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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Research News & Studies => Topic started by: scotty54 on January 03, 2013, 11:41:19 pm

Title: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on January 03, 2013, 11:41:19 pm
Fairly recent Danish study.  Thought it was worth passing along. 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/03/study-increased-hiv-life-expectancy-linked-to-reduction-in-smoking/
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: J.R.E. on January 06, 2013, 02:49:56 am
 I've been suggesting to people, ever since I joined this site, That if you are a smoker, you should try to give it up.

I gave it up over 20 years ago, and I was one of those chain, two pack a day puffers.


Here is another article from this site:


http://www.poz.com/articles/Cigarettes_Mortality_761_23293.shtml


The study:

http://www.oxfordjournals.org/our_journals/cid/prpaper.pdf

Medpage article:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/HIVAIDS/HIVAIDS/36521?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_source=WC&xid=NL_DHE_2012-12-19&eun=g605133d0r&userid=605133&email=benryan423@gmail.com&mu_id=
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on January 06, 2013, 01:07:25 pm

Congrats, JRE quitting 20 years ago.  Only 6 for me.  One of the very best moves I made...healthwise.

Also a link to the same study as reported by the NY Times.

Thanks for providing link to actual study.....you are more technically proficient than I.



http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/health/smoking-cuts-hiv-patients-lives-more-than-virus-study-says.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: harleymc on February 25, 2013, 07:49:36 am
Saw the study just after Xmas/ coming up to the new year.
Ever since my poz diagnosis in 1985 I've been telling myself "HIV will probably kill me before the smokes".  The Danish study blew that notion out of the water for me.

Last ciggie was Jan 2. YAY!

My partner/lover smokes. I'm getting pretty unhappy with the smell...  I have no idea how to deal with this issue, after all he was a smoker when I met him.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 25, 2013, 05:21:56 pm
Nothing like getting a good party buzz back in the day and topping it with a ciggy or two.  Probably enjoyed the inhalation the most, good ole nicotine and tar were working their magic too.  And I was not a heavy smoker.  Really do not miss it at all any longer.

Personal interpretation of the study was that HIV intensifies the ill-effects of smoking.  Perhaps some sort of double penalty.

Glad to hear you have quit harleymc.  Wish you luck/strength. 

P.S.  Yard/Balcony/Patios can all be attractive smoking spots!



Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: WillyWump on February 25, 2013, 06:00:08 pm
Nothing like getting a good party buzz back in the day and topping it with a ciggy or two.  Probably enjoyed the inhalation the most, good ole nicotine and tar were working their magic too. 

I'm really craving a cig now, a nice Parliament Light,  after reading this ^. But I'm 2 years post smoking, and plan to keep it that way ;)

-Will
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 25, 2013, 06:07:01 pm
If HIV intensifies the ill-effects of smoking then why are my numbers better than the rest of you? :P Maybe it's all of the poppers and snort.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: YellowFever on February 25, 2013, 08:56:11 pm
I would be interested to know if second-hand smoke has a particularly detrimental effect on HIV+ people. Sometimes at restaurants, I feel like screaming at the puffer that he's more likely to give me lung cancer than me giving him HIV.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: WillyWump on February 25, 2013, 08:58:58 pm
I feel like screaming at the puffer that he's more likely to give me lung cancer than me giving him HIV.

Oh PLEASE do this next time  ;)

But yes a valid concern. Although most places are outlawing smoking at restaurants and public places , even way down south here in Texas.

-W
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 25, 2013, 11:15:58 pm
Will--great to hear you ditched the smokes 2yrs back.

Happy to take a trip down memory lane.....anytime.  How can we forget video-head cleaners///but the ciggys stay in the past.

Do not want to sound preachy...but if you are considering quitting....you should.

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: jkinatl2 on February 25, 2013, 11:33:16 pm
Yes that first inhalation...all the way down to the diaphragm......jeez that must have been a previous life.

Are poppers the same as tape-head cleaners?  I think I preferred Rush, but Climax worked well in a bind.



Poppers are indeed the same thing. Now they are marketed as, among other things, Liquid Aromas.

Now that the era of the videotape seems to have all but passed.

