Stop smoking 2009

[carbkinky]

Straws, cut in thirds helped me sooo much!

[SugarPop]

(((((((lindaokc))))))

Do you realize how big it was to have come here and told us? SuperBig is what it was. I'm sorry I didn't come to this thread sooner.

Listen, this smoking thing?.....It's not easy. Life is not easy, so don't beat yourself up. This could happen to anyone - Even though we've gone for years, our defenses can be down when life smacks us around. It's so easy to just say screw it all - I know - I've been there. I think the best advice I can give right now, and maybe it's something that will just have to be that I impart and maybe you're not even ready to hear it yet cuz you're working out whatever you're working out......but, the thing is: All the stress that you're having will not go away with cigarettes. Whatever problems they are will still be there whether you smoke or not. I know you already know that, but sometimes just hearing it again can make a difference.

If you think about the fact that you did the same thing around the same time last year...try to think about why at this time of year do you feel more vulnerable? Try to think it out, try to take deep relaxing breaths, try going for a walk to sort things out and make you feel like you're doing one healthy thing for yourself. You've worked through this before and you can work through this again.

If you look at my beginning posts in this thread I talk about having quit before only to start again......each time stress or alcohol was involved. Each time I would try to justify things and before I knew it YEARS had gone by before I was even ready to try quitting again. So, linda .....I don't want you to go back to Day 1, I want you to continue to think of your quit as a 4 year quit.........with a mini relapse. Part of the thing that keeps us going is the longevity of quitting, so I urge you to think of yourself as a non-smoker because you are........Dust yourself off and try to get over this hump. Try to think of your health and think about all the negative reason's you have against cigarettes.

I know it's not easy. I sometimes am driving down the road (where I seem to do my best thinking and where I did my best smoking) and wonder if I will make it to the end without ever smoking again. I honestly don't know the answer. I'm vulnerable too. We just are.......We rely on old habits to get us through tough times - It can happen to anyone.

I will be here, just like you've been here for us.......warning us about the nicodemon.....the one that tricks us into wanting just one more day. Those days can turn into years - I've been there.

Here's a big hug. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for your strength. ((((((linda)))))

Love,
SugarPop

[flintchick]

Hello Everyone! My name is Beth. I'm 45 yrs old and have smoked for the late 30 years (minus during my pregnancies). I decided to quit this afternoon. I had been thinking about it for a while, and today I just decided not to buy anymore cigarettes. I did buy patches to help me through.
In order to keep weight gain to a mininum, I started walking also. But the sweat made my patch fall off even though I cleaned my skin with alcohol before putting it on. Patches are expensive.... any hints on how to keep them in place?

This is going to be very hard for me, but I am determined!

[SugarPop]

Hi flintchick..........Welcome.

Funny how we can quit for our pregnancies but not for just ourselves. I did the same thing. Sometimes I wonder if we use cigarettes as a reward or a punishment?

Anyway, I'm not sure what to say about the patches. Where are you putting them? Try maybe on your upper back, where you can reach.

Good luck...........no better time than the present. We check in when we can.......It might do you well to read over the past posts - some great info there.

I'll be checking in with you.

B

[SugarPop]

Reposting this from earlier in the thread, a contribution by TurnNburn:


QUIT TIMELINE

After 20 minutes blood pressure and pulse return to normal
After 8 hours nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood halve, oxygen levels return to normal
After 24 hours carbon monoxide eliminated from the body, lungs start to clear out mucus and other debris
After 48 hours there is NO nicotine in the body (provided no replacement therapy is used) smell and taste begin to improve
After 72 hours bronchial tubes relax, energy levels increase
After 2-12 weeks circulation improves
After 3-9 months coughing, wheezing breathing problems improve as lung capacity increased by 10%
After 5 years, risk of heart attack falls to half that of a smoker
After 10 years, risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker, and risk of heart attack is the same as someone who NEVER smoked

[lindaokc]

Thanks (((((SugarPop)))))

I appreciate the encouragement. It bothers me that I dropped out and started up again, but it is what it is. This is day 3....or 4, depending on how you count, and I'm doing ok. The cravings don't hit as often, certainly, as when I first quit, but they have been acting up. The nicodemon is alive and while he's sickly, he's still stronger than he was.

I have been looking at what the trigger was and I think....not sure....but think the issue is that I was trying to diet both times, maybe a little too strenuously? I really need to journal about this and keep it around to read if I'm ever tempted again. I need to restart the counter, but not sure I can find it now It's been so long and I don't remember where to find it. And I can forget trying to remember the date. I don't even remember my original quit date.

