Heart attack
I had intense back pain for weeks resulting in a severe heart attack at age 51. I had 90% blocked artery and had a stent put in. I have no family history of heart issues, hence, it was likely due to lifestyle. I smoked 30+ cigarettes a day and drank alcohol every day. Specialist wasn't concerned about alcohol or diet. He said "I'm not concerned about how much nicoteine you need to support you giving up but whatever you do, do not put any smoke back into your body again. You were very, very lucky." It was so incredibly painful and the thought of that pain, and the visual of how blocked my artery was, stopped me straight away. I am using NRT .
Hello, Beazelbub
So sorry to hear about your heart attack. So glad you're okay and with the right lifestyle changes, you can be healthy again.
There are several of us who are in the early stages of our quit - so some wonderful folk here to keep you company on your journey. Post and let us know how you're getting on and share any struggles and bad days - it really helps.
It's great to have you aboard!
Glad you pulled through. Don't underestimate your docs advice. I've out lived quite a few. Some much younger than me.
It's a bugger of a challenge, but totally doable.
Do whatever you have to do to stay off those little devils.
By the way, i like your name.
Welcome Beazebub, this is now the time to take control of your lifestyle, you can do it with the help of everyone here, there is no need to do it alone. First thing is to read up on everyones' story, we all have them. When you are ready, try to work out different things to occupy you, for the next few days.
Make this your challenge as much as your doctors, You have been through the worst scenario, so this means adjusting your healthy diet, and eventually your exercises. It is a new beginning to a wonderful smoke free life will never regret it.
Please practice NOPE (not one puff ever) in your mind, out loud or on paper, this will eventually give you control subconsciously. Post as often as you need to.
Hello Beazelbub, Awesome you survived the problems with your heart and clogged arteries. It does make a different story when you are TOLD to quit for health reasons. I too had 3 surgeries on my legs to unclog arteries and they used stents. I too was told to quit to avoid amputation. But you know what?
I didn't quit, I was STUPID, until now but in my mind I CHOOSE TO QUIT.. I am not much into my quit, but to me it's more than just health allowing me to make my choice to quit, no one is forcing me.
Beazelbub, you might want to switch this around to be a CHOICE to quit. Quit to save money, quit to be in control of your life, quit to smell better,... It seems one can look at a quit two different ways:
1) FORCED to quit
2) CHOOSE to quit
Perhaps swap your thoughts not only on the health related benefits, but the other non health related benefits so you can develop WANT to quit, therefore, you can happily CHOOSE to quit. I truly wish you the best.
YOU ARE LUCKY ...Many don.t get a second chance or lucky enough to find this site. Think positive and you can be a winner too.
I am so glad you survived to share your story. It is a great reminder of what damage smoking can do. Wishing you a speedy full recovery and a healthy long life without the cigarettes ❤️