the only place where I'm partly convinced that nicotine might cause problems is in bone healing- mostly because there are some studies that show the mechanism.
Yep!!!
I was hospitalized in 2005 with a MAJOR sciatica attack. (Five days in hospital JUST to get pain under control.) The neurosurgeon wanted to do immediate spinal fusion. But then he saw on my record that I was/am a smoker. You should have HEARD the hateful spewing that came out of his facial orifice. I was astounded. I was also told I'd have to put up with the pain for six months until I became nicotine-free because of the
bone healing problem.
I ended up with a spinal cortisone injection (oh so MUCH fun!) and sent home on day 5 (with my beloved Dilaudid). And I quit smoking. But it also gave me time to research spinal fusion. A lot of research.
Needless to say, I immediately began to smoke again and took other "remedies" to heart. Mostly "body mechanics" and self physical therapy. No problems since... but even to this day, I await the sciatica return. My right foot is STILL numb... I believe there was major nerve damage there.
Also: I never received ANY kind of bill for that entire episode. No ambulance, no co-pays, no bill from the hospital. Not a cent.