smoke free - 3 days so far
 

Haven't had a cigarette since Tuesday night (except for one slip)...going nuts...just a little but no intentions of turning back...I hope. :pray: I keep reading that the desire to light up will always remain, long after the addiction is no more. That scares me because (right now) the desire to smoke feels stronger than the desire to quit but I'm trusting that it won't always feel this way. I'm hoping/praying the urge will soon be controlled and outweighed by my having overcome the addiction. I've just got to believe that I'm not going to feel so vulnerable to tobacco in the near future and if I do, I've lost the battle. All the reasons to stop are the obvious...there's nothing good about it but, I really enjoyed smoking. Why?..I haven't a clue and what a lousy feeling, getting off these!

Any ex-smokers out there who kicked this awful addiction? I'd love to hear how quitting went for you, how long it took to feel normal again and if you had any help. I'm starting the patch tomorrow, have been using the Nicoret gum which is helping....but maybe the patch is better? If I could only sleep for about 2 weeks straight and then wake up a non smoker....ahhh, that's it!:biggrin:

Congratulations on your 3rd day!!!!
Maybe on day 10 you should really treat yourself with a nice blooming orchid.....you'll have earned it!
Joann

3 days is an excellent start. I'm pretty young, but I still managed to smoke for 12 years before my S.O. got me to quit. He didn't really push it, but the look I got every time I'd light up was such that I couldn't bear the shame. In the end it was easy. I think you just have to be done with it in your head. Say, "no more" and that's that. I won't lie, every now and then if I'm at the bar and have had a couple drinks and someone else has a cigarette, it makes me want one sooooo bad, but it passes. It's a been a year now and I rarely think of it and on the rare occasion I try and have a drag off of someone's, it's not nearly as good as I remember it.

Edit: I should also mention that it took me about 5 real tries over a few years before it actually stuck. If you fail once, don't give up.

Sandy, I'm right there with you, I'm day six right now.

I found that the craving actually only takes a few minutes to get past, if I can wait it out. It's the iritability that's the pits, but that passes in a few weeks. (I've quit before.) and it will be less and less every day. The big test is getting through something stressful and absolutely refusing despite the stress to pic up a cig will show you that you CAN deal with the stress w/o one of those ashtray tasting things.

That and you won't kill your orchids, or make them sick. :biggrin:

When I get my first fragrant orchid, I want to be able to smell it. . .**nods**.

Hang in there - the tough spots are 3 days, 7 days, two weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and six months - each tough spot only lasts a couple of hours or a couple of days.

I've learned that smoking is like any addiction - it only takes ONE to bring you back into the addiction full force, so no matter what you do, don't smoke that first one. . .

I promised myself one orchid for every month I go without smoking. :) (For the rest of my life, of course.)

I can't wait to keep my promise! (Of course, I kicked it off with buying two, jus' 'cause.) **wink**

I wonder if I can justify this one orchid for every month I've been smoke free retroactively :evil:. Oh wait, I've already done that plus some. Shoot!

Sandy, don't give up. I "threatened" to quit many a time before I got it right. First day was the hardest, but it got easier. I quit cold turkey..with me it's usually all or nothing...One suggestion if I may.. start a simple exercise routine like walking. I'm still battling my tummy bulge which I'm convinced got larger once I stopped. We're behind you all the way. Good luck

Each DAY deserves a congrats! You have to find your own way, it's a very personal thing. It's been 4 1/2 years for me. I smoked for 30 years. A necessary operation required I quit because of asthmatic bronchitis. No choice, no cheating. I used the gum and each day was hard but it worked! No cigs since the quit day but I do have problems with stress and going on and off gum. My addiction wasn't a perfect simple ending, it has been more like a road trip but I have also learned many good things about me. Everyone is different. Maybe try starting another hobby. Researching to learn about something new is definately a good time killer and mind occupier. Try changing your habits as much as you can. In other words try to get rid of triggers. Exercise of any kind is a great help and as your lungs clear you'll feel better. Stuff will taste better too :) Try to focus on the good changes (wow, that flower does have a scent!) the list will get much longer, not on bad (I want...) Keep trying to think good thoughts, this has to come from your strength within, it has to be wanted. You are in my prayers!

