Hi to all here! I am 67, divorced, retired from the IT profession 3 years now! Originally from New York (Long Island) and now living in lovely Western North Carolina, w my boyfriend, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. In February of 2017, I wound up being hospitalized for first time ever, due to a stroke that occurred while I was at work. I quit smoking, after 40+ yrs, that day!
I was having a hard time about the 3 month mark and searched online for help and found my first quitting forum.... same one as @jillar , @Doreensfree and others on here! After that forum shut down, I stumbled onto Quit Train. I, too, think the online support was key to my staying quit along with NRT. I used the patch and the gum.
Not long after my one year quit anniversary, in April 2018, I was informed I would need a CABGx4, asap! Coronary Artery Bypass surgery with 4 arteries needing replacement. Doc told me it was good that I had quit smoking the year before, as she had every confidence I would have a good outcome. She was right.... and it turned out I only needed 3 bypasses! Only!?!?!
I had always considered myself to be in shape (I ate my veggies, walked 3-5 miles a day, took care of my house, in-ground pool and yard myself, was involved in various activities like bowling, scuba diving, gardening). I am extremely lucky that I was able to recover fully from the stroke and the bypass surgery.
Smoking is an awful addiction and does so much damage. Take advantage of all the info that is here and read, read, read everything and watch the videos. Knowledge is power!
PS I will be celebrating my anniversary of the bypass surgery by going to a Bon Jovi concert!!
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