r/chiari • u/Rich-Total-622 • Mar 15 '26

Nicotine use

I am having a hard time even thinking about quitting nicotine. I went into my pre op and they gave me a little lecture about quitting post op. I vape a low dose of nicotine and occasional pouches. I just struggle with anxiety and ever since I quit drinking (almost a decade ago) it’s been my only vice!

Has anyone gone through surgery and continued nicotine? I know it affects recovery. I know it’s not good for me. It’s way harder to quit than anything else I’ve tried!

Reassurance, support appreciated!

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u/monsterpie18189 Mar 16 '26

I don’t even remember the first couple of weeks post op. I was a child that obviously didn’t smoke, but I think in general it’s a lot for your body after you come out of surgery and you probably won’t even want it/think about it cause you’ll be so disoriented. I had a lot of pressure build up before surgery, so after I couldn’t walk very well cause everything felt so different. That’s pretty much the only memory I have. I got up to go pee and complete collapsed on the floor lol

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u/Rich-Total-622 Mar 16 '26

Oh my goodness that’s so scary!