You can do it!!!  Congratulations on making the decision.  Just take it one day at a time.

Several volunteers at FieldHaven Feline Rescue recently made this commitment as well.  They went quite public with their journey.  And, in the process, they are using their challenge to try and raise funds for our new shelter!

Read all about it at http://www.fieldhaven.com/campaigns/chain_gang/

May the force be with you!

Joy

Joy Smith November 12th, 2009 10:25:11 AM

OK this coming from a non smoker, I truley can not believe you smoke ! this is a surprise to me. I would think with everything your taught and everything you know that you would understand what it was doing to you. OK, well  now You seem to be understanding , so please have the strenght to quit while you have a chance to save yourself.Be strong and think of how much money you can save ! White teeth what a concept ! Your boyfriend will be so happy. Good Luck and let us know what happened in Denver !

LuvMyPets November 12th, 2009 10:27:34 AM

From an ex-smoker...YOU CAN DO IT!!

It's been about 20 years since last I smoked but I was very ready to quit & I'd never tried before that time.

I stocked up on yummy flavors of lollipops & whenever the urge tried to take over I'd pop a pop in my mouth & that was enough to help me past the desire. It honestly wasn't long before even a whiff of smoke was disgusting to me.

Good luck to you!

Ellie November 12th, 2009 10:41:07 AM

My mom smoked for 25 years - she was the LAST person on earth I thought could quit.  She's been smoke free for 15 years.  It was not easy, but trust me, if she could, I know you can do it! 

Maybe I have a double standard, but I would be more disappointed if my physicain smoked than my vet.  After all, your clients don't smoke, so you don't have to be hypocritical in your advice. 

Do it for YOU and it will stick.  Good luck!

Di November 12th, 2009 10:42:01 AM

Wow, I am surprised to find out you smoke.I talk of you often, if I lived closer we would be clients.

Anyway no one needs to tell you why to quit, just be proud of yourself for doing it. I smoked for way too long. Come from a family of ivy league non smokers and did all the things you mentioned. Unfortunately I waited till 46 to do it. I too used Chantix, (it works!!) and every week the urges go down. Honestly I still had the urge for 6 months, but every week they subsided. Its been 3 years of no smoking for me, I know you can do it !!! be proud of yourself its not easy!

Carol Anne November 12th, 2009 10:52:56 AM

Way to go!  Do it for your son.  Both of my parents have chain smoked since before I was born- I hate it and I worry terribly for them.  Personally I see smoking as a sign of weakness, and you are NOT weak!  Congratulations, take it one day at a time...

Meghan RAHT November 12th, 2009 10:54:55 AM

Good luck.  It's nasty (yes, the effects, but here I'm actually speaking of the grip smoking has on people).

I can't help it; my opinion of anyone goes down once I know they smoke.  I wonder what got into them to start in the first place; what kind of poor choices they must have made.  I also feel a smoker is knowingly endangering everyone around himself as well as abusing his own body.  My dad smoked in the apartment when I had mono in high school, and I think that contributed to the fact that I didn't *really* recover from that until several years later.

Smoking seems even more absolutely filthy to me in a medical environment.  Most of the time medical environments smell sterile and clean--and NEED to be clean--so catching a whiff of smoke off someone's clothes is so repellent.

Galadriel November 12th, 2009 10:55:10 AM

smoking is a disgusting habit and kissing someone who smokes is like licking an ashtry. Becareful on that chantix, I know a couple of people who were able to quit smoking fairly easily but it damaged their though processes. (nice way of saying it make them bipolar.) two recovered after several months off it, but one..well not so much. Now there might have been an underlying tendency already, but it made it blossom...

my mother smokes and her dog died of cancer and I had chonic bronchitis and several bouts of pneumonia until I left home.

LorriM November 12th, 2009 10:56:05 AM

You sound too smart to be a smoker.  Good luck quitting.  You can do it.

Jen November 12th, 2009 10:56:26 AM

Wow, I too am shocked.

I lost my Mom to cancer when I was 17, she was a heavy smoker her entire adult life. I don’t have any idea how much she smoked, half a pack a day, a pack? She wasn’t there for graduations, weddings, she never met any of her grandchildren and she was/is missed. Quitting now is giving you the best opportunity to experience these milestones in your son’s and your family’s lives. What about the correlation between second hand smoke and certain forms of cancer in pets?

Do it first for YOU, for all the reasons that you have already listed above. Do it for your family and friends who don’t want to have to experience cancer (and its treatment) ravage your body.

Best of luck with the Chantix, let us know how it is going. And if you need some encouragement (kick in the butt) from time to time, let us give you that encouragement :)

You CAN do this!

Cheryl November 12th, 2009 10:56:56 AM

I smoked 2 packs Viceroy a day...when going out at night, 3 packs a day/night.  I smoked for 22 years; quit 17 years ago.  The hardest thing I ever did and best thing I ever did.  Be prepared to be bitchy and be called bitch (I'm sure other not so polite descriptive adjectives were used for me).

Oh, the weight gain thing?  24 hours after I quit, I gained 24 pounds!  LOL...well almost that much that quickly! 

I've lost some weight, not as much as I would like, but I think I look damn good and my husband thinks so too.

Good on ya for trying...you'll be fine!

Cheers!

Maria November 12th, 2009 10:57:05 AM

I quit smoking more than 20 times.  The last time I quit smoking was in 1997.  I haven't had even a puff since. A few hints from a guy who knows this more than anyone.