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 12:03:16 am
And YellowFever----Second hand smoke is probably bad news in a restaurant.  When I smoked....I of course pooh-poohed the entire notion.  I can remember going to bars in California in the 90's when you had to go outside and smoke....what a horror that smokers were segregated!

Not sure if you can light-up anymore in any states, but could be wrong. ;)
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: tednlou2 on February 26, 2013, 12:30:43 am
Oh PLEASE do this next time  ;)

But yes a valid concern. Although most places are outlawing smoking at restaurants and public places , even way down south here in Texas.

-W

The Don't Tread on Me folks are banning smoking?  What's up with that? 

I quit just over 4 years ago.  Lately, I've been having very vivid dreams, where I'm smoking.  I think it is about wanting to be back in a time, before I worried about health stuff.  I came up with that on my own, without paying my therapist. 

Btw, my roommate just came in.  I am in the basement, but I can smell the smoke smell.  Of course, cold air makes it stick to you more.  He's a respiratory therapist, too.  He doesn't believe they can smell it on him.  Some hospitals here now can send you home, if you smell like smoke.  It is odd.  I hate the smell of smoke indoors or when it's cold.  But, I enjoy the smell outside, on a warm, sunny day.  When I smell it then, it does make me want one. 
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 07:15:36 am
It is amazing when I drive by some local hospitals to see the crowds of doctors/nurses/orderlies/assistants all standing outside and smoking away.

I miss it at the times (but only a very little) when I used to smoke, after dinner and sometimes before bed. I was only a pack-a-weeker.  Even so I would be  anxious smoking that last cigarette.

Glad to hear it has been 4 years for you.....stay on that good roll tednlou2.

Does anyone live in a state where you can still smoke in bars/restaurants?
Just curious.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Ann on February 26, 2013, 08:01:01 am

Does anyone live in a state where you can still smoke in bars/restaurants?
Just curious.


Where I live, you cannot smoke in any place that can be construed as a "workplace".

This includes your own home if you have a repair person in, a salesperson, the cable/satellite person, or anyone else who is in your home in a work capacity.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 09:10:18 am
Ann--That last clause is an interesting twist.  Would seem hard to get 100% compliance.  Do you ever hear of cable TV (for instance) writing up a citation....that so and so was smoking while I was attempting to work.....or do they just look the other way?
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 09:33:25 am
If HIV intensifies the ill-effects of smoking then why are my numbers better than the rest of you? :P Maybe it's all of the poppers and snort.
Can not forget being in a head shop in Canada and another customer asked for a bottle of poppers. 
The clerk cleared his throat loudly and said "You would like to buy a bottle of video head cleaner?"

The subject of poppers yearns for it's very own thread.

After touching on subjects like smoking.....wanted to make it clear that it was never an attempt to extend moralism/judgementalism.  If I had it certainly would have been hypocrisy.  Personal freedoms are huge with me.....and extend down to smoking and even poppers.  Gun control is a tough one though.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: denb45 on February 26, 2013, 10:55:57 am
I've been suggesting to people, ever since I joined this site, That if you are a smoker, you should try to give it up.

I gave it up over 20 years ago, and I was one of those chain, two pack a day puffers.


Nasty Filthy habit isn't it Ray  :(

Good for you  ;)

the last time I smoked was back in "93"

HUGS

DEN  :D
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Ann on February 26, 2013, 10:59:26 am

Ann--That last clause is an interesting twist.  Would seem hard to get 100% compliance.  Do you ever hear of cable TV (for instance) writing up a citation....that so and so was smoking while I was attempting to work.....or do they just look the other way?


They are within their lawful rights to walk out without doing the work they're there to do, without fear of being fired.

I'm a smoker and I've experienced the whole gamut. I've had some people say "don't worry, I'm a smoker too. Do you mind if I light up?" Others have warned me that if I don't put my cigarette out they'll leave without doing (or finishing) the work.

One guy walked into my house, smelled a cigarette I'd put out about five minutes earlier, and promptly left saying, "I'll be back at eleven sharp tomorrow morning. Don't have a cigarette (in the house) for at least two hours before I get here, or I'll leave again." It's a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 01:23:26 pm
Ann---
Hope you dont mind that I read your blog and saw Isle of Man.  Is that legality enforced in all of Britian or just your county? 

