Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Seems like we have alot of members that want to quit smoking.   I have never been one to tell others what they should do and I know that I never listened to people telling ME to quit.  It's something each person needs to be ready to do.

Anyway I did manage to quit after going to the hospital with respiratory failure.  I could have gone back to smoking when i got back home from the hospital but decided it was as good a time as any to quit and my life depended upon it.  See I chose life over smoking and inablility to breathe.

Background - I started smoking some at around age 19 but didn't really get serious I'd say until my mid 20's.  By then I was up to a pack a day and by the time I was 30 up to 2 packs a day.  So 2 packs a day for approximately 28 years and nearly 40 years smoking.

When I went into the hospital I was going through nicotine withdrawals and they put me on the patch.  That is was I continued to use when got home, went to the lower dose then finally after approximately 2 months or so completely patch free.  This was on May 1, 2008 and I haven't had a cigarette since and neither has my husband.  He quit cold turkey, no patch or anything (jerk). 

I did gain about 20 pound2 but at the time I was about 5 pounds underweight so I only have about 15 pounds to lose.  I'm working on that now and losing slowly but surely.

I am breathing better than I have in probably 10-15 years.  It's the best thing I've every done for myself.  If you had asked me a year ago if I could quit I would have said NO. 

If I can do it anyone can.  It just has to be the right time for you!

 ::cartwheel::

I want to add that Chantrix scared me so for me it was never an option to try. I've known a couple of people that quit using Chantrix and besides the weird dreams, they both ended up having heart attacks.  I don't know if the Chantrix had anything to do with it but scared me none the less.

I tried hypnotism in the 80's, that was laughable.  Had tried the patch before but I wasn't ready to quit so it didn't work.  Tried that other pill (starts with a "Z" I don't remember now what it was) but it made me feel "crazy" and I stopped it right away, that was in the 90's.

GREAT IDEA FOR A THREAD, KLAAS!!! I'm here in need..............

My husband , son and daughter in law and myself all quit at the same time...Nov. 7th...we went to the American Lung Assn stop smoking meetings. This was a big help for us....check your local health department.  It was NOT easy. I slipped the morning I lost my little canine child Jake, December 6th.....my heart was broken and I fell back on my old faithful crutch..the first one tasted  was like greeting a long lost friend, the second one didn't taste nearly as good...the third one was awful....I threw the pack away...slapped a patch on my arm for another week, then a step 2 the next week and by the end of the second week I know I was OK again. Even now when I am stressed I think oh I'd love a cigarette....but the thought leaves quickly. Like Klaas I gained some weight...15 lbs...but only have 4 more to go to be back at my normal weight. It has been worth it.....my blood pressure pills have been reduced. I am back at the gym and I DON'T STINK of cigarette smoke anymore. My complexion is bright and clear. I smoked a pack every 2-3 days for the past 40 years and never thought I could quit.......If I can do it ANYONE can....but it has to be when YOU are ready.....I was ready.

I tried quitting back in 2003 after my husband had a heart attack (minor).  I used the patch and followed it to a tee for 90 days.  Picked up cigs again after the patch came off. Gained 15 pounds and had a hard time losing it.  I woke up the other morning tired from coughing and having head aches and told my husband "the time is now".  I pulled out my tread mill and starting walking a mile a night, started eating properly and once I get some weight off and get to feeling a little bit healthy I am going to try it again.  Hopefully soon.

Edited by poster request.

I started smoking in my teens. I quit when I got pregnant with my children but alway started back up again. After my 3rd daughter was born, since she was a premie, I could not take her around the public for 6 months. During that time I began smoking again. I will also add that a family member had a serious health problem and that stressed me out too. So after having gone about 7 years with no smoking, I started it up again. Not around my baby, but I was a sneaky closet smoker.

As the years passed, it seemed like I was smoking more and more and when I quit, I know I was smoking at least 2 packs per day, probably more on some days.

In 2005 I had a heart attack and found I have hardening of the arteries which is highly unusual for a person my age. I think it is genetics. The smoking was making a bad health issue even worse. They told me to quit smoking, but I didn't. Sounds nuts now, but I was hooked.

Then one day I made some decisions:
1. I wanted fresh breath!
2. I hated the smell of my clothing (and the fact that my daughter, who did not smoke, had smokey smelling clothes) because of me.
3. My Dr. said it was not a question of if I would have another heart attack, it was when. She said I was a timebomb.
4. I was tired of feeling unhappy with myself about smoking.
5. I realized I have health issues and smoking was bad for me, really bad and I want to live.
6. They found some nodules in my lungs and they have been watching them every 6 months.
7. I was visiting my g daughter (when I smoked) and I saw her put her crayon up to her mouth and act like she was smoking it. I decided I wanted to set a good example for her.
8. I have had bronchitis and pneumonia numerous times. I was one of those who did not quit when I was sick.
9. When Drs office and hospitals asked if I smoked, I hated saying yes! I love saying NO now!
10. Smoking is an expensive habit and I decided I did not want it to rule my life.

I quit smoking on 9/12 2 years ago, I think it was.
You all who smoke, quit fooling yourselves. Smoking does cause what they warn you about in some people. There is a very good chance it will shorten your life. You could get the bad things smoking can give you just as easily as others.

I forgot to add. I could not have done it, I don't think, without the patch.

I'm a smoker...I'm seriously thinking about quitting....Can anyone tell Me the side effects that were experienced on the patch...I have always been easily medicated and I Am Very Scared of taking any kind of drugs.....TIA

Ok - this is O/T but Klass - I would have thought you were my age(42)! Man that sounded cruel!   ::MonkeyNoNo:: But I wanted to say you wear your age well. And thanks for sharing your story! 

My Experience Strength and Hope.
Started smoking with my girlfriends at age 14.

At 26 I got pregnant and used Barclay. A low nicotine cig. Justified that totally to myself. I DID not drink but as soon as he was born I put him on a bottle so I could party. Lord. And smoking came back with all of that.

Fast-forward  and I was 45 and I live in the woods. I had the wheel barrel out and was moving rocks around. All of a sudden I couldn't catch my breath and I was seeing white with black dots. My ears were ringing and then I realise I am on my knees and feel dizzy and sick. I thought I was gonna die right there and worried my son and husband would come home and find me dead. Now I am scared. This is the time to take action. Fear is a good motivator.

I have no insurance for drugs and patches and hate that sort of thing because I am 98 lbs. at this time. Stuff like that hits me hard also.
Now Klaas found hypnosis laughable but I went to a private session. NOT group hypnosis. That I find funny too.

 His name is Dr. Eric Boyles. The man saved my life. You can call your hospital and they can direct you to a reputable person. I purchased 3 sessions for 75.00.
I went with my cigs. on the front seat with every intention of smoking when this was over. ALL ALONE I went into the office.{usually my pack and lighter were attached to me}
He evaluated me first to see IF he would help me. Some little finger games and such. I was good to go.  He turned on the babbling brook{I choose} and sat back in a nice leather chair with gentle massage. In my interview I told him I was scared I was going to die and my son would be all alone when he would need me most.

We begin and he speaks of me looking out this huge window. The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day. The birds are there and deer. A light breeze is in the air filled with the fragrance of the hills. He then at some point has me look back through the window. The room is huge and the sun is shining on the polished hardwood floors. It has such a warm feeling to it. The big windows are opened and the white silk curtains dance with the sweet breeze. As I look closer, in the middle of the room is a bunch of equipment around something. I turn back a lot to see the wonder in the fields and am drawn to go back outside to feel the sun on my face. I don't want to be there inside.He keeps talking and as I approach the stuff, I see a hospital bed. In the bed is an unrecognizable figure. Tubes and sounds of beeps. Annoying sounds. Interfering with the beauty of the birds voice. I hate it here. It smells foul. I get closer and closer. Then I see                It is me

Some time goes by and I look up, see Dr.Boyles and feel pretty good. I don't know why but I trust this man. I smugly say I am sorry I couldn't be put under. He asks me how long do you think you have been here. I say 20 minutes. He says one and a half hours!! Blew my mind.

Got in my car. Went home. Planned on smoking. Did not. Went for one more session and never looked back. I also am a recovering alcoholic for 11 years at the time so I had success and used suggestions from AA.

I changed my routine. I woke up and had tea in the laundry room. Washing the cloth washing the cloths. Was going to exercise. NOT!! I would make deals with myself like, After I  clean the closet and If I still feel like it I'll have one. Never happened. I would get so side tracked that by the time I thought of another smoke I was too pleased with myself for not smoking before, that I would just want to protect that smoke-free time. Soooooo,Paint your bedroom. And on and on.

You can also ask a higher power to help. I ask God to keep the desire to drink,drug and smoke away from me today. As soon as I open my eyes. Starting the day with a positive thought is helpful. Maybe not right away. But keep doing it. Every day. It will help wash that dirty part of our brain that wants to smoke. It can be done. YES it can and Will.

