While I worked delivering auto parts one of our delivery drivers was a short almost midget woman named Eva. She is a great worker and did a good job. She is also hard of hearing and a lesbian. She could also most likely kick your ass if she wanted to. Lots of history there with Eva.
She was a smoker and found out she was going to have to have open heart surgery to correct something she was born with. You know the health industry. They monitored her not smoking and tested for nicotine in her system until the time came. Why they do this and why it has to be done is beyond me, but a smoke free Eva had her successful open heart surgery. One of the first things she did afterwards was have a smoke. That would not have been my choice but it was hers. She says she likes smoking.
One reason I am writing this is that Eva is braver than me. She did something here that I'm not sure I could have done. You have to admire someone like that. The last I heard she is still working for them and getting along fine for the last 2 years plus. Since delivery driver is a part time job she also has other jobs. One is as a party DJ for hire and she is making lots of money.
Smokers fare poorly during and after surgery as there is less oxygen getting in their blood, therefore retarding healing, and there may be narrowing of the arteries trying to carry the blood as well.
A long-time friend, heavil addicted smoker, had major problems after a fall in which she severely broke her wrist, ( 12 pins!)..... it is not the same after 5 years and never will be.
Her sister and friends pleaded with her to quit or at least cut back but she sadly could not. Smoking is more addictive than heroin.
I agree with you fully. If I had not quit smoking I'm sure I would not be here now. I quit knowing it would get me if I did not. As for Little Eva, she told me she started again because she really enjoyed smoking. That's the same reason my stepdad gave for not being able to quit. I think it took 3 months to get all of the nicotine out of her system and get her ready for the surgery.