Group Knowledge: Cigars and MS

I need a little help here, and I figured you folks were the best resource I have available to me.

I was just diagnosed with MS and along with the diagnosis I was informed of all the things I can not do without exacerbating the disease. Of course smoking was one of the top items mentioned. I don't smoke cigarettes, but do enjoy relaxing on the deck with a cigar a few times a week. I asked the neurologist if this was an issue (crossing my fingers that it would NOT be), and she said as long as it was in moderation she does not have an issue with it. That said, she told me that some doctors would say "no" to any tobacco use and left me to make my own decision. I have scoured the internet and have found nothing specifically talking about cigars and MS, so I thought I would ask you guys...anyone dealing with this themselves or in their network of people that have any info to share? I'd love to go with my Docs opinion, but I really don't want to speed this thing up and will give up the cigars if enough people with informed opinions feel it is the way to go.

Thanks in advance for your help/information.

P.S. As I write this I am smoking my first Anejo on the deck...If I do wind up having to give it up, I am going to smoke all those good ones I am holding on to for "occasions" now!!

[HK3-]

Wow man, sorry to hear about that. I have no good advice but I do hope you can find something that reads "cigars are ok for you."

[G G]

Both of my stepchildren are looking like they have MS too. No advice, but prayers for you.

[AD720]

Originally Posted by HK3-

Wow man, sorry to hear about that. I have no good advice but I do hope you can find something that reads "cigars are ok for you."

Best wishes Jim.


You have to make a Philly herf soon dude.

[TheTraveler]

Jim, I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you the best man. My prayers are with you.

[Bubba - NJ]

Sorry to hear of your bad news . Prayers are with you and yours . I don't have any info for you , sorry .

[icehog3]

Hi Jim,

My stepmother and one of my best friends both have MS. I will say this, and please by no means take this as educated "medical advice".

Their bouts with MS seem to get worst when stress levels in their lives ar high. I find that cigar smoking decreases my emotional and mental stress, so I would think that would be a plus. You would just have to research if the negative stress (physical) that cigars could produce would outweigh or nullify that.

I wish you the best in your battle with the disease.

[Blueface]

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I would seek additional medical advice/opinion.
If doctors all concur tobacco is out, tobacco should then be out for you.
Don't do anything that will make this worse for you.
I would ask them what specifically about it is an issue and perhaps it may be a cigarette thing more than a cigar thing. Perhaps it is tobacco period.
Be careful and follow up with professionals and best of luck to you.

[kenstogie]

Prayers for you, medical science is making and had made amazing discoveries. I agree with Tom. Does the relaxation out weigh the stress that it causes. I would tend to think it does but I am no doc but I work with many and will ask one of them. Of course this would be "on the side info" not actual medical treatment.

[kelmac07]

Sorry to hear...a close friend of mines son has MS. Wishing you the best brother.

[JJG]

No doctor is going to tell you that tobacco use is a good idea when dealing with a chronic condition, so keep that in mind. They have to tell you it's best to stop, it's their job. but in this case, hell, even your doctor seems to think that moderate cigar consumption shouldn't be a problem. I say give it a try and if you feel it is negatively impacting your health, then it's time to re-evaluate your smoking habits. Otherwise I agree with Icehog. Enjoying life is sometimes the best medicine.

[hotreds]

All the best to you! I'd agree - see how cigars affect your condition. Hopefully they will help- or at least not exacerbate it. Prayers and Blessings to you, brother!

[floydpink]

Originally Posted by JJG

No doctor is going to tell you that tobacco use is a good idea when dealing with a chronic condition, so keep that in mind. They have to tell you it's best to stop, it's their job. but in this case, hell, even your doctor seems to think that moderate cigar consumption shouldn't be a problem. I say give it a try and if you feel it is negatively impacting your health, then it's time to re-evaluate your smoking habits. Otherwise I agree with Icehog. Enjoying life is sometimes the best medicine.

Far from a doctor here as well, but hold that quote dear to my heart, and agree with those guys.

Although it is probably bad advice and will deservedly get me chastised, I say it's the quality of life, not the quantity. Then again, I've been pushing my luck for 40 something years.....

[DMK]

My wife has relapsing/remitting MS and this is the first we've heard of tobacco being out.
As so eloquently stated above, the relaxing factor is probably far greater then the smoking damage
Good thoughts