-There is no such thing as celebrating "not being a smoker" by smoking with one cigarette.  Yes, I had quit smoking for one and two weeks at a time and went "Great, I am no longer addicted, let's light up" and WHAM!!...right back at it.  Also, with all due respect to "cutting down" there are only two types of people in reference to smoking.  Those that smoke and those that don't.  Once a smoker, you are addicted.  To this day I am addicted.  I know that there is NO WAY IN H**L that I can have ONE cigarette, one puff, NOT ONE!!!  So here it is.  Before you think you'll have one puff, one smoke, one moment of weakness, just go buy a carton because you will be right back at it.

-All of these non smoking drugs and such are bunk.  The physical addiction to the drug itself only lasts 48 hours.  It was detox of the worst kind, those two days.  My feeling is regardless of what the drug companies say about "their" solutions, the bottom line is tha t you have to quit one of the most addicting drugs in the world and to successfully do that you have to go through detox.  For me, the first two days of Cold Turkey was complete h**l but it's how I did it.  Sure, I cut down for a few days, but bottom line was when I quit, I took off work and I changed my routine for two days.  Going from smokes to no smokes is tough, be it from two packs a day or a half a cigarette a day.

-After my two days of detox it was a matter of putting off a cigarette for the next minute, hour, day.  It was weird because my mind still wanted it but it wasn't the "addiction."  I wanted the social aspect, the conversation, the "break."  To this day I still take a smoke break every hour, but instead of smoking I walk for 10 or 15 minutes.  See, after the first 48 hours without a smoke, the mental "habutial" addition is the only thing that you have to worry about as the drug is out of your body.  Now if worse came to worse, the sure fire way to get the idea of smoking out of me, the easiest way to kill that was to make an attempt to run.  That's one thing a smoker can't do is run.  After a block you are gassed and it reminds you just how jacked up your lungs and overall health are, and it reminds you why you quit.

-Do NOT hang out with smokers and when you do, ask them to leave the area when they smoke or YOU leave the area when they smoke.  It will get easier but to this day when someone lights up a Marlboro red I can smell it and when I get that whiff my body STILL WANTS A SMOKE!!!  13 years and I still want one.

-I am now 42 and I can run, hike, and work out.  I don't smell of smoke and I don't lose $3 a day to a drug.  I don't cought up brown crap in the morning shower (two packs a day will do that).  When I smoked I weighted 205.  Now I weigh 235, but I am in a lot better shape.

You can do it, doc!!!

EAB November 12th, 2009 10:58:58 AM

OOPS.. I put 10 or 15 minutes for walking.  Actually, it's more like 5.  I drink plenty of water and therefore have to take a bathroom break every hour or two, and when I do I take the long way to the bathroom.

EAB November 12th, 2009 11:04:56 AM

Dr. Khuly,

I'm on day 35 smoke free.  I used Chantix as well, but I stopped using it after my 4th quit day.  I just didn't feel like I needed it anymore, and psychologically I felt like it was a crutch, as in "it's okay to have one smoke because I won't become addicted again because I'm on Chantix".  I didn't have any side effects from the Chantix or anything, but I felt less of a chance of smoking if I quit taking it.  My anxiety over my quit day was one thousand times worse than my actual quit day.  Tomorrow at this time, you'll probably feel silly for thinking it would be this hard.  I ended up cutting back to about 50 % of what I was smoking with the Chantix before I quit, so I think that helped a lot.  For me, it was the habit that has been harder to break than actually wanting a cigarette-keep your hands and mouth BUSY.  Make sure you follow the Chantix program, and keep the hotline number (I used it once, on day two), it does help a lot.  I promise you can do it!  I bought those teeth whitening strips, toothbrushes, sugar free candy, gum, etc...all of those things helped me so much! Oh, and after about 20 days, I had to rewash everything I owned because it smelled so bad!  I still love the smell of someone smoking, and there are times when I want one, but it goes away in a minute or two.  I smoked like a chimney too-funny, but I never smoked with my dogs in the vehicle!  I promise you can do this!  My email is karadyan@gmail.com if you have any questions or need someone to talk to!  Oh, and the weight gain?  Six pounds to date, but my doctor said it's my metabolism getting back to normal and to keep exercising...I started a running program 3 weeks ago.  I just want to be able to run a whole mile, start to finish!

Kara November 12th, 2009 11:17:57 AM

You can do this.  After all, who is smarter? You or a cigarette?  Who is stronger?

I'll bet if you look back on your life, you have done tougher things than this!

Go for it.  Now that you are outed, it will be really hard to go back!  Wonderful!

Carolyn November 12th, 2009 11:18:24 AM

Congratulations Dr. K on starting to quit again.

You already know how I feel. What if your GP smoked? Would you take her advice? If your doctor were obese and had to recommend that you lose weight, would you even listen?

And that goes for the rest of the staff. Our animal hospital has a policy to test for nicotine as well as illegal drugs before we hire. If positive, we don't hire. It's legal and even legal in many states to fire for nicotine use.

We have a healthier practice (in many ways) due to this policy. It's modeled after the Mayo Clinic's similar policy.

Congratulations again. It's your will vs. nicotine. Don't be a wimp.

Robert November 12th, 2009 11:30:03 AM

OK, I'm going to take a tough love approach.  You and other commenters have focused on your health.  Let me focus on a couple of other constituencies and tell you: 

You stink.  Literally.  You can't smell it, but non-smokers around you can.  Your hair smells like smoke, your breath smells like smoke, and your fingers smell like nicotine.  And you can't smell the stink because smoking blunts your sense of smell.  You probably think, "Good thing." But I've read posts where you talk about using your sense of smell in your job.  Well, Doc, that particular medical instrument of yours needs sharpened up.  For the non-smokers around you and the clients who depend on you to have your sense of smell be as excellent as the rest of your care, please keep up the good work in quitting smoking!  

