medical question about smoking, im just coming back form surgery

[Raider4Life]

hi, some of you might remember me, my name is Josh and im from South FL. I have been undergoing a series of experimental surgeries to hopefully cure a tumor in my leg. I have had about 20 or more by now, and I of course have not been able to smoke (like i used to) as part of my directions for having the surgery. On last wednesday i suffered what the doctors called Negative Pressure Pullminary Adimia which from what i understand is that the tube that helps a person breathe during surgery cut up my lungs and in doing so they filled up with blood. (for some time i was breathing up blood and i was kept in the hospital because i was only able to breathe in about 60% of the oxygen that i needed)

Obviously this was the scariest thing that happened to me, and to be honest i didnt think i would make it, but some how a week later i am doing much better. Tomorrow i have an x-ray of my lungs and we will see how things have progressed. This brings me to my main question though. How long would it take for lungs to heal in this situation, and is there a certain amount of time i should wait to smoke. I know it seems to be a real random question for this forum, but i have a lot of trust and respect for all of you, and im hoping maybe that maybe some one here is a doctor, or has experienced the same situation as myself and can help guide me.

Its been too long to keep waiting 4 a cigar and i cant wait to get to the cigar store. Any help or advice would be real appreiated. Once i get better i would like to organize a herf for around here to celebrate being done with this ordeal which i will let every1 know about when it can happen

thanks a lot, i hope everyone had a great thanksgiving,

also i hope this is in the right place, if not im real sorry, its been a long time since i was able to come to this forum, probably about a year now.

Josh

[rottenzombie]

I have no medical advice on this. all I can offer is Prayers for a speedy recovery and hopes that someone more knowledgeable chimes in . Good luck to you ...

[JAK]

You should talk to your docter about this, they have examined you and have all the facts about your specific situation. I hope you are doing better soon!!

[vstrommark]

Dude! My healing karma is online and jetting your way. My advice is to pay careful attention to the docs. Let them get you back in one piece before you herf.

[havana_lover]

Godspeed to a quick and full recovery brother!!!

[dantzig]

While you shouldn't inhale very much smoke at all while smoking a cigar, nicotine is a very powerful substance. With your conditions, you should certainly consult your doctor regarding any risks of smoking cigars. I wish you the best and hope that you will be well enough to enjoy a fine cigar soon!

[bobarian]

I agree with the others. Hope and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
But dont hesitate to discuss this with your doctors, they are the experts.

[Drazzil]

Okay, sorry folks. I'm going to put down the herfing hat and convey some very personal experience here.I'll get the shit stomped out of me for saying this, but I will anyway.

LAY OFF THE CIGARS TILL YOU'RE BETTER.

I will assume that since you said something about your "lungs cut up" you have had lung surgery. Regardless of how people here may gloss over the fact, Tobacco is a known carciogenic substance, and smoke particles in your lungs ((even stray ones from smoking cigars)) could be catostrophic for your recovery. Whenever you have surgery your immune system is laid low which can lead to the spread of cancer, secondary infections and all sorts of nasty shit. Smoking of any kind is just about the worst thing you can do to yourself in this situation

Ill say it again, If you want to dramatically increase your chances of living through this, lay off the tobacco products. Drink a few glasses of red wine a week and eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables.

[chippewastud79]

Best of luck on a speedy recovery!

[kjjm4]

Originally Posted by Drazzil

Okay, sorry folks. I'm going to put down the herfing hat and convey some very personal experience here.I'll get the shit stomped out of me for saying this, but I will anyway.

LAY OFF THE CIGARS TILL YOU'RE BETTER....

I actually agree with you. Cigars are definitely not good for you. It's not worth the risk, IMO.

[Cigary]

Ditto on this as my brother in law is a Doctor Internal Medicine. The problem stems from the nicotine and regardless if you don't inhale or not, nicotine is absorbed through the mouth and depending on the cigar has as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes,,,that I wasn't even of aware of. Your best bet is to lay off anything with tobacco,,,cigars, pipe, chew, etc. It will be hard on you esp. if you luuuvvvvve the cigars as much as all of us do on here. Sometimes you can use one of the other medications like wellbutrin to help you get off the tobacco kick. I used it at one point in my life and everytime I had a cigar, it tasted like crap and I couldn't enjoy it.

[Raider4Life]

Thanks so much for all the support, advice and good wishes, i will definitley wait, and talk to my doctor. I will actually be going to get the x-ray in about 2 hrs, so hopefully theres good news. Ill keep everyone updated, and we will get this herf planned out when i can finally smoke again.

thanks again, i really appreciate all of the help

Josh

[BamaDoc77]

It sounds like you had flash pulmonary edema...During surgery the workload of the heart is decreased and a backflow of blood/transient exudates leaks into the lungs, causing what really is "temporary" congestive heart failure. You are/were probably put on lasix shortly after. It takes time for your body to clear the increased fluids. Yes, lay off the nicotine....it causes vaso-constriction of peripheral arteries and diminishes bloodflow to the area of concern along with chemotactic factors, interleukins, etc (stuff your body needs to heal)......ask your doc, but there is my

[cbsmokin]

I hope you have a quick recovery. Personally, I think I would quit smoking all together or do it very very infrequently. It's not going to be the popular opinion here but, it's just not worth it given the problems you have had.

[RaiderinKS]

Didn't read the thread, but the Raiders rule.