I have a question for everybody. Please answer

[philip]

Honesty is worthwhile.

 

[pstlpkr]

I'm on a first name basis with my physician.

He knows that I smoke a pipe.

His concerns are non-existent.

He was however; happy when I put down the coffin nails.

 

[tobakenist]

Well I'm the lucky one, my Dr is a pipe smoker and I have had many a good conversation about the virtues of pipe smoking with him, he is also a Peterson nut like me.

 

[drsam]

I say "yes, I am seventy five and I started smoking when I was about twelve and you just told me I am disgustingly healthy so I plan to quit about six hours after they cremate me."

 

[frtimmyd]

I think most of us deep down want to answer "no" because we want to be spared a verbal tongue-lashing (we get it from complete strangers, why would we want it from a Doctor?). I've been fortunate to have Doctors who have not freaked out over a little smoking. I guess it depends on how much they've bought into the brain washing crap from the "Antis". And if they will accept that junk science, do I really want them taking care of me?

 

[tiltjlp]

Why would you lie? I've had the same doctor for 30 plus years, and on my first visit I told him I was a pipe smoker. and that I had no desire or intention of quitting. He's never mentioned it to me since.

 

[withnail]

I'd tell them that some questions do not have a "yes / no" answer. If he/she insists that you can only answer yes or no ask them - "Have you stopped beating your wife?" (again there is no yes/no answer as an answer of "yes" implies they used to do it!)
I'd be honest and say I smoke a pipe. Sadly people like insurance companies lump all smokers together.

 

[pipedisciple]

I told the doc I smoke a pipe and cigar on occasion, I don't inhale and I do just fine in that department. ::

 

[porshcigar]

Yes. I am a proud pipe smoker.

 

[smokenscotch]

I've actually asked my Doctor and Dentist about my 1 or 2 cigars a week and a few bowls with my pipe. They have both considered this to be a non-discussion. They say "when we ask people if they are smokers, we are wondering if they constantly have a smoke going, for years and years on end, that's when we see problems". So I've always told them exactly what I have. I agree that the more they know about you and your lifestyle, the quicker they can figure out what you need or don't need.

 

[portascat]

I say no when asked.
As a side note, in the medical field there is a huge difference between confidental and anonymous.

 

[billinsfl]

It's fine to want to be honest with your physician, but these days one has to be careful about what is told to whom. Insurance companies (like most people) see no difference between a cigarette smoker and pipe smoker, and can use this information to raise your premiums. There are also numerous documented instances of tobacco users being denied employment or losing jobs they have held for years because they used tobacco. While it's nice to want to be ethical and honest (what good person doesn't?) just understand that the "anti's" are not as fair or honorable as you may be; history shows they don't play fair.
There is an old-time saying from Rogers Rangers (Elite fighting force from 250 years ago) that states something like "it's not a sin to withold the truth from those who are not entitled to it." Please carefully consider what you share with whom, my friends.

 

[portascat]

On my insurance policy, through the State, all tobacco users must claim themselves as such, and pay a $30 a month surcharge.
As far as just general health care goes, my doctor knows what he needs to know and nothing else.

 

[seakayak]

I was recently faced with that very question. I told him I "occasionally" smoke a pipe. I, in fact, smoke about one bowl per day. The Doc asked if I smoked cigarettes. I told him that I didn't and he said, "no problem". Not sure what he documented in his activity note.

 

[dburrows]

There are numerous problems with being so forthright with your conventional doctor about numerous things so I'm not as apt to encourage people to acknowledge smoking a pipe.
If you do mention it to your doctor, however, you better make sure you have it noted on your insurance renewals or you could be in for a messy battle.

 

[riptide]

I usually say I don't smoke. Not to lie or mislead but because Sometimes I go months with out smoking.

 

[undecagon]

My doc asked last time "You smoke or drink?"
I said I smoke pipe and drink. "How much?" " A couple scotches and a pipe a day"
Well she drilled me as to why I smoke, to which I explained I enjoy it. Continued to listen to how she wouldn't ever be concerned if a patient said the worked out...but smoking?!? Note: I had recently told her how I hit the gym 2-4 times a week, and I have quite healthy eating habits.
Anyway, after a 10 minute long and very excessive lecture on why I better not smoke, I left thinking one thing. She didn't say a word about the 2-3 scotches a day....guess I can increase my Whiskey intake!!! ::

 

[recoilrob]

I seem to remember in a discussion several years ago that a pipe smoker who worked for an insurance company found out that the actuarial tables showed pipe smokers to live longer than non-smokers. We figured it was due to stress reduction if it was true...

 

[kennerth]

I would tell him" I cant stand cigarettes. I have never smoked them!" And then hope he leaves it at that!

 

[bob1]

I would let him know that you smoke occasionally.

Just like a glass of wine a day doesn't make you a drinker, neither would light pipe smoking.