i need to have surgery and my surgeon will not perform the surgeries unless I quit smoking in which I will also be nicotine tested. My problem, I enjoy smoking, really and I want this surgery so I am willing to do what it takes. My question, even though I mentally don't want to quit... will I fail while shelling out the $$ for Chantix since my insurance doesn't cover... please help!
Required to stop smoking?
- Posted:
- 25 Nov 2009 by janetcole49
- Topics:
- chantix, smoking, smoking cessation, nicotine, surgery
Details:
Answers (2)
mpvt25 Nov 2009
I would check with the surgeon and see if you are able to use the electronic cigarette???
I smoked 2 packs a day and since I have been on "White Clouds" electronic cig I smoke maybe 4-5 cigs a day. The only problem with this is you are still getting the nicotine which is why I suggested asking the surgeon first. I will give you the addy for white cloud, http://www.whitecloudcigarettes.com/ .
The chantix is a good product but it can cause a lot of unpleasant side effects but it is definately worth a shot. Good luck on both the surgery and the quitting the cigs... Also, if you do order from white cloud, leave a note for Gary and mention Dave from Ontario referred you and he will likely give you a discount..Good luck... Dave
catsilver22 Dec 2009
Janetcole> A very successful vascular surgeon told my husband the same thing so he stopped smoking only to start again after the surgery was a success. If you enjoy smoking then no treatment will help you quit and putting out the money will be a waste. I think I would look for another doctor with a little more understanding. If he was truly interested in helping you he would try to understand your reluctance to quit. Life is short so enjoy what you can WHILE you can! My heart goes out to you but you need to know what is important to you.
janetcole49
24 Dec 2009
been two weeks since i quit smoking... the 3d day was the worst... really bad day... but, i haven't touched one since my quit date... Dec. 10... hands on for this drug..don't know about anybody else but it sure has worked for me... i hope everyone has a very nice holiday season... merry christmas.
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That's a problem... he doesn't want me to have any nicotine (gum, patch, etc.) in my system. Having cervical surgery first and then lumbar surgery 2d... but he absolutely will not do it unless I quit smoking... have to be in St. Louis (Barnes Hospital) for the consult December 22 and talk things over. He is scheduling surgeries in January and February and I am just fit to be tied that I have to quit... but, it's a blessing really... he's actually doing me a favor, I just wish I didn't enjoy smoking so much. I quit drinking over a year ago... just quit on my own and that was nothing... but THIS... this is just something else.
Fusion surgery is tricky and one of the big reasons they need you to quit smoking is because of the failure rate among smokers.
All smokers have a lower blood oxygen level and this really effects the way we heal especially bones. So if you aren't smoking you're likely to have success. Also they don't need to use as much anesthetic and a host of other drugs when you aren't a smoker.
So I would try the chantix at least 3 weeks before the surgery more if you can and get the nicotine out of the blood. I guess you could start again after the surgery if you wanted.
One other thing that I should tell you is that opiate pain killers tend to work much better on non-smokers... Good luck..Dave
I figured smoking was affecting the efficacy of the drugs... not going to go back after I quit... plus I am taking up a hobby to help take my mind off my pain issues... I just recently received two pieces of seaglass that I bought off E-Bay... I don't know what I am going to make with them... maybe a mobile that reflects in the sun or make a mosaic tile... just don't know but I love looking at the blues, greens and ambers... the $6 for a pack of smokes can go towards my new hobby LOL.
Good for you, I think this is a idea to help overcome nicotine addiction and you should be proud. Hang in there and let me know how you make out... Dave