The success behind my not smoking
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annie oakley
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3859
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2011 5:56 pm
The success behind my not smoking
I want to thank you all for the support on not smoking...It means alot to me...anyway...I waited til hubby was gone for a week on a job out of town. Had a talk with myself and decided I was going to do it this time. I prayed alot...hubby and I stopped smoking in the house along time before I completly quit.....no smoking in my truck either. Anyway.....My doctor said I did it wrong tho.....I smoked for alot of years and stopped cold turkey with out cheating at all...not even a drag...well about 4 days into it we had a storm approaching....high winds etc. I have a tv dish set up that works and one that is ld discconnected....I looked out the window just as the wind blew over the un-used dish.....I started crying as if I'd had a death n the family.....my dogs were looking at me like what is up with this? I decided to call my doctor...I was crying and telling her about the dish being blown over and a bunch of stuff...she said....have you stopped smoking recently dear? I boobed loudly YESSSSSSSS!!!!!! she said.....go to walmart and I will call n an Rx for you.....you have thrown yourself into a depression...you should have called me and I would have helped you with meds or a patch. But I am off cigs now 6 mo and feel preety proud about it......then watching FIL die with lung cancer.......I still want one..but not that bad any more......I do Not want to die that way. Any way it was shear determination I think and strong will power that got me thru it..Love Oma
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annie oakley
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3859
- Joined: Fri May 13, 2011 5:56 pm
Oma,
You should be so proud. Quitting was the hardest thing I ever did. I did cold turkey, too, and it was ROUGH. They say it takes 18 months for the body to recover from nicotine withdrawal. One of the worst problems is that you retain water - even in your brain, which causes a lot if the irritability and mood swings. Whew, I'm so glad it's over with. I don't see a pat-on-the-back smiley, but here's a pat-on the- head for you!
Love,
Polly
You should be so proud. Quitting was the hardest thing I ever did. I did cold turkey, too, and it was ROUGH. They say it takes 18 months for the body to recover from nicotine withdrawal. One of the worst problems is that you retain water - even in your brain, which causes a lot if the irritability and mood swings. Whew, I'm so glad it's over with. I don't see a pat-on-the-back smiley, but here's a pat-on the- head for you!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Oma, I am learning things from you. I ALWAYS get mega-depressed when I try to quite smoking. That's why I have never stuck with it. Next time I will talk to my doctor first. I want to make sure I give myself every tool to make it a success this time. I know it will still be the hardest thing I have ever done.
Will you be my quitting buddy?
Lots of love,
Sally
Will you be my quitting buddy?
Lots of love,
Sally
Mitakuye oyasin
(Lakota for "We are all related")
(Lakota for "We are all related")
Wow, here's a topic I know a lot about! I quit smoking (again) three years ago April 24th. And even thought that may SOUND like I've succeeded and am over the worst of it, it's still a struggle. The last time I quit for a decent amount of time I lasted 2.5 years and went back, so three years does not put me in the safety zone - I STILL want one!
Depression and crying???? Oh my God - I thought I was losing my mind. I was unbearable, to myself and everyone around me, and I walked around like in mourning, telling everyone I felt like I had lost my best friend. In a sense, we DO lose our best friends when we quit smoking. Our cigarettes are always right by our side - we don't go anywhere without them, and they always make us feel good. Who would willingly want to give that up????
Hubby took me to the casino (which he hates but I LOVE) to try and snap me out of my funk when I was trying to quit once, and even there, I was miserable. Didn't want to be there - didn't want to gamble. It just wasn't the same without my cigarettes. Actually, it's THERE that I broke down and started smoking again. I told him to not get in my way nor try to stop me - I was off to go buy cigarettes. And I did.
This last time (and hopefully the LAST time) I quit with a support group type of thing that got together and met weekly for 2 weeks BEFORE we quit, and 6 weeks AFTER we quit. We did it as a group and prepared ourselves mentally and physically before the big day, and supported each other after. I think that made a big difference. My husband has always quit smoking with me, but he never seems to have any problem doing it! I don't think he's ever been truly addicted - he just smokes when I smoke and quits when I quit. So knowing that this was a piece of cake for him while practically killing me made me feel even WORSE. The support group helped a lot because at least there I had people who were struggling as badly as I was. I can remember going out on two consecutive weekends and just driving around, listening to music, and crying/sobbing my eyes out because I wanted a cigarette so badly. Luckily that DID pass - I only cry about my CC now.
And, the final thing that helped? Nicorette gum. I didn't chew enough to get addicted to it, but whenever I felt like I was going to break down and get a cigarette, I would pop a piece of that instead, and a calming rush would come over me that would last a few hours. It tastes like crap, but then again, so did the cigarettes I loved so much.
Anyway - I rambled, again. Congrats to all those who aren't smoking, and good luck to those who are but don't WANT to!
