Wish I had his weight problem

I quit smoking on January 26, 2012 when I was in ICU with a blood clot in my heart and leg due in part to years of smoking. I quit cold turkey and have not looked back. I no longer smell like an ashtray and my granddaughter loves to hug me now. My car smells fresh and no one minds riding in it. My teeth are white again and I lost the grey color to my skin. I can walk further and with less effort than before. Best thing I ever did for myself!!!

This is going to sound harsh, but... <shrug>

5 years ago I used Chantix to quit smoking. It was horrible. I had vivid dreams and terrible nausea, but I kept at it for the required 3 months. 5 years later I am still smoke-free and I feel better than I have in two decades.

My mother tried Chantix at the same time. She stopped using it after the first week or so because she couldn't handle the nausea. She never quit smoking.

You want to guess how nauseated she was before she died last summer?

Sometimes we have to suck it up a bit now or suffer more later. Please encourage him to try again. It is so worth it.

My husband is 51 years old. He's 6'2" and 143 lbs. He has ADHD, and an injured spine. The man can eat sweets like there's no tomorrow and not gain an ounce. He's been pretty sedentary for the last 2 years because of his injuries, yet still doesn't gain weight. I'm really worried about him. He's a very picky eater, too. Pizza, chicken, burgers, pork chops, potatoes, peas, corn, salad, and sweets are his main diet. What on earth can I find to fatten him up? I occasionally tell him that I could floss my teeth with his legs. He also has a floating bone shard in his back, that if dislodged, could cause permanent paralysis. The doctors wouldn't touch him for surgery until he quits smoking, so that's out. I've told him that one catastrophic illness would wipe him out In no time because he has absolutely no fat reserve whatsoever. Any helpful ideas would greatly be appreciated.

Did you actually ask for any sort of advice for a specific issue or just come on here to talk about your husbands issues on a public forum?

Why is quitting smoking a prerequisite to the removal of a bone shard? Sounds like it's time to see a different set of doctors.

Smoking isn't contraindicated to most surgery, and usually a 24 hr pause is sufficient. Unless your husband is also suffering from cardio/pulmonary issues, this sounds like they are taking advantage to force the situation.

I agree. Get a second opinion! This sounds like horse hockey, unless they are saying that his health is so poor they cannot sedate him? Drive to a different city/state if necessary that's willing to listen and take your insurance (research doctors online, phone, clear all the insurance hurdles first, and set up an appointment). I'd try to go to the nearest, biggest Mayo Clinic 1st for an evaluation, even if that means driving a distance (http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic). Or, find yourself a really great university medical center nearby. And, remember, just because doctors recommend something, that doesn't mean you have to do it. "Thank you for your advice; we will take it into consideration." is a perfectly acceptable response. It may just be helpful to have the info/scans/test, etc. for future planning.

Lastly, in terms of weight & smoking, with spinal/back issues, gaining weight may not be all that great of an idea. Perhaps staying just on the positive side of underweight may keep him from making his pain even worse. Also, if your husband smokes b/c of the pain, I totally understand that, and frankly, it's probably better than being addicted to opiates or other prescription nasties... Smoking can be quite palliative, or so I am told. I'm not saying smoking is a great idea, but I am saying that it's understandable. :frown:

Best wishes to both of you!!