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Quitting Smoking

eloisel

eloisel

Forever Empress E
So - with quitting smoking this year, one would think my health would improve. I mean, I needed to because I had the beginning signs of emphysema after nearly 35 years of smoking and living with smokers all of my 50+ years. The pneumonia, bronchitis, upper respiratory infection back in April was just the straw that broke the camel's back and made me actually quit. Doctor says my lungs are in good shape - just need to get rid of the long hair cat. Never! He is old - he will go in his own good time.

Recently my blood sugar went through the roof and my arthritis went from mild (a hot shower and a tylenol would fix me up) to I hurt like someone bashed me with a sledge hammer. On top of that, my vision has gone from needing my glasses when driving in areas I have to read street signs in or reading small print to having to wear them all the time. So, I've been on a stronger prescription medication for arthritis and a prescription for diabetes. Over the past three weeks I've been really watching the carbs and sugars - and while it is true I've not gotten this down to a science yet, I've eaten a lot less calories/sugar/carbs/fat than I have in years. At my doctor's visit Friday, I'd actually gained 11 pounds and my blood pressure was through the roof. However, today, my blood pressure is back to almost normal and I've lost not only the 11 pounds I'd gained but an additional six pounds. My blood sugar is normal too but I still can hardly see.

Thing is, I have to work and it is Fall - which means I'm busy with writing deadlines, classes, critiquing and getting ready for upcoming conferences. Plus, I need a vacation - which I'm going to take as soon as I know I can go off to my places and not worry about dieing and someone not finding my body until I'm bones. I mean, I've willed this carcass to science to make the world a better place for people with my genetic problems. Just bones won't do.

So, this is the WTF - my vision is really, really bad - and it may improve as the other medical issues are resolved - or at least that is what I've been told may happen. But, until then, reading is giving me a nauseating headache. If you don't see me around - it isn't because I'm arguing with some people over abortion. It is because I've got other things I need to take care of right now. If I miss it, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. And, Happy Birthday to anyone between now and the end of the year.
 
God is punishing you for calling Democrats "baby killers". ;)

Seriously, the vision thing is a direct symptom of the diabetes, no matter what they tell you. When mine first came on, my vision changed to "perfect" w/o glasses and I stopped using them to drive or watch tv. But my near vision changed so I needed magnifiers just to read or see a computer screen. It's not like that these days, although if my sugar spikes, the first place i notice it is in my vision. That's become kind of a bellweather for how well I'm controlling it.

Have you had a glaucoma test? See an opthamologist about that. But it's the "micropermeation" as a result of a high A1C (anything over 7.0) that will cause the vision changes.
 
Smoking is linked to bad eyesight... though, only after smoking as long as you have.

Also, I've quit recently. Cold turkey. I've misbehaved a few times. Like when I'm drinking. OR after an incredibly good round of sexual escapades. But, in total, I think I've smoked a total of 10 cigarettes since may.
 
Good luck with the health stuff.

The weight gain isn't a surprise, people tend to gain weight after they stop smoking. I don't know if that is the reason, but its a possibility.
 
I've gained about 15lbs since I quit. I had planned to do a rigorous workout routine, however my foot being broken puts a major damper on that.
 
I didn't gain any weight after I quit smoking back in April but that is probably because I was recovering from pneumonia/bronchitis/UPI.

So, now I'm juggling rehabbing myself because of problems with blood pressure, blood sugar and arthritis. I've switched my regular aqua aerobics class to a class designed for people with arthritis. My blood sugar is back down to normal but the hemoglobin number is high - 10! No wonder I can't see. I've got an appointment with my eye doctor Friday. I've put myself on a very low sodium diet and my blood pressure is dropping back closer to normal every day. I'm going to be alright - it is just going to take awhile.

Jack - I'm going to be 53 this year.

Conchaga - how'd you break your foot? Congrats on quitting smoking. I know how hard it is.
 
I'm tired of living this way already and can not see myself living like this for a few more decades. I have to have fruits and veggies. I have to have fruit juice. I have to have chocolate - and I don't mean that fake crap that tastes like crap. I don't normally like donuts but I'm going to go out and buy me a couple of dozen donuts and a gallon of ice cream and eat it all in one sitting. If it doesn't kill me, I'll be back. Provided I can see. Of course, if I die, I will have spent $517 for glasses so I can see for absolutely nothing as they haven't come in yet.
 
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