Cigarette smoke blocks cell repair! If you smoke, you need to read this!

[icnmgrjill]

Any IC patient still smoking should read this CHILLING report about how cigarette smoke can prevent the healing of tissues. Cigarette smoke creates a toxic stew of 4,0000 chemicals in the bloodstream and body which then end up in the urine and bladder as they are excreted. They are so damaging that smoking is now the #1 cause of bladder cancer. If you suffer from IC, smoking is a tremendous risk and/or luxury. Scary stuff... when you see the impact at the cellular level. - Jill


UF study shows how cigarette smoke blocks cell repair

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Cigarette smoke can turn normal breast cells cancerous by blocking their ability to repair themselves, eventually triggering tumor development, University of Florida scientists report.
While some cells nonetheless rally and are able to fix their damaged DNA, many others become unable to access their own cellular first aid kit, according to findings from a UF study published today (Aug. 21) in the journal Oncogene. If they survive long enough to divide and multiply, they pass along their mutations, acquiring malignant properties.

Past research has been controversial. Tobacco smoke contains dozens of cancer-causing chemicals, but until more recently many studies found only weak correlations between smoking and breast cancer risk, or none at all. Those findings are increasingly being challenged by newer studies that are focusing on more than just single chemical components of tobacco, as past research often has done. In the UF study, researchers instead used a tar that contains all of the 4,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

“Our study suggests the mechanism by which this may be happening,” said Satya Narayan, an associate professor of anatomy and cell biology at UF’s College of Medicine. “This is basically the important finding in our case: We are now describing how cigarette smoke condensate, which is a surrogate for cigarette smoke, can cause DNA damage and can block the DNA repair of a cell or compromise the DNA repair capacity of a cell. That can be detrimental for the cell and can lead to transformation or carcinogenesis.”

In their study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Miami-based Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, UF researchers exposed normal breast epithelial cells to cigarette smoke condensate—a tar derived from a machine that literally “smokes” a cigarette in the laboratory—and found the cells acquired mutations characteristic of malignant cells.
The scientists say DNA repair appears to be compromised when chemical components of smoke activate a key gene. That gene interacts with an enzyme that plays a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA, preventing it from doing its job. The cell, despite its mutated form, can then multiply wildly.

A cell with damaged DNA has one of two fates, said Narayan, also a member of the UF Shands Cancer Center.

“Its DNA repair machinery can be enhanced and it can fix the damaged DNA and restore genomic stability, or if the DNA repair machinery becomes compromised within the cell, then it can lead to an accumulation of mutations because the DNA is not fixed before the cell begins to divide,” he said. “The mutation then becomes a permanent part of the genome and causes genomic instability, and genomic instability can bring about several cellular dysfunctions, and one of them can lead to tumor formation.”


Other UF research led by Dr. Xingming Deng, and published last month in the Journal of Biological Chemistry revealed that nicotine activates a protein in cancer cells that helps them live long, spread to new sites and grow resistant to chemotherapy. Narayan’s team has previously studied cells that were exposed to the chemicals found in cigarette smoke yet did not die. In general, about two-thirds of these cells will be growth-retarded, and some actually acquire cancer-like characteristics, he said.

“Some of these cells that survive are really acquiring true mutagenic characteristics,” Narayan said. “A defect in only one cell is important for growth of a full-blown tumor. You don’t need 1,000 or 1 million cells to be affected. Only a single cell which may have genomic instability due to compromised DNA repair capacity of the cell can be sufficient for a tumor to develop. That has to be considered also when we do these kinds of studies.”

Narayan said the next step will be to find ways to manipulate cells’ capacity for DNA repair and to prevent tumor formation.

Meanwhile, he cautions people to avoid smoking, especially teenagers. A study last year found teenage smokers are at especially high risk of breast cancer development later in life, he said.

“Teenagers should realize they are inhaling 4,000 chemicals, and these chemicals can do so much harm in the body, not only posing a breast cancer risk but for so many other things,” Narayan said. “The consequence of these chemicals is not apparent in one day or two days or in months; it takes years and years for cancers to develop. Once the gene is damaged and sitting there it’s going to provide some harmful effect later on.”

Dr. Jose Russo, a researcher at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia who has studied how breast epithelial cells transform after exposure to the chemical benzo[a]pyrine, which is found in tobacco smoke, called the UF findings very interesting.

