Medical dilemma

[moteyi]

I assume because i told the hospital that i smoked cigars, a couple of a week, they made a point of telling me that smoking will inhibit the healing process, particularly of extremities . Apparently the smoke reduces the oxygen levels in the blood which is what promotes healing. Also it would appear that even not inhaling, nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, which is presumably why some cigars give you a nicotine hit. I am inclined to think that because I am otherwise healthy, particularly if I were to smoke outside, where I am not inhaling second-hand smoke, that the negative effect of a medium-sized cigar on the healing process, would be outweighed by the positive effect on my mental well-being! I realise that posing this question to a group of cigar smokers that the answer might be skewed , but what are people's thoughts ?

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[Rich B]

For me, the positive effect on my mental health - when I relax and enjoy a cigar, far outweighs any potential medical issue it may cause.

[PeeJay]

For me, the positive effect on my mental health - when I relax and enjoy a cigar, far outweighs any potential medical issue it may cause.

Absolutely!

[K444HEP]

Even if you smoked one a month, you are still classed as a smoker; I bet that they give the same spiel to someone who smokes 40 cigarettes a day (this is NOT a criticism of the NHS by the way!) I think you’re spot on - if having a cigar of an evening makes you feel content and relaxed, go for it! All the best with your recovery mate.

[ha_banos]

I find it difficult to take general advice. I will always say I don't smoke. If I suffer as a result of cigar smoking it's on me.

I'm more worried about diesel fumes in London [emoji848]

Most cigar smokers are older. There doesn't seem to be an epidemic of problems as a result. Maybe I should look for the medical evidence harder...

[Emaresee]

I assume because i told the hospital that i smoked cigars, a couple of a week, they made a point of telling me that smoking will inhibit the healing process, particularly of extremities . Apparently the smoke reduces the oxygen levels in the blood which is what promotes healing. Also it would appear that even not inhaling, nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, which is presumably why some cigars give you a nicotine hit. I am inclined to think that because I am otherwise healthy, particularly if I were to smoke outside, where I am not inhaling second-hand smoke, that the negative effect of a medium-sized cigar on the healing process, would be outweighed by the positive effect on my mental well-being! I realise that posing this question to a group of cigar smokers that the answer might be skewed , but what are people's thoughts ?

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it is oxygen level related... but also there are lots of chemicals in smoke (worse in cigarettes) that are not great for the skin. they are materially more 'in' you through your lungs... and that isnt good on any level.

Onions... due to high levels of silicates are incredibly good for skin elasticity and recovery. Similarly being hydrated makes for better healing.

But think about it...

[Simon Bolivar]

When I had de tal surgery, I was told not to smoke for 5 days after because of the neg effects on healing. Made sense to me & I duely abstained. I would advise anyone facing surgery or invasive medical procedures to do the same.

However, then taking this & assuming we seriously harming ourselves when smoking a few cigars a week, is pushing it. Is it healthier not to consume tobacco or alcohol - yes of course but made has used mood changing chemicals for thousands of yrs, it's part of the human condition. I think the de-stressing argument is a good one, unless you already have a medical condition involving: heart, lungs or cancers. We are all grown ups on here & we pays our money &takes our chances. I believe in moderation rather than abstention.

[Stevieboy]

Agreed Simon.
I love the R&R that a cigar provides. I smoke 3-4 cigars a week and only at the weekend.... unless I'm in holiday then I smoke like a fiend

[moteyi]

Well having returned to hospital yesterday to have the finger dressed and see a physio I've decided to abstain from cigars until the wound starts to heal over as although the nurse was happy with it to me it still looks pretty grim. The good news was that they said that as long as I felt confident doing an emergency stop I could drive again, the bad news was caffeine intake should be kept to a minimum as apparently caffeine can also affect circulation!

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[Kickback]

Smoking is bad for surgery.


You might drop the ash in the incision.

Cigars aren't good for you but I think they are less harmful than a lot of things we do or are subjected to in this modern world.
If you enjoy then do it in moderation.

[Simon Bolivar]

Giving up caffeine?! Harder for me than not smoking for a few days, never heard this advice before. I do know & have seen the effects of caffeine on heart rthymns but can't see a cup a day would affect the outcomes of surgery. Just extremes of people on Red Bull x12 tins a day ect. We once studied ecgs on a 17yo in basic training who was making tea for his Chief x 12+ everyday & drinking one each time.The lad was picked up with an irregular heart beat during a medical & was nearly kicked out before we did a detailed history, found out about his caffeine intake. 'Dried him out, with just water & squash for 3 days & his heart rthymn returned to normal & he returned to trained. Would have been interesting to follow up by examining the Chief...

[Emaresee]

Medical dilemma

Well having returned to hospital yesterday to have the finger dressed and see a physio I've decided to abstain from cigars until the wound starts to heal over as although the nurse was happy with it to me it still looks pretty grim. The good news was that they said that as long as I felt confident doing an emergency stop I could drive again, the bad news was caffeine intake should be kept to a minimum as apparently caffeine can also affect circulation!

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And the hits keep coming!!!

On one of those Facebook topics around the secret way you?d alert people to your abduction. Mine was.... ?heck let?s give decaf a go!?


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[ha_banos]

I've heard that moving increases heart rate. And we only have so many beats in a lifetime. Look at mice and sloths! But Steve has to move for his circulation to encourage healing. But he might run out of beats before the finger heals. What a dilemma...

[moteyi]

I perhaps didn't fully explain. The physio said that some people when stuck at home ended up drinking a lot more coffee, and that as caffeine is a mild diuretic it isn't the best way of staying hydrated which is what is important for healing. I'm therefore drinking lots of water - more than usual in addition to my normal intake of tea and coffee.

On a different note, it would seem from the news today that cooking is bad for your health - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/h...-a8783026.html - I wonder how long it will be before Gove and Kahn join forces to try and ban the Sunday Roast!

[Shaun]

Breathing is bad for your health, especially if you live in a big city.