Sue
Depression and crying???? Oh my God - I thought I was losing my mind. I was unbearable, to myself and everyone around me, and I walked around like in mourning, telling everyone I felt like I had lost my best friend. In a sense, we DO lose our best friends when we quit smoking. Our cigarettes are always right by our side - we don't go anywhere without them, and they always make us feel good. Who would willingly want to give that up????
Hubby took me to the casino (which he hates but I LOVE) to try and snap me out of my funk when I was trying to quit once, and even there, I was miserable. Didn't want to be there - didn't want to gamble. It just wasn't the same without my cigarettes. Actually, it's THERE that I broke down and started smoking again. I told him to not get in my way nor try to stop me - I was off to go buy cigarettes. And I did.
This last time (and hopefully the LAST time) I quit with a support group type of thing that got together and met weekly for 2 weeks BEFORE we quit, and 6 weeks AFTER we quit. We did it as a group and prepared ourselves mentally and physically before the big day, and supported each other after. I think that made a big difference. My husband has always quit smoking with me, but he never seems to have any problem doing it! I don't think he's ever been truly addicted - he just smokes when I smoke and quits when I quit. So knowing that this was a piece of cake for him while practically killing me made me feel even WORSE. The support group helped a lot because at least there I had people who were struggling as badly as I was. I can remember going out on two consecutive weekends and just driving around, listening to music, and crying/sobbing my eyes out because I wanted a cigarette so badly. Luckily that DID pass - I only cry about my CC now.
And, the final thing that helped? Nicorette gum. I didn't chew enough to get addicted to it, but whenever I felt like I was going to break down and get a cigarette, I would pop a piece of that instead, and a calming rush would come over me that would last a few hours. It tastes like crap, but then again, so did the cigarettes I loved so much.
Anyway - I rambled, again. Congrats to all those who aren't smoking, and good luck to those who are but don't WANT to!
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
I quit cold turkey when I got pregnant so all those things I went thru must have been from not smoking. I was blaming them on hormones! It was probably a bit of both! Poor hubby got the worst of it!
I am proud of you Oma! I am certain that much of your success is due to you keeping on task, you really wanted to do this and you were strong!
Good for you!
Lori
I am proud of you Oma! I am certain that much of your success is due to you keeping on task, you really wanted to do this and you were strong!
Good for you!
Lori
"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift." ~ PIERRE CORNEILLE
Well I have to say congrats too. I am still struggling with it, and the last time I quit was for 6 mths, so I know I am not over it completly. I use the nicorrette gum too, it is the one thing that works for me. I cannot use the medicine, as I am on so much already, and I am allergic to the nicotine patches, so gum it is. And the new gum that has the coating tastes just like any other gum, and if you still need to mask the taste, which I don't find bad anyway, you can get some sugar free gum and take one with the nicorrette gum. It works, and takes that edge off. I found it is also helpful to set a time and date when you are going to stop, and before that, start changing your times when you smoke or what you have a smoke with. Like when you are on the phone, or after you eat, in the car, or other places that you always have a smoke. This tactic helped me allot, changing the pattern before I actually stopped the smoking. Then when craving got bad, pop a gum.
I do not want to be a smoker anymore, as I was also a late time smoker, starter when I was about 37, having not smoked since I was a teenager. I never smoked a whole pack a day either, 8-15 per day. Even with that though, since I have so many other health issues, the mucus that I had was gross. If I coughed even a little, it came up. That happened way too much, and it was just too gross, I do not do that anymore, and no more mucus build up in my throat. I have enough problems with respitory ailments to have to deal with that too.
For me, it was the right choice. Glad it has helped you too.
Hugs
From
Wendy
I do not want to be a smoker anymore, as I was also a late time smoker, starter when I was about 37, having not smoked since I was a teenager. I never smoked a whole pack a day either, 8-15 per day. Even with that though, since I have so many other health issues, the mucus that I had was gross. If I coughed even a little, it came up. That happened way too much, and it was just too gross, I do not do that anymore, and no more mucus build up in my throat. I have enough problems with respitory ailments to have to deal with that too.
For me, it was the right choice. Glad it has helped you too.
Hugs
From
Wendy
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TendrTummy
- Gentoo Penguin
- Posts: 466
- Joined: Thu May 26, 2005 5:51 am
- Location: Waconia, MN, USA
- Contact:
OOoooooh I can add to this!!!
I quit for Trent
in a way..
I'd quit several times in the past, had always wanted to, was disgusted with myself for picking up the habit, and around Minnesota, smoking is looked down upon in a huge way.. Eden Prairie, the city I work in, has laws now - no smoking in public!!!! You can smoke on private property, like outside your work building, but not in restaurants, and not outside. That's amazing, to me.