Congratulations, flintchick, on starting your journey. It is a struggle at first, but worth it. Is there a way you could get some nicorette gum and chew it until after your walk and shower? That way you wouldn't be sweating. Or if you walk later in the day maybe take it off while walking and put it back on when finished? I remember those patches slipping when I tried them too.

[flintchick]

Hi! It's been over 24 hours without a smoke. Last night I ws really craving badly... then I had an idea.... I remember years ago when I gave birth to my kids... no epidurals or pain releif... I had to rely on the lamaz class teachings of having a focal point, concentrating on it and relaxing.. Well, for me anyway, nicotine cravings come in waves similar to labor pains.... so I tried the lamaz method... and it really helped a lot! Usually when those cravings come, I get really antsy and restless and I don't know what to do.... but this really brought me back down. I've quit a few times before without much success.. and this time seems easier than before. My exhusband died from lung cancer in April, he had just turned 50 and had quit smoking years ago before being diagnosed last June. My kids saw him suffer, and our daughter watched him die. She has been begging and pleading with me to quit. My doctor says my lungs are fine. Cigarette prices just went way up here recently, so I'm ready to quit.... forever this time.... even though I LOVE smoking!

[ChickenJr]

I've been thinking about how nice it is to not wind up with a handful of tobacco when trying to dig something out of the bottom of my purse. Another bonus? Not having to pick the tobacco off of gum or chapstick/lipstick/lipgloss thats been in my purse.
Good luck everybody!

[lindaokc]

OMGosh, I'd forgotten those pluses!! Just a few of the aggravations of smoking. Some more are: Not having to be outside in the rain/snow/bitter cold/steamy hot weather in order to have a cigarette....not smelling when I see a friend and give her a hug....not smelling the stench when I open the car door or the door to my house.....not having ash trays to empty and wash.....not having holes burnt into my clothes especially irritating.
What other pluses can you think of that we get from NOT smoking??
Thanks, ChickenJr. for your ideas.

Flintchick, how are you doing?

[SugarPop]

Hey, girls......

Good to see you guys are still coming to the thread - that in and of itself is good. It means that you know you need to not smoke. We have a love/hate thing about them. When I quit I was a little mad that I decided on 1/1/09......I did it cuz it's the day for new starts, but my brain was not ready....emotionally I was not ready. Maybe we're never ready...But for some reason we just decide to dive in....whether it's a promise to ourself, fear about our health, nagging from others, being disgusted, feeling unhealthy because of them, knowing the smell is putrid to others........whatever! The thing is...we're in it and it does get easier, even though it may never go away, it does get easier. AND coming to the thread to remind ourselves about WHY we wanna do this is a good thing.

Oh so true about the handfuls of tobacco at the bottom of the purse..........so gross.

I love that when I shower I don't have that gross smell come off of my hair when it first gets wet. I never smoked in my apt, never smoked in my car without the windows down a crack to let the smoke out (while I held the cigarette up to the crack constantly) never once used the ashtray in my car....and YET my hair stunk......and I never even was aware until I stepped in the shower.

If you have kids or grandkids think about them........How you want them to remember the sweet smell of you when they hug you or you lay down with them to read a book.

B

[sndral]

Just wanted to check in - back from camping. I have avoided the scale, funny, because before I went I was weighing every day. Perhaps I've mentally transitioned from we'll see how this quit stuff goes to I'm not smoking, no matter what.
Flintchic - welcome.
Sugarpop - nice to see you still doing well.
Lindaokc, it seems to me that sometimes in life we reach a 'somethings gotta give' point and we reach for a cig, the wrong food, a binge, whatever we've used in the past to soothe that 'need.' Cigs are soo addictive, tho', one small puff quickly slides into full time smoking. And then we've got regret and remorse to deal w/ too, geesh! I'm trying to retrain my thinking to another way of soothing and another way of seeing/being. I do know you've got to forgive yourself - here, I'll sprinkle fairy dust on you - you're forgiven, this bump was for a reason - go find the reason.
As i wandered amongst the redwoods and sat by the river or campfire I thought and read a lot. So I offer this, - I wrote down a list of affirmations and am reading them to myself daily. I wrote down strengths. I wrote down self criticisms and then rewrote them to positives, even if I didn't believe them, like 'I weigh too much' became 'I am attractive as I am.' Weird, I am feeling better about myself, and even tho' faint ghost thoughts -no you're not- are still there, they are lessening.
Hope all are healthy and happy.