And congratulations on how far you've gone so far!

welso November 12th, 2009 11:31:42 AM

Jen, your comment "You sound too smart to be a smoker" is mind-boggling rude.  I don't smoke, never have, but I know people who both did and do smoke and who are no dumber and often much smarter than I am. I know many others who don't smoke and never did, and they aren't smarter or dumber than I am.

Yes, I realize that there are socio-economic factors that CAN show that those in poorer homes get less education AND have a higher propensity to smoke, but the smoking aspect of the situation doesn't correlate with IQ.  Remember, smoking cuts food cravings and up until about 20 years ago, cigarettes were pretty cheap.  If you were poor, it was an effective, albeit not safe, way to not eat as much.   

Hey, PJ, what's your take on Jen's comment?

KateH November 12th, 2009 11:37:04 AM

I was a smoker for almost 15 years, and tried 'quitting' I don't know how many times. In 2004 I read Allen Carr's Easy way to stop smoking, I finished the book put out my last one and havn't touched one since.

I think the reason for my success was making the decision for myself not anyone else, that book and the support from my ex-smoker husband.

You can do it!

Heidi @ flickerslair.ca

Heidi November 12th, 2009 11:40:51 AM

I quit smoking in 1982, for the second and last time.

The first time I quit, six years earlier, I made it three months before going out drinking and deciding that just one cigarette wouldn't hurt. I was immediately hooked again. The second time, I made a rule that, for one year, I wouldn't go anywhere that was stongly associated with smoking for me, especially if I had a drink or anything else that was likely to reduce my will power.

Once you get past the physical addiction, which doesn't take long, the urge to smoke is usually transitory, triggered by the sight or smell of a cigarette being lit, or by doing something you associate with smoking. If you can distract yourself for a couple of minutes, it will pass.

Smoking is very oral, so find something else you can do to replace that need -- I used hard candies, but my ex, who smoked more than two packs a day for most of his life, used one of those fake cigarettes that replaces more of the whole feeling of smoking. He was successful, BTW.

I also found myself drinking a lot of coffee -- apparently, my body was replacing the nicotine with caffiene. That went away after about a month.

When you quit, every day is a little easier than the one before. I told myself that if I ever broke down and started smoking again, I'd just have to eventually quit again, and then I'd have to go through the hardest part all over again. That was enough to get me through any rough patches.

Good luck!

Mary Straus November 12th, 2009 11:46:42 AM

Count me as one of those suprised. But then again, I'm always surprised -- and disappointed -- to find out that someone smokes. My husband has been smoking more recently, not less, so speaking on behalf of your boyfriend, it's great that you're quitting. It's dismaying to know that someone you care about is doing something so harmful to themselves and that you can't help them.<br><br> From a client perspective, I don't want someone who has nicotine on them touching my cats, so I would certainly take a dimmer view to finding out that my vet smoked. One of the most competent techs at my vet's practice evidently smokes, something I found out one day when she was handling my kitten fresh off a smoke break without even washing her hands. I was very clear with my vet that it was unacceptable for my husband to handle our kitten after smoking without washing his hands, much less his employee, and it hasn't happened again.<br><br>I know it isn't easy, but it's going to be worth it to you to kick the habit... both personally and professionally. You can do it!

Feline November 12th, 2009 11:54:39 AM

Never get down on yourself. That was the advice my doc gave me as I was trying to quit. Oh and also, never stop trying to quit. Eventually it will stick. My doc is cool, and right!

Loren November 12th, 2009 12:16:31 PM

I am surprised also. I always expect health care providers to be more responsible with their own health than that, even though I know this is not uncommon in healthcare providers.

All I can say is YOU HAVE TO QUIT~! You have a son you are responsible for, if for no other reason. Despite the fact that he hates it, you are increasing the likelihood that he will smoke as an adult. This is a fact - and I've seen it happen with friends' kids. They hated it as children that their fathers smoked, and now as adults they are smokers. Their mothers,  who never smoked, cannot believe that the kids ended up smoking as adults after all the complaints about their fathers smoking. The example you are setting is deeply ingrained.

I would not go to a personal health care provider or to a Vet who smoked. I can't tolerate being near anyone who smells of smoke - and I can detect it from several feet away, as I'm very sensitive to smoke residues or odors.

We have only 1 friend who smokes (my best friend's boyfriend) and I've never actually seen him smoke or smelled smoke on him because he apparently only smokes at work (he works outdoors) or away from home. We know very few business associates who smoke - and none that we socialize with on any level. I do not want smokers to be a part of my life.

Best wishes to you on your trip & I hope it will tip the scales in favor of your quitting for good! I'll keep you in my prayers.

Diane November 12th, 2009 12:25:32 PM

I smoked for 10 years, and anyone who wants to dish out the crap about "too smart" can bite me. Just about everyone has engaged in some unwise behavior, and if it didn't bite you in the ass, count yourself lucky, not smart. Lucky genetically, lucky psychologically, or lucky in some other way.

I used the patch to quit, and it worked very well for me. Before I used the patch, I switched down to a low-nicotine cigarette for a few months, so I wasn't getting a lot of nicotine each day. Then I used the higher-strength patch, so I was actually getting more nicotine than I had been smoking, so there was not really any withdrawal. I was dealing with the habit first. Then, gradually, I lowered the amount of nicotine I was getting through the patch until it was virtually none, even to the point -- because I was nervous -- that I cut the smallest patch in half. I didn't care that it took longer, as long as I wasn't smoking.