Hi Sandy,
I quit smoking 3/13/98 after smoking for about 20 years. I was smoking nearly 3 packs a day when I quit. I quit cold turkey and thought I was going to loose my mind. The first 2 weeks were the hardest. I wanted, really wanted to kill someone who exhaled smoke in my face while walking into the store I was leaving.
Your scense of smell will get better. I found that burning a really good lavender incence helped mask the smell of nicotine smoke and calmed me down too.
It will get easier and it's so worth the effort.
Beverly

I quit smoking in 1987. Threw all in the trash and never looked back. I had smoked since I was 15 so that made it about 20 years before I quit. I'm lucky I guess since I never think about smoking and have not touched one since the day I quit. It can be done if you get your mind right. Now, beer is a different story;)

That is fascinating! I recently quit and was doing really well the patches worked a dream I wasnt irratable desire to smoke only lasted a minute or so and then I was fine, my husband was still smoking but it didnt bother me, until I hit 6 weeks i hadnt had one cigarettte in six weeks then bang I couldnt control the desire to smoke I was not overly stressed and nothing had changed and then I gave in and smoked id promised myself just one or two then as we all know I am back to smoking a lot a day, I couldnt understand why I had such major cravings and why they didnt go away like the other days all I assumed was that the initial dedication had passed. My advice now is to plan for these times and work out what you will do whether its buy a lovely scentyed orchid ( my scent of smeel and taste improved dramatically) or go for a weekend away, anything that will keep you distracted from cigarettes. I willl try again as I know if I can last 6 weeks I can do it, I just let the demons get the better of me.

Good luck, Sandy! I'm rooting for ya. Haven't been able to do it myself yet, so really really rooting for ya!

I was a long time smoker
 

Longer than anyone on this thread has told you yet. I have to tell you of the bad habits that I had at one time or other in my life, this is the hardest thing I ever had to quit. Having said that, I think that bellini girl's suggestion that you take up walking is an excellent one. Anytime you have that craving, take a walk. I think once you have quit, you are going to find that food tastes better because it is not smothered in cigarette smoke. That is another reason to walk. I am extemely careful about what I eat now and have become a total gym rat. Part of this was because I need something to do with my time and because of exercise, I have endless energy. Part of it was because I have had a kidney transplant, and part of it was because I wanted to get into better shape and have a better life. Good luck!!:):):)

Hang in there. I rooting for you. I saw what many years of smoking did to my husband. It was horrible. Please, please, please hang in there.

Marilyn

:blowkisses:Thank you, ALL for your responses! This has been better than any 1-800 support line I could have used! :blowkisses:
Beth, I'm rooting for you as well! Congratulations on approaching one week! I can't wait to get that far. How are you feeling? Are you using anything to help with the cravings? I put the patch on this morning but I'm still feeling like crap. I've been using the gum as well, though not as much...it's helping a little. I'm finding the hardest part is in imagining that I'll never feel as though I don't want a cigarette. I'm hoping that this first week or 2 is just the initial shock/withdrawal symptoms and the desire for one won't be as great as my willpower to abstain..someday soon..I hope. As for "getting through something stressful".... stress is the main emotion I deal with daily, has been for the last 8 months. I am taking care of my mother in her home who's totally bed-bound, on hospice and every day is excruciatingly difficult so, maybe I'm doing better under the circumstances, than I give myself credit for?! I've read everything you wrote at least 5 times so far. Keep up your good work!!!! Thank you!

Lecent, I did the cold turkey once and felt spaced out for 6 months. That was 19 years ago. I'm a size 8 and ballooned to size 14. When I realized how out of control I became, I lit up and dieted till the weight came off. This time, I'm being very careful with my diet!!!! As soon as the weather calms down here in Fla., I do plan to start walking. 100 degrees with 100% humidity makes it almost impossible right now though! Thank you for "We're behind you all the way." That really felt nice to read!

You are so right, angeleyedcat, so right...I'm digging deep now for that strength. You are an inspiration, no matter what caused you to finally quit...you did it!!!! You won!!!! Thanks for your words, here.

