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  • Smoking

    Of course smoking is a big no with the surgery due to the fact that it inhibits fusion, but I was wondering if anyone had been or is a smoker that's considering the surgery, about to undergo or has already had it. If so, how did you kick the habit or did you?
    Surgery scheduled for January 2011
    by Charles (Ted) Shuff
    http://cabellhuntington.org/services...ce/physicians/
    http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/a...dayjunk/Davis/

    "Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."
    -- Samuel Johnson
    "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -
    -- Benjamin Franklin

  • #2
    if you go to the above "search" (between "new posts" and "quick links"), and type in name of thread called "need advice before surgery," you will find a discussion on this topic...but i am sure you will also get answers to your thread as well..

    good luck
    jess

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    • #3
      k, thanks.
      Surgery scheduled for January 2011
      by Charles (Ted) Shuff
      http://cabellhuntington.org/services...ce/physicians/
      http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/a...dayjunk/Davis/

      "Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."
      -- Samuel Johnson
      "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -
      -- Benjamin Franklin

      Comment


      • #4
        I had been a smoker for 27 years prior to my surgery. I used to always have a coffee and a smoke. To give up, i started drinking tea (camomile) because i would never have tea and a smoke - it just didn't go for me. Also, i was told by my Anaethetist (sp?) to continue walking everyday for 30 minutes or whatever i could, therefore, everytime i thought about it, i went for a walk. I could have joined the 10,000 steps programme! I was determined to have the surgery due to the pain i was experiencing and therefore determined to kick the habit although i enjoyed it (no backlash please). I was ok after about 2 weeks. I haven't smoked since and i would never say never again, but, i think about what i have gone through to get to this point (no pain, good recovery etc) and the feeling just disappears!
        Vali
        44 years young! now 45
        Surgery - June 1st, 2009
        Dr David Hall - Adelaide Spine Clinic
        St. Andrews Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
        Pre-op curve - 58 degree lumbar
        Post -op - 5 degrees
        T11 - S1 Posterior
        L4/5 - L5/S1 Anterior Fusion

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi...

          For anyone who is tempted to return to smoking after the surgery, I'd like to tell you that it makes a big difference. The absolute worst cases that I've seen since starting to work at UCSF, are all people who went back to smoking after surgery. They have all had multiple surgeries, and at least two of them are now wheelchair bound. One of those patients has had to have her fusion extended into the occiput, which meant wearing a halo traction device for months.

          Quitting isn't easy (been there, done that), but I really don't think you have a choice unless you're prepared for a very different quality of life. When I quit, I did it without drugs or devices. The first month wasn't easy, but each day it gets easier.

          Regards,
          Linda
          Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
          Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

          Comment


          • #6
            hey Linda
            i quit cold turkey too...tried the first time with nicotine gum...they had no nicotine patch back in the day...the gum was awful for me personally...made sores in my mouth, etc...YUCK!!
            cold turkey was tough, as you well know...i swear i didnt sleep for 2 months! my doctor believed me....he said quitting smoking changes your brain waves! they say after the first 48-96 hours it is out of your physical system...but i dont believe it! i finally found really deep breathing helped a little..
            my father once told me an expression..."i dont know if i'll ever smoke again, but i know i'll never quit again!"....

            just remember that expression if anyone ever is tempted to start smoking again!

            jess

            Comment


            • #7
              good deal. I know that quitting is going to be sooooo hard to do. I've been a smoker for 20 years now. blah.
              Surgery scheduled for January 2011
              by Charles (Ted) Shuff
              http://cabellhuntington.org/services...ce/physicians/
              http://s910.photobucket.com/albums/a...dayjunk/Davis/

              "Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."
              -- Samuel Johnson
              "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -
              -- Benjamin Franklin

              Comment

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