“We found significant alteration in many of the chromosomes in these cells induced by the effect of benzo[a]pyrine,” Russo said. “We were the first ones to demonstrate in normal-like epithelial cells this compound produced a transformation. Cigarette smoke condensate contains more than one compound, so the UF experiment is more similar to the way any human being would be exposed to the carcinogens. It mimics the human situation more closely.”

[melanie626]

Another reason to quit! REALLY hard to do, but I am now on week 5 and my body and bladder are pleased!

[ICNDonna]

Congratulations, Melanie! Now you know you can do it! I totally know how hard it is to quit. I haven't smoked for 22 years now.

Donna

[Mel53H]

It was the hardest and the best thing I have ever done, except to give birth. It has been 6 years for me. I started having breathing problems and I have asthma. I decided it was more important to breathe than to smoke. As it is now, I am on 02 at night when I sleep. I probably would be on 02 24/7 if I did not quit smoking.

Another Melanie

[Meemer]

It's been over nine months for me and I still fight the cravings. However, if I get around cig smoke, it makes me sick now. I don't think I could smoke if I wanted to. I'd probably vomit. I guess I still fantasize about the so-called benifits of smoking, except, they're not really benefits. They are lies.

At first, my bladder didn't feel any different after I quit. I believe that everyone's bladder benefit from quitting arrives at a different time. Some will feel it sooner, while others feel it later. I am one of the folks who falls into the latter catagory. Fighting the cravings is a skill one has to master over time and I do it with sugar free gum. I hope eventually, I will just not get the pangs anymore. It's more annoying than anything else and is certainly tolerable.

One thing I've noticed with my new smeller is that I am very sensitive to smoke now. My husband has never smoked and isn't nearly as sensitive. Do other quitters here notice a more sensitive to cig smoke nose than the "never smoked" individuals?>Meemer

[SharonA]

Another reason why I am glad I stopped smoking 15 years ago. :woohoo:

Meemer...I am very sensitive to the smell, now. I am one of those former smokers who make a spectacle of herself whenever anyone around me smokes or smells like tobacco. The smell is terrible and the smoke takes my breath away, literally.

Every time I see a young person smoking, I want to grab them and knock some sense into them. :bonk: It's not like it used to be when I went to school. Today, kids learn about the horrible side effects of smoking and still do it. :confused:

[Meemer]

Hi Sharon:

That's exactly the type of non-smoker I don't want to be like. Despite what I think about smoking for myself (i.e. it's a bad habit, smells bad, etc, etc.), I don't want to force my views down someone else's throat. It only serves to make others defensive and only makes the non-smoker look like an idiot and really rude. I consider cig smoking & alcohol drinking to be the gateway drugs of our society and they're both legal in this country. Kids are doing that and more and they require strong, consistent parenting. However, sometimes even the strongest parenting doesn't stop them. My nephew, who is 18, started smoking several years ago. His parents are non-smokers. They tried counseling and special stop smoking classes for teens. Neither worked.

As a non-smoker, I can simply hold my breath when walking into buildings, where smokers congregate to smoke outside. At least they're outside! I don't go to bars and I don't sit in smoking sections at restaurants, I don't allow smoking in my house or car and all my smoking friends and family respect my wishes. Being critical only drives smokers to be defensive and as long as it's legal, I choose to just leave it alone. Re: children who start smoking, I leave that up to the parents to deal with. It's none of my business.

There is too much else in this world to be upset about than to get my panties in a bunch because someone else, who isn't even smoking in my presence, smells like cig smoke. That's a bit over the top.

I'm over it.>Meemer

[ICNDonna]

I'm afraid I'm another one of those obnoxious ex-smokers. After I quit smoking, I actually replaced every piece of upholstered furniture, every curtain and drape, mattresses, and the carpeting in my house. I absolutely will not allow anyone to light up in my house or even in my yard.

Tobacco smoke actually burns my nostrils and causes me to sneeze. I've learned to hold my breath and run to get in the mall where smokers hang out outside because smoking isn't allowed inside.

I feel like crying when I see people smoking. In the past several years, I've lost five good friends to lung cancer.

Donna

[melanie626]

As a newly ex smoker I think my smell is better and every once in awhile I smell a wiff of smoke and think of it, then I get some patient come into my office who literally reeks (Like I feel buzzed off their smoking smell) that I am thrilled no one is thinking I smell like that now! I like above try not to shove the not smoking issue down others throats since it takes people like a bazillion tries to quit, so I get how hard it is- and never want to seem arragant about the challenge.

Donna, I got rid of all my smokey stuff too and it is funny, I would smoke, throw out what I didnt that day, take off all my clothes and shower as I HATED the smokey smell (even my hands, years ago, I smoked in my car in gloves from work)!

