Doctor's visit

So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
annoying but not life-threatening).

Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
smoke?"

I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.

What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
behavior.

I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
lungs sounded great, by the way).

I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
forget it.

Hugs to all.
Ashley

What a thrill isn't it? Just like going into a restaurant and saying
"nonsmoking please".... I never get tired of it.
SteveS
OOF

writer272002 wrote:
> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
> annoying but not life-threatening).
>
> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
> smoke?"
>
> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
> behavior.
>
> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley
>

On Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:40:47 -0400, SteveS <inyourh@spamm.ers> wrote:

>What a thrill isn't it? Just like going into a restaurant and saying
>"nonsmoking please".... I never get tired of it.

You don't live in California, do you? That's not been an option for
years.
Sue
One year, three months, two weeks, five days, 19 hours, 32 minutes and
29 seconds. 15734 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2,619.85. Life saved:
7 weeks, 5 days, 15 hours, 10 minutes.

>SteveS
>OOF
>
>writer272002 wrote:
>> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
>> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
>> annoying but not life-threatening).
>>
>> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
>> smoke?"
>>
>> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
>> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>>
>> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
>> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
>> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
>> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
>> behavior.
>>
>> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
>> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
>> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>>
>> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
>> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
>> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
>> forget it.
>>
>> Hugs to all.
>> Ashley
>>

"writer272002" <writer272002@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184109952.744205.308950@n2g2000hse.googlegro ups.com...
> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
> annoying but not life-threatening).
>
> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
> smoke?"
>
> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
> behavior.
>
> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley
>

On Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:25:52 -0700, writer272002
<writer272002@gmail.com> wrote:

>So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
>other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
>annoying but not life-threatening).
>
>Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
>smoke?"
>
>I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
>was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
>What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
>the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
>which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
>used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
>behavior.
>
>I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
>health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
>lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
>I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
>answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
>did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
>forget it.
>
>Hugs to all.
>Ashley

BTDT and agree with you 100%. Absolutely lovely to be able to answer
"no". I almost wanted to say, "HELL, no."
Sue
One year, three months, two weeks, five days, 19 hours, 31 minutes and
52 seconds. 15734 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2,619.85. Life saved:
7 weeks, 5 days, 15 hours, 10 minutes.

Yeppers, Ashley, I LOVE being asked that question and saying NO!
While I see my regular doctor enough I do also see specialists from
time to time and the question is always asked. I agree it totally
feels wonderful to know we are doing good by ourselves!

Hang Tuff
Don't Puff

FlatironMike
FSS
Four months, four weeks, one day, 23 hours, 46 minutes and 21 seconds.
2999 cigarettes not smoked, saving $899.69. Life saved: 1 week, 3
days, 9 hours, 55 minutes.

Way to go Ashley!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Steve and Sarah

"writer272002" <writer272002@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184109952.744205.308950@n2g2000hse.googlegro ups.com...
> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
> annoying but not life-threatening).
>
> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
> smoke?"
>
> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
> behavior.
>
> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley
>

On 11 Jul, 00:25, writer272002 <writer272...@gmail.com> wrote:
> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
> annoying but not life-threatening).
>
> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
> smoke?"
>
> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
> behavior.
>
> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley

Too true, great when little things like this pop up to affirm our
freedom.
Chris

I am a RN and get to ask the "do you smoke" question.
It's obvious who the smokers are and to them , instead, I say
things like "do you plan on quitting smoking anytime soon?" How
much do you smoke a day?" etc. I get looks like I'm psychic.
But every now and then I come across someone who has
actually quit. And they just beam with pride.
I listen to their lungs and I can just hear their brain thinking
how happy they are with themselves. This is cool and
makes my day, and I tell them.

jacks, VOF

> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley
>


yes, i remember that well.....................THANKS for the reminder!

writer272002 <writer272002@gmail.com> wrote:

>Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
>smoke?"

Such a lovely story, thank you so much for sharing it with us :-)

--
Tihomir
*I don't smoke anymore*

.... Desperate diseases require desperate remedies.

I know what ya mean. I havent been to a doctors since i quit,but look
forward to being able to say " no" . I do love and take pride in saying
"nonsmoking please" when i go out to eat and am asked smoking or non.
Becky
"writer272002" <writer272002@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184109952.744205.308950@n2g2000hse.googlegro ups.com...
> So I went to a little health clinic -- not my regular doctor -- the
> other day for a minor issue (I actually have a sty on my eye --
> annoying but not life-threatening).
>
> Anyway, the nurse is taking my health history and says to me, "Do you
> smoke?"
>
> I paused. In fact, I paused for so long that she looked up to see if I
> was a complete idiot or didn't hear her or something.
>
> What I actually was doing was savoring that moment. I don't remember
> the last time I was asked that question and didn't answer, "Yes,"
> which was usually followed by a justification: "but not as much as I
> used to," "but not that much," in an attempt to minimize my lethal
> behavior.
>
> I finally answered, "No, I don't." I did, in the interest of good
> health, clarify it for her by saying I quit recently. (She said my
> lungs sounded great, by the way).
>
> I'd just like all of you newbies to take heed: The rush I got from
> answering "No" to that question, and the pride in myself I felt when I
> did it, is better than any cigarette I could ever smoke. I will never
> forget it.
>
> Hugs to all.
> Ashley
>