[SugarPop]

The power of the pull is so strong..... As I was driving over to celebrate Father's Day with my ex (yeah, I know it's weird, but we get along real good for the boys 19 & 13)...........I was thinking how great it was that I'd lost almost half the weight I'd gained from quitting. But I was needing SOMETHING.......You know the feeling you get? What I really wanted was a cigarette - I wasn't hungry, just wanted a cigarette. So, I get to the house and there is the HUGE plate of oatmeal cookies that I made a few days before - which barely has a dent in it - WHAT'S WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE ????- I woulda been all over that like Oprah on a baked ham!! Then I spy the full pack of Camel Lights - My favorite besides Marlboro Red........that my ex has on the top of the fridge...Oh man did I want that.........I managed to talk myself out of it, but wouldn't you know within 30 minutes I had downed AT LEAST 20 of those oatmeal cookies - to the point of sickness. And here I JUST got done giving myself a pat on the back for losing almost half the weight. Jeeze.........constant battle. And AS I was grabbing the first cookie I KNEW I was making a bad choice, but I let myself...and then went hog wild. Why are we like this? Why do we have this compulsion to go binge crazy on food or cigarettes or whatever?

So hard doing both dieting AND not smoking.........But what's the opposite result?.........A fat smoker or a thin person with lung cancer? Sometimes we just have to resign ourselves to the fact that we are not like other people - We cannot have just one cigarette or one cookie - We do things to the extreme - and maybe we'll never know why or maybe one day we'll figure it out, but until then we have to recognize our limitations and get back in the saddle, because when we don't we can be real good at beating ourselves up instead of just brushing ourselves off and training our minds for what we could do different next time. It's all a learning process - and all we can do is try and not give up on ourselves, because when we do that we let ourselves down and we are our own worst critic.

Let's go easy on ourselves - let's love ourselves even if we screwed up.

B

[SugarPop]

sndral, good to see you back. Sounds like the natural setting was good for your mind and soul. Sometimes it's just what we need to put things in the right perspective. Sometimes it's a chance for a fresh start.

I know what you mean about the one puff thing. I have fallen to it before.......It can take YEARS to get back on track....because we're not quite ready (who ever IS ready?) We want to pick out the right QUIT DATE..I did that for YEARS...Would pick a holiday or something and then didn't commit and before I knew it I was working on year 4. It's TOO easy to just want ONE MORE DAY...........We console ourselves with cigarettes and try to justify not quitting just yet - After all we already screwed up- why not enjoy the screw up? It's a dangerous game we play with ourselves. Sometimes we need to scare ourselves again. How about a stroke from smoking? Lung cancer? Heart attack?..........All these things can and do happen with smoking.........We can't forget that. It's not natural to breath smoke into your lungs - Think of how black they're getting and how you're setting yourself up for disease and compromised immunity. Scare yourself if you have to. Whatever it takes. Nobody can do it for you - you have to do it for yourself. Fight for your life.

B

[krysti]

This is my first post here and I'll probably ramble, so I apologize in advance. I read the thread and congratulations to all of you on quitting. After day two, I have to admit that this is the hardest thing I've ever done.

We had some friends over Sunday night and the conversation turned to them saying they were going to quit smoking. I agreed that the price of cigarettes had gotten out of control, but I never mentioned quitting. It never crossed my mind. Monday morning I woke up and did my usual cigarette count, to make sure I had enough to last until I went to work. I went to light one and just didn't. It was like a lightbulb went off and I realized that I was tired of the addiction. The money wasted, the counting, the planning, in case I went someplace that was completely non-smoking...the fact that smoking dictated every aspect of my life. I threw away my cigarettes and haven't smoked since.

I stopped at Walgreens on my way to work and bought a huge box of nicorette. I don't know if it's helped. Yesterday, as bad as it was, wasn't awful. Today was ok too. Tonight is brutal. It's odd, because I thought it'd get easier by the day. If it keeps getting harder I don't know what I'm going to do, because I'm not smoking. That's not an option.

Smoking was always what I did. I smoked when I was upset, happy, bored, nervous, mad, excited, sad and now what do I do? I guess I'll start posting here more often. Hopefully not to the point of annoying.

[SugarPop]

Hi krysti.......

Congratulations on getting through the long thread....and joining us. Wow- that's great that you finally got to the point where you'd had enough. I think that's a great way to stop - consider yourself lucky, because feeling ready is half the battle.

the first days are the hardest - in fact I would say the first 3 weeks - but every day gets easier and easier, so you're well on your way. Try to stay strong and in the zone.

