Newbie Bandwagon..

[Shannanigan]

Sorry to hear of your physical battles... may you find relief & wellness! I'm glad you've quit analogs and started vaping again.

Thank you! You all have helped me so much! Thank you for the wishes of wellness!

 

[Shannanigan]

Hi Shannanigan - thank you for sharing your story with us. You are among family here, and your story touched my heart. I hope vaping and spending time here will help you when you need it. Sending you a hug and hoping to see you posting often.

Thank you so much Nanny! This forum has helped me so much! The information is great and I'm proud to have found a new vaping family! Blessings and hugs to you!

 

[tamara]

Thanks for sharing your moving story.

I have relapsing/remitting MS, and while I’m lucky to be relatively ok currently, I had a really rough year a few years ago and can relate to shock of being suddenly disabled. While I have nothing nice to say about chronic diseases...or insurance companies or big pharma for that matter, one positive aspect that came from battling them is I learned just how strong of a person I really am, and frankly surprised myself. If I made it through that year…well, I’m pretty confident I can face anything now. And you my dear, sound like a very strong and determined lady to me. Congratulations for conquering cigarettes and the trials of the last eight months. I wish you all the best and if you ever need someone to vent to, I’m happy to listen….we all are.

Emily, I have MS too! (Secondary Progressive) *hugs*

 

[Shannanigan]

Oh sweetie I'm so sorry. I have a student who has this and she's clinging to her independence as much as she can and she is very miserable... *SMOOSHY COMFORTING HUGGLES* And GO YOU!!!!! for kicking the cigs. You and I are a pair of stubborn people trying to hold on regardless of our health. I too realized my depression was eating away at my life. I started vaping because I figured I needed to live a better life even if my life is not what I'd like. I used to laugh at my docs when they would pester me to quit, "Why??? So I can live in a wheel chair LONGER????" but I discovered to try and live thinking of what I have right now rather than constantly listing what I will not ever be able to do was a far better mental state.

My ace in the hole was always to run away and winter over doing ice studies in Antarctica. But I would have had to quit smoking...well, got that one taken care of except having MS will disqualify me forever. Seriously had a nice poor me party when I realized that.

BUT! I CAN rebuild my own coils and I CAN be not smoking for longer than since I started and I CAN (thanks to my bosses who keep me regardless of my limitations) still teach pottery even if I can't do any of my own very much. I have to count my blessings even if they are a much smaller list than the bad stuff because when you really, REALLY start listening to that in your own head all the good stuff just seems too little too late. So I very consciously focus on those good things and some days the only thing I can come up with is my dear Grandmother's Cinnamon Danish and not smelling like the floor of an old bar.

Now THAT is a hellofa accomplishment! And we both did that!!! YES!!!

Koji, you have always been one of the most honest, welcoming, and numerous posters! I've been lurking for several !months and you always go out of your way to help others! You are a true inspiration! You are so right about being stubborn! Haha! I can relate to that so much, many of my physicians would scold me for smoking and I would use the excuse that it was one of the few things that made me happy. Boy was I wrong when I began vaping, I found new freedom. The flavors are amazing and I don't smell like an asstray! Ha! You are also 100% correct about focussing on what you CAN do, it took me months to try and focus on the positive instead of the negative. It sucks when you suddenly find yourself limited, but I'm positive I will continue to find my way. *loves and hugs to you*

 

[Shannanigan]

Welcome to the NT family, and thanks for sharing your story. What I have found in my VERY short time here is that this is one of the nicest, most helpful and welcoming group of people you could care to meet. I'm so glad to have found this group, and that you found us as well. Post here and post often, even if you just need to vent to someone if you're having a rough day. I'm sure the family here will be happy to listen, offer words of advice, or just be a group of compassionate shoulders when you need some to lean on. Warm-welcomes and hugs!!!

Thank you RageKage and a happy welcome to you! You were the inspiration for my post! I just decided to put myself out there! Clark and Katy always go above and beyond to meet out needs! Enjoy your vacation Sir!!

 

[Shannanigan]

Two amazing people!
...and here's me worrying that I'm not concentrating on my painting as much as I should! I'll give myself a kick and count my own blessings!

Hello Pictor! All any of us can do is be thankful for what we each have! Life can change so quickly, keep on counting those sweet blessings!

 

[Shannanigan]

Thank you for sharing your story. While we can't do anything to ease the physical pain we can at least offer emotional support. Welcome to the family!

