Anyone return to occasional smoking after a spontaneous pneumothorax + VATS while continuing heavy weight training?
Hi everyone,
I’m a 38-year-old male. In September 2024, I suffered a primary spontaneous pneumothorax on my left lung while working out.
I was initially treated with a chest tube for 7 days and then underwent VATS pleurodesis. In total, I spent about 14 days in the hospital.
I had been a heavy smoker since age 16 and had switched to vaping about 4 years before the pneumothorax. The day I was hospitalized, I quit smoking and vaping completely.
After following my recovery protocol, I gradually returned to weight training. For the past 8–9 months, I’ve been lifting fairly heavy weights again with no issues or recurrence.
Lately, I occasionally get the urge to smoke. I’m not looking to go back to my old habits, but I’m wondering about having 2–3 cigarettes per week socially while drinking.
Has anyone here who was into weightlifting and smoking before their pneumothorax gone back to occasional smoking after recovery and VATS? If so, what has your experience been?
Also is it suggested to get a CT SCAN first?
Thanks in advance.