Thanks!  I am in fact older than DIRT!  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Klaas,this thread is great.  ::MonkeyDance::
I love reading everybody's posts.
I started smoking when I was 15.We all grew up on the river,and that's what we did when we were fishing.
For years I never thought about the smell or the health hazards.
When I had my Grandkids I cut back and tried to quit.I never could.When my son died it was like I finally saw the light.I had talked to him about addiction for years,and in the end the addiction won.
Long story short..I had an addiction myself and I wanted to live and enjoy life.So turned it over to a higher power and it was over.I have had a couple of smokes in 3 years and it made me sick.I considered that a tap on the shoulder.I still have times when I'm sitting out on my deck in my swing that a faint craving will come and I get some gum or hard candy and that helps.I have gained weight.I need to lose about 20lbs,so i'm using the treadmill.Being smoke free is great.    ::MonkeyDance::

hotping, I quit with the patch, and was smoke free for 4 years. Like an idiot, I picked them back up. Don't think you can have just one..............there is no such thing, for me, anyway.

There were no side effects for me with the patch, but I will say that a few people do experience unusual dreams with them. Knowing that, I just didn't put a fresh one on at night, but did first thing in the morning.

The first three days with the patch is the hardest, but I think that's the hardest time no matter what you use. Water is your friend, and will help rid your body of the nicotine. Excercise helps. FOR ME, it helped being around people who were smoking during that time. I got a little second hand smoke that way........  ::MonkeyHaHa:: Gum helped, too.

I gained weight and honestly kind of gave myself permission to while I focused on quitting. I lost the weight with the same focus, after cigarettes were no longer part of my thinking.

Now, I have put the weight back on and am smoking too!   ::MonkeyNoNo::

For me, the negative stuff others tell you isn't helpful. I felt I was doing something wrong, and I said a lot of prayers. I will say, it was easier than I imagined it would be. You can do it Hotping. You really can. I talked to myself a lot during those first three days, and made a point to say good things.  ::MonkeyWink::

Blue moon, I'm thinking along your lines.....................

Hotping - I had no side affects from the patch.  The patch has been around forever and is very safe.  If you are concerned you can go with the lower dose patch than they recomment for you.  Actually when I was in the hospital they put me on the lower dose patch and since it was working I continued with that.  If you went by the guidelings on the Patch website I would should have gone with the highest dose patch. 

So to recap - no side affects

Patch comes in these doses

21mg (for people that smoke more than 10 cigarrettes a day)
14mg (for people less than 10 a day) Even though I was smoking over 2 packs a day this is what I used
7mg (to wean yourself off slowly)

Keep some nicorette gum around too just in case.

http://www.nicodermcq.com/Quit_Place_Dose.aspx


NOTE:  The stores make generic patches now and that is what I used, they are less expensive.  I actually prefer the skin tone patches to the clear ones the name brand of patches comes in.

OMG....You Monkeys are Great Motivators.....I think that I have a plan.....I have A membership at Curves and Have not been going for various reasons but I Am going to start Curves Again and Go on the patch at the same time that way hopefully I will not Gain to much weight....I Am 5'1" Tall and Weight about 130lbs now.....I just can't stand the thought of gaining 10lb much less 15 or 20.....My Hubby is also a Smoker and is trying to get His mind right about quitting.....So maybe if We do it together it will work...
Back in the 90's We got Hypnotized and it worked for Me for about 6 mos. and for Him about 2 days..lol....So I'm off to CVS to see about the patches and the gum and then to Curves to get Remeasured and Start all of this in the morning.....Please Pray for Us Monkeys...And Thank You to Each of You for the Encouragement..... I think when My 5 year old Grandson said to Me as I was smoking.....Meemaw those Cigarettes are not good for You.....is when I really knew that I had to try to stop....Thanks Again Monkeys You All Are the Best!   ::MonkeyWink::

Klaas

I just checked The CVS Pharmacy Website and They have the CVS and the Nicoderm patches on sale right now...Yippeee......Wish Me Luck!

 ::MonkeyDance::

Great news Hotping!

Well, this is like smoking anonymous....I will probably give a statement.  Let's say I have a history.   ::MonkeyRoll::     ::MonkeyWaa::

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

Thanks Klaass - for the cool thread.   I could use the encouragement!

I quit cold turkey - hopefully for the last time - on January 11, 2009.   It was my New Years Resolution for this year - but didn't actually put them down until the 11th.   I haven't touched one since!     It was hard at first, because my husband is still smoking, unfortunately.   He doesn't smoke in front of me, though.   

I started smoking as a teenager.   I had 5 older brothers and sisters and I wanted to be cool, like them.   I quit smoking during my three pregnancies, cold turkey, and without any problems.  But I would start smoking afterwards, in order to lose the baby weight quickly.  After my youngest was born, I quit for about 11 years.   Then, I started again when I was going through a divorce and needed to lose some weight.   I enjoy smoking and drinking beer, I have to be honest.    I would never give them up - if it wasn't for the fact that my first grandchild is arriving in August!   And, I'm concerned about my health, since I'm no longer a spring chicken!

My husband found out he had prostate cancer in October 2007, the day before we were going away on a special trip for his 60th birthday.   Luckily, it hadn't spread, and he was cured.   While he was going through his radiation, I was having my own health issues (a breast cancer scare) and made a promise to myself that I would try to get healthy and quit smoking for good.    Well, it took me until January to finally keep my promise.    I'm determined that I will not be controlled by cigarettes, ever again!

I quit cold turkey.  I gave myself 3 weeks to eat whatever I wanted without beating myself up for it.  I  bought a variety of sugar-free hard candies and gum.  I also decided not to drink any alcohol while quitting smoking, as I was afraid it would make me give in to the temptation.   Then, last week, I moved our treadmill into the middle of the living room floor (no kidding, lol) so that I could develop some good habits - like walking every day.   I am already up to walking for 30 minutes, straight!   When I was smoking, I couldn't last 5 minutes!    Once I'm hooked on exercising again, I'll move the treadmill back into the spare bedroom.   It only takes a couple of weeks to form a habit.   I keep reminding myself of that fact, as I'm tripping over the treadmill.

So, it has been a month since I quit.  So far, my heart rate is much slower.   I'm breathing easier.   I'm not coughing at night, anymore.    A box of tissues is lasting me several weeks, not just 4 days!   My clothes and hair no longer stink.  I've got a couple of extra dollars in my purse  (actually more than a couple - those things are expensive)!    Since I've combined it with a plan to exercise, I gained a couple pounds the first three weeks - but have already walked it off. 

Now, I just have to get the hubby to quit.

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and for the encouragement.   To those who want to quit, YOU CAN DO IT!   
   

  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Thank You Sassycat for sharing Your story.....I have decided to quit also...It will be the first time that I truly feel that I'm ready....Please keep Us posted on How You are doing   ::MonkeyWink::

 ::MonkeyHaHa::

I quit almost a year ago now.  I quit because I was looking at a long plane ride (over 12 hrs) and limited smoking when I arrived at my destination.  Unusual reason I know.  It is also getting hard to find any place outside of your own home to smoke and in some states they are even trying to regulate that if you have any outside help come in.

I was a heavy chain smoker.  This is why the plane trip would have been misery.  Actually, I had made this trip once before, when out of the airport to grab a smoke and couldn't get back in the door I went out.  I ended up at least a mile away from my gate, had to run all the way and almost missed my plane.  There was no cutting back it was all or nothing. 

When I had an urge, unlike what is commonly suggest -- get you mind off of it, I imagined actually smoking -- feeling it and tasting it.  It worked for me.  I also used Commit lozenges.  I liked the tingle in the mouth, just like a cigarette.  It was hard giving up the lozenges LOL. 

I still have occasional physiological urges to smoke, but they are not physical urges.  For these getting my mind off of it works.

Good luck to everyone!

My name is 2NJSons_Mom and I am a smoker (a pack to 1 1/2 pack a day).  I started to smoke much like others have, as a teen sneaking one here & there from a friend's father's pack or buying a pack to share while we hung out. 

Started college and would grub a smoke while between classes while socializing with friends in the student lounge (I'm old, so smoking wasn't banned back then).  One day one of my friends said "Have you ever thought about how many cigarettes you grub?  Maybe you should consider buying a pack."  Well, that was embarrassing and an eye opener.  It had never occurred to me, because I really didn't consider myself a regular smoker.  So it began....one pack lasting several days and progressed from there. 

My parents both smoked when I was younger.  My Dad quit in his late 30s because he said he didn't like it and was upset with himself for having started because others were doing it.  Mom continued, quit a couple times before finally ending the habit in her 60s.  I did have a couple of other relatives who smoked, as well, including my brothers & sister who eventually quit

My husband is a smoker and several of his family members were, as well.   I had stopped smoking for my pregnancies, but naively took it back up afterward.  There were a couple of times where I stopped for a month or so, but always reverted back.  It wasn't until 2002, while on a cruise with family & friends that we both made a pact with female friend to set a date and use the patch.  She was successful, and has not smoked since (she'd quit before, btw).  My husband stopped using the patch and started to smoke cigars outside and eventually cigarettes again.  He didn't think I knew, but I could smell them when he kissed me goodbye each morning.   ::MonkeyRoll::       I lasted about a month after stopping the patch.   I started to be the closet smoker, buying a pack one day when stressed out over DH's employment changes & the financial burden we were finding ourselves in.   I did this for months, until I finally smoked in the open.  DH wasn't ruffled, at all.  Our sons, however, were so disappointed in me.  Neither, thank God, smoke, and both vocalize their disdain for the habit, regularly. 

My doctor quit smoking himself, about 15 years ago.  He has advised me to stop, of course.  My Dad had cholesterol & BP problems from late 50s on.  My Mom, though not dx'd with heart disease, passed away after having a fatal heart attack at 73.   There is heart disease in both families.  When I started to go through menopause, my perfect BP started to rise.  Then, the cholesterol started, later.  After years of trying to correct them with diet & exercise, I have now been on meds for about 3 years. 

