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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

I Have Been Ill since i Stopped Smoking. What's Going on? medical people?

20 replies

Tortington · 04/09/2011 22:51

Any ideas?

I had a cold, then i had the flu, the flu that you can't get out of bed from, i've been to the doctors - i was on steroids becuase my breathing was so bad, i have asthma and at 39 yrs old i ws only blowing 200 on the peak flow.

soi got over the flu,...kinda...but somethings been lingring, i cough and cough until i feel i can't breath, i am exhausted, wheesy and not sleeping. my back and lungs hurt and i am generally fed-the-fuck-up with this now.

i am going to see an asthma nurse. but i literally haven't stopped being ill for even a day in MONTHS.

i get that the lungs are coughing up shit, and they do that - but for months? i can't cope - any ideas?

OP posts:

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Nyx · 04/09/2011 22:59

Well done for quitting. I won't say congratulations just yet, until you feel better!

I'm sorry, I have no idea at all, but I have been there - really very much one thing after another, and I'm certain it was linked to quitting. I am planning to stop smoking (again) tomorrow and you've just reminded me about this. Am still going to do it though. I will be watching the thread. Good luck!

Tortington · 04/09/2011 23:17

thanks - goopd luck to you too!

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Nyx · 04/09/2011 23:21

Thanks - am about to start a thread, to force me to go through with it - I've never managed to go along to a meeting...perhaps Mumsnet will be a good substitute!

Tortington · 04/09/2011 23:22

highyl excellent i can recommend them

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MrsFlittersnoop · 04/09/2011 23:50

Aah, shit Custardo, am so sorry to hear this.

Gave up a 30 year+ 20+ per day year fag habit last March (on Champix) . Have not had any side effects though.

Have you thought about other allergic stuff which might be making you cough or affecting your lungs?

DH (VVV heavy smoker) stopped when I did. He is also asthmatic and has had loads of allergic reactions/problems this summer since quitting fags.

He reckons its still much better to be fag-free however .

YAY! to fag-free living!

Tortington · 05/09/2011 22:16

congrats to you and well bloody done

i wouldnt go back now

doc ringing me tomorrow am to wee if i am worthy of an appointment

thanks x

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HeyYouJimmy · 05/09/2011 22:16

I'm with you on this Custardo, the only difference is that I don't have asthma. When I gave up smoking over 3 years ago I was counghing and hacking like I was on my last legs for the best part of 7 months, then things settled down.

After a few months I wondered what I got out of it and was very tempted to light up again, but I kept telling myself that I'd come this far and I was determined not to go back. Every time I coughed and hacked, I imagined that all the crap I'd inhaled over the years was what my body was getting rid of.

HTH

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 05/09/2011 22:21

Could well be a secondary chest infection following flu, they are common

Imnotaslimjim · 05/09/2011 22:29

Sorry to hear you're struggling, hopefully the GP will see sense and make space to see you tomorrow.

I've been off the fags for 15 months now, and the first couple of months I was like you are. I got cold after cold. I have 2 young DC so when they brought bugs home from school I caught them, every single time

But now I'm doing great, and I'm sure you will too. Just persevere, you'll get there

nightcat · 05/09/2011 22:40

HeyYou is right, you are detoxing from the build up of fag toxins, hang in there, if you want to speed/ease the process, drink more liquids, try juicing or simply try a superhealthy diet (5+++ fresh veg/fruit) - or even some vitamins

bibbitybobbityhat · 05/09/2011 22:45

Oh God, no idea what's going on with you but just wanted to say well done on keeping off em. I'm sure its something to do with gradually getting rid of protective coating of tar n shit on your lungs.

lubeybooby · 05/09/2011 22:51

Well done, I found I was ill for ages too. Thing is your immune system has been so supressed and now it's back it will play havoc and attack everything. It settled down for me after about ten months

Tortington · 07/09/2011 04:36

7 months!!!
10 months!!

thanks for all the good wishes

went to docs today, got another round of steroids, a lovely new spacer - it really is nice! and a peak flow meter - i love pre-payment cards

today i have a cold my sinuses hurt like a mofo. can't sleep and have some stupid team building fucking thing which involvs raft building on a body of water

i can't duck out either as its a new job, so am pretending to like joining in etc.

so fucking ill, tired and pissed off

cheers everyone x glad to know im not alone

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MaMattoo · 07/09/2011 04:47

Have been in your shoes and you have my sympathies! What did eventually help was a steamer in the room (warm mist kind). I was coughing very dramatically for about 5 months..gets better. Good luck with outdoor activity tmrw! Get better soon.

Iamseeingstars · 07/09/2011 09:03

have you been to the doctor and got checked out?

Tortington · 08/09/2011 19:34

yes yes been docs on steroids again!!!

asthma nurse monday

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CMOTdibbler · 08/09/2011 19:41

You are coughing more as the little hairs in your lungs that the smoke had destroyed are growing back and are now able to clear the crud out of your lungs
It will get better

hiddenhome · 09/09/2011 23:43

I gave up 20 months ago and have only just started to feel well. I got infection after infection when I quit and I was totally sick of it, but it does get better.

Try to build up your immune system with some vitamins, echinacea and manuka honey. Sambucol elderberry extract is also anti viral and will help with the winter infections.

adamschic · 09/09/2011 23:52

I've given up and haven't coughed or had respiratory problems at all. I didn't when I smoked though, will admit to feeling slightly better, especially first thing in the morning.

I have heard of people getting coughs a flu after giving up so maybe it's a warning that you were due to quit .

I have found that since turning a certain age, I ache when I've sat in one position for a while, have lots of other issues so am glad that my lungs are at least, healthy.

Tortington · 10/09/2011 00:59

20 bloody months?!

christ on a bike

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