I will say though, even with how crappy it makes me feel, the smell, the health effects, there is nothing like that first drag and I will always miss that part of it-but it is worth it.

Off to pee...

[Mel53H]

I don't make a spectacle of myself, but I do cover my mouth and nose when I walk by a smoker. You see, I have asthma and any kind of smoke can put me into a coughing fit or wheezing. I have signs on each door inside and out of my house, not only because I cannot take the smoke, but because I use 02 at night. Even the smell from someone that is a smoker can make me have breathing difficulties. Many times I have gone to the doctor to have a breathing treatment and then I come out to a bunch of smokers puffing away and my breathing difficulties are back again. So very frustrating!

Damn cigarettes!

[melanie626]

I get that.....your lungs don't need any more irritants.

Best wishes to you!!!

[justJen]

So, whats the difference between marijuana versus cigarette smoke???

[Mel53H]

Good guestion! I am curious too! :rolleyes:

[justJen]

still wondering...So, whats the difference between marijuana versus cigarette smoke???

[Babs RN]

I was told in nursing school many moons ago that one joint is equivalent to 10 cigarettes.

Hugs,
Barb:smile tee

[Mel53H]

I heard once that pot was worse on your lungs than regular cigarettes are. That is all I know.

[justJen]

it probably depends on the way you are intaking it. a joint would be more harmful than say smoking from a pipe I would think anyway *shrugs*

[darlene]

I have never smoked, but my dad did. He developed bladder cancer.

[Kathi]

I quit almost 5 years ago & my bladder has really been so much better. My lungs too. I went to Las Vegas in Oct. & the smoke in the casinos was so awful. I came home & promtly got bronchial asthma. I will never go back to smoking. Kathi

[Angeles]

I'm glad I'm reading this post...
After 4 yrs of stopping cigarrentes cold turkey, Yesterday I bought a malboro light pack b/c I was a little anxious and got the craving out of the blue. BAD IDEA!! I smoke one cigarrette and then had a horrible thoat pain during the night. I even think I'm starting a cold now. I trashed that pack and will NEVER somoke again.

[sleepyangel30]

i never smoked in my life.. i had a uncle that smoked and died from throat cancer i miss him so much he was my fav uncle ever.

[funinsun18]

I quit 3 weeks this coming Saturday.I have tried to quit many many times before.
I haven't felt relief from my bladder yet.I'm sure it will take time.Maybe that's part of my problem with my deep depression.Maybe this place is perfect for support for quiting.:idea:
I have tried pot before to see what it would do for the pain in my bladder.I had total relief.To bad it's illegal and bad for your lungs and whatever else it's bad for.Plus I get drug tested every month so I can get pain meds.They don't want me to become a drugy.Isn't that what I am :lmao:

[mela414]

I quit smoking over three months ago. I was a very light smoker..2-3 at night and then hubby came down with cancer so I went crazy smoking. One he completed his 6 months of chemo...I stopped cold turkey. My bladder doesn't feel better yet but..........my house smells cleaner and I know I kow I am sleeping better....not sure if it's because I am not smoking. hmmmm. I used to smoke mostly at night.
My mom has COPD from smoking and lately has been having a rough time with bronchitis and enphyzema...I don't want to wind up like her.

[RuthP]

I have been wondering the same thing. I have never smoked cigs. in my life. One day I was having another flare up but at that time I didn't know all that was happening to me. I was still dealing with Dr.'s who just thought I was narcotic seeking. My 17 Yr old came home with a joint and told me to try it, It took him two weeks to talk me into it but i finally did. It helped. I really don't know what I would have done these last 9 yrs. It has only been in the last 2 years that I have a great uro/gyn and Primary. They actually understand that I am not lying. My biggest problem now is getting the right doses.
I Have ask my Dr.'s but get the regular answer. Has there ever been a study or just someone else like me who has tried Pot. Tell me your story

[ihurttoo]

Alright, I will fess up! I am a closet smoker too! (Well, not in the "real world", just on here.) I never admitted it b/c I know how bad it is and knew I would be in for the preaching. And of course, all the "preachers" would be right! I mean who can justify smoking?!!! However, I have tried to quit many times and just never had the willpower. I am weak. The only time I managed to quit was when I was pregnant with Collin. And, to tell ya the truth, it isnt b/c I was that good of a mother, it was b/c it made me violently ill, just smelling it, and I threw up every time I tried to smoke! But, alas, after I had him, some smokers came to visit, and I wanted one BAD, and got sucked back in!