I had good reason to quit, because my breathing was really bad. Even though I was pretty young (28), I wheezed all the time and had to sleep propped up by pillows. Within just a few days of stopping the smoking, I was breathing and sleeping so much better I was amazed. Because of that, I have never been tempted to go back, even though I really did enjoy smoking.

And Dr. Patty -- cigs are SO much more expensive now than they were when I smoked! I can't believe the prices! Just think of the money you will free up for other things. Save it for something nice for yourself -- new shoes, or clothes, or jewelry.

I will be TOTALLY rooting for you -- good luck!

Susan Rosenau November 12th, 2009 12:27:12 PM

I was lucky in that I only smoked for a coupla years and was able to just quit 25+ years ago. Don't have any brilliant words of wisdom since it just hit me one day that "What am I doing this for?" and I stopped.

I see you're gonna be 'right up the road' in the Denver Tech Center.  I'm not sure CO can take this influx of famous veterinarians - first Nancy Kay at CSU in Ft Collins last week and now you in Denver this week. :-)

Al Brittain November 12th, 2009 12:33:49 PM

Yay...We  have many clients that come in with reeking carriers, reeking cats and wonder why the cats have asthma??

One of the cats I bred that lived with smokers for 10 years, succumbed to nasal cancer and second hand smoke for pets is a serious concern.

I see you didn't smoke inside, and that's commendable, but quitting is the best decision and I will be rooting you on!

Teri and the cats of Furrydance November 12th, 2009 12:35:34 PM

Honestly, I wouldn't be upset with my vet smoking the same way I would be concerned with my physician smoking. Really, I would be more concerned if your pets were dirty, overweight, or ill-mannered.

That said:

(ahem. I'm going to say some not-nice things here that I normally have the good manners to keep to myself. But she did ask)

First, it really does smell so bad. You can absolutely tell, and it isn't good. It's about the same thing as not showering or eating a lot of garlic for lunch. It's just physically unpleasant to interact for the length of time an exam would take.

My grandparents smoked, and for me the smell is very strongly linked with that. I honestly never understood the steretype of smoking as sexy, because it instantly conjures images of septagenarians for me.

The other thing I associate it with is low-class. Bad dye job hair, creepy acrylic nails, materealistic, self-centered, dramatic and yes, Katie, not-so-smart.

Yeah, now I feel bad for being mean.

puppynerd November 12th, 2009 12:42:21 PM

I think some of your readers need a lesson in positve reinforcement!

You KNOW you can do it!  You have NEVER not got what you want!  Now is the perfect time to get wht you want.  And enjoy it for the rest of your life.

cyndi November 12th, 2009 12:58:07 PM

I agree that some of the folks here need a lesson in positive reinforcement.  When someone is a smoker I always worry about their health and feel bad that they (usually long ago) made a choice that they have been stuck with for a long time.  My Dad smoked.  He tried to quit any number of times and it was the hardest thing he ever did.  He finally smoked his last cigarette in 1993 (after trying to quit from 1985 on -- we lost my grandmother, his father, to lung cancer that year).

You can do it Dr. K.  For yourself, for your clients, for your son, for your pets.  It won't be easy and there will be moments when you just want to reach for them.  But reach for something else instead.  My father kept a lot of gum and hard candies around during the worst of it.

Best of luck and keep us updated on your progress!

Crysania November 12th, 2009 01:14:21 PM

Acknowledgement is the first step. We know you will never smoke again, because you are good enough, you are strong enough, and by gosh ... people care about you. We do! In fact we are bummed that you'll be in Denver, we just headed south for the winter a few weeks ago. :-(

tripawds.com November 12th, 2009 01:15:05 PM

PS: I know scare tactics don't work because I hounded both my parents to quit smoking all my life, but now I miss them dearly.

tripawds.com November 12th, 2009 01:17:21 PM

OK  two points....

I can't even stop drinking diet soda, so I cannot imagine in my wildest dreams how hard it would be to quit smoking- good luck to you!

Second-  Both my mom and dad smoked, and both became ill. Within 15 months of each other,  they were admitted to the hospital. I had power of attorney and lucky me I got to decide their fate.  Both were taken off life support, and I stayed in the room and held their hands until they each died.  It changed my life.

Do you want your son to go thru that?

agadoresmama November 12th, 2009 01:20:31 PM

I quit cold turkey about 2.5 years ago after a fifty year, one pack a day Lucky Strike habit.  I was marooned in Cedars-Sinai with a very small stroke for four days and couldn't get any, and when I got out the urge was quite controllable.  It was actually easier to quit smoking then to get off the lorazapam the docs prescribed to "take the edge off" because my BP rises whenever I see anyone in a white coat coming at me.

I still miss smoking on occasions such as right after a good cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, while stuck in traffic, and sometimes from undentfiable random stimuli but those are fleeting urges.  On the other hand, I do not miss the $5-6 per pack costs and the need to find the ever increasingly rare places where one can smoke without being hassled by some twit or the other.

Bottom lines?  One one hand, you can do it if you really want to and can tough out the initial insanity as your body adjusts.   On the other hand, no one gets out alive anyway.  What's important to you?