Last year, I subscribed online to Quit Net.  I think it was through Dr. Oz.  I had picked a date, but never got into the support system set up there.  The emails started to go to my spam & yes, I never followed through.

In the meantime, cousins who had quit for 9 years started to smoke again.  Loss of family members, financial stresses........things we've all used as reasons to pick one up and light it.

Had an appointment for blood work, yesterday.  Doc wanted me to have an echocardiogram to check my heart functionality.  I ended up having that done later in the day.  I'm waiting on the blood work and was told the results of the echo would probably take a little longer since the report will be sent back to my Doc.  The technician asked me while she was doing the echo, if I smoked.  She showed me while inhaling and exhaling how it affected her ability to see my heart.  She told me the congestion in my lungs fogged the view.  On exhale, we both could see my heart perfectly.  Pretty telling, huh?   

I don't want to face a medical emergency like Klaasend did.  I know what it's doing to my overall health.  My BP may actually be lower if I quit.   I'm working on getting the mindset to act.   I'm just not quite there, yet. 

It's great that Klaas started this thread, and I will be checking here for updates, as well as encouraging those who are determined to kick the habit.  Hope it wears off on me. 

I still smoke in a lot of my dreams.  ::MonkeyHaHa::

That's funny Shell.      ::MonkeyHaHa::     At least you don't get stinky that way!

We had to put our oldest cat down yesterday.    I cried so hard.     After we came home and buried him, I wanted a beer and a cigarette badly.   I drank two beers - but kept myself from the cigarettes.   It was the first real test since I quit.   I passed! 

Sassycat,I'm sorry to hear about your cat.Bless your heart. I am very proud of you for not smoking.  :smt058   :smt038

 GULP    I am so glad to read of all of you who have told your stories and proud of everyone for talking about
 some of the things that a non smoker just doesn't understand. I started smoking as a teenager ,then quit when my kids came along . Then when they were in high school and during a painful divorce and being nervous about dating, well, cigarettes were my friends again.

It was true for me that the minute I smoked one , even after such a long time, within days I was smoking all the time.The weird thing is, it has been like being a closet smoker. Because there's such a harsh view, anti smoking laws and not to mention the smoking Nazi, my daughter, mostly I smoke at home, alone. And because I like smoking and I do it mostly at home alone it sort of isolates me if you get what I mean.  It's almost like I'm choosing to spend my time with cigarettes instead of being healthy and finding creative things to do.

I want to quit and feel confident about my life and live without worrying whether or not I've got enough cigs for the day or not! At the beginning of Feb. I actually got thru about 30 hrs without any, using the gum. When I ran to the 7/11 that night I figured to hell with it, but now with some "people" that I "know" maybe I can try it again.

I am so happy to have a place to read about the successes and get a little shot of courage.
Thanks Klaas for starting this. ::MonkeyDance:: 

j

first time i tried zyban second was the patches third time chanix for a month been smoke free for 16teen months you have to wanna quit the reason i quit i got sick of the smell and the taste plus seeing on tv lung cancer anything will work but you need to want to quit i do things now that i couldnt when i smoked i bet i could run 5 miles lol god bless you dont need luck you just need to want to quit

That is so true.   You have to WANT to do it.      Glad to hear you're smoke free now!    Congrats!

Thanks Trimm.   Hugs.   I'm glad I didn't give in to the cigs.   I would have to start all over again.    I'm really determined to stay off of them, permanently.

I know exactly what you mean.    I have very little friends that smoke - and none of my brothers and sisters smoke, anymore.  So, I would find myself making excuses for not going places with them - because I wanted to stay home where I could smoke all I wanted!     

(http://images.quitnet.com/images/q2001/cartoons/cache/NHPJUHMEZXGLYAFUGDBEVXTKLDWNWYIR.jpg)

This sounds like me.   Thanks for the giggle.

I'm down again, today.  And, I want a cigarette.   I just found out that a friend of mine committed suicide.   He was going through a divorce, and had recently lost his job because he was drinking at work.   His son also committed suicide back in 2004.  I don't think he ever got over it.   We used to be really close - but haven't been so for the last couple of years.   I had worked with him - and when I got laid off - we didn't hang out as much.    Plus, he had gotten married again (to the one he was divorcing) and I don't think she liked him hanging out with me because she was a jealous type.   My hubby and I both liked this person, a lot.   He was always cracking jokes.    He was a good person.  We will truly miss him.

I almost lit a cig when I got the news.   I had to really fight it.   I didn't smoke.   But, I really wanted to.

  Hang in there girl!!!!   Sorry about the news of your friend but really in awe that you got thru that moment of thinking ya need that smoke. That's where I always crumble, but reading about you and others, it is getting longer and longer before I fire up the car and rush down to the store.  Take care.   

I agree.  The loss of a friend in such a manner would certainly be a catalyst to go back to smoking, and I am sorry to read this.  It's so recognizable to those of us who still smoke and have quit before.  Sassy, please do hang in there. 

Hubby & I just came back recently from a vacation.  Only a few of us on the trip were smokers.  I have been coughing since a December from an upper respiratory thing and with the winds where we were on vacation, it only got worse.  We talked about it when we returned and he started the patch today.  Stupid me bought a carton of cigs at the duty free on the way home.  I will probably start the patch soon.  I'm tired of making excuses....but I do like my mokes.  I know it's the smart thing to do...and should have been something I stuck through years ago. 

Keep your fingers crossed that I get there. 

Nicoderm patch may elevate blood pressure according to the info on the website, and I'm already on medication for that.  Waiting on a call back from my doctor.  The receptionist agreed that the patch can elevate BP and mentioned Chantix.  Side effects of that pill makes me leery and having read Klaas's friend's experiences adds to that.  Not sure, yet, what will be advised for me.  Hubby is driving me nuts counting down the # of packs I have left. 

Well, here I am, still talking to myself here in this support thread....   ::MonkeyTongue::     ::MonkeyHaHa::

Doctor prescribed Chantix and I am nervous about taking it.  Hubby countered with argument that he & our sons want me to stop smoking and want to help me.  When I said I'm concerned about the side effects, he just got impatient and said, well, just keep smoking, then.  I'm not sure where this is all going.

I saw something online about Cig that was battery operated from China.  It gave one the satisfaction of a cig without the harmful chemicals. 

Yes, in my research, I found a lot of ads.  Thanks, Always 1.

Youre welcome - best of luck.

A triple by-pass worked for me. However, I've been hooked on nicotine gum ever since.

 ::MonkeyRoll::

Triple by-pass, I'll pass...if it's in the cards.  We know someone who has been hooked on the nicorette gum for years.  I bought it years ago and never tried it.  It was after I used the patch.

I have the Chantix...just not sure I want to try it.  Will let you know.  Thanks, Nimrod, for your input.

2NJ, the patch really did work for me followed up by the gum for a while.  I never tried the Chantix but I've heard some people swear by it.  If for any reason you feel "funny" after taking it I'd try the patch.

I read that the patch raises blood pressure and doctor confirmed it & said I shouldn't use it.  Last I used the patch was before my blood pressure got out of hand & was on meds for it.  He wanted me to try the Chantix.  I took my first today.  If I start to act stranger than I usually am, please let me know. 

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa::

I will send you prayers of strength.

I know several who have had no problem with the Chantrix. I think that's what jen used.

I think she had 'interesting' dreams -- but nothing that horrifying.

I know you are smart enough to STOP the Chantrix if your reaction to it is unsettling.

I'm glad you are doing this for health.

You are a beautiful heart and soul, and are loved for those qualities.

I know of many heavy smokers that have successfully quit, when taking Chantrix.

Cardiologists prescribe it daily. 

I get nervous with medicine, also,  but I believe your body will thank you for this effort.

Thanks you Klaas, Sharon & Buckeye.  Positive thoughts are always a blessing.  Hubby has been on the patch for a week, so he's ahead of me on this process.  I have to reprogram my thought process & habits because I've been a smoker for more years than I want to say. 

Sharon, maybe Jen will find her way here to give some additional reinforcement. 

2NJ!!!!!!

I did successfully quit using Chantix.  As did my employer.  We quit together in November 2007.  Neither has smoked since.

Sharon is right - I had some pretty funky dreams while taking it.  But that really was the extent of "weirdness" for me.

My boss had zero side effects - not even weird dreams.

What I loved about Chantix, is that it helped me with the anxiety of leaving my "friends" behind.  Those lovely cigs that I didn't think I could do without.  ::MonkeyConfused::

That you keep smoking when you start taking it is what made me want to try it.

And everyone is different, from what I've heard.

Yes - set your quit date, and work toward it.................but it's not overly critical that you hit that date.

The medication in the drug will make you NOT WANT to smoke anymore - and the best part..................it'll make you NOT CARE that you don't want to smoke anymore.

No stress, no anxiety.................and no feeling of "loss".

For me, I had to develop an alternate hand to mouth activity though -  and not food, if I didn't want to gain a ton of weight.

I started chewing on my pen.  Not the healthiest thing for the teeth - but it really works for me.  I STILL do it, LOL.

And I don't even think about wanting a cig.  THAT is the amazing part for me.  I'm to the point where I can't even stand to smell it on other people, LOL.