I know it is terrible for my whole body! My bladder hates it, the fibro doesnt like it either. We all know what it does to the lungs, teeth, gums, etc. And wwe all know that smokers reek. (Although I do brush my teeth like a maniac and wash my hands afterwards), but I know it is still in my clothes and hair. But, I just dont have the willpower. I need to get some, and I know it!

I have also read studies that smokers need higher doses of pain meds to get the same relief as non-smokers. This might explain why my pain meds arent real effective. However, ya cant exactly go to your pain doc and say, "Hey, I am a big, ole smoker, and I smoke a whole lot, so I need more pain meds like this study says!" That would go over real well!!! So, that is yet ANOTHER reason to quit, besides all the others, (including Jill's post here).

I will pray for strength and try to give it a go with quitting again. If anyone reading this believes in prayer, I hope you will say one too. I am seriously gonna need them all! But, I will give it all I have got this time! Thanks for the extra push, Jill!

Oh, and regarding the pot question, yes, I have tried it too before I had pain meds. (For the same reason you did, Ruth. I couldnt get pain meds at that time.) It helped me alot too. It took every bit of the pain away! But, like you, I go to a pain clinic now and they drug test periodically, so I couldnt do it anymore. Besides, it is illegal in my state, and that would scare me too.

It is a shame though that it helps so many, and yet it is illegal! The only problem I had on it is I would be HUGE if I did all the time, b/c I wanted to eat the house down when I smoked it! They say it is b/c it dulls the nerves and the linings, so just like it dulled the bladder lining, it also dulled my stomach lining, so I had no sense of when I was full, or when to quit eating! My stomach was like a bottomless pit! Not a good thing for me, since I weigh 164 right now! (Although I have lost 23lbs recently! :woohoo: ) So, anyway, I hope that answers your question, Ruth. And :welcome: to the ICN! We are glad you found us!!

Well, wish me well guys, as I take the plunge and quit! (And try to overlook me if I am extremely grouchy the next few weeks! LOL!!) I am smoking my last one now and saying goodbye. It is going to be hard! But thanks again for the motivation!

Hugs to everyone,
Amy

[ICNDonna]

Those of you who think others don't know you smoke are kidding yourselves! I quit 22 years ago. The first thing I discovered was that smokers smell horrible --- I asked my doctor if I had smelled like that and he said "YES."

I was horribly addicted to nicotine, but was able to quit by using nicorette gum (patches weren't available then). One thing that made it easier for me was to look at my kids and ask myself if I wanted to see them grow up. I had just lost a smoking friend to lung cancer at about my age.

Regarding smoking pot: If it's legal in your state, it's much safer than the stuff you buy on the street. Think about it this way --- if somebody is unethical enough to sell illegal drugs, can you trust the product they are selling?

Donna

[funinsun18]

First I want to say congrates to ihurttoo.Good for you at looseing 23 lbs.
I have gained so much weight in the last few month and been trying to loose just some of it, if not all.

I wanted to send you a link to a site that I found very helpful in my quit.They count your days,how much money you would of spent and how many minutes
you saved to your life.They reward you with certificates you could print and
frame.There is a lot of support too.Plus doctors that tell you what to expect.

http://quitplan.quitnet.com/p/quitplan/triage.jtml

I am 40 and been smoking since the 3rd grade.I didn't think I would ever quit.To be honest I don't know how long I can go this time.The longest I've ever gone was 3 months.But I have told myself and family that I won't quit trying.Someday I will be a none smoker.It seems to be easier this time.I don't know if it's cause I've been doing this for so long or that I just know when my cravings are the worst.One of the best thing to do is deep breath and wait till the craving passes.It does pass and in a short time

If you want to talk I'm here.
I will say a prayer for you and all to get through another day
Hugs :)

[ihurttoo]

First I want to say congrates to ihurttoo.Good for you at looseing 23 lbs.
I have gained so much weight in the last few month and been trying to loose just some of it, if not all.

