It’s official, the count is in.

379 days ago, I started taking a medication that had nearly double the success rate at smoking cessation than any other method.  Chantix was new to the United States, and the controversy hasn’t died down since then, even though it’s been slightly over a year since it was put on sale.

365 days ago, I put down my cigarettes and started a trip that I’m glad I am still on. I was up to two packs a day at that time, one more per day than when I started Chantix… I was desperate, I wanted a nicotine buzz, but none was to be found. After two weeks, I didn’t need to give up, I was disgusted by this habit, fully aware that it was killing me, I put down the smokes and never yearned for another one.

I had dreams of smoking, but never entertained the idea in the waking world. I wrote about the wonders of Chantix in my blog and have nearly made 1/4 of the money back I spent on it. I’ve had others email and post comments in my blog saying that while they had some trouble, it was worth it.

In the last year I’ve learned so much more about our bodies and the way that cigarettes affect us. In that time, the lies we tell ourselves about cigarettes is all to clear, and that to some, smoking is doing more help than harm, and no medicine is more dangerous than the ones that doctors prescribe. Knowing these things, I’ve struggled with ignorance from every angle.

I’ve got a friend who double specialized to be a lung doctor, brash and young out of college do nothing but discuss the horrors of what he’s seen in school. I’ve had other friends say they know it’s killing them, but posses some nature that now, I’m unable to understand. In that year, I’ve also met a doctor who knows it’s killing him, but does say he’s quitting again with the help of Chantix.

In the last year, I’ve seen my lung function improve a staggering 20-30% depending on which measurements and medicines you look at, and am near normal for my age and the amount I smoked. I’m no longer worried about the prospect of oxygen tanks, lung cancer, or the breath I would lose doing simple things.

So now, 365 days later I look back. Was it worth it? Do I feel better? Did I save money? Have I saved any of my life?
YES!

Now, 365 days later, after going through many tests, chest xrays and lab work, can I say smoking is worth it at all?
NO!

At the end of the day, I trust 5 doctors, two of whom I’ve known for over 10 years. Chantix works, and nothing has shown Chantix alters mood but a guess and the fact that you’ve quit over 4,000 other chemicals at the same time you started Chantix.

When it does finally boil down, and you don’t trust doctors, I trust the people who make more money than them: Insurance Companies.

My rate for life insurance being a smoker at current cholesterol, weight, age: $55 a month.
My rate at current cholesterol, weight, age and non-smoking status: $17 a month.

I’m content knowing that they believe I won’t die of smoking in the next 10 years, and if you can trust anyone, it’s bean counters.