Re: I'm AB+ and don't fit the profile.

Hi DeeAnne, I was sick for 7 years with UC and the doctor gave me some kind of sulfur drug which made it worse. I found out later that I should have been taking it coated but I didn't know there was such a thing and the doc didn't prescribe it. He later prescribed a cortisone drug which helped somewhat but gave me back problems later on.

I ran into an old client (I lost my business due to UC) one day and she told me that all the smokers in her town had quit smoking on the same day and that 3 of them had UC within 2 weeks - the same time frame as me. Two of them had quit the medication and resumed smoking and recovered; the other one obeyed the doctor and had to have her bowel removed.

I thought about this for a while because I didn't want to start smoking again after 7 years, but nothing else had worked so I decided to give it a try. I smoked 3 a day to start with and after 4 days I noticed a difference and after a few weeks increased my smoking gradually until I was better - it seems to be a different amount for everyone. I finally settled at 10 a day and that's where I've been for the last 10 years or so. My old client only smokes 1 a day and if she quits the UC returns.

The doctor not only didn't recommend this, but he was absolutely furious with me and banned me from his practice. I guess he makes more money if he commits surgery. Anyway, I'm in good health now and as far as I know so are the others. I've since heard of many people who became ill from quitting smoking, from Asthma, heart attacks, and from an indefinable illness that ranges anywhere from not feeling very well to feeling as though they're going to die. Two that I know of did die, and two more from heart problems. I know this isn't a popular viewpoint but I think in time it will be proven that smoking in moderation is good for you.

Anyway, I think I'll get off my soapbox now and let you make your own decision. Best of luck, Pat. Tweet