What do you tell a doctor?

[hangwire]

I've got to go see a doctor tomorrow, for something totally unrelated to smoking or ecigs.

I'm going to a new doctor, because I don't have a regular doctor in this town (haven't lived here all that long). So I'm anticipating several lengthy sheets of paper I'll have to fill out. And I know one of those pages will ask if I am a smoker.

So what do you say? Part of me wants to just say "nope, I quit", as I for some reason expect a doctor to say ecig=smoking even though I strongly disagree. And sure, if I was going because of breathing issues or allergies or anything related to it, I would volunteer the information. As a computer professional I know the problems caused by withholding valid information, though obviously in healthcare the ramifications are far more serious. But for something unrelated, or a general checkup, how do you classify yourself to medical professionals?

 

[ChrispyCritter]

I would tell them you use a e cig..if he doesn't like it I would just ignore them..if they were strongly opposed I would find a new doctor. It seems most doctors think it's at least a lot safer than smoking.

 

[DietSalem]

Just tell them you use an e-cig. Basically what ChrispyCritter said. It's healthier than smoking, period.

 

[D4rk50ul]

I never say that I'm a smoker anymore, but as soon as I see the Doctor after filling out the required paperwork I do tell them about my vaping. If they are willing to hear me out then I respect them and most have. Good doctors will actually ask you about it once you mention it so they can get more informed, just make sure you give them correct information.

 

[Hottody]

Well you did quit smoking and started vaping! I think any doctor that has an understanding of the differance would support you!! To be a smoker you have to smoke something that generates smoke! Vaping generates vapor, so you are no longer smoking! Because vaping resembles smoking does not meen it is! If you wore a nicotine patch or chew gum with nicotine would you consider yourself a smoker! Of course not! Some studies will even say nicotine has some benifits, and is no more harmful than cafene! I personally Vape without nicotine but given that you are no longer submitting yourself to the thousands of carcinogens in anologs, I believe you have won! congratulations!

 

[NinetyNine]

FWIW: I see a pulmonologist for sleep apnea, and when the question "do you smoke" came up and I started to stumble through my "no, but..." speech, she waved her hand dismissively when I mentioned e-cigs, said "you quit", and then said that she didn't understand at all why anyone was trying to ban them.

So, lung doctor. Take it for what it's worth. Which is quite a bit, in my opinion.

 

[Shizzle]

this is how i see it: depends on whether it's for business or health reasons...in other words, if i were going to a doctor for a physical for life insurance, if he asked if i smoke, i'd say NO...because vaping is not smoking. however, if i were going to a doctor for my own reasons, i'd *definitely* tell him that i vape....because nicotine can affect the body in many ways, even if it's vaped.

 

[deach]

I agree totally with the above poster. This is exactly the approach I take. My doctor while not thrilled at vaping was however thrilled at the lack of true cigs. I am taking some information to here on my next visit ( I see her pretty often) and we'll see from there. I'm still trying to get that easier breathing everyone keeps talking about. Been since 11-18-11 so I was hoping something would had gotten better.
Good luck!
Deach

 

[Uncle Willie]

After various prescriptions / years of my DR nagging me to quit / etc .. I simply tell the truth .. and if a questionaire asks if I use nicotine, I say yes ..

 

[terrilg70]

I do plan on telling my doctor that I am using an ecig (mainly because I am not sure if he would know what vaping is), I figure he will either be happy, or consider it the same, non the less I am happy and look forward to the day I no longer need to vape either.

 

[Starlight682]

please let us know how it goes would love to hear what your doctor does have to say about it good luck tomorrow

on a side note my doctor now classifies me as a non smoker who quit and he thinks vaping is the best thing since sliced bread lol

 

[deach]

I think the longer E cigs are out and become a dominant force the more the medical people will come to know and appreciate it. Even buying some emergency refill carto's today at wall greens the girl behind the counter said "might as well still smoke still" I told her perhaps, she should educate herself before she makes such comments. The store manager whipped his E cig out and said "ya"....(he was behind the counter with her). I don't think she'll be saying that statement again.