best of luck.

 

[Seann.V91]

Make sure to try out the provari, standard or mini. I'm not just being a "fanboy" I just want you to have a guarantee vape, it's very durable and accurate. If it makes you feel better, it's made in the USA and comes with a one year warranty. Another plus is that if ProVape comes out with a new Provari or -cig, they'll let you upgrade for around the 20-30 dollar range for whatever new model they have (like a cell phone)

 

[_Lee]

I was about 40 when I had my mini-stroke, OP. I was very lucky. All it left me with is a Harry Potter scar on my forehead and slight facial drooping. I smoked almost 25 years. Cold turkey was not an option for me. Jekyll/Hyde was not a fair experience for my family to go through again. I was on and off ecigs for a couple of years, but they never really rooted until about 5 months ago. That is when I had my last cig.

Some people have an easy go of it. That is not the case for me, brother. The struggles are easier to beat now. I realize that I cannot have even one, not even to satisfy my curiosity. It is not "just a cigarette", it is a full on addiction. After I realized that and treated it that way, it was easier to manage.

You can do it, OP. Keep trying and don't give up. Besides, you got ECF to help. I thank God for this place and the people who have helped me.

 

[Meln]

You can do it, OP. Keep trying and don't give up. Besides, you got ECF to help. I thank God for this place and the people who have helped me.

That's true. In my opinion ECF and forums like it saved many lives helping to quit smoking.

 

[james chapman]

Make sure to try out the provari, standard or mini. I'm not just being a "fanboy" I just want you to have a guarantee vape, it's very durable and accurate. If it makes you feel better, it's made in the USA and comes with a one year warranty. Another plus is that if ProVape comes out with a new Provari or -cig, they'll let you upgrade for around the 20-30 dollar range for whatever new model they have (like a cell phone)

I grew up in Plano,back in the 60s. Alicia I have to agree with everything in his post. Provari users would get on my nerves,but once you use this product,you know you will never-ever go back to smoking. Seann says,"It makes you feel better" and I know what he means. You push the button,its going to work. You can leave the house and not take back ups,as it will not fail you. Could they produce a lemon? I'm sure they could,but with the year warranty and option of a second year,you can't beat it. I have heard of people owning 2-3 Provaris and I have to ask why. The only thing I can think of,is their fear of being with out it and I share that fear,so I will be treating myself to a Mini,for my B-day.
Having the right equipment,is half the battle. You can go cheaper,but you can not get better.

 

[Lucienbel]

My father had a heart attack at 43 (back when I was about 13 or so myself, and back when I didn't smoke). Largely due to cigarettes no less, a long with a few other things. He's quit smoking a few times since then himself (now ten years later) but has never really managed to stay off them. I don't ever remember such a horrifying helpless feeling as when that happened to him...he travels for a living and was out of town so my mother and I couldn't even go see him afterward. I think it's awesome that you're going to switch over to vaping, and I promise your kids will appreciate it.

Anyway, best of luck to you. If you get a setup going that you really like, and find some good juice, I'm sure you'll get there. Stick with it, your kids will really appreciate it too.

 

[Alicia McDaniel]

Well, I went to the vape shop the other day, to get myself a drip atty, the shop is new to town, and while they seem well equipped, I have a feeling they just really aren't. Got an I don't know what the hell it is, but wanted it to try the seemingly endless new juices to try without having to fill tanks with something I may hate. Anywho, I got this atty, they built me a coil, and off I went. First let me say that without a beauty ring it just looks ridiculous on my vision spinner, and of course they didn't have any. While they are making the coil the man proceeds to give me the 3rd degree about why I bought juices online when I could get them at their shop, that's why they have a tasting bar, blah, blah, blah. So as I'm listening to him, I want to scream "you clearly saw me walk in here using a walker with my leg just dragging behind me, I obviously can't drive .....!" So I can't just get there whenever the mood strikes! Also, the last time I was there he pressured me to buy a tabacco juice that I hate because if I didn't I just wouldn't put the analogs down. And their supply is kind of limited in choices compared to the World Wide Web. I mean they won't custom make what I want, so why go there if I don't absolutely have to right!?! Ok, I've gotten off course, sorry, I'm on a rant today! So I set up my new atty to start tasting these juices. It's late, I think I'm alone, only to find my 13 yr old joining me. Very curious that one. I was only going to taste a few, he decides that he want to play the "guess which flavor this is without looking at the label" game. Needless to say, about 15 flavors later, I have tried them all, I wasn't even sure I could taste properly anymore, and I could feel the nicotine buzzing through my body! Was telling myself in my head, never again would I let him do this again with so many, but then he wraps his arms around me and tells me he knows it must be hard for me to quit especially with all the other changes in my life due to stroke, but that he was so so proud of me for trying. I swore then and there, he could make me play his taste game any time he wanted! If I wasn't determined before, I sure am now! Just felt like sharing. That's all! Btw...apparently provari is the way to go according to a few posts above, is this everyone's general consensus? If so, I may have to buy a new toy, yet again! This could get scary like my shoe addiction! Lol! Sorry for all the rambling!