Clusterheadaches.com Message Board (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> How about smoking?
(Message started by: Stampertje on Nov 19th, 2002, 9:51am)

Title: How about smoking?
Post by Stampertje on Nov 19th, 2002, 9:51am
I smoke about 20 cigarettes a day and everyone is telling me to stop that shit. Not just because it is bad for my health, but also for my "headache" (that's how they call it).

I know this is a bad subject for you American's, because smoking is almost forbidden there... But I want to give my question a go anyway. ;)

I can't really say that my attacks get heavier or become more frequent, when I smoke more on a day. It doesn't trigger an attack either.
I have even stopped smoking for about half a year in 2001, but it didn't help at all.

Is there anyone who has had some relief after he/she stopped? ???


Stampertje wishing you PFDAN!!! ;D

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by NotH20 on Nov 19th, 2002, 10:03am
Hey Stamper....

I was a smoker for a long time and quit in 1989 - yet I still get my routine cycles.  I never felt that smoking or not smoking either helped or hindered my cycle.

There are many smokers here on the board that will tell you that sometimes that's the only way they can get thru the attack - is to smoke.

If you do quit - make sure it's for the right reasons - because YOU want to quit - not for others giving you suggestions.  Your a big boy and can make your own decisions.  If you quit because of others you may be more likely to start again.

That's my 2 cents worth.......for what it's worth.

Keep the faith,
NotH20

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by brad267 on Nov 19th, 2002, 10:47am
This is my first episode, and I'm reluctant to quit while in it.  I'm smoking alot more than I used to. (went from 1 pack/day to 2 packs/day)  I don't notice that it hurts any, but it does ease the nerves a bit.

After the cycle ends, I'll try to stop smoking.  Just like the other 1000 times, I've tried to stop.

Maybe as my lungs clear up, the O2 can absorb faster into my lungs????  LOL, just a wild-ass-guess.

-Brad

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by pjbgravely on Nov 19th, 2002, 4:12pm
Don't quit during a cycle.      PJB

Forbidden, What planet are you from? I bet 70% on this board smoke.

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by cerebus on Nov 19th, 2002, 5:40pm
Good Question,

 I smoke like a chimney, especially when I'm on this infernal machine. Ironically......though supposedly a "trigger" I personally have not noticed a difference between cutting back and increasing my smoking.
 I can tell you that the first thing I do is reach for a cig when I have an attack....I assume it's a stress thing. I really should quit, as I don't really enjoy it but right now with all my other "problems" my doc actually told me not to quit yet, LOL!   whats THAT all about? ???
 anyway, no real difference noticed here. so for now I get to blame Bill Gates. ;)

Captain Brown

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by domm on Nov 19th, 2002, 5:41pm
after 35 years, I quit in January. My latest cycle started in July. hmmmmmmmm ???

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by 2late on Nov 19th, 2002, 5:54pm
I quit in August after 22 yrs. i've been chronic for almost 6 yrs. I havent had a ch since mid-June. not sure why i'm gettin' this break, maybe it is the cigs, i'm hopin' & i'll let you you know in a couple more months. even if it isn't the cigs i feel 100% better!  best thing i ever did for myself.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ............2late

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Jackie on Nov 19th, 2002, 5:57pm
All doctors harp about the smoking.  However, they have always told Blake not to worry about it right now....taking care of your head is top priority.

Captain..smoking could be a trigger for some but I believe alcohol is the only decisive trigger.  Someone will correct me if I'm wrong ::)

Jacks 8)


Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by suzy617 on Nov 19th, 2002, 6:02pm
I've been smoking for 32 years. Quit for one year, still got the CH. I have to smoke when in cycle, calms me down a bit but I try not to smoke while actually being hammered by the ha cause hard to find the ashtray at that point and wouldnt want to put the cig out on my boyfriends ass by mistake.  ;D

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by 2late on Nov 19th, 2002, 6:26pm
brand his ass suzy, he told me you act like a baby when you get a "headache" ;D                                                                                                                                                                                     .........2late

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Charlie on Nov 19th, 2002, 7:07pm
I know you're all waiting for this....... ;D

NONE of this is a reason to smoke or start:

So far smoking or quitting hasn't been shown to have much of an effect on CH.  Of course twice as many from this board smoke than the national average.  :-/

If I were to live another 20 years and smoke, and cigarette prices were to stay the same, I would conservatively spend $60,000 but the figure would likely be well-over $100,000 with inflation paid to slimy tobacco companies.   :o

Also, quitting is:

good for you, your kids, your dog, your friends, your plants, your wallet, and no longer will you need to say: You gotta die of sumpin’   ::)

I can go on but even though you want me too, I’ll leave room for Ueli’s reply.   ::)

That little old ex smoker PITA, Charlie

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Ueli on Nov 19th, 2002, 7:24pm
In one point you are definitely wrong, Charlie.  :D

Burning tobacco produces CO2 and plants thrive on that stuff.   ;D

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by cerebus on Nov 19th, 2002, 7:29pm
OMG!

