Osman Gülay shares health struggles following smoking addiction

Osman Gülay, a 75-year-old resident of Sakarya, Turkey, is sharing his experience with the severe health consequences of long-term smoking. After starting the habit during his military service between 1971 and 1973, Gülay suffered from vascular blockages and blood clots.

In 1988, Gülay underwent surgery at Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine to amputate three toes on his right foot due to gangrene caused by smoking. His health issues progressed to include heart damage, necessitating a major operation in 2010 to replace his aortic valve and perform bypass surgery using a vein from his left leg.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit, Gülay successfully stopped smoking 16 years ago. He now uses his story to warn younger generations about the dangers of addiction and the physical toll it takes on the body.