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

[boonedoggle]

Yeah, I'm going through a whole array of emotions right now...
Went seen the Rheumatologist today about my poor circulation in my hands and feet. My Primary Care manager had originally said he thought it was Raynaud's disease. 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. He suggested that it might be either Raynaud's Phenomenon or Burger's Disease.
Anyways, after just saying that I needed to wear warmer clothing, he said that he was almost 100% sure that the cause was smoking. After going through the whole explanation and a bunch of blah blah blah and mentioning that I NEED TO QUIT SMOKING three times, I told him that I enjoy smoking not because I need to, but because I enjoy the psychological effects. I am sure it is not the best thing for me physically, but I have lived with the trade off.
This fool then says that many people enjoy smoking so much that they are willing to sacrifice an amputation for it. Well, I figured at that point there wasn't much else I could say. I picked up my stuff and left.
I do have to consider the possibility that he is telling the truth, somewhat, and that I should cut way back for at least a month. I'm going to make a follow-up appointment with another doc to get a second opinion AFTER I have tested this first guy's theory. I love cigars, but I don't want to lose my feet!

[chippewastud79]

Best of luck with any other appointments you might have to go through. Hopefully the doctors can find an agreeable solution that doesn't involve getting rid of something that helps you enjoy the finer things in life.

Cigars or feet? I choose feet too.

[JPH]

Ya losing the feet would be bad...

I' no doc or anything....but I would almost guarantee that smoking is not the singular cause of the circulation problem....I'm sure it doesnt help.... but... Cmon.

If I were in your shoes I would cut down to the point where I only had 1 or 2 a week.... and make them freaking good ones..... Look online at how to improve circulation..... try a few different things.... I will do a little research for you.... brb

Keep warm they say.... and I also read that.... but that doesnt make sense to me..... Doesn't the cold cause vasodialation? and isn't that what you would want..... ??? Dialation of blood vessels to allow more warming blood to the extremity?.... Still looking but now I'm totally confused.....

IT seems Smoking, Cholesteral, and exercise are 3 of the major factors...... Start working out.... eat less red meats/shirmp/egg yolks.... and still smoke a few a week....

OK ..... I'm sure this was nothing you didnt know.....

[Moglman]

That is a harsh way to hear you need to stop. As much as I enjoy it, for me it would be worth quitting for such a serious reason, if a second opinion was in agreement. It would be interesting and painful to sell the collection. I wish you the very best.

[DriftyGypsy]

Even though nicotine does slow blood flow to the extremities I am sur e that there are other causes in addition to smoking.

[Old Sailor]

Originally Posted by DriftyGypsy

Even though nicotine does slow blood flow to the extremities I am sur e that there are other causes in addition to smoking.

agree, I would seek a second opinon though

[weasel]

Originally Posted by JPH

...Doesn't the cold cause vasodialation? and isn't that what you would want..... ??? Dialation of blood vessels to allow more warming blood to the extremity?.... Still looking but now I'm totally confused.....

no, it causes vasoconstriction - allowing the blood to keep internal organs warm.

[nozero]

I wish you the best on the second opinion bro!

[JPH]

Originally Posted by weasel

no, it causes vasoconstriction - allowing the blood to keep internal organs warm.

Ok, I thought there was some sort of dialation associated with the cold....

GET WARM... haha

oh yeah... work out and watch your cholesteral.... Thats what I would do.

[macjoe53]

How's your blood sugar? Did you explain to the doc that you just smoke cigars? Get a second opinion not just because of the smoking issue but because he couldn't give you more information about what is causing it.

[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!

[DUCK]

Take care of yourself and keep us informed. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I hope it is not painful. ~Jamie

[KASR]

Crap dude....keep us posted.

[nwksaxman@hotmail.com]

maybe you should cut back or stop for a month or so and see if it helps. Maybe control you diet a little.

I love cigars with a passion, but I think my feet are more important. We will be praying for you!!!

let us know how it goes!

[boonedoggle]

Thanks for all the well wishes. I have been smoking more than I have in a while, so maybe I will only smoke like one or two on the weekends.

I eat well, in great shape, no high cholestorol...had the blood and urines tests, all of which came out good. Doctor's seem to need to have a cause for something, and since all else was ruled out, I believe his only option was to point at cigars. Like a few of you mentioned, I do not this this is the sole reason, but I will not be walking around the house bare footed anymore!