And I never thought I'd be a hypocrite like that.  ::MonkeyHaHa::

As for my boss..................

He smoked for 40 years - 2 to 3 packs per day.  He had tried quitting before, with the patch, the gum, etc.  Nothing ever worked for him.  he would always start smoking again.

But not this time.  He didn't think Chantix would work for him either, and he was very pleasantly surprised.

He quit smoking earlier than his target quit date, LOL.  And he hasn't looked back since.

He says it does get a bit rough when he's having people over and there is drinking going on - but other than that, he doesn't think about wanting to smoke.

Thanks, Jen.  Today is the first day I will be taking 2 tablets.  I told my husband last night that I have noticed a subtle change in my urges to smoke, yet I am still smoking, as you've noted you can do with Chantix.  Your boss must be near my age, and I also failed with the patch, gum and cold turkey in the past. 

Yesterday, I started to have a little abdominal distress, but hubby also had had it a few days ago.  He thought it could be the patch, and now I am not so sure.  I have noticed some dreams, but they are just vivid so far and nothing weird.  They seem to be a replay of things going on in my day, even dialogue about monkey friend topics.

You hit the nail on the head with the separation anxiety or fear of not dealing with it.  Cigarettes have been with me a long time.  I was never one who sat through a long meeting or function 'dying' for a smoke, but never wanted to be left with 2 in my pack without a spare in the cabinet. 

As for the smell....when they closed our office in 2003, they kept me on to work from home.  I worked and smoked in my home until that job was eliminated in 2006.  Needless to say, I noticed it on everything.  Stale and nasty.  A past co-worker friend informed me that the girl who acquired my laptop complained it smelled of smoke.....and I had cleaned it before packing it up for the provisioning center.  Part of me was embarrassed, and the other part said, tough sh*t.   ::MonkeyHaHa::  (not nice, but it was how I felt back then)

Thank you for sharing your success story.  I'll keep plugging away here, hoping I can do the same.

You're welcome!!!

I'm so excited for you!!!!!  I really think you are going to be amazed at the changes in the way your brain and body think about smoking.

I had one stresser that made me want to smoke right in the beginning.  But I powered thru it.  It was only for a brief moment during a stressful situation that spanned a few days - and I was amazed it was only for that brief moment that I was even tempted.

Please post updates here - and I'll be happy to answer any questions that might come up, if I can.

Be proud of yourself - and don't let it kick you in the hiney if you don't stop on your target date.  It will happen, when your body and mind are ready for it to.

5th day on Chantix.  2nd day on AM & PM doses.  Stil smoking but am aware of less of an urge to do so.  Never thought I'd be on a mind altering drug, sotospeak.  Giving it my best shot.   ::MonkeyCool::

Hang in there 2Nj  (http://bestsmileys.com/cheering/1.gif)  We're rootin' for you.

 ::MonkeyHaHa:: ::MonkeyHaHa::  Yeah, the whole mind altering aspect of it is a bit surreal, huh?

Are you feeling pretty calm yet?  Or maybe apathetic is the word I'm looking for.  Apathetic about whether or not you smoke another?

That calm or apathy is only coming in waves, if that makes sense.  Not sure how quickly it happened to you.  I have to keep busy, because the idle time is more likely to have me lighting up.   Still working on breaking those old habits.

Yes - that definitely makes sense.  No worries - it will get to be a stronger feeling for you.

I don't remember exactly how quickly it happened for me.................but I do remember being amazed at how differently I thought and felt about smoking.  And that feeling has stayed.  My boss does sometimes get the urge to smoke, but I don't.  Not at all.

Habits......................I really tried to make a point of changing my daily routine to help with the habit part of the addiction.

I used to get up in the morning, and first thing I would do was smoke a cigarette.  Before anything else.

So I changed that - wake up, and make a mug of tea.

Umm..............in the car.  I used to smoke in the car.  I still sometimes will catch myself with the window cracked down - not even realizing when I did it, LOL.  I started keeping a tube of chap stick or lip gloss in the car............so when I got in - that's the first thing I would do - put it on.

Silly things like that..............but for me, they worked in helping to break the habit.

After meals................that was a tough one for me to break.  Used to always have to smoke after I ate.  For breakfast and lunch, instead of smoking - I stuck the end of a pen in my mouth and chewed on it (I still do that, LOL).

After dinner - it was another mug of tea.  I started excercising more - that was definitely a way to not only use up idle time, but to also feel better about myself all the way around.  Not only was I not smoking anymore, but I was getting myself into shape as well.

I guess the trick is to just find ways to vary your daily routine.  Break it up a bit.

Hey 2NJ!   We're behind you, all the way!    You can do it!     Hang in there!   One day at a time!

(http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/puschel-schmal.gif) (http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/puschel-schmal.gif) (http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/puschel-schmal.gif) (http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/puschel-schmal.gif) (http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/puschel-schmal.gif)

I'm going to have to look for this item for my hubby.   He hasn't had any luck in quitting.    I'm learning a lot about chantix here.  Thanks Monkeys.   I don't know if I can get him to try it.   He is using Commit - but still smoking a couple every day.    I wanted him to try the patch, but he knows if he puts one on, he can't smoke.   So, he needs to be "ready" before he takes that step.

He was sitting on the couch, holding my hand, the other night.  When he got up, I could smell stinky cigs on my hand.   I only quit Junuary 11 - and the smell is already getting to me.    I can say that I don't feel the urge to smoke anymore.    The only time I really think about it is when I'm upset about something - and so far, I've been able to shake off the urge when this happens.

I want to say   (http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc6/neuzat/SillyDogThanks.gif) for the support that I found here!

Sassycat,

Hope your husband wins the battle, too.  Thanks for your support & congrats on quitting, yourself.

MuffyBee,

Thanks, to you, too.  I forgot to acknowledge your post earlier. 

Jen3560,

Your habit breaking tips are noted.  I have a lot of years worth to deal with.  TY

I would like to say(even though my siggy says differently) that I will  be smoke-free for one year on March 26th.  I had basal cell carcinoma removed from my face on May 6th and in order to have plastic surgery to repair the deformity I had to quit smoking for 6 weeks without any Nicotine Replacement Therapy...well I did it through Chantix while a super great medication for helping me quit a 23 year habit...I would not recommend anyone to use it...terrible side effects and PLEASE..........if you do go the Chantix route...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!! wean yourself off the medication by tapering it off before the 12 weeks run out, I did not and suffered some terrible side effects. It the medication is different for everyone and IT DID help me to quit, HOWEVER, my story and my opinion only was not the route that I should have took ::MonkeyCool::

I am here to talk to you about it 2NJ.  You are using Chantex?  I haven't yet got up the nerve to try it.  Way to go.  Hang in there.  I am almost ready to follow you.  I did it once before but did not have the support I needed to continue with it.  In a weak moment I said what the hay and off I went like before.  This time I am going to do it at the right time, when I am serious, and when I have the support I need.  So I will give you support if you will do the same with me.   Hang in there. You are doing great. Be proud of yourself.  I am.

2NJ, GOOD LUCK.  My husband and I both tried ***get this*** laser therapy!!  What a crock.  Didn't work.  Hubby tried Chantax.... didn't work.  BUT, I don't think he really wanted to quit at the time. 

We both have prescriptions for Chantax but I am afraid to try it.  When he tried it before, he had terrible (i hope this is not too much info, LOL) diarahea and horrible dreams/nightmares. 

Have you had any side affects?  Has anyone had any side affects?  I take blood pressure medicine and anti-panic medicine so I am leary of taking anything else.

Blue Moon,

I'm here for you when you are ready.  I'm still not over the hurdle, but hope I'm getting there.   Thanks.

Congratulations & thank you for sharing your experience, eyecanCOOK.  I understand your circumstances were unique.  It would be nice to know what side effects you had...it seems it does not effect all the same way.

Well, to be honest, the last couple of days I have had some of those intestinal symptoms, but was not sure it was the Chantix.  My husband, who is on the patch, had had similar symptoms last week and is now okay, so I was thinking that it might be a virus (he thought immediately that it was the patch, which could be true).  Not sure, yet.  I have not had the horrible dreams.  I, too, take blood pressure med, so I understand your concerns.  My physician preferred the Chantix over the patch because the patch can raise blood pressure.  I'm giving it a chance, though I'd like it better if I took no meds at all. 

Thanks, KYcat. 

Good luck, 2NJ.

I smoked without any constraint from age 18 to 43. Two packs a day minimum. Three packs if the day was long and had a lot of business metings in it. I didn't want to stop and never considered it. Then my husband quit and he told me I smelled bad. Then we moved into a new house. When we took the pictures off the walls in the old one, I was amazed to see outlines on the wall caused by smoke stains. When we took down some draperies, the smoke and dust made them disintegrate, practically, in my hands. And they were new!

My husband quit by going to a six or eight week hospital program. When we moved into the new house, I didn't want to stink it up. I took the same same program that my husband had taken. No medication, no patch. Group support and information. The group had its first meeting on a Monday night. We had one week to think it over. I smoked one last cigarette a week later, at six-thirty on January 18, 2007. I put it out in the parking lot before going into the meeting room. Then I saw an ash tray even closer and regretted that I had not smoked all the way to the meeting room door. Insanity.

