Smoking Quitters Questionnaire Timeline?

[Marijn]

Is there a questionnaire that asks someone how long they've smoked for, and how many per day? I want to find this questionnaire so that my son's girlfriend can get a more accurate idea. We have seen info where it takes 9 years to recover, but that's too general as it doesn't mention how long the person would have been smoking, or how many. PS I know the questionnaire couldn't give a precise answer, but it would help. Thanks.

[Marijn]

PS I haven't made that clear enough. She quit 3 years ago, and wants a timeline to see when her lungs, heart, circulation will recover from effects of having been a smoker.

[Barsel]

You should find what you need to know here.

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Benefits_Time_Table.html

[Marijn]

Thank you Barsel, that's interesting, but I was looking for one that is less general; that actually asks how long you've been smoking for, and how many per day. There must be a difference in recovery times between someone who has chain smoked for 50 years, and someone who has smoked a packet a week for a few years. Thanks again

[Barsel]

That's ok Marijn. I must admit I didn't read it myself, I was hoping there might have been something of help with the links in the article. Will see if I can find something more specific.x

[sandyRoe]

I haven't an answer but another question. If You've smoked for years, as I have, could you have been laying down the 'seeds' of illness for the future? I've been a non-smoker for a while now.

[Marijn]

Thank you very much :-)

[Sqad]

Marijin, I would be surprised if there was any such questionnaire as the effect would vary from person to person and once damage had been done, it would invariably be irreversible.

[Marijn]

SandyRoe, have you read Barsel's link? It's very good.

[sandyRoe]

It's a good link and encouraging.

[Barsel]

But the risk that people have for smoking-related diseases is directly related to the total number of cigarettes they've smoked in their life.
This is an extract from this article.

http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1819144,00.html

Still not a questionnaire but as you said, it probably wouldn't give you a precise answer.Hope this might help a little though.x

[Marijn]

Thanks Sqad. Yes, I know it varies from person to person, but I just wanted to give her a rough guide, to make her feel positive. The amount of cigarettes you've smoked MUST have a bearing on your recovery. According to Barsel's link; some things are reversible. Thanks.

[Marijn]

Thank you Barsel, that's another good one.
It does say that there's a difference between recovery times between people who have smoked a lot, and those who have smoked a little.
But I think Sqad's right, there won't be the questionnaire I'm looking for.

[Sqad]

Marijn...I think that we may be singing from different hymn sheets.

The damage done by smoking, for whatever length of time and however many cigarettes does permanent damage to the blood vessels of the heart, brain and limbs. There will be permanent damage, if there is any damage to the lungs themselves.

Yes, if one does stop smoking, the statistics given in the link by Barsel, may well apply, but that is not due to the reversal of damage, but to the fact that no further damage will be done.

[Marijn]

Thanks Sqad. I think that some of the damage in certain areas can be reversed. But I see where you're coming from. Thanks again

[Barsel]

A questionnaire wouldn't be accurate as I only have to look at my own family to see how smoking can affect people differently. Both my parents were smokers.Dad died at 56yrs from a smoking related illness, Mum lived to be 84yrs old and died from something not related to smoking. I gave up 26yrs ago and 6yrs ago I got lung cancer and had to have half a lung removed. I've come to the conclusion it depends on many things and so all I can say is give your son's girlfriend lots of support and hope she can remain a non smoker.x

[Marijn]

I'm sorry to hear that, Barsel. Thanks for all your very helpful input on this thread. :-) I am very impressed with her quitting.