So the doc says I need to quit smoking...

[TideRoll]

Man, o-man. That's not what you like to hear from the doctor. I think I'd stop until I got a second opinion, and if it came down to it, I think I'd have to shoot for retaining my limbs.

I'll keep you in my prayers, brother.

[TripleF]

That blows. Soory to hear that dude. Any natural solutions? Considerations? Have you stopped into the local natural food store and asked what they recommend for circulation problems?

Sending a PM.

[Budprince]

Jimmy,

Sorry to hear that you're having trouble like that. I would absolutely hate to hear that your cigars were contributing to your problems, but no hobby is worth your health (or feet for that matter). That being said I personally would be suspicious of the "blame cigars" approach, given that there is no inhaling, and the effect of many cigars is to quicken one's pulse and get the blood flowing as it were.

Get yourself a second opinion my friend, and take care of yourself!

[SmokeyJoe]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

This "expert" that I seen today went through several tests and determined that I had good circulation, but he couldn't explain my purple feet.

Hmmm... if you don't have bad circulation... I'm not understanding how cigars are hurting your circulation.

Either way... praying for you, Jimmy!

[Papichulo]

Prayers sent. I would get a second opinion. Please keep us updated on your status.

[aerochris]

Best of luck with all of this. I hope you feel better soon.

[mustang1]

Originally Posted by Benzopyrene

Buerger's disease aka thromboangitis obliterans is often seen in heavy smokers, and has a tendency to effect young Jewish men. The treatment is to quit smoking. The disease itself is a vasculitis of the intermediate or small arteries. Im not quite sure how its diagnosed, but its definately something to take seriously. Definately get a second opinion, but Id lay off the stogies for a while to see if it helps. Ill keep you in my prayers man!

My grandfather had this, incidentally he was not Jewish or young at the time, go figure. I'm pretty sure he was a heavy smker though, anyway he had to have his fingers and eventually his legs from the knees down amputated. This stuf is no joke. I feel for you man. I think every smoker will come to a similar crossroads, to quit or not, someday. In the end I don't think it would be worth your health and quality of life. My.

Good luck, you will be in my thoughts.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Old Sailor

agree, I would seek a second opinon though

Absolutely.

[sailchaser]

What ever the out come of the second opinion best of luck

[bobarian]

Not a doctor, but nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. It does not matter whether you inhale or not, nicotine will be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth, nose and throat. Do not take this lightly.
Why not quit completely for a few months and see if things get better? Seek out another opinion, but heed your doctors advice. Cigars may not be the only cause, but why take a chance? If you find yourself getting better you can then ask him if you can smoke and occasional cigar without a problem. But you first need to purge your system and get to the root cause of your problem. My Good luck and I hope you are feeling better soon.

[King James]

hope everything works out jimmy and the second opinion says otherwise... good luck brother

[RGD]

Second opinion? Heck I'd at least get a third also. Every doctor I have ever had preached about how I needed to quit smoking for one reason or another - with the exception of my surgeon - cause he enjoys a good cigar on occasion himself.

Best of luck with it all - but do get several opinions -


Ron

[yamaha6000]

Hello, I just want to give my opinion. I am 21 and I ALWAYS have freezing cold feet and sometime hands. My mother is a nurse (I'm not saying she knows everything) and she said it is perfectly normal, just mainly poor circulation, kinda runs in the family, and have had no problems other than being annoyed with being cold once in a while. My mother has the same thing, and when I was in the hospital for a broken leg I asked the doc about it, he said it is perfectly normal and that many people have it, no need to worry. My solution: wear wool socks in the winter! Anyways good luck and hope it is not anything serious. I think it is regular protocol in hospitals today to preach the absence of tobacco (with today's smoking Nazi's, I'm not sure you can put all your trust into one doctors words)

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by yamaha6000

Hello, I just want to give my opinion. I am 21 and I ALWAYS have freezing cold feet and sometime hands. My mother is a nurse (I'm not saying she knows everything) and she said it is perfectly normal, just mainly poor circulation, kinda runs in the family, and have had no problems other than being annoyed with being cold once in a while. My mother has the same thing, and when I was in the hospital for a broken leg I asked the doc about it, he said it is perfectly normal and that many people have it, no need to worry. My solution: wear wool socks in the winter! Anyways good luck and hope it is not anything serious. I think it is regular protocol in hospitals today to preach the absence of tobacco (with today's smoking Nazi's, I'm not sure you can put all your trust into one doctors words)

I am also concerned about the future. I am still relatively young (33), but I am worried about how this will pan out in the future.

[yamaha6000]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

I am also concerned about the future. I am still relatively young (33), but I am worried about how this will pan out in the future.

Right, I hear what you're saying. Guess the only thing to do to be sure is get another opinion. Good luck, let us know how it turns out.