Quitting was hard. For a week, I went to bed work every day and came home and went to bed. Pretty soon, though, I began to notice that there were some positive aspects. I didn't smell bad. The stink washed out of my hair in the shower. Ismelled shampoo for the first time and it was beautiful. I could breathe. I wasn't coughing. I could buy white draperies and be sure I wouldn't ruin them. Coffee tasted good. They served us a non-caffeinated hot cider at the smoking-cessation group and I could taste it. The cider became a marker for me,  the taste of new sanity.

One trick they taught us was to hold a straw and breath through it. They gave us white straws the size of cigarettes and we carried them around. That helped with the physical, manipulation part of things.

I also used a lot of sugar free chewing gum, to the point where that too became an addiction -- but I didn't smoke.

I gained weight and hated it.

But I also gained freedom. There were so many places I couldn't go because of smoking, even back then. In college, I couldn't study in libraries. Later, I couldn't go to movies cuz I needed a ciggie-poo every 20 minutes. Now I can do those things.

In the first week of the smoking-cessation class, while we were still smoking, they had us make a note of every cigarette we smoked. We noted the time, place, and emotional state at the moment. I learned that I smoked to stop and start everything I did -- go to bed, get up, makke a phone call, end a phone call, stop to think what to do next, start the next thing, go to brush my teeth, finish brushing my teeth. For me it was not a matter of breaking one habit but a thousand habits. I took it as a small victory every time I did a "first" without a cigarette. The second time was always easier.

There were three people in my office who smoked as much as I did, or perhaps less. They all died later on, at the age of 63, from smoking related illnesses. When I quit smoking 63 was a long way away. Now it isn't. I'm glad I don't have the effects of smoking until that age. Other effects, sure, but not the wheezing and coughing and stinking and not being able to do things.

If I could quit, you could quit. I don't think anybody every smoked as much as I did and never had the slightest desire to quit.

When your time is up, it's up. The time for smoking is over with.

Keep up the good work.

believe me chanix works no sideaffects for me ive been smokefree for 16teen months can anyone tell me why blogsfornatalee isnt working and where is everyone thank you

Thanks, socialfriend2.   I'm hanging in there & hope to be a success story. 

Not sure about bfn....Klaas might know.  My registration was canceled because I never posted and I never reregistered. 

Thank you very much, Port Valerie.  Your story is not unlike many others and I'm sure will be valuable to others besides myself.  I appreciate your sharing this for myself and anyone else who happens to find their way to this thread.   

I QUIT SMOKING COLD TURKEY!!   AFTER SMOKING FOR AT LEAST TEN YEAR'S!!  I ONCE IN A WHILE GET A CRAVING FOR A CIG.. ESPECIALY IF I AM UNDER STRESS OR SOMEONE PISSES ME OFF LOL.. BUT  I HAVENT GONE BACK TO SMOKING... MAINLY BECAUSE MY LUNGS ARE THAT GREAT AND I HAVE ASTHMA NOT CHRONIC BUT SMOKING ONLY INTENSIFIED  MY SHORTNESS OF BREATH...SO I  SAID TO MYSELF ONE DAY!! GIRLFRIEND ... IT'S TIME TO KICK THE HABIT OR THE BUCKET!!!  WITH LOTS OF PRAYER I CONTINUE MY DAILY ACTIVITIES WITHOUT CIGARETTES EVEN UNDER THE WORST OF STRESSERS... THATS MY STORY..

BFN is going to be moving to a new server, they had server problems and that's why the site went down.  Currently some are occasionally posting at their backup forum:

http://bfnbackup.16.forumer.com/index.php

I am happy that it worked for you with no side effects...I wish that I could say the same for myself.  I did not taper off and I did not take the full dosage because I got sick otherwise. There is something to be said for people who have taken anti-depressants years before the moment they are faced with having to quit. I did years ago when my oldest who turns 13 was born.  When I went off the meds I suffered or (rather my hubby) suffered my agitated wrath... I was aggressive, agitated and unreasonable.....Let's remember that this medication as wonderful as we all would like to believe,works on the neuro-receptors in your brain that release dopamine, BUT let's remember that the BRAIN is similar to Mars a vast undiscovered terraine capable of events and things that are beyond our comprehension(ex...very sad....but nonetheless Nastasha Richardson) Let's say perhaps, for arguements sake, that the same neuro-receptors that squash your desire to smoke are in fact the same receptors that regulate sugars in your body, or pain, or in my case give you canker sores, or in medical terms mouth ulcerations every month...I did take anti-depressants when my oldest was only a baby...so perhaps that was the cocktail that tipped me over the edge...but please, if there is anything that I can offer as advice...please watch your body and anything that might be off and please taper off the medication I did not maybe that is why I suffer all the time.

Meant to say I quit on January 18, 1988 -- not 2007.

My best friend died that year due to breast cancer.  She wanted me to quit back then.  That gives you an idea how long I've been smoking.  You went from a couple years non-smoker to a couple of decades non-smoker.  Guess you were a kid....

I think I'm getting there.  I hope so.

I smoked from age 15 (part-time) or 18 (full-time) until I was 42. I quit in Jan 1988. I am 63 now. Three of my smoking business colleagues died at age 63. Another friend also age 63 smokes and has a lot of health problems including a cancer scare. I count myself blessed to have gotten through the quitting process. Extremely painful but after a while the monkey lets go.

I wish you the best with this. There's nothing good about smoking. You will eventually feel better for quitting, no matter how many years you have been struggling. One day at a time. 4 D's: when you want a cigarette -- Delay ... Distract ... Do Something Else ... Don't!

2NJ - How are you doing today? 

 :smt049 :smt026

Day 8.  Today is my planned quit date.  Haven't smoked, but did yesterday a few.  They were not remarkable.  ;)

Last night went to bed later & was tired.  It turned out to be a restless night.  Could not get comfortable and tossed for a couple of hours, but finally slept.  Dreamt I was traveling & couldn't find the Chantix...worried I would smoke.  When I got up, I checked the side effects, again, & then I went to a site that had reviews of the drug and read many going back a year or so.  Regardless of all the positive stuff I read, I still don't like taking this med, and already can't wait for it to be over, much like a dentist visit.   ::MonkeyWaa::

Hubby on the patch said yesterday that he's noticed mood swings that concerned him.  I didn't think he should be having mood swings because the patch has the nicotine.  He then said maybe it was his imagination.  I encouraged him to continue, for both of us.  If we do this together, I think we'll be successful.  Last time, around 7 years ago, he stopped the patch, started smoking cigars, then went back to cigs.  He thought I couldn't smell them.  That's when I eventually went back little by little. 

I'm a work in progress, here.  Thanks for your support. 

Port Valerie, I will keep your D's suggestion in my head. 



 

Hi....2NJ I am so happy for you....this is a big day and I hope you will do well.  I wanted to tell you what made me stop.  I started at age 19...in Nursing School.  We learned by smoking Kent cigarettes.  We thought we were cool.  It was before the known association with cancer and other lung ailments.

I quit the day after I saw the lungs of a person with cancer.  I was working in surgery.
I went home and thought about what the surgeon was saying....if any of you smoke, your lungs probably look like this....and if you quit, they will become a healthy pink again, you will be able to smell and taste food (cajuns love to hear that), you will not stink of tobacco, you will live longer and something about smokers taking too many breaks...lol...but that was the truth.  By that time I had smoked over 20 years.

The next morning I took my leather cigarette pouch and lighter and pitched it into the garbage can in the hospital parking lot.  I didn't tell anyone and it took a couple of weeks before it was noticed by others...but I honestly began feeling better within days. 

Everything that others have said is true.  I can't speak to Chantrix or patches...but I can tell you that a huge weight is lifted and you feel so much better...and you hit the point that you really want to be smoke-free forever.

I know that in some way we are always tied to those cigarettes.  I never had another one but....if someone near me is smoking the kind I used to smoke....I can tell immediately....Merit Ultra-Light 100 Menthol....!!!!  Then I just say "yuck" and keep on going.

I want you to be able to say yuck too....Hugs, Mere

the main thing is to stay away from smokers for awhile it helps alot i only took the chanix for a month and quit the reason for my quitting is i couldnt stand the taste anymore it made me wanna upchuck plus the smell is so stinky i seen a commericial on tv of lung cancer it was so gross just keep telling yourself you can do it

(http://bestsmileys.com/flowers/8.gif)

You're doing just great, 2NJ!!!!!  Like I said before - your body and mind will tell you when you're ready.  The med just helps that along.  Your target date (today) doesn't have to be set in stone, make sure to stop when you're ready!!

Hang in there, I know the med is just downright weird.................but it's there to help you.

(http://bestsmileys.com/hugging/4.gif)  That's a hug to give to yourself.  You deserve it!!

BTW - it actually got kind of fun for me to discuss the weird dreams with friends and family.  Talking about them helped diminish they way they had made me feel.

I just remembered ...

Distract and Do Something Else are the same D ... the 4th one is Drink Water.

Delay ... Distract ... Drink Water ... Don't!

I'm rooting for you, 2NJ!

 ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

So proud of you (both) for the effort. Keep on keepin' on -- it's the best we can do  ::MonkeyCool::

hugs

Due to what my family and I considered an adverse reaction to Chantix, I did not take the prescribed 2nd dose, yesterday.  Late yesterday afternoon, the tightness I had been feeling on the top of my head increased.  It was like I had a metal helmet on and it was being pressed in a vise.  Accompanying it was pressure on my chest, like an elephant was sitting on it, followed by sweating and anxiety (which was probably due to panic over the sensations).  My DH & sons were not home at the time, so I just tried to keep busy, until they returned.  They urged me to stop the med when they did get home.  I had had a few episodes of teariness over the past week & couldn't explain this without wanting to cry. 

