Thanks once again to all for the advice and reassurance.
Yes "quitting" has been heard many a time but i remain adamant.
I can assure you it is harder to give up than it sounds. Not only is there the physical side to the addiction but such a habit gets firmly lodged in your mentality day to day.
I've gone from 20+ per day to around 5 and believe me that was difficult!
Admittedly not for a non-smoker or someone who has personally known unfortunate experience of ill-health around them.
Its also disheartening as all your weaknesses and self-esteem issues show up when trying to quit
I will attend the medical, and whatever the outcome should give me that final edge to kick the habit completely.
Regards and thanks again.