[Reddawn600]

This may sound like a crazy question but has anyone that was a long time smoker and quit felt like their RSD symptoms worsened over time possibly due to the lack of nicotine?

My fiancee seems to think I'm using this as an excuse to consider smoking again which I truly am not, something just seems odd.

I was a smoker for over 20 yrs and quit two years ago after my first neck surgery wouldn't fuse and I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia.

Since quitting, it almost seems like my RSD symptoms have gotten worse and spread further. I know it's likely just coincidence but I'm wondering if any other current or ex-smokers have had experience with this.

Thanks!

[Debby]

I have smoked since about 20 yrs old & I am now in my mid 50's. I know I know old enough to know better when I started, but my ex was in the army & everyone smoked...........

Anyway, I have quit smoking since having RSD & I actually probably felt better than now, since I did start smoking again. I will quit & for me it wasn't hard to quit & I didn't really miss them except psychologically. I quit because my husband wanted me to quit. He quit 3 yrs ago as he has COPD. I don't have it & in fact when I had surgery a year ago the doctors could not believe I ever smoked at all my lungs looked so clear. I have never even had a dry cough at all.

I don't smoke all that much to be honest though. A pack of smokes lasts me anywhere from 3 to 4 days. And I never smoke a whole one at one time. I just don't need too.

Sometimes when I am flaring, & go outside for a smoke, my feet will burn worse than they had been. So I would have to say that I felt better when I didn't smoke.

DebbyV

[frogga]

Interesting question...

I've smoked on and off since I developed the RSD (at 16). A night nurse actually got me started whilst I was in hospital!! At the time I couldn't sleep apart from in 10 minute snatches sitting in a chair as at the time the RSD was in just my right arm and leg and I couldn't bear them touching anything or even lay on a bed. The nurse got so frustrated with me not being able to sleep or relax she gave me a cigarette and then a morphine injection and for the first time I felt the pain lift a bit and got 2 hours sleep. Ever since it's been a psychological crutch where I believe that smoking reduces my pain or is at least a distraction.

I've given up smoking many times and then re-started (I very rarely smoke now as I need someone to hold a cigarette for me). When giving up it makes the pain alot worse but I think this is more psychological than physical. One thing I have found is that smoking can impact the way that medications work, especially drugs like Diazipam (Valium) which I take for muscle spasms. It is far less effective if I've smoked. On the other hand we found that smoking can improve my breathing when my chest is in spasm - though thinking about it might be because I have to really concentrate on my breathing to smoke. Smoking can also help me as a stimulant.

However, quite a few doctors have told me two things. Firstly that if I'm going to smoke they'd far prefer me to smoke marijuana and secondly that it impacts micro circulation and thus makes my circulation, which is already rubbish, worse. When I'm not smoking my legs don't go as black which gives some support to what the doctors have said.

One doctor said that smoking may make the pain worse as it reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried to the nerves.

I am planning on completely quitting soon but it's tough as my mum, sister and Jimmy-Jo all smoke on and off.

Sorry I haven't really answered your question. I suppose that for me at least smoking can sometimes psychologically help me cope with the pain but in reality it may be making it worse.

Hope this helps in a small way.

Love and pain free hugs

Rosie xxx

[Lisa in Ohio]

I think that maybe it is just something that takes my mind off the pain for a few minutes. I am a covert smoker, and sneaking around trying to avoid my parents dropping in of the neighbor kids seeing me out keeps it interesting. I also enjoy smoking and having something to do with my hands other than stuff un-needed food in my mouth. I can no longer crochet or do any type of needle work any longer. Anyhow this is just my opinion and you know what that is worth, Lisa

[finz]

I'll start with this disclaimer. I was a 23 yo oncology nurse when I started smoking......DOH !!!!!!!!!!!

I have not tried totally quitting since I have had RSD. I have not been able to smoke for several days to a week multiple times during my 6 year RSD battle when I haven't been able to go outside to smoke (and/or shower, dress, and drive to the store to buy ciggies).

It doesn't seem to make a difference in my pain levels whether I am smoking or not in terms of overall pain. I do understand the effects of smoking on our circulation and agree that CP'ers who continue to smoke are even 'dumber' than smokers in the regular population, BUT......for that 10 minutes of stress relief in the otherwise constant battle = priceless ! (or......46 cents each, but whose counting ?)

[llrn7470]

Yet another nurse with CRPS that smokes-yikes!

In my experience, smoking does help me with stress at times, though I know that in the long run it costs me in circulation to my CRPS left leg. Yes, it discolors. During the times that I had a SCS done and a subsequent revision, I had to cut down on my trips to the garage (my hubby does not smoke and I don't do so in the house because of our children, though they certainly know what I'm doing out there), but I still made it out there at least once or twice a day. It's a crutch...but we all have one.