James C.,
There is alot of information on the web regarding
Buergers Disease. I really just typed in the words,
Buergers Disease, and read on!

I was dx's with this disease after Vietnam in 67. I
first developed an infection under my left index
finger while in-country. I was home for 2-3 weeks and
began having problems with my feet and hands. 37 years
later, I have had the front of both feet amputated,
loosing a total of 8 toes. And, I lost the tip of the
left index finger.

The exact cause of Buergers Disease is not known. It
is seen most often in men ages 20-40's. Almost all
people affected with Buergers are smokers, even heavy
smokers. I have read women are also being dx's with
Buergers.

The disease causes inflammation of the small and
medium-sized arteries and veins to the hands and feet.
The lack of blood flow can lead to gangrene, the decay
of the tissue.

Ther is one thing every article I have ever read say's
you MUST stop the use of tabacco!!! This is not a
choice!!

I refused to quit and the damage was done. I finally
quit about 4-5 years after being dx's with Buergers
Disease. I had the final diseased toe and forefoot
amputated in 2001.

I pray you will stop smoking NOW! I had a toe die on
my foot, while I was alive, and only by Gods grace did
I not die. Please dont follow my example but the
choice is yours. You continue to smoke and you will
live and die a horrible death! I know because my
friend had one toe, one finger, one foot, one leg
amputated at A TIME. He died and smoked until the last
day. He made his choice and it killed him!!

God Bless you and others with this horrible disease.
More is being learned and they are now looking at the
immune system as a factor. Hopefully you will be able
to quit smoking and live because you did.

George




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