Smoking with RA

kellis

Does it make it worse?

I was a 'light' smoker (5-10/day) when I was diagnosed 5 years ago, but gave up about 4 years ago.
In the summer I gave in to temptation of the first time at one of those warm summer BBQ's - drink in one hand, ciggie in the other.... I've now gone back to my 5-ish a day habit.
Over the last month my aches and pains have been increasing, up to a pretty intolerable level at the moment. I have nodules appearing all over the place! Is there a link between this and my bad habit?
Anybody want to tell me what I think I already know??! :oops:

elnafinn

kellis wrote:

Does it make it worse?Anybody want to tell me what I think I already know??! :oops:

Smoking will not improve your RA - smoking is bad for you full stop - but you know that. Do try to give up again. Easy for me to say, I have been a non smoker for a number of years now. I loathe the smell of baccy smoke now in the air and on people's clothes.

Elna x

woodbon

Hi, I don't have ra and I don't smoke, well not since my very early twenties.
I wouldn't think it would do the sort of harm you've got, but it won't help your body's immune system, which is already, I think its true to say, is being attacked by RA.
I know that its hard for people to give up and it must seem that all lifes treats are no longer good for you, but, well you already know the answer. Hope you can either cut right down or give up, but only you can do it and then only when the time is right!!
Love Sue xx

julie47

I have never smoked, but I have ra and the nodules. So, I wouldn't say that smoking has caused the nods.
I would say, if you can stop the smoking again, do it.

juliepf x

valval

sounds more like a flare or inflimation would not have thought smoking would cause it but do not know as can not afford to lol. not seen any where that says it does but could be because not looked you could always ask doc next time you there good luck val

diamond

Hi K,know how you feel.I havebeen smoking for the last 5 months,had been stopped for almost 3 years.A LITTLE DEVIL called NICOTINE tempted me back again.Ihave oa and inflammatory a .Well not for much longer next Mondayon go my patches.I am getting tkr done in a few weeks.It is probably a flare you are having,but you feel guilty as you are back smoking.Only you can decide whether to keep smoking.All the BEST.I will probably be cracking up this time next week.x

bubbles

delboy wrote:

I have cut down but refuse to give up something I enjoy and the added bonus of pi$$ing a lot of people off is good too.

We all know it's bad for us but why should Arthur deny us what little enjoyment we can get.

Am with you on that one, sadly, I enjoy every single one, despite me having at least 10 medical reasons to stop immediately. oh dear :roll:

skezier

Hi kellis,

Oh flower is there a link.... jury is out on that one but we can't pretend its good for us... though i am a lot calmer with than without.....

I think regardless of the bad habit (mine may or may not make me worse bone wise... its really do the lungs any good ) you may be should get your self checked over cus it might need different or an add in on the pain relief and be honest the nodules might be better looked at.

Hope you soon feel less sore. Cris x