I wanted to send you a link to a site that I found very helpful in my quit.They count your days,how much money you would of spent and how many minutes
you saved to your life.They reward you with certificates you could print and
frame.There is a lot of support too.Plus doctors that tell you what to expect.

http://quitplan.quitnet.com/p/quitplan/triage.jtml

I am 40 and been smoking since the 3rd grade.I didn't think I would ever quit.To be honest I don't know how long I can go this time.The longest I've ever gone was 3 months.But I have told myself and family that I won't quit trying.Someday I will be a none smoker.It seems to be easier this time.I don't know if it's cause I've been doing this for so long or that I just know when my cravings are the worst.One of the best thing to do is deep breath and wait till the craving passes.It does pass and in a short time

If you want to talk I'm here.
I will say a prayer for you and all to get through another day
Hugs :)
Thank you for the encouragement and the link. I checked it out and signed up. I really like the site and think it will help. Thanks a bunch! Hugs, Amy

[RuthP]

I am lucking that it is legal to smoke medicinal marjuana in the state I live in. I have done alot of research online and have found that most states it is legal. I am now applying for a green card which will even allow me to grow up to 12 plants for my own use. I will keep you all informed how things are going. I have told my uro/gyn she doesn't believe in it but what she doesn't know wont hurt her. Her quote not mine. I want to thank everyone who responed to this I was thinking I was the only one.

[funinsun18]

I have heard that pot helped with many different pain.I broke my back sledding with my kids and was in a brace for 6 months.The only relief I got was from pot.If it was legal,I would smoke it for pain relief.I get tested every month and can't afford not to take my meds.They let cancer patients use it for pain.But then you get into who should have?I don't think it should be used by just anyone.Like sold in stores.That would be wierd

RuthP,do you know what states it's legal in?

Personally I think they should make alcohol illegal.It causes more deaths and crimes and I could really go on with this.But I wont.

[funinsun18]

P.S I think I heard somewhere just recently that they are trying to get THC in pill form for pain.Then you don't get the effect of smoking it just the pain control.
Anyone else hear this?I think it was on the news

[RuthP]

I have heard the same thing sometime in the last 2 months. I agree with the alchol statement I think it should be illegle too. I argue with my sons all the time they are 22, 21, 18, all smoke pot and I keep telling them I don't like it and want them to quit. They don't understand when I tell them I don't get high it just helps with the pain. They just want to get high.

[RuthP]

If you want to know which states have what laws go to http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4516 you will see a map of the states and just click on yours and it will tell you

[funinsun18]

Thank you for the link.That is very interesting.
I understand your frustration with your sons.My daughter use to smoke it.She is 19 now.But when she was a teen living with me I tried everything to get her to stop.I mean treatment and such.I'm not sure if she does now.She works two jobs and going to collage.I would hope not.
My kids (I have a son too,he will be 17 next month)Know that I use Lortab and morphin among others for pain.I try to tell them that because I take them for pain I don't get high from it.If you really need pain meds your body don't react the same as others that take it for fun.If any of that makes sense.

[RuthP]

Makes perfect sense to us. It's the Health Care Personel that don't get it. I Still even with it being in my file at the hospital to, if I have I really bad flare that normal meds can't handle or I start running a fever, They still treat me like I am drug seeking. What they need to understand is We Are All Deferent. We don't all react the same. I have had some dr's coment on my ablity to handle pain I laugh. Far as I am concerned I don't handle It at all. But to other people I do b/c they just don't look past the mask.

[Julie B]

I know this is a bit late from when you posted this Jill, but we can't reinforce this enough. When my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer they said the two top causes were smoking and drinking. Well, he neither smoked or drank. But my mom smoked 2 to 3 packs a day. I remember being in the car on vacation barely able to breathe, almost nauseated. My dad put up with that for 42 years...

She wasn't well most of her adult life.....I saw her try to quit over and over and over for her own health reasons. KUDOS to those of you who have quit!!! From what I saw, smoking is a he** of an addiction. She never could get away from it. She DID start to hide it from everyone but my dad. She was in early Alzheimers (at 63) when he died and was at the point where she would repeat things. I must have heard the question a million times, "The doctors said second-hand smoke didn't give your dad cancer, right?" over and over...........inside she knew there was probably some connection. She died five years later, unrelated to smoking or Alzheimers. Honestly, I think she died of a broken heart. My kids grew up knowing that all of Grandma Mary's health problems (stomach ulcers, wounds that took forever to heal, constant illness in the winter, and the early Alzheimers) were related to her smoking. They never smoked.

As for obnoxious non- or ex-smokers? My husband is the worst. If he sees a pregnant woman smoking he will chew her out royally right there in public. I think that the more we make smoking inconvenient, and provide more avenues for people TO stop quitting, we will slow the rate of smoking in this country.

Again, thanks so much, Jill for publishing this study!!!

[harleybluz]

They, experts, liken the pain of IC to cancer pain. They prescribe pot for cancer patients, in some states, but not for IC patients.

