Peter has found a better life after quitting, through some hard work.
"I started smoking at 12, was soon addicted and continued for 50 years with many attempts to stop."
The longest break was two months when I was 32 years old. The death of my mother and I thought a cig would calm me. Soon back to pack a day.
After each failure to stop I'd smoke more. Even woke up through night for one or two. Was on 50 to 60 a day when at the age of 63, I was hospitalised with pneumonia, bronchitis and pleurisy.
Also, I was diagnosed with emphysema and told lungs were so bad I only had a few years. I finally quit, started gym and lost 35 kilos. I'm now 71 and lungs are better than normal for my age, but I avoid heavy city fumes, open fires and smokers, as I get coughing fits. Still on puffers and other things for COAD.
I feel and look better than I have for decades. There is life after quitting - and it's great.