Seems a little 1984 ish, like all the street cameras in London.  Having said that, London crime levels are probably very low, and workers having to do their job have the right to expect a healthy environment.

Also the 2 hour window seems a bit pushy.  If you have a ceiling fan on high can you get a time reduction (ha ha).
Thanks for sharing a bit of your corner of the world
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: darryaz on February 26, 2013, 03:25:30 pm
Does anyone live in a state where you can still smoke in bars/restaurants?

Oklahoma even has a law prohibiting cities from enacting smoking bans that are stricter than the (quite lax) state law.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 26, 2013, 10:20:37 pm
Oklahoma even has a law prohibiting cities from enacting smoking bans that are stricter than the (quite lax) state law.

so much for conservatives being for "local control", eh?
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: jkinatl2 on February 26, 2013, 10:30:16 pm
so much for conservatives being for "local control", eh?

Local = corporate?

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 26, 2013, 11:18:47 pm
Without knowing, I would have thought the most conservative state (in regards to smoking bans) would be North Carolina, or maybe Virginia.  The biggest tobacco states, and most probably the most influential lobbyists.

But...what do I know
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: YellowFever on February 26, 2013, 11:26:35 pm
Does anyone live in a state where you can still smoke in bars/restaurants?
Just curious.

There are Malaysian laws banning certain areas here and there but certainly zero enforcement. A stricter ban on alcohol (Muslim country) meant that smoking is the only acceptable vice.

A point that a friend once made was that people need to begin to see the air as a shared natural resource. It is like peeing in the river that everyone swam in....The argument that non-smokers can go to their own non-smoking places is like the guy who pissed into the river asking everyone else to swim in a pool.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: tednlou2 on February 27, 2013, 12:12:13 am
I am surprised by what Ann said about workers coming to your home.  My perception of European countries is that they give their kids a carton of smokes for their tenth birthday.  Ok, exaggeration, but it always seemed like so many were smokers in the UK, France, Spain, and Italy.  I think all countries have national bans now???  Maybe not France? 

I feel bad for workers coming to my parents house.  They smoke in this tiny house, and they don't care who is there.  We will visit once a month for a few hours, and they refuse to go outside or just refrain.  Yes, it is their home.  But, my mom has the heat on 80, so the smoke and heat are unbearable.  They could refrain from smoking for an hour or two, for their guests.  My dad is so bad that he doesn't go anywhere anymore.  He hasn't been here to visit in years.  And, certainly wouldn't stay.  He cannot go some place, where he cannot smoke inside.  He is so stuck in his ways that he must be able to shit while smoking, and smoke in bed.  No big deal, because we have our issues with him anyway, and prefer he not come down with mom.  Well, a visit now and then would be good, but he gets tiresome, but I digress. 
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: jkinatl2 on February 27, 2013, 12:31:02 am
Here in Georgia we have few bans on smoking in public. We have restrictions, and requirements for air filtration, but in this city of over 3 million people (Atlanta and signs following) we have, to the best of my understanding, exactly ONE gay bar that is a no-smoking place.

Everywhere else, if I care to go out to a bar (maybe three times a year) I come home with my clothes and body absolutely wrecked. Even if I get hammered, I refuse to go (or be put to) bed without taking a hot shower and ditching the clothes in the laundry. Even then, I wake up with smoke smell in my ears and crevices, and on the pillow. I find it pretty off-putting.

I have been around, even dated, smokers who have been considerate and discreet. I grew up in a home with two parents who chain-smoked (killed Dad good and dead in 2001) and I monstered them something awful. I was as pedantic, passive-aggressive, intolerant and condescending to them as I am accused of being here on the forums. I refused to let them smoke at the dinner table, for example.

Oddly, I found/find the smell of raw tobacco very nice. And there was a brief span of time that Dad smoked a pipe, and i was totally in love with that smell. Something endemic to mass-produced tobacco cigarettes is, to me, simply awful. Shower fart awful.

