I completely understand your position, zookeeper. However, I was there. I saw Dr. Stocks' eagerness to proceed to surgery without fully examining the possibilities that he may be wrong. A simple and painless 30-minute test would have revealed this to him. He ignored sound judgement and came out looking bad in my eyes. This was recklessness in my view. I would like to extend him the benefit of the doubt if it were possible, but my first impression was a doctor purposefully willing to perform surgery without further investigation and the evidence backs that up. I also shutter to think that a few screw-ups are considered acceptable or excusable. Yes, surgery is serious business and I understand that risks exists, but that should never enter into a discision making process about choosing a surgeon. There are probably well over 50 surgeons in Raleigh alone and he's the only one actively practicing with such a notorious public file, according to the NC Med Board. I'm sure his successes outweigh those of his 'casualties', however I could never willingly allow him to cut on me knowing what I know of him now. I doubt few would disagree. I was the one that alerted my friend to his record and stopped an unnecessary surgery that could have been botched and/or would have cost them considerably, even after insurance. No, if Stocks has a repeat business or those who are unknowing of him, then fine I say and more power to them. I would never recommend him to a friend or family member knowing what I've seen and read. Just my .02.
Uh oh. Do your research carefully before taking smoking vaccine. I believe there's an article about a blue pill that really worked for people who wanted to quit smoking. As it turns out, the pills made them psychotic/erractic behavior and in some case, people either killed themselve or died unexpectly. The article is now in PEOPLE magazine, October 15th edition (on sale right now). I'm saying this because I wasn't sure if that's the stuff you're looking for. Maybe I'm wrong? Just be on a look-out for ya.
Sounds like someone got their non-smokin' meds mixed up with their Viagra!! Instead of psychotic/ erratic,I think the medical term you were looking for 'Fyorkin' Crazy'!!! :lol:
Good news/bad news. Good news: I did find the link I was looking for. Believe it or not, it was in my "Favourites" Bad news: The link is no longer working (it's "parked", which means it was cancelled") Good news: I goggled the web address, and was able to view the cached version of the site, so I was able to find out what happened. Bad news: It was for a WelPlex clinic in Raleigh, which was run by a Dr. John Faulkner. Unfortunately it seems that Dr. Falkner has moved to Winston-Salem and taken the clinic with him. I'm a baby-boomer. I want instant gratification, not wait a whole month. I tried Zyban a few years ago. I didn't like how it made me feel. Kinda buzzed all the time (and a little paranoid), sort of like I was for most of the late sixties and early seventies. I appreciate the suggestion, but I don't believe in hypnosis, and therefore cannot be hypnotized.
Zyban is an anti-depressant and I didn't like the way it made me feel either, but it got the job done. Felt buzzed, was maddernhell at the world, and talk about weird dreams!!! Took it a week before my stop date (July 4,1998...Independence Day), 2 weeks while I quit, then weaned off for a week... total 4 weeeks, although I think they recommend a longer course (to sell more pills, no doubt) No, it wasn't pleasant, but neither was smoking, along with the hacking, wheezing, stinking and all the other joys that go along with it. Now if I could just get my wife to quit! :-(
I feel the same way about Welbutrin. Took it for two weeks prior to my quit date, and 1 week after. Everything Dgsatman said is true, I didn't like the way the meds made me feel, but the alternative was smoking, and I didn't like that either. Clif, I know what you mean about instant gratification, but if you want to quit bad enough, you'll do whatever works. ~Smober since 01/30/06
Yes, you're right. Bottom line is that they don't work the same for everyone, and it can be unpredictable to take them if you aren't depressed. However, the other bottom line is, that if you want to stop smoking bad enough, you'll do whatever it takes.
The key is "whatever works". As I said before, I tried Zyban. I'm still smoking, so apparently it doesn't work for me.
Most people try several times to quit before they stop for good. If at first you don't succeed, try try again!
According to those who are qualified to say things, the worst thing you can do in helping someone quit is to nag them.
Who's better qualified to give you advice than someone who's been there and done that? And who's nagging? I'm just telling you, if you tried and failed, try again. Clif, the bottom line is that NOTHING is going to make you stop smoking, only YOU can do that. All this shot/hypnosis/laser/drug stuff is going to do, is take the edge off the withdrawls, and make the symptoms a little easier to deal with. Besides, no one ever quits before they're good and ready.
Ok, I have my appointment. I went ahead with Dr. Stocks (thanks dawn2376). It will be next Tuesday at 2:10pm. Of course I'll let y'all know how it goes.
Clif, For what it's worth, the quitmeter was helpful to me. You can download one for free at silkquit.org
Yeah, I know it's not much yet, but it's a start. 17 hours, 39 minutes and 41 seconds. 14 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2.21. Life saved: 1 hour, 10 minutes.
Hey Clif! Where is that calculator? ... I'd like to know how I'm doing... 'course I'll need to check the fill date on the Chantix to back track..I can do that. I remember the link when JenS posted it.. or was it Koo...?