Will November 12th, 2009 01:54:07 PM

Good luck to you!  My only advice, as a non-smoker, comes via a co-worker who used Chantix.  He quit with Chantix pretty easily and thought that he had beaten it, problem solved, moving on, next thing.  Then a family member died about a year later and he was smoking more than he ever had before.  So just continue to give yourself support and surround yourself with support so that you're not tempted to reach for the cigarettes again.

My mom and dad quit smoking before I was born (nearly 30 years ago) and they both admit that they still dream about it and wake up wanting a smoke.  It's a powerful social, mental, and physical combination.  So don't sell yourself short and make sure to surround yourself with positive people/things that will help keep your mind off smoking.

AnneT November 12th, 2009 01:55:30 PM

As a respiratory therapist, I know a tiny bit about this. It sounds like you have a good start on the process. Some other options to consider, having a plan to deal with urges, things to keep your hands busy, activities to distract yourself; sometimes writing them down can help. You also may want to write out a list of reasons why you want to be a non-smoker, anything that applies to your situation ( cost, white teeth, sweet smelling breath and clothes etc) and keep that list handy to refer back to when needed. Do you have a buddy that you can call for support, kind of like a sponser? YOU CAN DO THIS.

Doreen November 12th, 2009 02:17:00 PM

Having read your early blog entries, I knew you were a smoker so not surprised.  If I start judging my medical professionals based on their personal habits and proclivities, I'd be more disturbed at their FAT and those who belong to certain "clubs" (like the ones who dress up as furries) than that they smoke.  Can't tell if you really want to quit or not (there's a huge difference between intellectual knowledge and emotional or physical desires) but, if you do, then I wish you the best of luck in doing so without becoming one of the raving, lunatic, fanatic ex-smokers.

Those who correlate habits (smoking or other) with intellegence?  Just shows me the lack of their own intellegence and common sense, not to mention compassion and tolerance.

PJB http://pjboosinger.viviti.com/ November 12th, 2009 02:23:20 PM

Good luck. 

As far as whether or not it makes you look less professional to be a smoker - no, BUT if I took my pet to your office and could smell the cigarettes I wouldn't come back.  For some people there's nothing worse than being stuck in a small space (room, elevator, plane) with someone who smells like an ash tray.  I'm very sensitive to the smell and do what I can to avoid it - even if it means avoiding interesting people/ good vet care/ etc.

Try running or some sort of aerobic activity.  If you have to run six miles, you'll be less tempted to smoke.  : )

Posey November 12th, 2009 02:35:45 PM

You can do it!  The change in scenery and routine will make a huge difference.

Additionally, I don't think any less of you because you smoke.  It doesn't make you a bad person, better or worse at your job, or anything else.  It just means that you smoke.

Cindy November 12th, 2009 02:39:30 PM

Hey, I loved smoking.  I didn't like the way I smelled, the cost, the way it made me hack and cough and such, but BESIDES all that, there is NOTHING that tastes as good, even to this day, as a Marlboro Red.  And while there were times I smoked out of habit or because I had the urge, there were times I just sat down and enjoyed the cigarette itself.  Every year at Christmas I have a cigar and enjoy it as well.  I'll also have one every now and then, maybe three times a year tops, but enjoy those too.

Now my wife, when we met, smoked some sort of super ultra light thing and I told her "why bother??"  <GRIN>

EAB November 12th, 2009 02:46:40 PM

I was surprised to read your posting today but also a little relieved.  We place standards and expectations on people like assuming you would never be the type to be a smoker. No one is perfect and we all have our vices.

I smoked for 10 years before I had children.  I had smoked on occassion over the last several years when having a drink but this summer when tough times hit I picked them back up.  I hide it and don't nearly smoke like I did before and know that I could walk away if I wanted to. I'm an xray tech so I know the risk but I also see what the state of the world has done to the mental well being of many.  Our hospital emergency rooms are packed with people having break downs so if my smoking a few cigarettes a day makes me more mentally sane then I say have at it.

If you are ready you will be able to do it but if not, don't beat yourself up about it.

TS November 12th, 2009 03:05:09 PM

Congrats on quitting! I sincerely hope it sticks. No way would I judge you for being addicted, though.

I have asthma, and the orthodontist I saw as a teen smoked. I always dreaded having his hands in my mouth, even though he wore gloves. The angle of the exam chair also meant that my face was very close to his chest so I got the full brunt of the smell--I remember trying to hold my breath as much as possible while my eyes watered. As I said, I don't judge either of you or think that you are less skilled or smart than other health professionals--but do we know how animals experience this sort of exposure in an exam setting? Perhaps it affects their anxiety levels, comfort, etc in ways that haven't been studied.

maren November 12th, 2009 03:09:05 PM

Congratulations! This is a life changing event. Remember, it IS worth it! I hope not to be presumptuous but here are my humble observations and suggestions.

 I quit a little over 2 years ago on Chantix after 20 years. I quit one time before on Zyban for about a year. I will have to say that both have side effects. Most notably vivid and/or bad dreams. These subside after I got off the medications.

 One side effect that I don't find mentioned in the lit. is excessive gas. I know of several people, including myself, that experienced this. Yeah..... It does diminish after you quit, but it took me about 6 months for every thing to regulate out.

 The most amazing thing to me is how much time smoking takes up. Five minutes here and there added up. It really helped when I kept my mind busy. Do something, anything, to occupy the time you gain back. But don't wear yourself out. Its a balancing act, busy enough so you don't start thinking about smoking, but pause long enough to catch your breath and look around at a new world.

 Change your routine. If you went in the back door, where you smoked, go through the front. If you smoked first thing in the morning, take a shower first. Shake things up, smokers tend to be very habit oriented.