Thank you Shoebunnie! I adore your profile picture! That sweet pup is adorable! Thanks for the welcome and encouragement! *hugs*

 

[MissyG]

So sorry you are dealing with this and I can empathize with you. Surgery complications left me with severe peripheral neuropathy that left me in severe pain and I lost the ability to move my legs and I spent a year and a half in a wheelchair. Luckily my condition was treated with TPN and intense physical therapy and I regained my ability to walk. I still have neuropathy in my feet and hands and deal with some weakness, fatigue, and pain, but I feel blessed that I am able to walk because my doctors were unsure of my prognosis. When I was in the wheelchair I had times of terrible depression and there is nothing worse than losing your freedom and independence. If you ever need someone to talk to, please send me a pm, I would be more than happy to listen anytime.

 

[Pictor]

Life can change so quickly, keep on counting those sweet blessings!

You got that right!

 

[baseballmom]

May your troubles be less
May your blessings be more
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door

Welcome Shannanigan, thanks for sharing your story, you found not only good juice, but a group of fine supportive and kind, fun and uplifting folk here

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

emily, i have ms too! (secondary progressive) *hugs*

*huge hugs*

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

Koji, you have always been one of the most honest, welcoming, and numerous posters! I've been lurking for several !months and you always go out of your way to help others! You are a true inspiration! You are so right about being stubborn! Haha! I can relate to that so much, many of my physicians would scold me for smoking and I would use the excuse that it was one of the few things that made me happy. Boy was I wrong when I began vaping, I found new freedom. The flavors are amazing and I don't smell like an asstray! Ha! You are also 100% correct about focussing on what you CAN do, it took me months to try and focus on the positive instead of the negative. It sucks when you suddenly find yourself limited, but I'm positive I will continue to find my way. *loves and hugs to you*

*tackle hugs back*

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

So sorry you are dealing with this and I can empathize with you. Surgery complications left me with severe peripheral neuropathy that left me in severe pain and I lost the ability to move my legs and I spent a year and a half in a wheelchair. Luckily my condition was treated with TPN and intense physical therapy and I regained my ability to walk. I still have neuropathy in my feet and hands and deal with some weakness, fatigue, and pain, but I feel blessed that I am able to walk because my doctors were unsure of my prognosis. When I was in the wheelchair I had times of terrible depression and there is nothing worse than losing your freedom and independence. If you ever need someone to talk to, please send me a pm, I would be more than happy to listen anytime.

*piles on the huge hugs*

 

[Kent Brooks]

I witnessed another member give more information about himself and I'm choosing to do the same.. Normally I just comment or pop-up on a thread! Ha!

I'm currently 36, two kids, and dealing with a difficult medical condition.(I don't post this for sympathy but more for awareness. Heck, who knows, maybe another member suffers from the same!)

I've smoked for 20 years, only stopping for my two pregnancies. Last year I decided to turn my health around. I should add that I was a "Wino" as well. I went through a "discovery" period, began lifting weights, cycling, and running. I realised when running, I felt like my chest was about to explode! I decided to begin vaping off and on, but never fell in love with the juices. I had a 2 hour commute both ways in between a 8-10 hour work day. My kids are also home schooled and in high school. I was the epitome of BUSY. I awoke on day and decided to stop drinking and started vaping a disgusting vanilla and an apple flavored vape in 0 nicotine for the commute. I pretty much gave up cigarettes cold turkey. I was able to push my body so much harder and instantly had more endurance! My weight began to shift, my lungs felt better, my body stopped detoxed like a beast, AND I was at the top of my company managing a high volume store. Best of all I was not smoking and felt like a new woman.

Fast forward a couple of months....

When I began loosing fat and building muscle, I started having ankle pain. (I had a brutal, old roller derby injury that was mended with lots of screws and several plates.) The screws began protruding and required surgery. I went out for surgery 9/30/13. Healing time was only to be 2 weeks. As a result of the surgery, I developed a neuromuscular disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS for short. The weeks went on with new symptoms and I found myself severely depressed. I began smoking again. The cigarettes were like poison to my system and often found myself vomiting after only one. I kept smoking and several weeks after, the "heaviness" and sickly feelings associated with my previous experiences with smoking returned, but I was hooked again. I was smoking a pack a day and felt like crap! In February of this year I finally began vaping again, reordered better hardware and juice. It took about two months to give up cigarettes completely.

