Restored Lung Function?

[ScottP]

I did cough all the time. That has cleared up, and for now I feel better but I still don't have the energy levels I think I should.

Improved lung function will NOT in and of itself provide more energy. A 45yr old that has NEVER smoked but also never exercises or pushes themselves is going to have significantly lower energy levels than a 45 yr old smoker that exercises and pushes themselves daily.

The way to increase energy levels is to increase average daily energy expenditure...aka exercise. Now that you have quit the coughing and your lungs are clearing up some you should find that you can push yourself to boost energy without sucking for air as soon, but you are going to have to push yourself to boost your energy.

 

[Sucker_dad]

If you get blood work done, they will do a PSA test. If you are not having any problems down there and no family history, the doc doesn't need to go there.

There is a family history. I have a brother and an uncle that both died from different cancers, and my mother had to have a radical hysterectomy when I was about 10-12 yrs old. I won't not get checked out as I know the importance but I sure ain't looking forward to that. As far as pushing myself, I have except for one job that I had for a year a while back, I have always worked on my feet and active. I also chase a set of 3 year old twins everywhere. I do need to start some sort of actual regimen though. Even just getting out and riding a bike for a few miles a day would be great.

 

[leelee.d]

I smoked a pack a day on average for 12-13 years. Towards the end I was having a lot of trouble taking deep breaths, still nothing could make me quit! Then I found vaping and the rest is history. I am breathing with no problems. I still worry that I went too far with the smoking sometimes, but with the way I'm recovering I'm just going to wait and see. Feels better every day.

Wumpscut- I feel the same way. I smoked for 30 years, a pack a day, at least. I was always short of breath, light headed, etc. We went on vacation last January and I was out of breath the entire time because we were walking alot. Did I quit? No. As you can see from my ticker, it's only been 10 plus days. However, I do feel better. I still get winded at times but I can tell it's getting better. My hope is that I quit in time. I know a few people who quit years and years ago and are now battling lung cancer. That scares the mess out of me. I wish I had quit so long ago. I really can't dwell on that though. I can only pray about it. I'm very glad I quit and the thought of smoking again doesn't cross my mind. I'm done.

 

[pipster]

Today is my 1 month mark. I don't feel my lung capacity has improved in leaps and bounds, but I really do notice some significant changes already. I have already stopped coughing in the morning. My allergies/sinus issues have dramatically lessened, My energy level still is not what it should be (but then again, I live in grey Seattle and it's winter, so I may be right on the mark). My bedroom is upstairs and the stairs do seem less taxing then a month ago. My heart rate doesn't seem to rise as much and my calves don't feel as heavy/overworked going up and down them all the time. My overall health is generally fair to good, but I definitely feel better even 1 month in. It's possible that my positive mental health about not smoking is contributing to my overall sense of well being too.
1 ppd/ Marlboro Reds x 35 years. There, I said it. That is so hard to admit to myself.
I knew I was pushing the envelope finally, and the time to stop was well overdue. Happier than ever to be at 1 month. A small span of time but huge for me.

 

[pipster]

I just want to say THANKYOU for such a perfect thread topic for this forum. Our health is why we are here, first and foremost. What device and what juice is very secondary. It's great to have the resources here to help find what works for us... TO STAY OFF OF ANALOGS... AND TO GET HEALTHY!! Here's to 2014! I hope it's a healthy, happy, sweet and savory vaping year for all!

Oh yea...AND GO HAWKS!!!

12 man...i'm in!!!

 

[MikeZ28]

Improved lung function will NOT in and of itself provide more energy. A 45yr old that has NEVER smoked but also never exercises or pushes themselves is going to have significantly lower energy levels than a 45 yr old smoker that exercises and pushes themselves daily.

The way to increase energy levels is to increase average daily energy expenditure...aka exercise. Now that you have quit the coughing and your lungs are clearing up some you should find that you can push yourself to boost energy without sucking for air as soon, but you are going to have to push yourself to boost your energy.

Glad you mentioned that. I smoked for 30 years and now approaching three months quit. I've been intending to start exercising and get more physically fit but have been waiting for my energy level to increase. Guess I got it backwards. Now if I can just kick the procrastination habit.

As far as lung function I experienced lower capacity and easily short of breath. I don't get winded nearly as easy now, breathing has much improved. It's hard to gauge changes sometimes because they occur so gradually. I've noticed a few other changes too but not sure if they are related to quitting smoking or coincidental.