 The 3 deep breath method worked for me. When you get aggravated, give it a try.

 I have to agree with the earlier comment that Chantix can make it easier than you thought. (Zyban too for that matter.) Then a year later it hits you like a bomb shell.

 What it all comes down to addiction. People can think what they want. You still have to slog through. Just remember that once you quit you can never have another one. If you do fall off the wagon it is not failure, quit again immediately. I believe you have the willpower, look what you've manage to accomplish up to this point.

 I hope this helps.

Scott November 12th, 2009 03:40:47 PM

"do not want smokers to be a part of my life"  I only snagged that quote because it represents an attitude I see in the comments; one that I understand and that is PC to state openly and publicly.  However, I feel the need to point out that those of you who think you don't know any smokers or don't associate with them are probably dead wrong.  In the 1960's, 2 of 5 adult Americans smoked.  It was allegedly down to 1 in 5 and is on the rise again.  The truth is probably somewhere between that 2 in 5 and 1 in 5 because many have simply become closet smokers.  Don't think for a minute that you know who is or isn't a smoker in your social/professional circle.  I suspect that "rise" is merely closet smokers coming out of the closet.  The hostility has been so bad for the last couple of decades but many are getting fed up with the hostility and unfair taxes and are fighting back.  I've always been an open smoker and the flames only anger me.  Smoking, like many things, is a complex issue and hate mongering doesn't help anyone long term as it is counter productive; ditto for guilt.

We all do things and don't do things that affect others in our lives but, in the end, we also have to live with ourselves and we all have vices and coping mechanisms.  Any smoker who wants to quit has my support and encouragement, as does any person who wants to make what they consider a positive change in their lives that is supported by science; however, I can't support those who berate and bully as their method of support.  Nor will I be the one jumping on the bandwagon to tell someone "smoking [or most habits] are all bad, 100%" because that simply isn't truthful; if it were, quiting smoking and changing habits would be a breeze.

PJB November 12th, 2009 03:47:22 PM

Your smoking affects everyone around you.  Ever had a client break into coughing when you walk into the exam room?  One of my students reeks so much of cigarette smoke that every time he comes to my office hours I sneeze my head off.  Every day I have to hold my breath while running the gauntlet of students smoking outside my building.  It's absolutely disgusting that they have no regard for MY health - I have allergies and asthma, and many people are worse off than me. 

zandperl November 12th, 2009 04:26:05 PM

Dr. Khuly,

One more point that may help you since you have a child.  I guarantee you, I was never scared to start smoking nor turned off by it simply because my mother smoked, my grandmother smoked, and everyone around them did as well.  So I didn't think it was really all that harmful when I started at the ripe age of 16.  I think it would have been different if they didn't smoke and I didnt' see it every day. 

Kara November 12th, 2009 04:43:11 PM

zandperl, That goes multiple ways and not just for smoking.  I can almost guarantee you reek of products I'm allergic to and that set off my allergies and asthma while cigarettes don't do that for me.  I choke and gag and go into coughing fits, eyes watering, every time I set foot in a doctor's office from the dousing of staff in perfumes, colognes, and other toxic (for me) chemicals.  Can't even persuade them to give me afternoon appointments so it will have less effect because it's dissipated some by then.  Have to sit on upholstery that probably hasn't been cleaned in decades, let alone sanitized.  Medical staff STILL can't be persuaded to appropriately and timely wash their hands; men still wear ties known to be the worst bacteria harborers.  Don't tell me who doesn't care about whose health.  I know all too well.  Truth be told, those in the medical industry should probably be the last complaining about the risks others put them at until they clean up their own acts (pun intended).  But thanks for putting this back in terms of one sided hate mongering that you obviously see as acceptable.

me, me, me  "MY health"... That can go several billion ways or everyone could be more compassionate and more tolerant.  Not that I'm expecting that from the hate mongers who are clearly "perfect" themselves.  Yeah, sure, uh huh, whatever!  And I'm off to do something productive since arguing with hate mongers is a waste of time and not really on point to boot.

PJB November 12th, 2009 05:05:44 PM

I'm a non-smoker. I think one of the reasons why is that in 1st grade there was a series of health talks.  One of them was on smoking and they brought in a smokers lung and a non-smokers lung similar to the ones above. This was the same series of health talks that had me convinced all of my eyelashes were going to fall out. They were seriously scarey for me. :)

Keeping in mind I'm a non-smoker, a friend of mine quit smoking through some program years ago.  Their focus was on finding a new, healthier habit to substitute when you get the urge to smoke. It worked very well for him. Congratulations on quitting smoking!

Sydney November 12th, 2009 05:11:20 PM

Congratulations! You are human! We all have our weaknesses. Yours is smoking. It's not more evil than drinking or overeating. Ease up on yourself a bit. (Yes, you would be healthier if you quit.)

silkenpaw November 12th, 2009 05:39:56 PM

Sydney: Glad to hear those materials work! I've donated to my state chapter of American Lung Assoc. just for that reason alone!

My name is Barbara and I'm a smoker. For 46 years since cigarettes were legally available at 16 ...(drinking age 18)

Would I care? I remember when you went into professional offices with ashtrays! LOTS of human doctors smoked & openly.

I only smoke outside, including at home. Yup, I remember climbing 4-5000 ft. mountains and stopping for a few cigarette breaks, my ex-husband smoked a pipe (not the same)

I hope you are successful, chantix has worked for a few people & they were quite pleasant personality-wise, not miserable in the least. But some people become anxious or depressed.

