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So, a few weeks back, I was diagnosed with Stage 4, Peripheral Artery Disease. Evidently, it's genetic, and
has been the cause of death for several family members. Smoking doesn't help matters either.
Today, I had several severely blocked arteries cleared, and stents implanted in my left leg. I will have the same procedure done to the right leg in 3 weeks.
I stopped smoking, cold turkey.
No more excuses.

KKGator 9 June 21
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14 comments

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1

Level 8

Oh no no nooooooo I'm so sorry . You are one of my all time favorites on this site 😟
(((( hugs ))))
I hope the cessation helps stem the progression.

Qualia Level 8 June 26, 2018
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3

Level 6

I know the feeling. I had a heart attack a few years ago caused by a blockage in the LAD artery, the widow maker. I was 37. They can't get a stent in because of its location. I figured I didn't have much longer to go. Men in my family rarely reach 50 years old because of artery disease. I was constantly short of breath with frequent chest pain & was taking nitro like candy. I was also well on my way to diabetes. Then I learned about Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn last November when I watched Forks Over Knives. I immediately started following his plan. At this point, I haven't taken a nitro tablet in more than 4 months & I'm down 50 pounds so far. Artery disease is reversible, if you're willing to put in the effort. It's a matter of making the choice & then following through with it. I'd be happy to send you some links if you want.

Thanks. Glad you're improving.
Any information you wish to share is appreciated.

@KKGator - You may not like the answer, as most people don't, but it absolutely works. In a nutshell, don't eat animal products, & don't eat highly processed food of any kind. That's it.
If you have Netflix, I would start by watching Forks Over Knives. It's a good primer for the subject.
This youtube seminar explains much of the science behind what I'm talking about.


Two other great resources are drmcdougall.com & nutritionfacts.org. Both of these sites are completely free; no paywalls.
Most people think I'm nuts when I tell them about what I'm doing, but the results are undeniable. Do your own research & make your own decision, but I'd highly recommend giving this a try. I'll be around periodically, so feel free to message me if you have any questions. If you think I'm a nutcase, that's fine too.
Just so you don't think I'm talking about living off of kale & broccoli, I attached photos of some of the meals I've made recently. Cheers

@davyjones Thank you.
5

Level 9

Good on you! You're pretty awesome and I'm glad you're addressing the issue. Be nice to have you around a bit longer.?

Thanks, sweetie. I ain't goin' anywhere. Y'all are stuck with me.
3

Level 8

best thing I did for myself was quit smoking.
You have 2 more things going for you: better circulation, better breathing. Take advantage of those.
You got this! We are all here to support if need be.

Lukian Level 8 June 22, 2018
Reply

Thank you.
2

Level 8

Good for you.

Marine Level 8 June 22, 2018
Reply

Thanks.
4

Level 7

oh i wish you good luck. it is so hard to quit smoking. you certainly have the best reason. sending good thoughts and love.

Thank you.
4

Level 8

Oh my! I hope the procedures, the smoking cessation and all else are sucessful.

Thank you.

4

Level 8

There is a group here for those kicking the addiction. Good luck. Drink lots of water. Give up the carbs except for potatoes & rice. Eat colors, not brown or white. You can turn it around.

Thank you.

5

Level 8

Wow - all the best to you, and I hope you're not feeling too rough. Well done on giving up smoking!

Jnei Level 8 June 22, 2018
Reply

Thank you.

@KKGator I tried to give up smoking for nearly 20 years and never quite managed to kick my nicotine addiction - still haven't, in fact, as I've only replaced the fags with a vape - so huge respect for doing it how you have; you're a stronger person than I!

@Jnei I really thought it would be harder than it's been. Watching small humans, at my nephew's house, and I just saw one (cigarette) sitting on the end table in the living room. It's still there and I don't want it. I started smoking over 40 years ago. If I can quit, anyone can.

7

Level 8

If it brings you any comfort to know it, I stopped smoking cigarettes cold turkey in December of 1999. No pills, gum, patches or other aids. It was tough but if you want to do it, you don't need to use any of those things, which seem to be more for the purpose of exploiting a person's addiction that actually providing any help. I wish you strength and I wish you improved health. Feel free to rattle my cage for moral support.

Deb57 Level 8 June 22, 2018
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Gave up smoking cold turkey in 1985. Never once in my life have I regreted it. Know how you feel and will suport you all thd way !

Thank you both.

@KKGator I quit in 1993. I know you will be successful!

@IAmLove Thank you.

Beautifully said. Way better than I ever could.

8

Level 8

Oh my! I'm sure you'll feel better! Stents are a wonderful thing. They saved my life four years ago.

Duke Level 8 June 21, 2018
Reply

Still sore AF, but feeling better already.

@KKGator I had three stents put in my heart four years ago. I had a 95% blockage in two arteries. I caught he "widow maker" just in time. I got VERY lucky.

@Duke Really glad they caught it in time. I don't want to imagine a world without you in it.

@KKGator awww... ?
7

Level 9

You sure have a powerful motivation to quit smoking, stick with it, you only get one time around in this life so enjoy every second. 👍

Thank you.
7

Level 9

Wow Good for you!

I hope the stents really help you. I can't imagine you were feeling good.

I hope they're giving you great drugs right now (((KKGator))).

Thank you. Unfortunately, there were no drugs prescribed. I was even 'awake' during the procedure. At one point, I asked, "So, how's it going?" I'm past the physical withdrawals, and just telling myself "no" when I want one. It's not so bad.
5

Level 8

I wish you success on your path to health and wellness, You gotta take care of you, xoxo ♥

Thank you.
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