 

[yzer]

I had a good walking route of 3.5 miles that I took four or five times a week. I did that at a brisk pace and it would take me about 50 minutes. I also used a vintage Motobecane 10-speed a few times a week. The two work different muscles and I did the heavier aerobics on the bike. Then I broke a leg in October and had surgery. I have been walking outside again since the new year and I'm back up to a one mile walk. Maybe by March I'll be back to the long walk and the bike. I'm 61 and looking forward to it. I put on a few pounds since October.

 

[X6X8]

I'm 62, smoked 1-1/2 PAD for about 45 years. Prior to quitting, I'd get short winded with just moderate exertion, I couldn't try to sleep on my back without starting a coughing fit. Heck, even leaning back in a recliner would start me coughing after being reclined only a few minutes. I've been sleeping on my stomach for years because of that. I bought a Nonin Onyx Sp02 Pulse Oximeter several years ago so I could do my own checks at home. From what I see online now, you can buy oximeters for 1/10th of what I paid for mine. At that time, my blood oxygen levels were always around 93-94%. Not horrible, but certainly not good. Close to needing oxygen. My stamina was just about shot when I quit smoking and started vaping.

It's been a little more than 8 months since I quit smoking. I can tell a remarkable difference in my lungs now. I can lean in my recliner now with no problem. The coughing stopped for good after a few months. I'm pretty sure I could sleep on my back now physically, but mentally I just can't go to sleep that way. I guess it's an ingrained phobia after all these years. Pavlov's dog.. . Anyway, my blood oxygen levels are 98% now. I feel so much better. My stamina still isn't where I would like it to be, but it has improved.

 

[Iffy]

Smokin' history in my sig line...

Five years ago my chest x-ray 'exposed' the beginnings of emphysema. Five months ago, after 2.5+ years vaping, my new x-ray report came back, "lungs normal for age"!

 

[Rickajho]

I think you should talk to your MD about this more. The way it's been explained to me by both my MD and Allergist is there's a bit of a myth about increasing lung function or getting anything back there from quitting smoking. What you do get back is the capacity to breathe once you get all the crap cleared out of your lungs and for what's there to function properly. But increased lung function? - no. They have both said that once any damage is there, it's there. Quitting smoking prevents the lung damage from getting any worse - that's all.

It may be because some of the "facts" the American Cancer Society puts out about the benefits of quitting smoking are a bit misleading. Breathing easier does not equate to an increased lung function or increased lung capacity. It means you quit making it a royal pain for them to do what they are supposed to do.

On a practical level there seems to be truth in that. I get spirometry tests done at my Allergist's office. The results have been flat lined since I quit smoking. I thought that was supposed to improve when you quit smoking, but no.

 

[pipster]

:QUOTE:
I'm 62, smoked 1-1/2 PAD for about 45 years. Prior to quitting, I'd get short winded with just moderate exertion, I couldn't try to sleep on my back without starting a coughing fit. Heck, even leaning back in a recliner would start me coughing after being reclined only a few minutes. I've been sleeping on my stomach for years because of that. I bought a Nonin Onyx Sp02 Pulse Oximeter several years ago so I could do my own checks at home. From what I see online now, you can buy oximeters for 1/10th of what I paid for mine. At that time, my blood oxygen levels were always around 93-94%. Not horrible, but certainly not good. Close to needing oxygen. My stamina was just about shot when I quit smoking and started vaping.

It's been a little more than 8 months since I quit smoking. I can tell a remarkable difference in my lungs now. I can lean in my recliner now with no problem. The coughing stopped for good after a few months. I'm pretty sure I could sleep on my back now physically, but mentally I just can't go to sleep that way. I guess it's an ingrained phobia after all these years. Pavlov's dog.. . Anyway, my blood oxygen levels are 98% now. I feel so much better. My stamina still isn't where I would like it to be, but it has improved.
:END QUOTE:


That is wonderful! I am so happy for you that your health is improving. Good job on your 8 months! Keep at it.. your health will surely continue to improve as you keep it up. You have a lot of good years ahead of you.. make the most of 'em. Inspiring for me at 1 month off of analogs.