If it does great! If it doesn't, it wasn't right or time for you---simple as that.

Barbara A./NH November 12th, 2009 06:07:36 PM

Good Luck to you.  I truely wish my mother would quit.  My father died eight years ago (this December) and didn't even get to see me graduate from Vet School.  They believe his smoking in his earlier years was probable cause of his cancer.  So anyway as far as parents go I just have my mother - and the way she is going I won't have her either. I admit it is selfish but I want my mother around; this is the child speaking in me I guess.  I can't control other people although I sure try with my mother.  It bothers me when I see other people smoke (there is a lot of people at work) but I don't rag on them or lecture them.  I feel like I have a right though with my mom because she is family.  Backwards thinking?  Mabye. 

 It is most important that you do it for you....but there will be other people around you that would be grateful as well. 

J.C. November 12th, 2009 06:13:44 PM

I work in human healthcare and there is certainly a huge stigma of shame around smoking with employees sneaking off like highschool students to have a puff.  Its a total change from only 10 years when smokers were praised and told they looked cool.

I'm a reformed smoker and I know how tough it is.  Keep your hands and mouth busy (chewing sugar free gum and taking up knitting really helped me deal with the behavioral aspect of smoking) and take it one day at a time.  Best of luck!

Shannon November 12th, 2009 06:28:06 PM

I didn't read all the comments, but maybe if you worked in human health care, you could see what a HUGE percentage of people who have multiple co-morbidities and who are in REALLY bad shape are smokers or former smokers.

That said, I work with a handful of smokers in healthcare, one of whom is a breast cancer survivor. (I know!) It sure must be a hard habit to kick. They definitely are chastised for their nasty habit. 

If you won't quit for yourself, do it for your son, your dogs, your boyfriend... maybe being out in Colorado where people lead ridiculously healthy lifestyles will help. Surround yourself with whatever helps. (Frequent trips to Colorado?)

I wish you the best. You can do it!

Deanna November 12th, 2009 06:58:03 PM

Congratulations and best wishes.

My father was a life long smoker who quit cold turkey for a few years when I was a child. I guess I drove him back to the habit! This March, the first sign of his stroke was his inability to hold a cigarette between his fingers, he kept dropping them into the tub he was soaking in. We found six soggy cigs in the trash days later.

He smoked his final cigarette in the car on the way to the emergency room after insisting that he was just fine despite the inability to stand or walk. He had enough coordination to push the lighter button in, but not enough to pull it out again. The desperation in his voice to get one last puff signaled that the addict knew it was going to be a long time before another hit. Hardened arteries and hypertension, the primary cause of which is smoking and nicotine abuse, had taken their toll.

That hit never happened and the worst part was yet to come: the crash of withdrawal. The super majority of hemorrhagic stroke victims die, and the neurologist figured my father's bleed was a 6-7 out of 10; on the wrong side of the odds when being on the wrong side meant death. The bleed was deep, in the thalamus -- a prime location for persistent vegetative state; if we beat death, we might not reach consciousness.

For the few minutes a day he wasn't in a Propofol induced sleep, he spewed venom at my mother and I demanding his shoes and car keys so he could leave the ICU to get a smoke. Never mind that he couldn't even lift his hands or roll over. When family would call his room for an update, he'd bribe them to bring a pack to the ICU; twenty bucks inflated to five hundred.

After three days in the ICU, with the bleeding stopped and the swelling ebbed, his tar ridden lungs gave out and even the external ventilator couldn't keep him from pulmonary crisis. When the ICU calls at 4 am, it's not with good news, and my mother and I spent the day planning a funeral and crying while the leading pulmonologist and trauma surgeon toiled. Intubation escalated to a traecheostomy, and it was two weeks before he was awake again and another three before he was breathing on his own.

More than a month of drug induced coma meant that the worst of the detox was over, but I can't help but think that the entire ordeal couldn't have been avoided if he never picked up a cigarette in the first place. My father is now healthier after his stroke than he was before, and the only way that is possible is because he has stopped smoking.

Do you really want to have something so odious in your bad column that you could buy off a stroke or a heart attack by removing it? Very few of us are afforded an answer to the question: What one thing could I do to significantly improve my life, and even the life of those around me? Your answer: quit.

Christopher@BorderWars November 12th, 2009 06:59:09 PM

I broke the blog November 14th, 2009 12:34:19 PM

Well, if that fixed it, the end a tag needed to appear in the Your name box. I don't think the blog accepts html unside the comment field.

I broke the blog November 14th, 2009 12:35:21 PM

So can I take my </a> back?  ;)

Thanks for fixing it :)  

Louie's Mom November 14th, 2009 12:42:16 PM

Good job, Dr. K!  Both of my parents smoked my whole life and it took my dad getting rushed the the hospital and undergoing a double-bypass to get them to wake up and listen to what their health care professionals (and their annoying daughter) have been saying for years.  Your son is going to be so proud of you (and you should be exceptionally proud of yourself, too)!  You should buy yourself something nice with all the money you'll save by not buying cigarettes.  Congratulations again on setting your new goal!

Veterinary Student November 14th, 2009 02:17:43 PM

Louise, I find your stance that you don't respect health care providers who smoke offensive.  Do you also not respect those that are overweight, inactive, eat white bread instead of brown or drive a motorcycle.  All of these are risky behaviors that are associated with increased illness or injury.  Judging a person's professional capabilities based on a personal choice to me is, well, judgemental.