Anyway, when I professed my undying love to my *buddy* Trent, he told me I had to quit smoking, and I did. I used the patch. It REALLY helped. First of all, it stinks, and really makes you realize what you're putting in your body. Second, it gives you the nicotine, and the cravings aren't NEARLY as bad. Then, after you get over the constant urges to go smoke, or the craving to hold something in your hand, you can step down a notch.. in my case, I stepped down to the second level patch, but then I forgot to wear it one day. I had little brain-freeze moments all day, but otherwise, it wasn't so bad! Because I didn't relate my symptoms with not smoking.. so, since I'd gone thru withdrawl already, I just stopped using the patch, and that was that. Haven't looked back since.. No cravings, no nothing. Makes me happy, because I think I'd quit 4 times in the past, once for a year.. and then started again.. SHAME!!!!
Anyway, I just wanted to add this fun fact - when you smoke, the nicotine paralyzes the cilia in your throat - the ones that are responsible for carrying up that phlegm out of your lungs.. anyway, since they freeze, all the mucous falls back down into your lungs and just sits there. When you wake up in the morning, you haven't smoked for 8 hours, and your cilia are active, so you start coughing it up like crazy - smoker's cough.. same is true when you quit - you get all the *crap* out..
Wasn't that fun?? :)
Christine
I quit for Trent
in a way.. I'd quit several times in the past, had always wanted to, was disgusted with myself for picking up the habit, and around Minnesota, smoking is looked down upon in a huge way.. Eden Prairie, the city I work in, has laws now - no smoking in public!!!! You can smoke on private property, like outside your work building, but not in restaurants, and not outside. That's amazing, to me.
Anyway, when I professed my undying love to my *buddy* Trent, he told me I had to quit smoking, and I did. I used the patch. It REALLY helped. First of all, it stinks, and really makes you realize what you're putting in your body. Second, it gives you the nicotine, and the cravings aren't NEARLY as bad. Then, after you get over the constant urges to go smoke, or the craving to hold something in your hand, you can step down a notch.. in my case, I stepped down to the second level patch, but then I forgot to wear it one day. I had little brain-freeze moments all day, but otherwise, it wasn't so bad! Because I didn't relate my symptoms with not smoking.. so, since I'd gone thru withdrawl already, I just stopped using the patch, and that was that. Haven't looked back since.. No cravings, no nothing. Makes me happy, because I think I'd quit 4 times in the past, once for a year.. and then started again.. SHAME!!!!
Anyway, I just wanted to add this fun fact - when you smoke, the nicotine paralyzes the cilia in your throat - the ones that are responsible for carrying up that phlegm out of your lungs.. anyway, since they freeze, all the mucous falls back down into your lungs and just sits there. When you wake up in the morning, you haven't smoked for 8 hours, and your cilia are active, so you start coughing it up like crazy - smoker's cough.. same is true when you quit - you get all the *crap* out..
Wasn't that fun?? :)
Christine
Oh, yes, Christine, I have experienced that awful congestion and coughing when I have quit smoking. I used to think, if I am going to do this, why quit? It was nasty. Like the word "phlegm."
I want to smell better, too!!
I'm working up to it.
Love,
Sally
I want to smell better, too!!
I'm working up to it.
Love,
Sally
Mitakuye oyasin
(Lakota for "We are all related")
(Lakota for "We are all related")
You know what, Sally. That was a big part of my incentive also. I wanted to smell better and I wanted my house to smell better and I wanted to get rid of that awful yellow smoke film on my windows and everything else!!
I hope you are successful. It won't be easy but you know that. I still want one sometimes. Some days 3 or 4 times but it does lessen with time.
Shirley
I hope you are successful. It won't be easy but you know that. I still want one sometimes. Some days 3 or 4 times but it does lessen with time.
ShirleyWhen the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Congratulations, Oma! Stick with it. I quit in April, 1992, when smoking was banished from the teachers' lounge! I refused to go to my car to smoke! I used the patch (mentioned that in the thread about adhesives) and it worked great. Even though I was allergic to the adhesive, I was over the hump by the time I had to quit the patches too. I want to tell you guys who have quit but still get the urge for a ciggie occasionally that I never get that urge any more. I wouldn't have believed it, because I was a really dedicated smoker, but it's true. I don't even like to be in smokey places any more. So hang in there, Oma! It's not worth the expense, the cough, or the inconvenience!
kathy
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moremuscle
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 706
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:16 am
- Location: South Carolina
Wow, Oma - you are one INCREDIBLE lady 
I am very proud of you and your determination and courage to stick with your decision. It is sooooo Cool that you were able to achieve so much all by yourself - you are a trooper and you deserve to pat yourself on the back and also to buy something really beautiful for yourself to adorn your new healthier body/skin.
Please, let us know more about what you've gone through and how you tackled it; you inspire all of us to do more and to do better. Thank you.
Love,
Karen
I am very proud of you and your determination and courage to stick with your decision. It is sooooo Cool that you were able to achieve so much all by yourself - you are a trooper and you deserve to pat yourself on the back and also to buy something really beautiful for yourself to adorn your new healthier body/skin.
Please, let us know more about what you've gone through and how you tackled it; you inspire all of us to do more and to do better. Thank you.
Love,
Karen