Quitting Smoking as an Ostomate: Share Your Experience

Hey guys,
Just curious how many of you currently smoke or have quit while an ostomate and how you did it?

I quit in October 2009 the day before my hysterectomy/emergency ostomy and at times, I still want a smoke! lol

Have a great day! xoxoxo, Hannah

Sorry, what was that? I was just out having a smoke and I missed it? Eh???

The only time I smoke now is when I'm alone or with someone.

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Silly girl... Copenhagen doesn't burn... Just put a dab between your cheek and gum...!!!

hi ,just like you i stopped the day i went into hospital,and i stopped for 6 months...but what a 6 months all i could think about was a cigarette! and now im smoking again...maybe not half as much as before,but if i feel stressed then i def have one xx

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hi everyone, Sue here.
I gave up smoking in May 2008 when I first became ill and had my stoma fitted. I think after 32 years of smoking, I would never give up because I liked smoking. But when your surgeon tells you that you had cancer in your small bowel hiding behind your Crohn's, it's like a great big weight hits you on the head.
And you think you will do anything to help to stop it from coming back. And yes, cigarettes got the big E. Don't get me wrong, it's been nearly 2 years and I still fancy a cigarette from time to time. But I never give in and never will, not now that I've come this far.
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So if you do go to give in, you have got to do things differently. Say if you have a cigarette with tea, then try to cut out tea and have something else, or if you have a cigarette when going to the loo.
Then try and change your pattern and do things differently. It's about breaking up patterns.
And if you really fancy a cigarette, have a sweet instead, or fruit—whatever it takes.
You can do it. I did, and I never thought I would.
IT'S WHAT YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO. Take care, Sue xx. Oh, and good luck all xx.
I forgot to tell you that I used patches from the chemist as well to help me. xxx

I've been smoking since I was 16 years old. I must admit it's a nasty habit to break. I quit for two years back in the '80s using something called Life Signs, a mini-computer that weans you off little by little. I kept smoking even after a cancer diagnosis; it was the only thing that kept me sane after being given a year to live. That was 13 years ago. Guess I fooled them. LOL. I just tried Life Signs again and was doing well until the darn thing fell and broke. I am trying to wean myself off them by having one every hour to an hour and a half now, and eureka, I have smokes left at the end of the day, and that's great considering running your own business can be very stressful.

I quit smoking weeks prior to my ostomy surgery; it's one of the best things I've ever done, but at times I still want a cigarette.

me too!! I always want to smoke lately. I think it's all the stress built up from all these complications I have.



I have had a puff off of my boss'/best friend's cigarette a couple of times at work and it made me miss it but at the same time, made me so thankful I don't smoke.



I have gained about 15 pounds from going from working 9 hours a day on my feet to being home for 3 months healing but I know I have not only eaten out of bordom but also from having had stopped smoking.

I guess being a few pounds heavier is better than smoking..???? lol

I stopped for 5 days recently because my surgery is coming up, but the cravings got way too much. I crashed and burned and bought a pack of smokes yesterday, but I'll keep trying to quit. I'll get it right soon.

You will, Steve.
They say the average person "quits" something like 7 times before it sticks. (I forget the exact number)

How far away is the surgery date?

xoxoxo

I'm not sure, Hannah
They did say 6 weeks after the pre-op clinic, which is this Tuesday. So we'll just wait and see.

How to quit smoking after years of it? Hmm, it wasn't too hard when they got the price so high. I said I was done when they cost 5 bucks a pack. Then I looked at how I couldn't walk up stairs and work was getting harder to do because I was out of breath. Plus, working in the bars for years didn't help out any at all. But I managed to quit way before surgery this time and can still go out and toss drinks and not smoke. Now that was the hardest habit for me. Boy, a good smoke and drink was yummy. Now, that's a thing of the past. It's been that way for a long time, about 6 years now. Too bad I can't kick the doctor like I kicked cigs.

I've given up giving up! I have an addictive personality: booze, women, ciggies, and cars. But my bank manager and the government love me!

Hi
Well, I quit smoking in April of 2001 and shortly thereafter became deadly sick and landed in the hospital where I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I have not touched a cigarette since and do not miss it at all. With all the surgeries I have had and still waiting on one, I couldn't imagine standing outside in -35 weather with an IV pole and those sexy little gowns they give you. Ha ha
By the way, I smoked since I was 15 and I went on the patch to quit. It worked for me...

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Tobacco is one of life's simple pleasures... Maybe I'll quit when I'm 100... Nah... probably not...

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Hi TXGIRL,
I quit smoking on December 12, 2007, and to this day, I crave a cigarette!!! I had major dental work and could not smoke for a few days and figured I would stop! Plus, at over $5 a pack, no way! I have not smoked yet. It's hard, as I smoked since I was 16! I had an ileostomy in 1977 due to years of ulcerative colitis. I have gained 22 lbs!!! But I am older now, and I call it happy fat!
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Good for us; we are still smoke-free.🔒 Login to see image
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Sorry about the smiley faces; I couldn't stop them!
Sooziq
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I quit a little over 3 years ago. I got tired of a damn cigarette dictating where I could go. I quit using Chantix. Fighting to get another breath is not the way I want to go!!!
I wish all of you the best of health

Jim
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Soozi & Jim... I'm very proud of y'all!!!

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My dad died of emphysema at age 60, 11 years ago. It is a horrible way to die.

I had a couple of slip-ups the past few days, but tomorrow is a clean slate!!

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TXgirl, you can do it. Chantix really helped me with the cravings. I had cut myself down to two cigs a day, and man, would they ever burn up fast with my morning coffee! It boiled down to whether I was quitting or not.

I ate a lot of beef jerky to keep myself occupied. Good luck on your quit. Oh, I also joined QSJ Quit Smoking Journals.
  Hugs
   Jim
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I still smoke, have for over 30 years, sooooo...... Ileostomy almost 4 months...... it's my comfort vice, good or bad.