Shady November 14th, 2009 02:28:12 PM

<<Judging a person's professional capabilities based on a personal choice to me is, well, judgemental.>>

yeah, so what's the problem..we're not allowed to be judgemental anymore?..too bad...

LorriM November 14th, 2009 10:01:30 PM

As a former smoker, I can tell you what helped me quit "cold turkey"....whenever you crave a cigarette, take 10 VERY deep breaths. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. It is THE reason I was able to quit!

nafnala November 15th, 2009 07:37:59 AM

I have smoked all my life & wanted to quit for the same reasons as you.  I have tried numerous times w/o success.

This time I cut back to four cigs a day (from about a pack & a half) & kept that up for a couple of months & then backed down to two a day.  When I finally quit, the withdrawal was nothing like what I've been thru before.  Not sure how true it is but I was once told that orange juice helps to wash the nicotine out of your system & lemon drops are good to throw in your mouth when you need a "fix".........

However, too bad about my weight gain!  Food is now my answer to everything.......oh-oh!  :-)

Hannie November 15th, 2009 11:43:17 AM

Just wanted to send big hugs to you! I know you can do it! I quite for good 7 yrs ago when I found out I was pg with baby #2.  I also had been watching my father battle lung cancer for the previous 3 yrs.  After removing 2/3 of a lung, going through chemo and the resulting severe neuropathy that resulted from the chemo and he has to take 80mg of Oxycontin 3xday to combat the pain.  He has been cancer free for 10 yrs now but will live with the pain for the rest of his life.  He is now on the down hill progression and will probably not be around much longer since he is on O2 24/7 now and has been hospitilized twice in 3 months with pneumonia.  You couldn't pay me to start smoking again.  

When I quit I would have dreams about smoking!  I still remember the rush and the good feeling associated with it.....but it's not worth denying my 4 kids their mother or any future grandchildren their grandmother.  My FIL who lives next to us is a very heavy smoker and he always smells so bad because of it.  I guess he isn't worried about quiting though since he has Lewy Bodies disease. My mother quit July 4th and I couldn't be more happy for her!!! Just wish we could get my sister to quit now LOL!

GOOD LUCK!!! I will be routing for you!!!! 

Tricia November 15th, 2009 11:53:53 AM

I quit 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.  Keep working at it!  I spent an obsessive amount of time on Quitnet.com for support, drank lots and lots of water, chewed gum, checked my nicotine patch obsessively. 

I don't look down on people still smoking or take it as a sign of character and professionalism any more than I would for an overweight person. I pity people who are still enslaved and dragging that nicotine habit around.

Robin L. November 15th, 2009 07:29:51 PM

LorrieM,

Just trying to point out that one has no effect on the other.  And in answer, no being judgemental is narrow-minded and wrong.  Thats how people justify racism and homophobia.

Shady November 16th, 2009 09:08:07 AM

Dr. K,

I think you're brave for outing yourself as a smoker, (now a former smoker--YAY!!!).People really are taken aback when a healthcare professional confesses to smoking cigarettes. Most who have never smoked can never understand the magnitude of the power of nicotine. Alot of good stuff happens when you announce to your family, your friends, and the world at large when you commit to quit. Take in all the positive reinforcement, hugs for success and good hearted advice you've garnered. You'll be able to draw strength from these postings when you need to move past the urges that sometimes seem to overwhelm and back you into a corner---don't let these feelings conquer your resolve!! They are just feelings and they will pass.  Gosh, when's the last time you got so much positive support from one admission?  Who's a good girl, now, who's a good girl? GOOD girl, Patty, GOOD girl!!!

You go, girlfriend. Keep us updated on your progress. Not only can you do it, you already have. ooo's,purrs,andlicks

lungfish02 November 16th, 2009 03:35:03 PM

Good Luck!  Quitting is tough- but my freind who was a smoker had a stroke at 31.  Nothing like a stroke to make you quit.

Both the vets at my work smoke- i've always found it very off-putting

Anne November 16th, 2009 07:47:15 PM

ugh *friend

Anne November 16th, 2009 07:47:52 PM

Dr. K

You have inspired me. I may be a few days late, but I'm going to follow your lead.

I've noticed that a lot of people who work with animals smoke (I volunteer at an animal shelter). Is it that we feel so deeply that we need an out? Is it our way of slowly killing ourselves because we can't deal with the pain we see every day in the shelter and rescue business? I don't know. But, it's time for me to stop too.

Good luck to you and thank you for your honesty and inspiration.

Melf November 16th, 2009 09:04:03 PM

I think a veterinarian who smokes is just a human being with a bad habit ... like the rest of us. We are all flawed.

I'm an ex-smoker. I quit cold turkey, and I'm so happy not to be a pariah anymore. But what I'm happiest about is that I'm no longer a sl;ave to that habit. (Plus I have more energy and don't get tired as easily, which improves my mood.)

I know you can do it!

Lisa November 17th, 2009 03:03:50 PM

Today's the Great American Smoke-out (November 19th). To celebrate, I'll write out some of the reasons I choose to continue not to smoke:

1) Pariah-dom

2) Emphysema, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, oral cancer, laryngeal polyps, laryngeal cancer...etc...

3) The expense: $400 a month!!

4) Hiding from family means less family time

5) Messy, smelly, disgusting butts

6) Slavery to the next cigarette

Ahhh...feeling better now.

Dr. Patty Khuly November 19th, 2009 09:06:14 AM

All I can say, besides good luck, is that I'm amazed at the nastiness of some peoples comments.  I'm so glad that they don't have habits or behaviours that other people might find annoying!

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