h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Smoking that is... I havent had a cigarette in a month now I don't intend to have one ever again either.
It all started with a health scare Most of my friends know that i have to take various medications for arthritis and a recent addition of thyroxine, for an under-active thyroid....brought about by the rhumatoid arthritis
The level of thyroxine i was taking was increased in August and this lead to the health scare. Higher doses of this drug can cause some nasty side effects, one of them being angina. After a week on the higher dose, i started getting some serious chest pains and a horrible ache down my left arm I thought i was going to have a heart attack! Anyway the dose of thyroxine was quickly reduced and things returned to normal. I still have to go and see the cardiologist though, just to be sure there is nothing wrong
It made me think though, i'm not ready to die or be confined by ill health so it was time to quit the cigs.
I spoke to my gp who passed me on to the 'stop smoking clinic'. I'm not one for 'group' therepy or counselling in general, i've always been the sort of person that sorts things in my own way. I reluctantly went along to the one-to-one session, just so that i could get the prescription for the patches and instructions on how i should go about things.
I went to the clinic twice and hated the way the woman spoke to me like i was 5 and just starting school So, i came off the patches and told her i would'nt be attending anymore. that was 3 weeks ago.
I can now safetly say i'm a NON_SMOKER!

That's fantastic Venus. Good for you! (That must have been a hell of a fright, though...)

You'll fairly notice the extra money, too.

Yep, i was a little panicked to say the least
I wish i could say i've noticed the money, but i havent so far; too many things to pay out for just now. I have noticed that i no longer get out of breath walking up a hill or climbing stairs.

Venus... I am really proud of you. And I do wish you the very best of

I didn't, and don't, notice any additional when I gave up, but I know I couldn't find an additional £5.00 a day now. . I'd have to smoke the cigarette, then eat the butt, just to say I'd eaten something...

Keep it up. You are doing well, as I told you earlier this month! And best wishes on the health front too.

You'll amaze me and do two full laps of Kew's aerial walkway next!!!



and >cuddle>

MFM

Well done!

The most amazing revelation for me when I stopped smoking was... the smell of everything in general, but bananas in particular. I can smell a banana at 20paces now. Gosh. Who'd have thought the sense of smell had suffered that much?

Venus,

I am so pleased you have managed to give up and without the 'help' of the snooty woman! I am always so pleased when anyone gives up the having seen what it did to my Dad and my other half.

I do hope you will keep it up, but rest assured there will be encouragement on here if you feel you are flagging, or tempted. We (nag) gently if need be

Thanks for the info. about thyroxine. I didn't know that. I did know that the dose had to be monitored, but hadn't realised it could be that serious. You must have had a real fright. let's hope it was no more than too high a dose.

Take care,

Websailor

Ivan, my husband has found that too. In fact I find it a bit irritating as he keeps asking what 'that smell is' - he did it tonight when he had coffee and I had Cranberry and raspberry tea! I think he thought he was missing out on something nice!!

Glad we have no need to you any more

Websailor

Hi MMF
You were the first person to know i had quit, when we went to Kew. I can't see it curing my vertigo anytime soon I'd be happy to stand and watch you do even one lap of that ariel walk though.
I will look forward to our next visit to Kew next year.


Hey Ivan
You know one of the things i really notice with the new and improved sense of smell, is the smokers It's not something i particularly want to notice either.
Hopefully next summer, it will be the scent of flowers that i notice more.

Hi Webbie
Who would have thought that something designed to make you better, could have the opposite effect. Thyroxine is a really dangerous drug, any overdose can quickly lead to death Luckily for me, the increase of dose was small and the effects quickly went after i reduced the dose.
I have no intentions of smoking again, i've wanted to give up for a long time i just had to pick my moment.

Venus,

I just went downstairs to see my badgers in the garden, and my other half commented how strong my birthday flowers smelt!! it really is amazing how he has recovered his sense of smell. He sneezes too now, which suggests to me that his scilia (spelling?) might have regrown if that is possible.

You are right about smelling other smokers too - he hates being near them now. Thankfully both my sons hate ciggies. I have lived with smokers all my life and hated the habit, and the cost.

Websailor

You'll put on loads of weight now Just like me

In your dreams Norti, this lady does'nt put on weight easily. Especially as there are no hotel cooked breakfasts coming my way.

Well done It's about time I tried.

Congratulations!. I'm glad you've made a decision you're happy with.

(By the by, I've been following your PR article on orchids, but since I know next to nothing about orchids, haven't been contributing.)

Don't worry about not contributing ITWBS, it's all done now and the photos have been applied. I hope you will find it an interesting read.

Iid never swee tham passed my vast waisteline What are orchids? or feet for that matter
Never mind, sometimes and are the answer to everything, especially in stopping smoking rastarfarian old holbourne Venus. I must give your garden a professional check sometime

Excellent!

What the in Venus's naughty garden

I have a naughty garden? I think the naughty garden only exists in your dreams m'dear, where grow on trees and blossom all year round.

You know me so well