I'll share DPL's story (he's out and about and running fast today), with his permission.
Firstly, he would beg you to please understand and not lose site of the fact that he did not write this to be about him, but more as a response to the big picture as regards the FDA regs we are all facing. He also wanted to impact those who were not already vapers, which is why he didn't choose to share it here.
But kuriousity is a powerful force, and because he left the decision to me, I'm opting in for you guys.
He began with the intention of writing a tongue-in-cheek news flash, about how the FDA saved smoker's rights, and how "lucky" we were to have them fighting for our rights. But his mindset shifted.
"Somewhere close to five years ago, Dr. Stephen Bauer said words that caused me to almost faint.
“You’ll almost definitely lose these two toes, and I’m going to try to not cut it off at the knee.”
An artery in my right leg had basically shut down. Annihilated by 30+ years of smoking. Within hours, I was admitted to Stamford Hospital, and they “blew-out’ the artery. It worked, temporarily, but he said that I needed an arterial bypass if I wanted to truly save the leg.
We scheduled the bypass surgery, for about a month out. It was to be on a Wednesday.
Two days before the surgery, that Monday, I went in for a final check-up. It was basically a formality. After completing the Doppler test, Dr. Bauer looked absolutely stunned.
“This is impossible. Your artery is clearing. Did you stop smoking?”
I explained that I had, but that I was using these electronic cigarette things, having had no idea if they were any good. He said, “I don’t know, but whatever you’re doing, KEEP DOING IT.”
He cancelled the bypass surgery, but insisted that I come for monthly check-ups. I did, never missing a single one. With each passing month, things kept getting better and better. This process continued for 18 months.
He finally said to me, “There’s absolutely no reason for you to be in my care. Your arteries are as clean as can be. I’m releasing you. But know that if you ever put another cigarette to your mouth, that I’m going to cutting off that leg, somewhere down the line.”
Well, I haven’t put another cigarette to my mouth. Not a single one.
But thanks to our own Food & Drug Administration, somebody down-line, well, they’re gonna be losing a leg.
You .......s."
It's become obvious, and even more important, that we ALL share our stories, as this is what truly touches other people to the core. Enlist the non-vapers when and where we can. We could use all the soldiers we can find right about now...
So you both could get the details..... Bwahahahaha!