My physical condition still is deteriorating and I have gone from my best health ever to completely disabled. I still cannot believe it!! The amazing muscle gains I had have deteriorated and I have to use a wheel chair and walker. I still find myself especially frustrated, i like having control of my life and I miss working and friendships the most. I continue to battle this never ending, painful disease but at least I have freedom from cigarettes and I finally can say I would never return! Every victory counts in life, especially Victory over those that are manufactured to kill you!

I found Nicoticket like most, web searches that led to ECF. From there I searched Tapatalk for other forums and found a few more awesome boards and people! I'm thankful for Nicoticket for making an amazingly flavored, quality product! Also, to this group of amazing, encouraging, honest people! You all make my day! I order Nicoticket juices solely, I don't have to wonder what I'm getting!

Shine on you crazy vapers!

Wow - thank you for sharing your story. I'm really appreciative when folks who are new to the family do this - it helps us help you. However unlikely it might appear, the people who wander here are generally willing to support you in your efforts at personal growth... not just in terms of vaping, but in lifes endeavors outside of vaping. It's a community in every sense of the word and we really appreciate you putting any amount of time and effort into making it shine brighter than it already does.

I think most people who wander here suffer from something... myself included. We're all struggling with a unique and complex array of situations that somehow led us to coping with nicotine - and we all share a common bond in the respect that we have a desire to minimize the risk associated with it. It's never ceases to amaze me how, despite our diverse backgrounds, that one common denominator can cauterize a community and have positive impacts on many different areas of all of our lives.

Long story short - welcome.

~Clark

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

Wow - thank you for sharing your story. I'm really appreciative when folks who are new to the family do this - it helps us help you. However unlikely it might appear, the people who wander here are generally willing to support you in your efforts at personal growth... not just in terms of vaping, but in lifes endeavors outside of vaping. It's a community in every sense of the word and we really appreciate you putting any amount of time and effort into making it shine brighter than it already does.

I think most people who wander here suffer from something... myself included. We're all struggling with a unique and complex array of situations that somehow led us to coping with nicotine - and we all share a common bond in the respect that we have a desire to minimize the risk associated with it. It's never ceases to amaze me how, despite our diverse backgrounds, that one common denominator can cauterize a community and have positive impacts on many different areas of all of our lives.

Long story short - welcome.

~Clark

Oh Clark, you lead through example my dear friend!!

 

[Kent Brooks]

Oh Clark, you lead through example my dear friend!!

If you mean by spending copious amounts of money on things I had no idea I knew I needed 3 months ago, you are absolutely correct. LMAO

 

[MissyG]

I think most people who wander here suffer from something... myself included. We're all struggling with a unique and complex array of situations that somehow led us to coping with nicotine - and we all share a common bond in the respect that we have a desire to minimize the risk associated with it. It's never ceases to amaze me how, despite our diverse backgrounds, that one common denominator can cauterize a community and have positive impacts on many different areas of all of our lives.

Long story short - welcome.

~Clark[/QUOTE]

I have felt the same way, vapers are one of the most diverse social groups I have ever been a part of, but also one the most kind and generous.

 

[Kent Brooks]

I have felt the same way, vapers are one of the most diverse social groups I have ever been a part of, but also one the most kind and generous.

Aside from keeping me off the nails, it's my primary social network both online and in person. It has become so much a part of me that it would be a painful loss!

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

If you mean by spending copious amounts of money on things I had no idea I knew I needed 3 months ago, you are absolutely correct. LMAO

 

[Shannanigan]

So sorry you are dealing with this and I can empathize with you. Surgery complications left me with severe peripheral neuropathy that left me in severe pain and I lost the ability to move my legs and I spent a year and a half in a wheelchair. Luckily my condition was treated with TPN and intense physical therapy and I regained my ability to walk. I still have neuropathy in my feet and hands and deal with some weakness, fatigue, and pain, but I feel blessed that I am able to walk because my doctors were unsure of my prognosis. When I was in the wheelchair I had times of terrible depression and there is nothing worse than losing your freedom and independence. If you ever need someone to talk to, please send me a pm, I would be more than happy to listen anytime.

Missy, you are a sweet soul Ma'am! I take extreme encouragement from you and your battle! You have overcome so much and I am inspired. Some of your symptoms sound similar to my own. I'm thankful for your offer of communication. You greatly understand my inner and physical battle. Thank you for sharing your story! Love, wishes, and prayers to you Dear!