I know what you mean about "what do I do now?".......but you'll find other things - be creative about distracting yourself - My latest distraction is painting my nails.........I have an undercoat nourisher, 2 coats and a clear top coat...It takes a lot of time to do it and you can't eat while your hands dry. Currently I have aqua nails........hahahha.....Better than dying my hair blue....lol

Be strong, you can do this!!!

B

[SugarPop]

Anybody out there struggling? Anybody having a tough time of it?

B

[BSRBoom]

Hi! I would like to join you girls in this. I just picked up a prescription of the patches and plan on starting tomorrow. I am so scared! I have smoked forever and everything I do revolves around it. I smoke about three packs a day. Way too much!! I am one of those that makes sure that I never run out of cigs. I know I have to be stronger than the smokes but even thinking about not doing it is so hard. Will my car even start in the morning if I'm not smoking?! I have 5 children that I need to think about and want to watch them grow up and have their own families and finances are so tight that I could really use the money that I put into cigarettes. Any help and advice would be much appreciated. I will check in tomorrow and let you know how I have done.

[krysti]

Hi Sugarpop! I know that I need to find something to do with my hands. Right now that's consisting of eating more than I should. I'm trying not to let that worry me at this point. I don't want to use it as an excuse to pick up a cigarette.

How long has it been since you quit?

[krysti]

Originally Posted by BSRBoom

Hi! I would like to join you girls in this. I just picked up a prescription of the patches and plan on starting tomorrow. I am so scared! I have smoked forever and everything I do revolves around it. I smoke about three packs a day. Way too much!! I am one of those that makes sure that I never run out of cigs. I know I have to be stronger than the smokes but even thinking about not doing it is so hard. Will my car even start in the morning if I'm not smoking?! I have 5 children that I need to think about and want to watch them grow up and have their own families and finances are so tight that I could really use the money that I put into cigarettes. Any help and advice would be much appreciated. I will check in tomorrow and let you know how I have done.

Good luck. You can do this!

[PAULAR42166]

Good Evening everyone just thought I would drop in! I am 109 days into this quit. Talk about mixed emotions. My dad who quit years ago , said oh you have this one in the bag. Well a good thing there were no cigs in the house at 3 am this morning or I would be starting over. I find it so odd how all of a sudden I will think hmmm I will go have a smoke, Then the next thought is uh NO!! But I have never been happier and more proud of myself in the same sense and once again had anyone told me 109 days ago I would be smoke free I prolly would have asked them what they were smoking
Good luck to you all , I know you can do it !!!
Paula

[SugarPop]

Hi BSR........Welcome. I give you a lot of credit for making this decision. 3 packs a day will mean that your nicotine level is very high - I'm not gonna lie, it's not gonna be easy, but the first few days are gonna be the hardest.....every day that goes on will be easier as the nicotine level will taper off.

I think for you it's a good idea to go with the patches. I had a friend that quit 2 weeks after me and she did the patches and it worked for her. She stayed on them longer than you're supposed to, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Really it's gonna be mind over matter- Your biggest problem will be psychological- You're so used to grabbing them that you're gonna have to keep reminding yourself about why you want to accomplish this.......Keep reinforcing yourself- psych yourself. Reread this thread....lindaokc has some great advice to impart- It really helped me get through it.

Be strong - yey on the prize.

Hi kristy..........Good going.........You're doing great- keep up the good work.

I started 1/1/09..........So I'm only 6 months in- So, I too, have to really work at it some days. It does get easier every day......We're all in this together.........Let's help each other work through this.

B

[SugarPop]

Hi Paula.............Congratulations!!!! 109 days is nothing to sneeze at - Good for you!!!!!

It's not easy, we sometimes feel like we need our old friend when times are tough - but it's NOT our friend and that's the thing that lindaokc said that helped me- It's a nicodemon - He will trick you and try to get one over on you - Try to get you to have just one cig - it won't hurt- Well that way of thinking can get you right back to being a full time smoker. There is no "just one"......It's not possible.

If you get discouraged at all, please reread the thread - Maybe you will recognize the same feelings - or will learn some tools to get you through.

Great job, Paula!!!!
B

[BSRBoom]

Originally Posted by krysti

Good luck. You can do this!

Thank you! I NEED to do this!

[BSRBoom]

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Hi BSR........Welcome. I give you a lot of credit for making this decision. 3 packs a day will mean that your nicotine level is very high - I'm not gonna lie, it's not gonna be easy, but the first few days are gonna be the hardest.....every day that goes on will be easier as the nicotine level will taper off.