Ueli and I actually agree......! :o
I think i'm going to be sick :P

Sorry Ueli couldn't resist LOL!

Cerebus

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by cerebus on Nov 19th, 2002, 7:40pm
Understood Jackie,
Alcohol IS reported as a trigger but there is only one thing.........I don't drink :-/

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by KarynG on Nov 19th, 2002, 8:24pm
I quit smoking on March 4th (my son's 3rd birthday-ooohhhss and aaauuuhhhss please) after twenty years and it hasn't made a difference except I eat a lot more now and am getting more junk in my trunk!  It is a good thing I'm six feet tall or I'd need tail lights by now.

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Charlie on Nov 19th, 2002, 9:45pm
Overweight, within reason is almost always safer than smoking.

Ueli, as usual is right. Plants have to be in good shape to suck in the C02 through layers of sticky tar.  ;)

Damn guy is amazing  ::)

Charlie

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 20th, 2002, 4:47pm
I've smoked off and on since I was 14... I had CH attacks before I started smoking... I had CH attacks during the times I was smoking... I had CH attacks during the times I had stopped smoking.  I've noticed no difference in the attacks.  I wouldn't recommend quitting while in cycle though.  Bad enough to have CH without withdrawl tacked on.  My views on smoking... If you like it, and don't want to quit... Don't.  I have never stopped smoking because of health... I have never stopped smoking because of cost (although there's been days I couldn't afford a pack of cigs, but that's different)... The only reason I ever stop smoking is because I don't want to anymore.  The way I see it... If I'm happy with my smoking, everyone else who says I should quit can just go to Hell.  :)

PFDAN............................. Drk^Angel

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Stampertje on Nov 21st, 2002, 6:14am
Thanks for the advice.

I can keep smoking!!!

:D :D :D OOOHHH YEAH!!!!  :D :D :D

I feel the same as the rest of you. Smoking does get the nerves relaxed. When an attack is gone I immediatly light a cig. Just like after great sex!!!

I'm gonna print all of this and show it to my girlfriend and her mother... ;D ;D


PFDAN to all.
(Altough I've been reading some great news, some still need them bad!!!)

Stampertje.

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Mr.Happy on Nov 21st, 2002, 6:59am
Atta boy, Stamp!
Do the research, look at the cost/consequesces, ponder the correctness of it all...........then go ahead and do what makes you feel good.
Personally, I find that getting *every last grain* gives me a sense of personal freedom, and really enjoy it when heavy suction torches the filter, providing that extra kick w/o paying more for less.

Sort of like playing the bonus round at a Phillip Morris symposium..........

Heh,
RJ

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by David Shea on Nov 21st, 2002, 7:59am

Damm Happy I cann't be laughing like this, I hurt my back.

I love to smoke, But the BP is up, So the cigs are down
for now anyway.

David

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by echo on Nov 21st, 2002, 9:47am
I've smoked for the majority of the last 28 years.  My highest average was 3 packs a day,  now I'm at 1 1/2.  Never noticed smoking to trigger a CH.  I really need to give it up, I've got the lung capacity of an infant, losing voice projection and starting to sound a little horse.

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by SommelierCH on Nov 21st, 2002, 1:10pm
Yea, I smoke too. But you can’t quit everything at once (look at the members at an AA meeting). In two seconds after my cycle starts, I’ve given up drinking wine (which is part of my job description) and beer, and I can’t smoke pot because my head explodes. I thought you were supposed to lose weight when you stop drinking, but I’m drinking so many fruit juices that I’ve gained a little. It seems like an absurdist comedy to be puffing on a cigarette one moment, then feel the shadows increase and jump up and breath pure O2 the next. But, the cigs don’t help or hurt the CH’s and it does help to keep the anxiety in check.

Vincent van Gogh captured the essence of cigarette smoking back in 1886 with his painting “Skull with a Cigarette” (but then again, he cut off his own ear and then committed suicide..... going Cold Turkey during a cycle will do that to you).





http://www.oir.ucf.edu/wm/paint/auth/gogh/portraits/gogh.skull-cigarette.jpg
Vincent van Gogh, "Skull with a Cigarette", 1886

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by Jabeen on Nov 23rd, 2002, 2:51pm
I have never smoked and drink regularly (weekends-red wine)  Has never effected my CH's.  For me, the alcohol is not a trigger- :) :) :)

Title: Re: How about smoking?
Post by cootie on Nov 23rd, 2002, 3:58pm
For Bradley a few beers at nite (in anticipation of a CH attack to relax) when his cycle had first started it brought one on within the HOUR big time....he started smokeing twice as much of course. He still would have an attack around midnight without the nitecap deal but if he did have the beer he'd just get one within the hour '...then "again" after midnite.....(and sometimes anouther in a few hours after that)...he fineally figured that out the hard way....I tried to tell him what I read on here about it.....but noooooooooooooo........now that he's out of cycle he seems to be ok with the beers....



Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.