 

[Sucker_dad]

I think you should talk to your MD about this more. The way it's been explained to me by both my MD and Allergist is there's a bit of a myth about increasing lung function or getting anything back there from quitting smoking. What you do get back is the capacity to breathe once you get all the crap cleared out of your lungs and for what's there to function properly. But increased lung function? - no. They have both said that once any damage is there, it's there. Quitting smoking prevents the lung damage from getting any worse - that's all.

I guess lung efficiency is more correctly what I am speaking about. I understand that my lungs will not regain any of the lost elasticity. That damage is done. And I will go see my doctor, I am going to get myself into a little better shape. While I am pretty active for a man in my shape I could be in better shape to be honest. Now that I have little guys and one gal I am starting to realize I really am not immortal.

 

[pipster]

Any way you want to slice or dice the verbage... quality of life and chances of longevity improve the very day you quit smoking. A fact, nuff said.

 

[vampyre74]

Any way you want to slice or dice the verbage... quality of life and chances of longevity improve the very day you quit smoking. A fact, nuff said.

Indeed! I couldn't agree more.

 

[hazarada]

Afaik the little hairs in your lungs can be restored and some blockages removed, even tar pits can fade over many many years but the kind of damage emphysema represents cannot be reversed (destroyed structure). You just have to hope you didnt damage yourself enough for it to matter.

 

[ScottP]

On a practical level there seems to be truth in that. I get spirometry tests done at my Allergist's office. The results have been flat lined since I quit smoking. I thought that was supposed to improve when you quit smoking, but no.

As I already mentioned if you want more energy, and/or more lung function, you have to put forth some effort. You cannot improve your cardiovascular system or your pulmonary system without exercise. This is true regardless of if you were still smoking or never smoked a day in your life. The fact that you have quit smoking just means that if you work at it, improvements should come a bit easier and be more noticeable. If you stay sedentary then the decline from smoking will indeed stop but no great improvements will be made.

 

[BillyWJ]

Glad you mentioned that. I smoked for 30 years and now approaching three months quit. I've been intending to start exercising and get more physically fit but have been waiting for my energy level to increase. Guess I got it backwards. Now if I can just kick the procrastination habit.

As far as lung function I experienced lower capacity and easily short of breath. I don't get winded nearly as easy now, breathing has much improved. It's hard to gauge changes sometimes because they occur so gradually. I've noticed a few other changes too but not sure if they are related to quitting smoking or coincidental.

The good news is exercise will be a lot easier now.

 

[Ohms Lawbreaker]

Same for me as you, OP. Same situation and numbers, basically. Been clean 8 months now, lungs doing much better. I too only quit because I couldn't breathe anymore. It was pathetic. I don't expect to be breathing like a young man who never smoked, but I simply feel a helluva lot better. Cough and long-term shortness of breath are almost gone.

But chain vaping does beat them up a bit too. Nowhere near as much though.

 

[DC2]

Well, I've posted this a bunch of times, but I guess one more won't hurt...

--When I was smoking I could hold my breath for around 30 seconds
--After 12 months of vaping I could hold my breath for around 90 seconds
--After 17 months of vaping I got a Pulmonary Function test and my results were ABOVE normal
--After 30 months of vaping I could hold my breath for around 110 seconds

--When I was smoking I used to get sick at least twice each year, with the more mild colds lasting about a week from beginning to end
--Since I started vaping four years ago I have only been sick once, and instead of lasting about a week, it lasted one day

 

[ScottP]

Well, I've posted this a bunch of times, but I guess one more won't hurt...

--When I was smoking I could hold my breath for around 30 seconds
--After 12 months of vaping I could hold my breath for around 90 seconds
--After 17 months of vaping I got a Pulmonary Function test and my results were ABOVE normal
--After 30 months of vaping I could hold my breath for around 110 seconds

--When I was smoking I used to get sick at least twice each year, with the more mild colds lasting about a week from beginning to end
--Since I started vaping four years ago I have only been sick once, and instead of lasting about a week, it lasted one day

I am glad you mentioned that. My wife has MS so her immune system is slightly less than normal anyway. She used tip get sick several times per year and EVERY TIME her congestion would settle into her lungs resulting in severe coughing that would last at least two weeks. Since we started vaping a bit over a year ago, she has been sick twice and neither time did it settle into her chest and she was well within a day or two instead of a week or two. Even if vaping turns out to not be 100% safe, it is obviously leaps and bounds better than smoking.