Here is my quandary. I have smoked cigarettes and cigars for more than 42 years. I have been drinking beer for 60 years. At this point, I have given up both for 60 days.
In 42 years of smoking, I never had a cough. Now I have a persistent cough that is not going away, despite taking prescribed medications.
In 60 years of drinking beer I was rarely ever sick, working every day. Now in 60 days I am more sick than I have ever been in my life. I’ve finished my Covid meds, do I feel better? Not one iota!
I eat my meals as I have for decades, but I am losing weight without drinking my beer. My doctor has me listed as underweight, which I am by 22 pounds. I was never underweight when I drank my beer.
The fact is that I have felt like crap for 60 days now. When I was drinking and smoking I always felt good, I ate well and I didn’t have a cough. I am knocking on the door of 79 years. How many years do I have left? My life has not been good since Joyce passed away two and a half years ago. There have been few happy days. I’m eating all the healthy foods (that aren’t nearly as good as the unhealthy ones are).
Here I am prolonging a lonely, miserable life. I’m not suicidal and never would take my own life. I sit here and wonder why? Why am I denying myself the few pleasures I could have in my life?
If You have an opinion or two, please email it to me. Or make a comment below, either is fine.
Bill, I think anything done in moderation is fine. Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. For me, my doctor would prefer no alcohol, however, he agree I could have 2 drinks. So I try to limit myself and not drink every day. This allows me to drink when I am with friends. So I think sometimes we have to what makes us happy.
ReplyDeleteSharon, this appears to be sound advice. I'm thinking I don't have but a few years left either way. Joyce has been close to 3 years now. She enjoyed her drinking and smoking until her last day. I figure I have about 3 years left with or without smoking.
DeleteI think you know the right answer.
ReplyDeleteI think I know the answer I want as the right outcome for me. Some may not agree, some will. It's 50/50 at this point.
DeleteThe only reason I don’t drink beer or wine is because of my medication. However, I don’t really miss it. Recently, I have been eating only two meals a day but I’m still a little overweight. I think that it really boils down to the individual as to what you want and need in your life. At 80 I find that keeping busy is the key to regulating whatever habits a person is prone to partake. Also, it doesn’t hurt to sleep in whenever I feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm 79 and I have found that keeping busy is essential to a good life. Since the covid, I have been sleeping twice as much as I was before. I try 3 meals a day, all small meals. I believe I could easily stay away from the beer, but I miss smoking terribly. I only have a few short years left to live, so why not enjoy the time I have left?
DeleteBill, I believe that, had you been smoking when you acquired COVID, you probably would not be with us today. I’m glad you are!
ReplyDeleteThe Paxlovid is usually given within 72 hours of exhibiting symptoms. Since you had been sick for about a week before beginning treatment, it probably provided minimal benefit to you. Healing from COVID takes quite a while. Hang in there!
You may indeed be correct. In reality, I have nothing left to live for. My life has been miserable since Joyce passed away almost 3 years ago. I am ready to go whenever the Lord calls me.
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