I think for you it's a good idea to go with the patches. I had a friend that quit 2 weeks after me and she did the patches and it worked for her. She stayed on them longer than you're supposed to, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Really it's gonna be mind over matter- Your biggest problem will be psychological- You're so used to grabbing them that you're gonna have to keep reminding yourself about why you want to accomplish this.......Keep reinforcing yourself- psych yourself. Reread this thread....lindaokc has some great advice to impart- It really helped me get through it.

Be strong - yey on the prize.

Hi kristy..........Good going.........You're doing great- keep up the good work.

I started 1/1/09..........So I'm only 6 months in- So, I too, have to really work at it some days. It does get easier every day......We're all in this together.........Let's help each other work through this.

B

Unfortunately, I have smoked more than ever tonight. Guess I am trying to get them all smoked! I truely am very scared about what I am going to do. Everything I do, I smoke with. I am one the smokers that even have one lit while eating. The only time I do not smoke is while sleeping and that is only about 5 1/2 hrs a nite. I am hoping that I will be able to say that I made it six months. That is terrific. I have been telling everyone today that I am doing it so that I am accountable. The kids are removing all ashtrays from my house tomorrow while I am at work, so hopefully that will help!

[SugarPop]

I always did that too- smoked my brains out before the big day. It's okay, it's a normal reaction to being afraid to let go. Someone else suggested short straws, that might be something to consider if you're used to holding something all the time. Pop some gum or a mint- do whatever you have to do to get through it.........You will be going through a drug withdrawal - Just have faith in the patches and try to get your mind wrapped around this. Give this an honest try, you might surprise yourself.

B

[krysti]

Beverly~ I was the same way. I smoked doing everything. If I got up in the middle of the night, I smoked. Today is day 4 and honestly, I feel pretty good. I have my moments, but for the most part it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

Keep us posted on your progress and just wait until tomorrow when you can literally smell it on everything and wonder how you never noticed it before!

[BSRBoom]

OK, an update on myself for today..... I SUCK!!! I didn't do it! I had 6 smokes left this morning and took the patch to work with me and thought i would put it on when I was done with those six....Fast forward past an awful day at work and me bumming and picking up another pack after work...the good news was it was only one pack and not the three normal ones, even went to a different store as I told everyone at the store I usually go to I was stopping! Thinking I may wait till Monday when I have the day off and its always better to start on a monday (yeah, right!).... Thanks for all the well wishes and I am determined to do this...just maybe not today.

[lindaokc]

Hi everyone,
Beverly, I also smoked 3 pks a day at one point, but after 42 yrs of smoking, I was finally able to quit. I took Welbutrin, and was on it for quite awhile before quitting, but it did take that edge off, just enough to help me through the craving. Did you know the craving will pass whether you smoke or not? In about 3 min. the craving will be over and you can go about doing what you were doing before until the next craving hits. It's when you are in the midst of the craving that it feels that you just can't go on. That is what the welbutrin helped me with. The patches also do the same thing, as well as the gum.
Even though you think you suck, you are doing great in that you are thinking of quitting and working up to it.

SugarPop, we had an incident yesterday in the motor home that left us both shaking and I wanted a cigarette so bad....we went to WalMart for some other things and instead of buying the cigarettes, I bought some sugar free candies and ate myself sick on them. Lots of calories but no ciggies. Trying to correct today but not having much luck. Maybe the nerves will quiet tomorrow and the eating will be better.

Congratulations everyone, on taking it one day and sometimes one minute at a time. Yep, the nicodemon is a liar that wants you back....always.

[krysti]

You don't suck, Beverly. You're human and smoking is an addiction. You'll do this.

Linda, I was thinking about getting a prescription for Wellbutrin, just to take the edge off. Most of the time I think this isn't that bad, that I can do this, but tonight, like a couple of nights ago, is awful. I think I can keep myself busy enough during the day, but at night boredom sets in. I'm really worried about the weekend. How long did the Wellbutrin take to work?

[BSRBoom]

I'm not sure what wellbutrin is, but when I tried to quit the last time (I lasted a day, my first time) I was put on bupropien or something for a week before i was to quit and thought I would kill someone...It made me so angry. I am upset this time as my insurance would not pay for the chantix (sp?) but paid $900 and some dollars for a cold sore med...just doesn't make sense to me. I will do this though. Thank you for thinking about me an posting. It helps that someone does. I am at home alot without a lot of support, besides the kids and they just think I should quit yesterday Thanks it means a bunch.

Edited to say: Krysti I think you are very strong for doing this! I am proud of you and hope I can do this to.