Beverly, embarrassed to admit but, me too...over 2 packs a day. I LOVE your suggestion about the lavender incense. I'm going to buy some....saw them at the grocery store and it just so happens, I have to go there to get eggs and light bulbs as soon as I get done replying here. Incense added to my shopping list, thanks!

And thank you Joann, Nina, Harry, Yvan, Gregg and Marilyn for your thoughts and encouragement! ONE DAY AT A TIME is my new motto.

Here's how I distracted myself from lighting up during the afternoon. I came home with a Brassavola Little Stars (cordata 'Hsinying' SM/TOGA x nodosa 'Susan Fuchs' FCC/AOS). It's been on my wish list forever.:biggrin:

You guys and gals are great!:gh

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: You can do it Sandy! great job so far. Good luck! :clap:

Thank You Matt. :bowing

I took Welbutrin for about a month to help me quit. The only rule from the doctor was not to smoke in the house or the car. I went from 2 packs a day to zero in 1 week. That was 11 years ago. Haven't missed them since. No urges to smoke at all.
I made them my enemy before I tried to quit. Sure they were my friend, but they were stealing my money and trying to kill me. Who needs friends like that?

quitting has to be a personal decision, you cant quit cause someone wants you to, you have to really make up your mind thats what YOU want.......and once you make that decision then you stick with it!!! i agree with the tough spots quietmorning stated....somehow those moments are the worst for the cravings.....but ride it out!!! you have to tell yourself that you made that decision and you will stick to it....its a matter of personal pride to make a decision and abide by it....you can do it!! whatever you do, dont cheat, you will be right back at the start of the torture and all that pain will be wasted....so stick with it.....it has been 4 years since i quit after 30 years of smoking, and i still feel like i want one, but i know better....they dont taste near as good as what i remembered, they are like ashes pure ashes and that is foul.....i do enjoy the smell of smoke tho.....i am so glad i quit, it makes life so much easier, and the house is cleaner, and my clothes and hair dont smell like ashes and stale smoke.....yes, quitting is worth all the pain!!

Sandy,
This might sound silly, but if you can come up with a positive affirmation and say it over and over again when the urge is really strong, before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up. That will help too.
Beverly

I tried many times to quit before I actually did. I know that the previous times I would say things like, 'I'm trying to quit' and I may even talk about smoking during the time I was 'trying' to quit. When I did quit, I actually decided that I was never going to smoke again and never talked about my status or smoking at all. I had a full carton that went in the trash and I was done. I really had decided. I think talking about quitting and how long you have not been smoking means you have not made up your mind. This is only my opinion and I know the addiction runs deeper but you mind is the first thing to overcome and if it's not made the decision then you are not going to be successful.

That's GREAT Sandy!! I'm rooting for you! Keep us posted on your progress and the orchids you buy to reward yourself!

Congrats on taking the first step in quitting a very unnecessary habit. The most important thing that will help you be smoke free is the desire to quit. As for a little extra motivation is of course your health but think of the money that is associated with smoking. I quit smoking back when cigarettes the cost 1.25 but I understand that they cost around 4 bucks a pack now. If you smoke 2 packs a day by not smoking you can put 4 dollars in the bank and 4 dollars in a orchid fund everyday. Just think of the orchids you could get after a couple months and your be around much longer to enjoy them.
You must tell yourself that it is much more important to quit then not and it does get easier. Good luck and hang in there.

Starting day 6 now!:biggrin:

Pantsonfire, my girlfriend (an RN) just yesterday, suggested Welbutrin. I'm going to find out about this, thanks. And I look at them the same way you did...as my enemy.

dounoharm, what you said is what I have been thinking a lot about....too painful to go through again so I'm going to stick it now and hope that the worst is over and will start getting easier....SOON!!

Beverly, what I mentioned above, has been my daily affirmation....not worth repeating this grueling experience again so I'm 'biting the bullet' once and only once!

Dave, it's been a long time since you've smoked. Cigs are $5 to $7.50 a pack...another great reason to quit. Maybe I'll be able to build a GH with the money I save? (But first I have to buy that house with the land to build it on.:biggrin: )

Thanks Amanda and Harry!!!