Right now, I am feeling more like myself.  I had a good night's sleep, and have not smoked.  If I can use a low dose patch, that may help me, but I won't be able to contact my physician until Monday.  Right now, I'm just relieved I don't feel like I have a straight jacket on my brain....

Will keep you updated, as I'm sure this process will have some bumps & curves ahead. 

Again, thank you, all for your support.  It means a lot.  Mere, I had friends from HS that went into nursing and I remember them talking about Kents being the safer cigarettes.   Guess it was the thing at that time as I recall them saying the fiberglass in filters was harmful and Kent had a charcoal or other kind of filter.  Whatever.   

Hang in there my friend.

It is good sense to listen to your body.


hugs

2NJ - Hang in there!   You're doing great!   
I wonder if the Commit lozenges would work better for you?   My hubby likes those the best - when he is trying to quit.  They seem to have the least side-effects.

My hubby and I enjoyed being able to buy cigarettes at a discount price since we are military.   A carton usually costs us $48 but with the new taxes that just went into effect, they now cost $65 a carton on base.   HUGE increase.
I guess they must cost about $75-80 a carton off-base  (cigarettes have always been expensive here due to state taxes placed on them).

I keep thinking of all the money I'm saving and that makes me smile!   No more money going up in smoke for me! 

(http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/hanginthere.jpg)

2NJ- Please hang in there. I used patches. I started out with the 2nd stage because the 1st stage...21mg? was too strong for me. I checked the 14 mg out with my heart doc first and got the okay.

The urge for a ciggie will pass, do not give in to it!!!! I still get the craving at times and I ....just do NOT do it. Period.

You think about how you would feel about yourself if you were to give in. Find something else to do. I would sometimes go floss and brush my teeth to get my mind off of a cig. Then think about how clean and fresh your mouth is, not all stinked up with tar and nicotene!

I just started Chantix a couple days ago.  I've prayed for God's strength and will power, as I am a die hard smoker.  But I have to put my faith in him to give me that strength , please pray, I stay strong.   I'm on my first week, where I can continue smoking, then the dose increases and after a week, I stop.   I just pray I can stay strong and have faith in God.

Thank you so much for this thread and knowing I'm not alone.

I hope that you are doing better today 2NJ reading what you said scared me kind of.....please be well.

First, I want to wish Dihannah the best with Chantix.  It does work, as I have read many reviews & members here have shared their good fortune with it.  I'd still be taking it if I had not had the reaction, which by some accounts may have been nicotine withdrawal.  I do not know how long the Chantix stays in one's body, but not having taken it in 24 hours, I do feel like myself, again.  Will see if a lower dose patch will be my next route.  I even was reading up on laser, since we know a couple people who did that a year or so ago.  It's expensive, so they say, but it worked for them. 

I did  :smt033  later yesterday, had one then 3 hours later, another.  Too bad I blew the cold turkey that could have been because I had at least a half day or so in the bag.    :gaah:    Today is another day, I'm still a work in progress and definitely not throwing in the towel, but if some of you are shaking your head, I understand and deserve it. 


 

Dihannah1 - you'll be in my prayers!   We're behind you all the way!

2NJ - No head shaking from me - only hugs.    Tomorrow is another day - we're here to support you!

Thank you all for your support and prayers.  I need all the help I can get!  ::MonkeyWink::

I have heard about some of the bad side effects Chatix can cause to some people.  In fact I know of a girl who quit because of the vivid dreams she experiencing.  I do have them, but other than that, I'm not feeling any different, at least yet.  Because I am aware of the possible effects,  I'm keeping a close eye on how my body feels and how I think.   But, everybody is different, luckily I'm ok so far.   My quit date is next weds.  so now that I am at the point of increasing my dose, yesterday, according to the kit, hoping I start getting rid of the need for nicotine as much.

So I will keep you posted as well and CONGRATS to all those who have made it!

2NJ - You don't deserve any head shaking at you!!!!

Chantix isn't for everyone, that's a certainty.

Hey - you're still on the right path, and that is all that matters!!!

 ::cartwheel::

Dihannah - People ARE here for you.  Just shout out if you have any questions at all!!!!!

Hi guys.   I have to confess that I smoked a couple of cigs last night.    I was really, really pissed and gave in.  It didn't taste very good.  I really didn't enjoy it, but it did relax me.    I have a splitting headache today  -  and no desire to smoke another cig.

I'm not going back to smoking, but I did slip up.    Having my husband still smoking doesn't help, because they are always cigs in the house - but that is really no excuse.    I am determined not to do it again.  But, I'm only human.

Thanks for listening.    Today is day one for me, again!   

 :smt052  You can do it Sassycat.
And I'll be thinking of all the other monkeys here too.
One day at a time.  ::MonkeyCool::

 I  don't speak on this forum very often because I think that at times I might get lost in the shuffle, and I think that I don't have an intelligent thought to offer the sleuthers that frequent here, HOWEVER, I am going to go out on a limb and put myself out there..... never think that it is an all or nothing proposition to quit smoking...hey we practiced at smoking every chance we got, so we need to also practice not smoking as well.  I have quit many times before my final attempt and I told myself this last time "God I am done, my children need a healthy atmosphere...I was worse than I think alot of people on here...I smoked in the house, I smoked in the car and I smoked while I was pregnant...does that make me a bad person, No, because I would have given you my last dime to help you out. I was destructive to myself and I was showing my two sons that it was ok to not treat your body like a temple, and jeopardizing their health at the same time.  Smoking does not make us bad people that need to hide in the shadows to feed our addiction, we just need to be gentle with ourselves and get back on the bike and try again.

  My situation was I was told by a plastic surgeon that she would not help me to repair damage resulting from basal cell carcinoma that incidently I ignored for 3 and 1/2 years unless I quit smoking..My husband who never smoked was with me and I knew that I could not talk my way out of this because he heard it...so it was happening whether I wanted it to or not..That was a Friday in March 2008 by the following Monday I took my first dose of Chantix..that afternoon I smoked maybe five cigs, I noticed within an hour after the first dose I had a metallic taste in my mouth, and it was like smoking a twig...nothing got no satisfaction. For two days after that I took the medication .05mg in the morning and tried valiantly to smoke...only this time in addition to the metallic taste I had a intense headache between my eyes and again like smoking a straw...nothing no satisfaction which by the way was pissing me off and at the same time feeling triumphant. Thursday I woke up and faced my first day no cigarettes and it was super until I had to increase the dose..to .10mg, the first day I felt like I just ate a samonella sandwich and knew that I was going to have to be smarter about the meds...I took .05mg for the entire 12 weeks on the medication.

 The high points were yes I had vivid dreams but I had to start taking sominex in order to even get to sleep otherwise I tossed and turned for hours until I fell asleep.  When I began to sleep I awoke not rested and unable to face the day due to feeling fatigued. But like others here I felt it was detoxing from the nicotine so I pressed on. When I took my last pill I thought to myself wowowow I made it....I too researched and read reviews...HOWEVER never once did I google side effects of Chantix only reviews.

Let me backtrack for a minute, my mother is and RN and I spoke to her through this whole thing just to be sure that I was not going insane...either way early on about a month into treatment I started to get canker sores and I thought hey it is the jolly ranchers so I stopped that but faithfully every month around the time of my cycle I started to get them, so I did everything....vitamin replacement therapy, sodium lauryl sulfate free toothpaste, lysine and some wacky homeopathic stuff my doctor suggested but they still come?

Ok fast forward...I celebrate a year this Thursday...that is great and let me just say I am a very happy high energy person but I will be painfully honest here, I almost lost my marriage over a medication that me being a intelligent person knows  altered my life...I KNOW it, I am not the same, I will be tested for MS next month, my father has relapse-remitting and in the months that followed being off the medication I have developed MS related problems so we shall see..2NJ, you were smart to stop the medication...I am not trying to give the medication a bad reputation but if you could research Chantix side effects your side effects were there. I wish you luck and I know that you will be successful and if EVER you just need to vent or talk my name is Paige and this is my e-mail incaseukerr@comcast.net Like I said I don't say much on this forum but I really felt strongly about connecting with you..God Bless Paige


 so very sorry I have issues with copying and pasting and quoting so here it is to make it less confusing

Hi guys!
I do not smoke, but my 21 y/o brother does.  I just wanted to put this warning out to you all.
He purchased for $50 these magnets that you place on your ears to help you quit smoking.  He heard them endorsed on Howard Sterns radio broadcast and thought he would give it a shot.  The people on the show swore up and down by these magnets.

Well, needless to say there are never any quick fixes.  The b*tches did not work.  So, do not get scammed into the magnets......seriously magnets??   ::MonkeyHaHa::

Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.  I am glad that you were able to have that surgery to correct the damage of the basal cell removal.  We never know what we will be facing and your experience hit home, because my sister just told me earlier this week that she had to have mohs (sp?) surgery on a basal on her face.  She doesn't smoke, so that wasn't an issue, but what if I had to go through the same??? 

I also think your sharing of the reactions to Chantix is helpful, too.  I happened to speak to a close friend today, who I have not seen or spoken to in a few months.  She, too, had taken Chantix and said she was a mad woman and told her doctor that it would kill her before the cigarettes.

