How I Quit Smoking Cigarettes

[Twoo]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1291691822' post='565158']
What do you know about Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy?
[/quote]

It's pretty rare your father was alive when he was diagnosed with CAA. Typically speaking it's diagnosed post-mortem due to the fact it's symptoms are nearly identical to dementia or Alzheimer... and diagnosing CAA is, well... extremely difficult.

As you know, it's caused from a build of protein on arteries and blood vessels in the brain which eventually cause hemorrhages and in-turn causes a slew of other symptoms.. What makes the condition unique is the protein buildup is singular to the brain and not body-wide. Therefore it's nearly impossible to treat or even test theoretical and invasive treatment methods.

As you know, CAA has no known "cure" or treatment. CAA is a fatal diagnosis- though rarely told to patients. CAA effects each patient different- with some it's rapid and and with others it's a incredibly slow process with little effect. My guess is the physician is having your family monitor his day to day activities for typical symptoms and every couple months he goes in for a MRI.

[Purple Punishment]

I smoked heavy for a few years. One day I got tired of doing it, quit and never picked one up again. Its all in your mind

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1291756700' post='566315']
It's pretty rare your father was alive when he was diagnosed with CAA. Typically speaking it's diagnosed post-mortem due to the fact it's symptoms are nearly identical to dementia or Alzheimer... and diagnosing CAA is, well... extremely difficult.

As you know, it's caused from a build of protein on arteries and blood vessels in the brain which eventually cause hemorrhages and in-turn causes a slew of other symptoms.. What makes the condition unique is the protein buildup is singular to the brain and not body-wide. Therefore it's nearly impossible to treat or even test theoretical and invasive treatment methods.

As you know, CAA has no known "cure" or treatment. CAA is a fatal diagnosis- though rarely told to patients. CAA effects each patient different- with some it's rapid and and with others it's a incredibly slow process with little effect.[b] My guess is the physician is having your family monitor his day to day activities for typical symptoms and every couple months he goes in for a MRI.[/b]
[/quote]
That is correct.....and you are also correct in saying that it is normally diagnosed post-mortem. They have "narrowed" it down to 3 similar diseases with their opinions being CAA.

Overall, hes doing quite well and is 95% coherent and cognitive. We're blessed, so far!!

Thanks Twoo

[TreTheRaven]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' timestamp='1291757390' post='566341']
I smoked heavy for a few years. One day I got tired of doing it, quit and never picked one up again. [b]Its all in your mind[/b]
[/quote]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I smoked (NewPorts) for about 5 to 6 years. Thanksgiving came around and I couldn't smoke around my family as they would have kicked my bombouse if they caught me. I think my pa knew but I did it out of respect.

Never had another urge to pick up another pack or cigarette and quit. Threw away the pack I had at home the very next day.

It's just all in the mind.

[Twoo]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1291761594' post='566468']
That is correct.....and you are also correct in saying that it is normally diagnosed post-mortem. They have "narrowed" it down to 3 similar diseases with their opinions being CAA.

Overall, hes doing quite well and is 95% coherent and cognitive. We're blessed, so far!!

Thanks Twoo
[/quote]

After $381,000+ in student loans... I sure hope I'm correct! =p

Sorry about his diagnosis, it's definitely an unfortunate one- but like I said, it effects people differently. If he's a year out of diagnosis and 95% coherent without any major complications thus far I'd say he's doing quite well.

Consider yourself one of the VERY lucky ones if he is in-fact diagnosed with CAA. It's a bitter sweet diagnosis, I know- but it's good to have a finger on what the issue is- and medicine makes leaps and bounds everyday.

The next major step in CAA research is pinpointing if it's genetic- if it is then we can discover lineage and be more proactive in diagnosis and screenings. Then from there we can take leaps forward as far as research goes and who knows...

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1291763555' post='566504']
After $381,000+ in student loans... I sure hope I'm correct! =p

Sorry about his diagnosis, it's definitely an unfortunate one- but like I said, it effects people differently. If he's a year out of diagnosis and 95% coherent without any major complications thus far I'd say he's doing quite well.

Consider yourself one of the VERY lucky ones if he is in-fact diagnosed with CAA. It's a bitter sweet diagnosis, I know- but it's good to have a finger on what the issue is- and medicine makes leaps and bounds everyday.

The next major step in CAA research is pinpointing if it's genetic- if it is then we can discover lineage and be more proactive in diagnosis and screenings. Then from there we can take leaps forward as far as research goes and who knows...
[/quote]
Thanks again Twoo [size="1"]damn, $381,000.....[/size]

[Twoo]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1291766036' post='566563']
Thanks again Twoo [size="1"]damn, $381,000.....[size]
[/quote]

Just curious, what led to the possible diagnosis of CAA? Is it based off a assumption of probability or did they do an exploratory operation? IE: stereotactic brain biopsy / cerebral spinal fluid test for elevated protein count?

