Fight4YourLife Campaign

Back

Katrina Bergman

Katrina Bergman smoked for over 20 years. She quit smoking one year ago. This is her story.

I started smoking when I was in my early 20s when I hung out with my friends. I called myself a social smoker.

In the beginning, I smoked to be rebellious, but as time went on, I used it for stress management. I thought I was doing myself a favor, giving myself a break.

My father died suddenly from a heart attack when he was 55. He had smoked for 40 years. It was a real shock to me and to the whole family. I coped by smoking more.

By that time, I was a single mother with two little kids and a full time job. I was really stressed out. I was up to a pack a day. I smoked like that for 10 years.

My kids were always after me to quit. I knew smoking wasn't good for me, I knew I should quit, but I used to think I'd be the exception to the rule. I'd live to 90 and still be able to smoke.

I had tingling in my face and hands, and my fingertips were white from poor circulation. One day, I thought I was having an anxiety attack, and I went to the doctor.

He listened to my lungs and told me I had COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

He said he could tell me to quit smoking, but he couldn't make me do it. He wasn't emotional, just very matter-of-fact. He told me, "Here's what you can expect. You can manage this with inhalers for now. You'll have to use Advair every morning." For episodes, I'd have to use other drugs. My doses would go up over time. I'd have to add other inhalers. In 10 years, I'd be on oxygen. I was shocked.

I wanted to quit, but I knew I needed help. I got the patch and used it exactly as it was laid out. I used it for about 10 weeks to help me with the chemical addiction.

I did gain some weight and I got grouchy, but I stuck it out. It wasn't really as bad as I thought it would be, and every day was easier than the day before.

Since I quit smoking, I can breathe again! The tingling in my hands and face went away, and my fingertips aren't white anymore. I've lost 20 pounds and now I weigh less than I did when I was still smoking.

I have a great sense of accomplishment that I quit. My kids are so proud of me.

I'd tell other women who want to quit to believe it can happen to them. Keep trying. You're worth it.