As you stated, all the reviews & reactions are out there.  A larger percentage are positive and successful, but the adverse reactions are expressed, as well. 

For Dihannah and anyone out there just starting out, I certainly wish the best outcome.  As stated, these medications are not for everyone.  I happen to have allergies to a few meds, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised with this one.  Sometimes it's just a weird syndrome where things work the opposite from what they should.  For me, for example, codeine is one.  It makes me hyper with heart palpitations.  That's why my doctor is very cautious about what I take, especially with my BP. 

I surely hope your MS symptoms are found to be something else, and not connected to the medication, but who knows what happens to the nervous system, or whatever.  Same for your Dad.  Thank you for offering to talk about it.  I do appreciate it very much.

 ::MonkeyHaHa::  Thanks, Dolce.  My brother and an ex-BIL were into those magnets and we got suckered into a back brace for my hubby by my bro in the amt of $150 that didn't do a thing.  I may have also read or heard about the ear thingies, but wouldn't consider it.   

(and we have a family member who works for Stern TV, LOL )

Sassy - you slipped up but I am still so proud of you!!!  You can do it!!! 

Just a warning.....i will be joining and posting on this thread alot more next week...ughhhh...I'm freaking out a bit about quitting and I start to have an anxiety attack when I think about it.  How dumb, right??!!!  But i'm determined to do it...nothing has EVER controlled my life like my marlboro's....and I refuse to let them *win*!  so wish me luck and dont mind if I come a runnin in here screaming and being a bit cranky...LOL

My hubs loves Stern in the morning.  It is why we have Sirius.   ::MonkeyHaHa::

You are welcome, anytime, Leroy, and thanks for reminding me about Sassy's post.  That's why Klaas started it.  There are many smokers just like us who have tried to quit, talked about it for years, or have slipped back into the habit.  It's good to have a support system besides any family or friends we already have.

I agree.   I think it is nice to have this thread for support.    Thanks for the encouragement today.   I didn't smoke today - my hubby has not smoked around me, either.   He knows I want to get back on the bandwagon - and not slip off again.   I have to stay away from beer, too.  There is something about a beer and a cig that relaxes me.   

EYECANCOOK - I enjoy reading your post and hope you post more often.   Congrats for being smoke-free for a year!   I pray your medical tests results are good.

DOLCE - thanks for stopping in and warning us about the scam magnets!   I hope your brother can quit smoking soon.

LEROY - come join us - we're here to support you!   You can do it!

ALL - thanks again for the support and being there!   

Thanks Sassy!  Any time!

I hope he can quit smoking too!  He is 21 with a baby on the way...and man oh man does that boy smell of smoke!  I am allergic to smoke and Lord knows he will not be around my kids with that stench!

No offense to my lovely Monkey friends who are working on kicking the habit.

Just think of the benefits!  It is really a selfish habit as you cut your life short due to your cravings..and the rest of the world and those you love are cut short by the time they have to spend with you! 

I love you guys and I know you can and will do it!!  So will my bro!

OK, I  just went to the Dr. today  ::MonkeyNoNo:: !!!!!  Now I am planning my quit date! Before I do, I want you all too promise not to get mad at me while I withdrawing!  It is not a pretty sight!!   ::MonkeyRoll::

Klaas, are you one of those "reformed" smoker?   ::MonkeyWink::  Will you promise to patient with me for the first week??   I think banning a money in withdrawal is a little mean......huh, huh, what do you think?  ::MonkeyRoll::

P.S.  The patch has worked for me and made it easier!!  But the last time I used it, I had a bad reaction to it!!  The red spots left by the patch lasted well over a week and were sore!  So, my DR did just gave me RX for Chantix!!  So, I hope I don't go crazy or have a heart attache!!

A few years ago, I did quit for a year and one slip is all it took!!  I smoke more now than ever!!  ::MonkeyConfused::

Good luck with the Chantix, Mytime.  Klaas did quit last year and is doing well.   We're here to support and be supported, so don't start out worrying about withdrawal or things that don't exist at this moment. 

As for the patch and skin irritation, I had that, too, when I used them 7 years ago.  I didn't have a problem until toward the end.  The patches left burn like marks that stayed for some time.  When I spoke to my sister this week about her skin cancer surgery, she told me that she had had a problem with the bandages that she was supposed to keep on the wound/stitches.  We were wondering if it was the adhesive or whatever the bandaid was made of that we both may have a sensitivity to.  Not sure.

In the meantime, I am still smoking but have cut down a lot.  I have tried to say 'No' and do something else when I normally would just light one.  This is working because my husband is still on the patch.   I have a friend who quit many years ago by doing the same thing.  She changed her smoking routine a little each week, so that the amount she smoked was less and less.  Another couple quit by making smoking an inconvenience....no smoking in the house, the car, etc.  It worked for them, too.   I guess I've been doing a little bit of both by postponing and making it inconvenient for myself. 

Keep us posted on how it's going for you! 

I've been sort of reading and lurking and I finished the Anthony threads so I thought I'd check out this thread.  OK. I can tell you how to definitely stop smoking, although I certainly don't recommend it.  I had been near a woman who was sneezing and coughing and someone told her she should do something about her cough.  She did.  She gave it to me.  I have had pneumonia a number of times in my life, so sure enough, I got a cold which turned into pneumonia.  I went to the doctor, had a chest xray and guess what?  I not only had pneumonia, but what looked to be lung cancer.  Top of my left lung.  I had a biopsy and it was confirmed.  I had surgery, they removed a portion of my lung.  It was stage one, had not spread to my lymph nodes.  I was in intensive care for a week because the anesthesia had temporarily paralyzed my right leg.  I spent another week in a regular room and was discharged.  This was in 2003.  I had an MRI twice a year for the first five years and now once a year. It hasn't returned so far.  I smoked for about 25 years.  I have not had a cigarette since I drove myself to the hospital for surgery.  My family was with me, but I wanted to drive.  I miss smoking and I miss it every single day.  I will never smoke again, however.  I don't regret any cigarette I ever smoked and I absolutely loved to smoke.  I guess I'd rather live, though. If I knew who that woman was, I'd send her some flowers.  I'm fine now, have no effects from losing part of my lung and actually feel better and have more stamina than I did when I had two whole lungs.  Don't even notice the missing part.

Wow Babybear!   Thanks for sharing your story with us!

God, I'm glad that woman gave you her cold, too!    So happy to hear that you're fine now.   Thank God you found it!


PS..  I haven't smoked since my slip-up on Sunday night.   Haven't wanted to.   I think I'm going to be ok.

Thanks, Sassycat.  That's the good thing about smoking (Dieting too.)  If you slip up, there's always a chance to start over.  You can do it.  I still just love your monkey drying off the cat.  That cat's going to lose all it hair.  LOL

First let me say, kudos to any and all of those who can quit smoking!! I have been reading here for days and wanting to add my story but have been to sick to take the time. Let me try this now. Its been so much stuff I will forget things, at times make no sense, leave words out, etc, but I can already tells it's going to feel good to get this out.

I started smoking at age 12. Like many of you, just to be cool, fit in. By 17 I was a full time smoker. Fast forward to age 43 where I am a full time chain smoker. I live in a household of nonsmokers (husband and daughter) so they both just dismiss any understanding of what it may be like. Like my husband saying to me recently, "if I was a smoker I would just quit, I wouldn't try all these gimmicks, I'd just quit". I quickly challenged him to give up his caffeine and salt. He lasted 2 days.

I tried the laser treatment. It cost $250 and I left there wanting a cigarette more than when I went in. I smoked the whole way home, crying like a baby so disappointed that I had wasted our hard earned money on this crap. I called the place back, crying and complaining. They "soothed me over" and asked to me to come back for a free treatment. I went back, same result. I was so disappointed in myself at this point I gave up on giving up.

Next I went to the patch. I felt nothing with the patch. I was told you will get sick if you smoke while wearing the patch. I just kept right on smoking with a patch on my arm for two weeks, never slowing down. So for some reason, that didn't work for me either.

Next, hypnosis. Again, I wasted more money. I feel if I found the right hypnotist, perhaps this might work. But after already blowing money on the wrong hypnotist I'm done with this option.

Back to the patch. Same result. So I finally decided to try Chantix. I got the prescription and started in. I instantly got sick. Every day, sick. Throwing up. So I had to stop because I have stomach and esophagus problems that I didn't need the extra help in getting sick. But, I then decided that after the holidays passed I would again try the Chantix. I told my family that I was willing to be sick for a week or two if it meant that I would give up the cigs. So I started back in February. And yes, sick again. Every single day. But I just kept taking it. And at a cost too. My insurance will not pay for me try to stop smoking, they will only pay if/when the smoking starts killing me! Make sense? So its $140 per 4 week pack. If you consider the price of cigarettes, this is a small price to pay if it works. And it sort of does for me, not completely, but sort of. I am down from 30 cigs a day to 4 or 5 cigs a day. And those don't even taste right. There was even a 48 hour period that I didn't smoke at all. And believe me, I cried when I broke down and bought another pack. But I didn't stop. I kept taking my Chantix, throwing up, and smoking less. But just this past week I started to change. Its week 6 in taking the Chantix, and I am "off". I am so angry. An angry I cannot really describe.

