Splinter from the quitting smoking thread

[Formerly 45yroldNewbie]

O.K. Now that we have quit smoking and expect to get healthier with time; What now?

What precautions and conditions do we need to be aware of? I have heard I need to be very cautious of C02 loading because of my smoking and the damage to the lung tissue. I am also concerned about an embolism in an emphysema sac that may or may not exist in a smokers lung.

I have been told that Nitrox would be a safer way to dive because of havoing been a smoker but then I was also told I would be more prone to O2 toxicity.

Anybody have any answers and advice for us dummys turned smart?

[creggur]

The increased risk from any of those problems probably depends greatly on how long you smoked, how much you smoked, and how long ago you stopped...Also with your current level of fitness..

I was told by my doctor that after you quit smoking your body starts to repair itself pretty quickly if no permanent damage was done..I would just worry about doing some aerobic exorcising to strengthen the old cardio system and increase lung capacity...

Of course I'm no doctor, so......

[Foo2]

First, congrats on quitting smoking! I have never been a smoker so I can only imagine how difficult it is to quit. But way to go on trying to be healthier! It might not be a bad idea to contact DAN regarding smoking damage and diving. Much luck to ya!

[mpd525]

Well, i've started running, and hacking up all kinds of junk, but i feel better, i wake up easier, and i sleep better, and i go to sleep easier.

But as for the medical, my Uncle is a doctor, and he said the only thing i should really worry about right now, is doing as much cardio as possible, because it will help strengthen the heart and lungs, back to what they should be. But he didn't see any other problems, as far as CO loading, but i didn't think to ask him about Nitrox, i'll call him tonite.

[mpd525]

oh and congrats, i'm fighting that battle right now.

[Osprey]

The first thing I would do is ask your doctor how long it will be until your lungs really purge themselves of all that smoking gunk. I can't imagine being under water when some of that loosens up!

[greyzen]

Originally Posted by Osprey

The first thing I would do is ask your doctor how long it will be until your lungs really purge themselves of all that smoking gunk. I can't imagine being under water when some of that loosens up!

From back when I was looking into it, I believe that in 8years you are considered 100% recovered (in regards to tissue donation/etc.) but within 4yrs it is almost impossible to eye-ball the difference in a healthy non-smoker lung to an ex-smoker lung.

[dallasdivergirl]

Good for you!

Keep up the good work and if you need encouragement you know where we all are.