Should I stop smoking

[Scotman84]

50 year old - got a happy marriage, and she is OK with it, got a grand-daughter 1 year old last week

[Neenee]

its never too late to stop smoking....!!!!

but you hava to want t do it for yourself. im sure you would feel the difference, not only financially but to your health too,

[B00]

The only person who can decide that is you -no?

If you want to carry on smoking then do so, but don't do it around your grand-daughter, infact do as I do and shiver on the doorstep when children are around, lol.

[B00]

oh I forgot- congrats on being a new grandad :-)

[lindapinda]

Boo,my husband shivers in the garage at all times!!...If you're asking Scotsman,maybe you're really feeling a bit worried despite the fact your wife is ok with your smoking! Its never good to smoke,my husband is trying to stop..and not succeeding.But he's determined to stop!..I heard the other day,that if you smoke 20 a day,over 10 years..it adds up to 70,000 cigarettes!..

[jno]

If you don't want to give up, don't; it's your life. But no, I wouldn't smoke around a baby (or other kids, really), even if her parents have said nothing about it.

[Pisceangirl]

Hi Scotman! I have just recently quit smoking and it was the best thing I've done in years! I'm not going to lie...it was bloomin hard and takes a lot of will power but just the fact that you've asked this question makes me think you secretly would have liked to quit for a long time. Go to your nearest GP and they'll assist you with patches, gum and sometimes send you to a class to support you. Both my Grandad's were told by their doctor at about the same time to stop smoking. My grandad stopped when I was born but Grandpa carried on. Grandad lived til I was 18 (he was 84) and saw me get my A levels and had many happy years with all of his family. Unfortunately Grandpa died of lung cancer when I was nearly 3 (he was 62) and I never really got to know him. Sorry if this has scared you but it's a true fact if you're a smoker that the risks are real and I'm so glad I've quit (just my boyfriend's turn now eh?!! hehe!). Good luck if you decide to go ahead with it. You won't regret the decision! :)

[Taz70]

Hi! I want to give up smoking, but I'm not ready for it yet. I'd like to lose a little weight first and there's no point in trying to both at once - doomed to failure.

I have bought the Allen Carr book (supposed to work for some) in readiness for the time that I am ready.

We don't smoke around the kids and we also shiver outside in the cold, but its our choice to smoke and not our kids so let's give them a choice by not smoking around them. Good luck if you decide to give up, but only do it if you're really ready otherwise it's disheartening if you fail.

[wildwood]

Another ex-smoker here. 42 years of puffing away and I have tried every stopping aid under the sun. Trouble was I didn't really want to give up. I felt good, certainly enjoyed smoking, and thought that not having a morning cough like most smokers, I wasn't effected by the nicotine drug.

Two years ago I got a mild stroke, luckily with no detrimental aftereffects, and that was enough to make the decision for me. For one week I went through panic attacks, sadness, tiredness etc. but with the aid of patches and support from my partner, I made it. I now look at smokers and know how many feel, wanting to stop but thinking they can not.

My partner was ok with me smoking too, until I stopped and she immediately made the house smoke-free, so she was probably never really ok with it.

I still think of a nice puff after dinner, and eagerly walk past the 'smoking-outside -the-door brigade, hoping to sniff some of that evil smoke. But after two years it is easy to say no and I'm pretty sure I'll be a permanent ex-smoker..

As a bonus, your taste buds will improve in one week, in two weeks you will cough up the gunk from your lungs, you will have more 'puff' (pardon the pun) when walking/working, you will be able to instantly detect anyone who smokes, and best of all.... you will be doing your new grand-daughter a big favour.

If you do decide to give up, good luck.

[RATTER15]

I must say that I gave up smoking 12 months ago, I smoked up to 50 a day, it was easier than I thought but still gag for a ciggy on occasions. I cant say that I feel any healthier or fitter and never coughed up anything but its so nice not having my life ruled by cigarettes, and not have people look at me as though I am something that they have stepped in, I can sit in any part of any cafe or restaurant and I can kiss my loved ones without the fear that they can smell that tobacco stench and the money I am saving, what else can I say, Its great believe me!!.

[Scotman84]

Started to rate the answers - but it will take hours on my pc lol. Thank you all. I don't smoke when we are near the baby, but I can see this as a good time to stop, or we'll see her less and less. It has given me a little more will-power so I'll see how it goes. Thanks all once again.

[Carakeel]

Please Scotman84, please do it for yourself mainly, but also for those who love you and who you love. My son died three days before his 21st birthday of brain cancer. On his brain scans you could clearly see how brain cells had died off in various areas. Leading specialists told us that this was caused by his smoking. I fully accept how hard it must be to stop smoking, but this is something that endangers all who are around you when you smoke. Please don't put your family through what I have been through. Those who love you deserve to enjoy you for as long as possible. I myself have had bone cancer and know how hard the fight against this disease is, not just for the patient. It is so traumatic and devastating for the relatives. So please, do it for yourself, for your life, but also for those you love. Best wishes.