[reesper]

I have noticed that inhaling any kind of smoke whatsoever will increase my symptoms to excrutiatingly painful levels. It is the most powerful of my triggers by far. Even though I have henceforth quit smoking, inhaling second hand smoke or even being around a smoking fire will still trigger symptoms, albeit less severe ones than first-hand smoke. Whenever I pass smokers on the sidewalk or outside buildings I am fearful that their smoke may cause me pain later. It's quite frustrating.

[reesper]

They, experts, liken the pain of IC to cancer pain. They prescribe pot for cancer patients, in some states, but not for IC patients.

It is unfortunate that there is such taboo surrounding the marijuana plant. Marijuana has been used for centuries as a medicine for a myriad of conditions. That it produces significant pain relief without the risk of addiction (as in actual physical dependency) and is also nearly impossible to overdose on should make it a very interesting alternative to opioid-based pain relievers. Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, those who take advantage of it are still harrassed by cops and face an unjustified social stigma. I'm optimistic though that some day ignorance about this plant will be cleared and it'll gain a greater acceptance in medical use.

For IC patients, oral use, such as THC pills, would be ideal given how irritating smoke is to the bladder.

[LithEruiel]

This is very interesting. I wonder what effect second hand smoke has on cell repair. Smoke of any kind can bother my asthma, but cigarette and marijuana smoke are especially hard on it. When I went on a school trip to France in high school, the other kids' smoking bothered me to the point I had to go to the doctor when I got back and get stronger inhalers because the chest pain just would not stop. I didn't know much about how it could affect IC though.

I'm an obnoxious non-smoker because of how it affects my asthma. I know people feel they have the right to smoke, and I agree, but I also think I have the right to go out in public to a concert, restaurant, etc and not have the actions of others make me sick. I wouldn't go up to someone and yell at them or anything like that though unless they were knowingly blowing it in my face (I've had that happen before) or it was a person I knew and they knew how it affected me, but continued to smoke around me anyway. Knowing now that it can affect IC makes the whole picture worse...

[ICNDonna]

It's my opinion that second hand smoke is a problem.

Donna

[starflight]

I know this sounds bizarre but whenever I smoke I feel more relaxed and the pain is actually lessened?! Of course I wouldn't wanna live like that but still it's worth mentioning.

[reesper]

I know this sounds bizarre but whenever I smoke I feel more relaxed and the pain is actually lessened?! Of course I wouldn't wanna live like that but still it's worth mentioning.

What were you smoking? If it was marijuana it could have been the pain-killing properties of it but I'd still recommend that you stop since smoke is the last thing you need for your bladder to recover. Humans didn't evolve to inhale smoke and there is no way that smoke from burning materials can be healthy no matter what it is. Oral, as in THC (the active chemical of marijuana) pills or baking it into something like brownies (THC is fat soluble), should be the ideal method if medical marijuana is ever used for IC patients.

I'd also like to add that, in my opinion, marijuana will never completely replace opioid-based pain killers. Opioids are much stronger than THC and will probably always be the main way to kill major pain. Marijuana could be extremely useful, however, for patients who have developed a heavy tolerance to opioid-based pain killers.

[ICNDonna]

I know this sounds bizarre but whenever I smoke I feel more relaxed and the pain is actually lessened?! Of course I wouldn't wanna live like that but still it's worth mentioning.

The reason you feel more relaxed when you smoke is because you are addicted to nicotine --- your body actually needs the nicotine --- it's how addiction works. Like any other addiction, it's not easy to beat this one. I speak from experience --- I was a heavy smoker for many years before I was able to quit, with the help of nicotine gum. I haven't smoked for over twenty years now, but I still remember how difficult it was to quit.

I strongly urge you to consider trying one of the products on the market to help overcome the addiction to nicotine.

Donna

[Lindalu1111]

I quit smoking 9 months ago, before any of this IC stuff even started for me. Glad I did since I'm hearing it makes it worse. I still get cravings though. and I never think of myself as a non-smoker. You see, I've quit twice before, once for over a year, so I guess I'm not truly certain that I will never smoke again. When I first quit, it's easy to keep thinking of the bad things about smoking. But it's funny how, as time goes on, I look at other smoking and think "Gee, that would be nice to have a cigarette!" Crazy, huh?

As for the pot smoking, I have a friend who suffers from Lupis and pot helps her more than ANY of the tons of narcotics the doctors give her. I thought of trying it, except I didn't like it long ago when I smoked it recreationally as a teen. It made me paranoid and REALLY HUNGRY!!!