Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis as a Daily Cigar Smoker
If you’ve followed Barrel Burners for any length of time, you know cigars aren’t just a hobby for me—they’re part of my daily life. They represent relaxation, friendships, conversations, travel, and the incredible people I’ve met throughout this industry.
Recently, though, my life took an unexpected turn when 2 years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Like many people who hear those words for the first time, I had more questions than answers. I immediately started researching everything I could. I wanted to understand what RA was, how it could affect my future, what treatments were available, and one question that kept running through my mind:
What does this mean for my cigars?
I assumed there would be countless articles from premium cigar smokers living with RA. Surely I wasn’t the only one facing this situation.
To my surprise, I found almost nothing.
There are countless studies about cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis. There are discussions about nicotine, inflammation, medications, and disease progression. But when it comes to premium cigar smokers, the information becomes incredibly scarce.
I searched forums, social media, Reddit, and cigar communities looking for people who shared my situation. I found very few.
That realization is exactly why I’m writing this article.
I’m not writing as a doctor, or offering medical advice. I’m simply sharing my experience as someone who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while also being a daily premium cigar smoker.
At this point in my journey, I’m learning just like many others. I’m working with my doctors, educating myself about RA, and paying close attention to how my body responds to treatment and everyday life.
One thing I’ve realized is that every person experiences RA differently. Some people have mild symptoms, while others battle severe pain and fatigue. Medications affect everyone differently, and what works for one person may not work for another.
As for cigars, I don’t yet have all the answers.
What I do know is that premium cigars have been a meaningful part of my life for years. They’re tied to friendships, family, conversations, and moments I’ll always remember. Like many of you, the experience goes far beyond simply smoking a cigar.
That’s why this journey has raised so many questions for me.
Will my medications affect my enjoyment of cigars?
Is RA going change how often I smoke?
Are cigars going to make my symptoms worse?
Those are questions only time—and my own experience—will answer.
What I hope this article does is start a conversation that doesn’t seem to exist today.
If you’re a premium cigar smoker living with rheumatoid arthritis, I’d genuinely love to hear your story.
Did you continue smoking?
Did you cut back?
Have you noticed cigars affecting your symptoms?
What advice has your rheumatologist given you?
The premium cigar community has always been built on sharing experiences and helping one another. Maybe together we can create a resource that simply doesn’t exist right now.
If you’re willing to share your story, reach out to Barrel Burners on instagram or email us at BarrelBurners@Yahoo.com. Your experience could help someone else who is searching for the same answers I was.
This article marks the beginning of my journey living with rheumatoid arthritis. I’ll continue sharing updates along the way—the good days, the difficult days, what I’ve learned, and how life as a daily premium cigar smoker evolves with this diagnosis.
If my experiences can help even one person feel less alone, then sharing this journey will have been worth it.
— Jason Antee
Barrel Burners Media
Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal experience and opinions. It is not intended to provide medical advice or replace guidance from your physician or rheumatologist. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health and treatment decisions.