I honestly believe the science that says that smokers lose a portion of their sense of smell. Many ex-smokers end up dry-cleaning or tossing huge chunks of their wardrobe because of the lingering smell. When we were choosing Dad's funeral suit (fun times!) they still smelled faintly of old cigarette - and Dad quit smoking FIVE YEARS before he died.

I know I have my own bad habits and am pretty much un-marriable for a lot of reasons. But that habit, to me, is really hard to overlook in a romantic mate. A friend with whom I shall not be making out? No problem. Smoke on the porch though, and expect generous gifts of E-cigarettes from me pretty much consistently.



Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 27, 2013, 10:36:36 am
Both of my parents smoked when I was young.  My mother was the serious one, probably 2 packs per day.  She loved to smoke in her bedroom as she chatted endlessly on the phone.  The tar/nicotine odor was really heady when you walked into the room.  I was awed when she quit in her 50's cold turkey.  She said it just seemed so taxing all of a sudden.  It was oddly comforting to go into her bedroom when she was gone and take in the familiar scent.  After she quit she said the toughest part was when she had a scotch or two.  She drank old fashioned blended scotch with ice and a little water (no fancy malt scotch for her.)  She went on to live nearly 20 more years smoke free.....scotch kept her ticking.

I am amazed you can still smoke in ATL bars, JK.  In this area (DC) everything changed about 10 years ago.  Before that I also remember returning home smelling like I had worked a double shift at the Reynolds Tobacco Plant. 
Some of the burbs here in Montgomery Co MD that think of themselves as progressive/hip and liberal even tried to enact ordinances that would ban smoking outside in certain areas.  They failed, but I hear it is still on the back burner.

And what is the hoopla about those elec cigarettes?  Understood you still get to go through the motions of the act....but is there any aroma at all.

I read the consumption numbers have really declined here in the states and a lesser extent in Europe, but the Chinese market is huge for the tobacco companies.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: wolfter on February 27, 2013, 11:10:28 am
I imagine there are still quite a few of us who hold onto the belief that we'll gain excessive weight if we quit.  I started smoking after my diagnosis not caring about the long term affects. :(

I've quit several times with the longest being over 3 years.  I craved them constantly right up til I started back.  One thing I've never allowed was smoking indoors and now I'm living in a home with a chain smoker.  It drives me batty.  I wash whatever outfits I'm wearing that day. 
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: geobee on February 27, 2013, 11:38:46 am
Here in the People's Republic of Berkeley, California you can't smoke in the commercial areas -- inside or outside. 

My mom was a heavy smoker and died -- too young -- of lung cancer.  It was a rough trip for sure.    You basically die of suffocation (my mom didn't thankfully. Because of the idiotic rules in this country I really can't say what actually caused her to die). 

She was addicted and just couldn't quit. Having had a few compulsions of my own, I know how hard it can be to break an addiction.  I think about her every day even though it was 10 years ago.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: denb45 on February 27, 2013, 11:50:27 am
Here in the People's Republic of Berkeley, California you can't smoke in the commercial areas -- inside or outside. 

Yeah, I remember that when i lived in Nor-Cal, it's somewhat the same way here in Albuquerque, NM
I find it odd & strange to still actually see someone smoking, as I don't see much of it at all now-a-days  :D

HUGS

DEN  :)
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 27, 2013, 01:24:25 pm
Wolfter....that sounds tough, especially living with a chain smoker.  When you quit, send me a message so I can send you some cyber cheerleading.

And Geobee..I had to laugh out loud about the P.R. of Berkeley.  Must be why you almost never hear of republican politicos looking for votes there.
I know even a decade doesnt make it much easier when you are talking about lung cancer.

Thanks for the shout from N/Mex there denb45.  One of my favorite vacation spots.  Got to get back and see the farolitas and smell that burning pinion wood.

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: jkinatl2 on February 27, 2013, 01:50:53 pm

And what is the hoopla about those elec cigarettes?  Understood you still get to go through the motions of the act....but is there any aroma at all.


Over the last couple of years my friends have dated smokers and had them to my place for dinner. A couple had e-cigarettes and you really would have to be right in the middle of the exhale to even detect a whiff of burnt tobacco, and even then it didn't linger.