Hi Sandy and Quietmorning, You two are doing awesome! I quit 21 years ago and smoked for 21 years, so this is a special year for me. I used the gum (it was a prescription then). My doctor told me that when I was having a really bad craving, to take some nice deep breaths and to drink a tall glass of ice water slowly. He said it helped flush out the toxins in your body. I don't know if true or not, but it worked for me... it would get me through that rough patch. Think about it, if we were to do meditative breathing techniques...doesn't that calm us down??? Water flushes out. Made sense to me, anyway. Try to suck on sugarless hard candy when you crave. Or lollypops, but not too many, just when you really have a craving. Focus is key, make a list of important reasons why you've wanted to quit and keep that list with you at all times and look at it when needed (just your five most important reasons is enough). Focus on yourself as a non-smoker. Break any habits that you associate with smoking, such as a cig after eating. Get up from the table and move. Take up knitting, crocheting, whittling, painting, whatever you want and do that in the evenings or when you feel stressed. After suppers, I use to go down into my basement and chop wood for kindling. Yeah, go figure! But it was my new ritual until I could finally relax and enjoy just the fresh air and surroundings without associating it with a cig. Quiting saved my life. I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't. I'm possitive about that, as I find myself very very sick now if I'm in a room with smokers. Honest! If I've been where smoking is allowed, I have the symptons of a severe hangover the next day....without having anything to drink.
Also, I don't crave anymore.
Smoking can be such an emotional crutch. So in the future...even when you get past this stage (and it does get easier each week), and you're "having a bad day" do not let yourself have a weak moment. That might happen, and you will think you are okay having just one. Don't!!!!! Take deep breaths, and laugh about it instead. It throws everything off, but in your favor. Sorry for the book version of my :twocents:, but I hope you can find something here to help you. Stay strong. Do the gum, water, breathing....whatever it takes. This will be the hardest thing you've ever done, but the most rewarding!!! So stick with it! :goodluck:

Congrats to you Sandy, Quietmorning, and all the rest of you! Stay the course!

Never been a smoker myself -- can't stand the stench -- but my dad used to be one. He found it harder to give up than drinking. (Not surprising as studies indicate that the nicotine and other chemicals used in production make smoking exceedingly addictive.) He had smoked since he was about 12 or 13 and went 'cold turkey' when he decided to quit. (And this was before the days of nicotine gum and patches)

Not surprising, Narnia. Smoking and drinking alcohol often go hand in hand -- especially at bars. While in a bar, you are once more in a place in which you are habitually used to smoking. So smoking "feels" like something you should be doing. This the psychological side of the addiction. I have known a number of folks who only smoke or feel the urge to do so when they are in such situations where smoking is simply the "thing to do".

Breaking old habits is always hard. Developing new habits to replace the old -- like exercising -- from what I've read, seems to be one of the best ways of achieving success.

Bellini, the tummy bulge likely DID get larger as a result of quitting. Besides the appetite suppressive effects of nicotine, smoking gives one's hand and mouth 'something to do'. Bored and need something to while away the time? Nervous or stressed and want to emerse yourself in a calming 'ritual'? The action of smoking provides this outlet. Many people find themselves eating more while trying to quit not because they are actually hungrier, but rather because the act of eating involves the mouth and hand in actions that are similar to the calming smoking 'ritual'. (And even though I have never been a smoker, I must freely admit that there are times I find myself nibbling not because I'm hungry but rather because it is "something to do".) In my dad's case, he started keeping hard candies around the house and on his person.

Don't give up. You can and will make it. It's been 10+ years for me and it was the smartest thing[after marrying my wife] I ever did.You go girl!

p.s. If you think your 'chids smell good now,just you wait.

Another reason that we tend to eat more
 

After stopping smoking is that, like chids smelling better, food smells and tastes better. Just you wait. That is another good reason to exercise. I used to smoke and now I am an exercise nut.:biggrin:

Sandy, how are you doing? How about an update. If you're still going strong....atta girl. If not, than that's okay....try again. It's a tough thing to quit.

Sandy,

I'm praying for your success :)

bingo

Good luck Sandy. I never smoked, but we are all here cheering for you. Remember orchids make a great distraction! :nod:

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amen