Day One...The Battle Begins!

Today I will smoke every single cigarette I crave. Although it doesn't sound like a way to quit, follow my logic here......FINALLY, I will have an accurate count of how much I smoke. It will be a horrid number, but I have to face it to beat it.

Tomorrow, the challenge is to cut it down as much as possible. I will see what I can really do by using my willpower. Then I will begin to look for the crutches and aids.....Chantix? Gum? Hypnotism? Whatever it takes!

I have figured out that with today's prices, a cigarette costs about 30 cents. I will begin depositing my savings in a jar labeled COLLEGE TUITION. It will be impossible to take my son's tuition money to buy cigarettes. Once it is in, it stays. With tuition for 2 boys coming soon, the motivation is strong.

Stay tuned, family and friends.....I need your support!

I Will Be Healthy

It is no secret that I can be very stubborn. When it comes to doctors, hospitals and medical care, I am downright paranoid. I am known to cancel appointments, finding ways to "get well" as soon as it is time to go.

First I received a notice from Dr Beals office that they saw some signs of atherosclerosis on a recent Xray. I had also been experiencing some high blood pressure lately that I had been ignoring. Of course, I went to the internet. Reading about hypertension, atherosclerosis and strokes and drove me to call my cardiologist. It had been 2 years since my last checkup and I knew it was time. One thing I fear more than doctors, is having a stroke. Can anyone imagine ME unable to speak? That seems a fate worse than death. When I walked in to the cardiologist's office, I saw this photo....Hmmmm....not me!



I not only made it to the appointment, but actually got the blood drawn for the lab work, showed up for 3 appointments in a week and had numerous tests, including a stress test with an IV inserted. (I am the Queen Chicken when it comes to IVs, I didn't even recognize MYSELF!



With my medical phobias, bossy doctors or unfriendly staff will drive me out the door, never to return. If truth be known, I probably LOOK for excuses to leave! I am fortunate to have found a doctor who genuinely cares and is committed to the prevention of illness. The staff is unbelievable. Each person who conducted tests realized that I needed to know and understand the test and took the time to give me a narrative along the way. For me, actually seeing an accumulation in my artery was enough for me to make some new decisions about my life.

Although my diet is not bad, it is going to be even better. I am going to start excercising, even though I will have to take it slowly. I will start by walking the dogs. If I can make it through that treadmill, I can walk a dog.

YES.....I AM GOING TO QUIT SMOKING!

I have an intricate plan to accomplish this over the next month, since I have never had a desire to quit in my life. While the world quit, I smoked. However, Dr Shah asked me if I was willing to do MY part if he did his job. There was only one answer and we shook on it. "WE" had a plan. This will be a battle and I am committed (and scared) but I have a good army helping me from Dr Shah and his staff to my family and friends, who I know will support me as I fight my addiction.

I was blessed to be sent to the right doctor, because I AM hard headed, stubborn and difficult. It was the right fit. How do you argue with someone who genuinely cares about you? It felt good to know I had a real partner in my quest to be healthy, because I have important things to do in the next 20 years.

I am going to be fine. I am going to dance at my grandchildren's weddings and have a lot of fun along the way.