Sadly, most of those guys a) were not part of our group for other reasons, but b) returned to regular cigarettes because the e-cig wasn't giving them the rush they expected. They had gotten so conditioned to the hot smoke, deep exhale, and slight head rush of THAT, and could not be satisfied with the tobacco/nicotene alone. Sort of speaks to a more complicated effect than just the chemicals entering the bloodstream and the need to use a prop.

Congrats on your mom's choice to quit! I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been for her - but I hope it brought hack vitality and good health.

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 27, 2013, 06:26:18 pm
I suppose the elec cigarettes could be used as a bridge for those smokers that can not quit cold-turkey.  Perhaps eventually tapering off the time puffing on the elec cigarettes until you are comfortable with total abstinence. 

Hope we see a good scientific study that directly correlates smoking cessation with a rise in CD4/VL/%.  No scientist here, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 27, 2013, 07:21:11 pm
why are you non-smokers obsessed with this topic? :P
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: tednlou2 on February 27, 2013, 07:59:30 pm
Wolfie,

You started at what age?  I know the stats are if you don't start before 18, you likely will not smoke.  I was surprised with our hot neighbor.  He never smoked all the way to like age 28, or whatever he is.  He got addicted to pain pills and began smoking.  Now, I remember pain pills would make me crave a smoke, just like alcohol. 

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: wolfter on February 27, 2013, 08:07:14 pm
Wolfie,

You started at what age?  I know the stats are if you don't start before 18, you likely will not smoke.  I was surprised with our hot neighbor.  He never smoked all the way to like age 28, or whatever he is.  He got addicted to pain pills and began smoking.  Now, I remember pain pills would make me crave a smoke, just like alcohol.

I smoked sometimes, just not regularly.  I could smoke a cig and go months without another.  After my diagnosis, I went full force. 

Strangely enough, my brother and sister both started as adults.  My brother was in the AirForce for several years before he started.  He was the most unlikely person to do so.  He's the typical jock.  My sister started after her son was born and she was stressing about her dick of a husband.

I do plan on quitting again, but it's mostly the vanity reasons now.  I won't get my teeth whitened until I quit and I notice them being kinda dingy looking.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: WillyWump on February 27, 2013, 09:38:07 pm

 I won't get my teeth whitened until I quit and I notice them being kinda dingy looking.

Ewwww nasty. You might wanna get them babies cleaned before you move to the Big Gay Mecca of Cleveland  ::)
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 27, 2013, 09:50:12 pm
Ryan White pays for teeth whitening in Ohio? Who do you think you are -- Mike Shouhed?
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: wolfter on February 27, 2013, 09:54:45 pm
Ryan White pays for teeth whitening in Ohio? Who do you think you are -- Mike Shouhed?

I'm not on ADAP and when I was, I never used their dental services. 
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: wolfter on February 27, 2013, 09:58:43 pm
Ewwww nasty. You might wanna get them babies cleaned before you move to the Big Gay Mecca of Cleveland  ::)

I have my teeth cleaned regularly...thank you.  They're just not superbly white any longer.

BTW...Columbus is the Big Gay Mecca.  At least I know you're not stalking me. ;)
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 27, 2013, 10:44:47 pm
why are you non-smokers obsessed with this topic? :P

I can't smoke and chew gum at the same time anymore.

Thanks goes out to JRE for posting various links to the study.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: tednlou2 on February 28, 2013, 01:08:50 am
I can't smoke and chew gum at the same time anymore.

Thanks goes out to JRE for posting various links to the study.

I saw a guy once, who was smoking and dipping at the same time.  That's hardcore. 

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Growler on February 28, 2013, 06:51:04 am
(http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g457/growler69/tipalet_zps5aeffff3.jpg)
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: Jeff G on February 28, 2013, 07:12:58 am
I have smoked for 35 years and except for stinking to high heaven and all that gasping for breath when I move it hasnt effected my health one little bit . 
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: denb45 on February 28, 2013, 09:18:57 am
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc473/denb45/lungs.jpg)

What you can't see will hurt you  :-[
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 28, 2013, 10:41:06 am
Always astounded to remember how central smoking was embedded in our culture until recently.  Checking out "mad men".....what a feat to be able to smoke in the workplace while on the phone/conducting meetings/etc.  At cocktail parties they kept cigarettes on little platters for everyone. 

