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I am a quit buddy whore, I have two cause I'm greedy like that. Just my new one talking about getting back on the train has reminded me I always wanted this. My older and yet strangely skirted (for a fella) and experienced one has reminded me all the way through that I have had this since day 1. I don't know as if I forgot that per se, I think I was safe...but I forgot the severity with which I wanted this freedom. Talking someone else through it and actually my beloved cousin asking me about it for him has reminded me I LOVE this quit. Amy and Stu, your refreshing ways remind me I love this quit, I love this support and this board. I was always ok, it was just life stuff and never to do with not smoking, which still remains the 3rd best thing I've ever done with my little life. I would do a hallelujah if I was that way inclined but I no longer am lol, so I will raise my energy and share the thanks with the next person I see who could use the support, cause THAT is what I do and THAT is who I am. I heal, I lead, I save - I do not wallow and whinge and whine. I will ALWAYS beat the craves because I don't want to smoke. There is no need to be afraid they will come again because if they do, I will smash them back again..and yeah, I may do that with a snot fest but hey, I never said I was a classy bird :) Ya know, I know it's coming again. I know from little things this board has said and reading what people have felt. It's ok, battle I can do, like I said in my first week I want and deserve this quit and I will do whatever it takes. I am and always was ok and that is in no small part from this support network. Powerful stuff! xx

Posted 25 January 2014 - 08:44 PM COPD is a horrible disease. Originally, I wanted to vent about it. Then, I thought it more constructive if I could help inform a new quitter understand what it really is. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. COPD is the umbrella term for sufferers who have been diagnosed with or show signs of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. It is on my mind multiple times a day, most days. Today is an exception. The cold air is bothering me, my lungs hurt today, breathing is uncomfortable and I can't get away from it. I will never get away from it, not ever. I am a third generation COPD patient. Most of the time, I go without exacerbation's or flare ups. Both my mother and grandmother have it. My grandmother suffers the most, then there is me and my mom, she suffers the least. I do intense cardio 5 days a week without a problem usually. Days like today are harsh reminders, that it was I that tortured my own lungs. If you haven't quit, please do. No cure exists, but if you quit and treat the disease early, you can live a (mostly) normal life. Edited to add: COPD is no longer for the elderly crowd. You are not too young to have it. I was diagnosed in late 2012, at 37 and judging by my symptoms had it for 4 or 5 years at least. I feel lucky that I caught it early in stage one. I have a couple of inhalers, Dulera and Pro Air. Recently I saw a pulmonologist and he increased the Dulera dosage to 200 mcg. It really works to prevent the burning in my chest and throat during cardio. I use a nebulizer before cardio and for any problems breathing. I consider myself lucky that I can exercise the way I do.

So happy to read this; Go Marti :)