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1291769110' post='566640']
Just curious, what led to the possible diagnosis of CAA? Is it based off a assumption of probability or did they do an exploratory operation? IE: stereotactic brain biopsy / cerebral spinal fluid test for elevated protein count?
[/quote]
Last year (October 17th) he collapsed in his bathroom and had a seizure. He was flown to Univ of MD Shock Trauma. It was diagnosed then that he had been having mini strokes for a few weeks, if not longer. They did MRI's, CT scans and other non invasive procedures. They asked us we wanted to narrow down which of the three possible diseases he had by doing a biopsy on the brain. Once we were told that the symptoms and treatments (very little they can do) were the same for all three and that there were risks involved, we decided against the biopsy. So, at this point, just basically process of elimination or as you called it, assumption of probability.

[Twoo]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1291773273' post='566731']
Last year (October 17th) he collapsed in his bathroom and had a seizure. He was flown to Univ of MD Shock Trauma. It was diagnosed then that he had been having mini strokes for a few weeks, if not longer. They did MRI's, CT scans and other non invasive procedures. They asked us we wanted to narrow down which of the three possible diseases he had by doing a biopsy on the brain. Once we were told that the symptoms and treatments (very little they can do) were the same for all three and that there were risks involved, we decided against the biopsy. So, at this point, just basically process of elimination or as you called it, assumption of probability.
[/quote]

Something to look in to in your free time- there has been some tests/advances in possible CAA using immunosuppressive treatment. In layman terms it's directly administering dexamethasone to the area of "concern" in hopes of decreasing the level of protein buildup. Preliminary tests showed it nearly reversed the symptoms of CAA entirely and patients went from a state of a complete physical and mental deterioration to incredible improvement. Although, once the dexamethasone injections ceased the individual quick regressed to their previous state. But like I said, baby steps towards treatment. This is one of them =)

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1291774348' post='566751']
Something to look in to in your free time- there has been some tests/advances in possible CAA using immunosuppressive treatment. In layman terms it's directly administering dexamethasone to the area of "concern" in hopes of decreasing the level of protein buildup. Preliminary tests showed it nearly reversed the symptoms of CAA entirely and patients went from a state of a complete physical and mental deterioration to incredible improvement. Although, once the dexamethasone injections ceased the individual quick regressed to their previous state. But like I said, baby steps towards treatment. This is one of them =)
[/quote]
How exactly is it directly administered? Im assuming some sort of invasive surgery.....

[Passepartout]

I am allergic to cigarettes. As my eyes and allergies act out! I have an aunt, uncle, and cousin that smokes. Wished that they didn't though.

[Twoo]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1291774949' post='566757']
How exactly is it directly administered? Im assuming some sort of invasive surgery.....
[/quote]

Sorry for the delay in response. I'm not exactly sure how it was administered. I doubt it was direct though being it'd just circulate through the persons system since the condition effects the blood supply.

[Twoo]

Today is day 10 without a cigarette. I still get the occasional cravings, but the ecig immediately gets rid of them

[K-Dog]

congratulation !!!!

[ryan23945]

cold turk bud

or another method i used to quit and it lasted 6 years, have a cig ever hour, do that for a few days to a week, then have one every 2 hours for abour a week, then 3 then 4 and so on, sooner or later ur either not having one ha u realize that the only reason u r is cuz its time

but cold turkey usually works the best, like i said i wuit for 6 years, then smoked for another 2-3, then i quit cold turkey on dec 21, its been goin good

my dad used champix, and it worked for him

[JonM229]

Here's how I stopped smoking cigarettes:

I stopped smoking cigarettes.



.....also, heroin

[FerrariFan87]

Good luck the rest of the way! Your lungs and throat/mouth will thank you!

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='JonM229' timestamp='1295555702' post='619355']
Here's how I stopped smoking cigarettes:

I stopped smoking cigarettes.



.....also, heroin
[/quote]


Just make sure you keep your 'utensils' clean buddy.

[Shawn`]

My dad has been a constant smoker for the last 20 years, I bought him an e-cig last week and he's only smoked about 5 cigarettes in a week since. Considering it would be a pack and a half a day it's a huge improvement.

[ooo sugahhh 52]

i smoked for 8 or 9 years and for the last 3 or so i smoked 2 packs a day (sometimes 3 if i was out drinking). 3 years ago i used the patch and havent even had a drag since. quitting sucks and i wish u luck

[Ravensrule420]

I recently bought the Joye 510 and it's simply amazing. I HIGHLY recommend it to people trying to quit smoking.