I have a brother-in-law that smokes those little tipped cigars(?).  He always says he doesnt inhale. Right. 

I know I have read stories in the papers (still enjoy a thumb thru the NY Times every day...the old fashioned way...thats an over 50ism  lol)   about some old dear that is celebrating their 103rd b-day.  When asked about longevity.....Ive heard some say----Oh I've smoked for 75 years and have a couple shots of bourbon every day.  Jeff G.....you must be one of the lucky ones with great genes.

Not to sound long winded, but something else that hasn't been mentioned is emphysema.  If you have ever seen someone in the latter stages....you dont want to.

Thanks for the pics.  Like Bette Davis said "Getting old isn't for sissies"
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: denb45 on February 28, 2013, 11:40:56 am
My Dear old mother died of emphysema after smoking for most of her life

it was sad & horribly tragic to she her lungs collapse in on themselves as she suffocated to death  :-[

and there was nothing they could do for her, she was only 64 yrs old  :-[

hugs

Den  :D
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on February 28, 2013, 03:23:38 pm
A friend of ours had emphysema.  He had to use oxygen tanks 24/7.  May he rest in peace.

Sorry to hear about your loss.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: WillyWump on February 28, 2013, 04:30:08 pm
Mom had Emphysema, COPD, and Lung Cancer, and died last year at the age of 67. May she rest in peace. NOT a way to go.

^this is actually what spurred me to quit. seeing all she went through.

-Will
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: YellowFever on March 01, 2013, 12:28:04 am
I know of someone experiencing end-stage COPD now and it is heart-breaking to watch. It's like being slowly choked to death over a long period of time. His mouth is always open, the tongue sometimes stick out, like any choked person would. And he stopped smoking about 20 years ago.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on March 01, 2013, 09:59:42 am
YellowFever and Will
I agree COPD/emphysema have to be  amongst the worst afflictions. So horrific for the caretaker as well, knowing that in the late stages all you can do is try to make them comfortable.

On an unrelated note...Will...liked your past avatar....Don't mess with Texas.
Correct me if wrong...But isn't that the clever state anti-litter slogan?
Makes me miss Austin TX.  Hook em horns.

Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: WillyWump on March 01, 2013, 10:54:57 pm

On an unrelated note...Will...liked your past avatar....Don't mess with Texas.
Correct me if wrong...But isn't that the clever state anti-litter slogan?
Makes me miss Austin TX.  Hook em horns.

Yes Hook em! Are you an Alum?

Yes, "Don't Mess with Texas" was /is the anit-littering slogan. I may be wrong but I think it started under Anne Richards reign. It's been around forever.

-Will
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on March 02, 2013, 09:06:53 am
Those were all good memories at UT/Austin in the late 70's.  I even managed to graduate.  Only a guess, but you were probably only a wee lad back then.

Best
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: tednlou2 on March 09, 2013, 12:52:36 am
When they say former smokers, the number of years not smoking has to be a huge factor.  It would be nice, if they could account for that.  I quit at age 32.  I began smoking daily at age 16.  However, a pack would last me a week for several years.  When I smoked more, I probably smoked about 3/4 a pack a day.  I was never a huge smoker.  I could go hours without one.  If I was around non-smokers or on a long driving trip, I could go 12 hours without going nuts.  I have a friend, who literally smokes one after the other. 

I've read our cells start to not replace themselves as fast as we lose them, sometime around age thirty.  It seems like it goes without saying that quitting at 32 is much different than quitting at 52.
Title: Re: smoking/HIV
Post by: scotty54 on March 12, 2013, 11:44:37 am
I certainly agree with you tednlou2 that the number of years not smoking is a major consideration.  Much of the research has shown that lungs do recover (albeit slowly.)
And most probably at an even slower rate as we age. 

Sounds like I used tobacco about the same way.  Never craved a cigarette in the morning, and never (for instance) felt I could not live without one on a long flight.
Just got a bit over the whole scene.....Do I have a fresh pack?  Where's my lighter?
Gotta stop at the 7-11!  And so on....

You are doing well, quitting at 32.