Smoking

[Guest guest]

Since joining this group I've only posted a few times but read the

letters every day.

SMOKING: Those of us that smoke have a harder road to walk than

others and feel that no one understands us. WOW!!!! I'm beginning

to understand now, and I've made a decision to stop smoking on April

10 - the day before I have a total knee replacement. I'll be in the

hospital for at least 5 days and I KNOW this is going to help me

immensely. I'll look to all the super folks here to support and

give me the confidence I'll need to succeed. I've had so many

hospital stays over the last 6 years and have always told the

doctors " I promise I'll quit " and never do. But after smoking for

about 37 years now (am 53) and having all the medical problems (RA,

CHF, COPD, Fibro, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and lets not leave

out the diabetes) I realize I can't continue with the road I've been

on.

FATIGUE: I sympathize and understand how you feel. I'm the same

way. Used to be so active with work, social functions, home, kids,

(all grown up now), friends, etc., and now I'm lucky to get myself

out of bed in the morning, make the bed, get dressed and a few other

home chores. Went outdoor to enjoy the sunshine today and fell

asleep in the swing. Am not on all the meds you folks are on as my

body doesn't want to cooperate so I can't blame the fatigue on

meds. I now understand the RA itself takes a lot out of you.

SELLING MEDS: I know for a fact it is illegal to do this, so please

be careful if you do. Have a friend who takes oxycotnin (among

other things) and after her husband passed away she moved to another

city and made new friends who " wiped her out " . She had to pursue

this as she couldn't get a refill without filing a police report

which led to investigations, finding the person who took her meds,

prosecuting the person, etc. She discovered that even giving an

aspirin could be considered as being a " dealer " - this was told to

her by the district attorney. You never know what someone else's

meds can do to you. The thief was a young single mother that she

befriended. The girl received two years at a women's facility.

THANKS: A special thank you to and others who provide such

excellent reports and info. I've learned so much and now have

numerous questions for my RA (and other) docs. Please continue to

do this for us.

God bless all and may you have a pain free day.

Sharon