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Peripheral Vascular Disease-diagnosed + I must quit! Cancel The title field is required!

1. jude

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   28 Feb 2018
   07 Mar 2018

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    Had quite the scare when 2 toes turned purple, then the 2nd toe turned black with deep, bone throbbing pain. Went to emergency where they did an electrocardiograph and and ultrasound of my aorta, saw a vascular surgeon where they did the leg arteries and pressure ultrasounds. This doc was brutal in his diagnosis and used smoker shaming as a tool. But at that time I was shocked, felt bullied and asked for a second opinion. I was given a prescription for daily aspirin 81, mild pain killers and told NOTHING CAN BE DONE UNTIL THE TOE IS GANGRENE, THEN IT CAN BE CUT OFF! Just got my 2nd opinion and it was exactly the same as the first. My toe did not rot this time, next time may not be so lucky. Some damage to the ball of the second toe,which sends little electrical shocks through the toe when I walk, I must quit, set my quit date for February,p. 6 and failed. New date is the 9th. Desperate for help. 
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   07 Mar 2018

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   Hi Jude,
   
   Man, that is truly scary.  I am so sorry to hear about your toes.  I really hope the situation improves.
   
   Every smoker knows that they should quit, but it is really hard to do.  So I am not a fan of  people who try to shame smokers into quitting.  Most of us feel bad enough when we smoke, and trying to embarrass us into quitting does nothing to address our addiction.  People do a lot of things that aren't good for them, but for some reason, smokers are the ones who get called out for what they are doing, even by people who are doing other unhealthy stuff themselves.  It ticks me off.
   
   Anyway, having said that, given your situation, you are really going to have to make a serious effort to quit.
   
   I would suggest that you read the information on this site, because there are some really good tips here to help you prepare for and deal with your quit.  They key things are to avoid triggers, to distract yourself, to be willing to change your routines, and to drink lots of water to help flush out toxins. You should also make a list of all of the reasons why you want to quit, and keep it somewhere handy so you can read it often. 
   
   You also have to decide if you are going to use NRTs and if so, which ones.  You should talk to your doctor about this issue.  If you read the posts, you will see that many people have found NRTs to be really helpful.
   
   Remember Jude, you CAN quit.  You can beat this addiction.   But it is going to take a lot of hard work and commitment.  It is difficult, but the benefits of quitting outweigh any hardships you will face.  Please keep posting and let us help you through this process. 
   
   
3. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   07 Mar 2018

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   Oh Jude, that must have been a shock!  I can't imagine how surprised you must have been.  Maybe the Heart specialists can get you fast tracked into one of their 'quit' programs.  I'm in one where I live, but I'm not a heart patient, but assume they wouldn't hold any stops given that you've been newly diagnosed.  Get vocal and build up your supports through the professionals treating you, and keep coming here for the day to day support.  I'll help with the support.  It can be done!
4. lillian, quit coach

   

   216 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   08 Mar 2018

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   Hi,
   
   Jude welcome to the online community.
   
   I am so glad you came here. Right now it is good to focus on gathering as much information, resources and support as possible. As Ocean suggested get that medical help on board as well. As you can see, our members understand and are here for you! 
   
   Support works, using a product can help and persistence will get you to where you want to be!
   
   It can help to look at what works for you, in any quit attempt you've had, you've had a craving to smoke and avoided it, what helped? Distraction? Keeping hands or mouth busy? Also check out the other side, what brings you back? Mornings?Cravings? Stress? So what else could you do at those times that would help you get through it without smoking? As Treepeo said, check out the site for ideas and of course you can call our helpline too and we will share more too. 
   
   This quit that you are embarking on is for you and about you. You want to keep your toes and feet intact and you want to avoid that pain for good! 
   
   Quitting can be done and there are many members here to prove it. You are going to be part of that success too but just one step at a time, getting all the support medically, emotionally in place and a plan to follow.
   
   Lillian