I have this dog, her name is RoxiBalboa, thus my username. She is 16 years old and very very special to me. In the midst of this angry frustrating craziness I am feeling, I can't stand to hear my husband speak, or walk, or cough. If my daughter smiles one more time I might have to smack the smile off her face. OMG is that dog whining again? (you should know here, Roxi is also partly blind, hard of hearing, very much in need of her mom's love and understanding). But then, when Roxi whined one time too many and I just lost it. I screamed at this dog, who probably (hopefully) can't hear me, "SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!!"     and I shook, and cried, and felt like, I cannot explain. I wanted "out" was what my head was saying, I wanted to hit something, to hit myself, do something, but get this anger out of me.

That is when I found you all here. It dawned on me, it’s the Chantix. I didn't do enough reading before taking it. I wasn't aware of all the side effects. Heck, all I did was call my docs office, ask if I could have an Rx, and they mailed me one. No conversation with my doctor. So after reading your stories here, I went and read some other stories about side effects and stopped the Chantix right away. I've not been taking it for 2 1/2 days and am feeling much better. Not completely right, but better.

I hope that Chantix works for some people, and am happy for those. But please use cautiously. I have grandbabies and would never forgive myself if my screaming fit was aimed at a grandchild instead of my precious dog. I had no control of it, it just exploded from me like I was a stranger watching it happen.

So I am back at Go and thinking of either cold turkey, or starting myself at 6 a day, then 5 a day, then 4 a day, etc. (I know I will talk myself into smoking more a day, I'm good at bargaining with myself. The smoker-me always gets the better of the non-smoker me).


Best of Luck to you All! You can Do It!!!!!!


and Leroy, I think I will quit with you. Want to pick a quit date together? Are we going cold turkey? I could use a stop buddy, as long as my buddy can live with me if I disappoint. Freaking out and anxiety is not dumb, its natural. But we could probably help each other with some tricks and tips and maybe we'll get there. I'm going to start chopping celery and carrot sticks. Get some straws to chew. Buy candy.

Oh yeah, one thing I read here that I wanted to second... it really does help to breathe like you are smoking. Sometimes when I want a cigarette but its not "time" for my cig yet, I can take the deep breath and let it out like I am smoking and for some reason it satisfies the urge for a lil while.

thanks for reading/listening

p.s. Has anyone ever tried Quest cigarettes? I might try this. They have 3 steps of cigs that step you down in nicotine, down to zero. Just gotta figure out where to get them. Would like to look for some feedback first, if possible. TIA

RoxiBalboa,

Thank you for sharing your experiences.   I have not tried Quest and actually forgot about this product until you mentioned it.  If you go to the website, you can enter your zip code and it will tell you the local stores that sell them in your area.  Not sure I'd try them....it's still smoking, but then, with the nicotine gone, it may have the same affect as the Chantix, especially if your smoking habits are diminished.  I cannot believe you resumed the Chantix despite the horrible side effects.  Wow. 

I am still smoking, but very cognizant of each one.  This may be because my husband is still using the patch and I'm aware that my smoking may have an effect on him.  My physician wants me to come in for another BP check within the next couple months, and discuss whether I can try a lower dose patch.  We'll see.

Roxi - I just saw this.  So it seems you've tried just about everything and I completely understand your frustration.  My quit date is April 1st so if you're in I'd love to be your quit buddy!!!  I'm going to try the Committ lozengers this time.  And I have stocked up on toothpaste and extra toothbrushes.  I never want a cig if I still have the "just brushed feeling"...lol.  So I will be brushing & flossing my teeth ALOT!

I became a full time smoker at 14 and am now 30...so i've been smoking for a while.  Right now I easily smoke a pack a day....on the weekends though I can go through 2 packs if I head out to have some cocktails.  Alot of the bars in my state sill allow you to smoke so my friends are aware that we are not allowed to go to these places until I'm comfortable being around smoke again without *giving in*.  And, none of my friends smoke.

I am determined to quit this time and cant guarantee that I wont slip up a few times - I hope I dont.  But you're right I think it would be easier to have a quit buddy so just let me know what you decide. 

Also, I have tried the Quest Cigs.....it made me want a *real* cig in the worst kind of way....so it wasn't long before I broke down and bought my Marlboro's!!

Sassy - how are you doing???

2NJ - you're support here is so appreciated...thank you and good luck at the doc's!

Hi Leroy.   I'm doing ok.   I really wanted one over the weekend, I guess because my daughter who quit on January 4 decided to buy a pack and smoke (she was fighting with her boyfriend).   Since she did that, I feel like I lost my "quit smoking buddy".    My hubby didn't last long in his quest to quit, and now my daughter is back at it.   

Speaking of "QUEST" - I never heard of it.   I'm going to check that out for my hubby.   If you and Roxi team up to kick this nasty habbit, I think it will help.   Having you guys hold me accountable is helping me.   Thanks all.

I quit smoking cold turkey on 3/28/09!!  My son's 13th Birthday.  This was not a planned date by any means, however I got very sick early that Saturday morning and have stayed sick all weekend.   I figured I have gone almost 3 days - might as well keep on going!!  I do the have the patch on standby if I need it!!    ::MonkeyRoll::

Wow!  Glad I found this thread.  I am Day 4 with no cigs!  It is hard, and I felt so alone!   I didn't plan this either, it just kind of "fell" on me.  I ran out.  Normally I budget 2 cartons of smokes-this month that amount only got me one carton cause the prices here doubled.  Tried to make them last and just plain ran out.  No one has any money I can borrow and no one has a any spare cigs-we all got taken by surprise with this rate increase.  So I just got mad and said Fine, i will quit.  It really hasn't been as bad as I thought.  I had 2 smokes I would smoke 2 drags, put it out.  I did this for 2 days.  Now I have none.  It is cold turkey.  I have found, (a new addiction) vegetable Ritz crackers.  When I really feel I need a smoke, I eat some. I will gain 20 pounds I am sure, but I figure I can lose that after.  It also helps to drink water when I start feeling the need for a smoke. 
     I did try Chantix last summer-it made me very very sick.  Worse than being pregnant.  I was lying on the couch, unable to eat any foods-it did not take away my urge to smoke-it took away my appetite and made me violently ill when I ate.  I saw the doctor after 2weeks on it (I was stubborn and determined to stick it out)-when I saw her I was about a day away from a heart attack. It gave me chest pain, but I thought it was nicotine withdrawal.
    I had the commit lozenges and nicorette gum, another time I wanted to quit, but I had diarrhea from them.  So I went on smoking, again.
    This time, it just seemed to be the right thing to do.  I don't want to pay that much to smoke, and I have smoked for 42 years.  I just decided, no more.  I guess wanting to stop makes the difference.  When you don't really want to quit, I think it is harder to do.  I have learned already where I need to change 'habit' smoking-when I have a fresh cup of coffee, when a TV show comes on I always watch comes, after dinner.  Phone calls..always good for several smokes. 
I also went through and cleaned my whole house with a lemon cleaner, so it smells nice and fresh,  Yup, even the computer desk and all the components on it.  I smell the lemon fresh and I don't want to reek it up with smoke.  I steamed my rug and my furniture.  (Of course, those originally were to keep me busy so I wouldn't want to smoke, but I found  wanting to keep the lemony-fresh smell was the outcome.)
   So, amazingly, I am doing okay with not smoking and made it to today, day 4.  I still had the lozenges and gum, but didn't want to use them, as I want to end the nicotine addiction, not change it for another form.  But I did find I needed to have a lozenge today-the panic was taking over and the urge to smoke was beginning to overwhelm me.  So I had a lozenge, but not the whole thing-I rolled it around in my mouth for 2 or 3 minutes, then took it out.  I have done that twice more since 9 am this morning.  Now it has been about 2 hours and I am trying to not use it again.  But I know it is better to use that then actually smoke a cigarette.
   I really hope I can do this.  The true test will be on the first, when I get my check-will I buy some smokes?  Or will I stay with my quitting?  It will be day 6 on the first.  Wish me luck!!

Everyone: 

Mytime and demonkatt:      Good job!  Glad you're joining us!

 ::MonkeyDance::  Good for you, mytime, demonKatt, Sassycat, Leroy and anyone I am forgetting. 

DemonKatt, you are right about cleaning and keeping busy.....I am going through some paper junk, getting ready for recycling this week.  It does help...but I am still smoking. 

Keep us updated. 

I know some monkeys have tried Chantix and had problems with it. If you have tried it, please elaborate on the the problems.

My mom talked to her brother in law that is a pulmonologist and he says his patients have had a 90% success rate at quitting.

JSM can't afford to keep smoking if ciggies keep going up due to taxes. Hell I pay more in cigarette taxes than I do to the IRS.  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Any help would be appreciated. TIA JSM

JSM, read back or look online for the reviews on adverse reactions.  I have posted more than once that there are positive results.  I think the website says 44%...not positive....but I am not one of them.   

I'm sure someone else may chime in...this is all I have right now. 

Thanks NJ mom, I will look it up. I am only hearing from my mom and her doctor husband and brother in law. I tried wellbutrin and it sort of helped, but I was also running 3 miles a day. Now I am old and falling apart.. Thanks for the help

I know many people who used Chantix with no problems and much success.  My son's friends grandmother is 60 something and she just quit using Chantix-she had smoked over 50 years.  I was just one of the few who can't, but to be fair, I am allergic to many many medications.  (and foods)..

2NJ, thanks for the website.
 I did find some Quest cigs and have been smoking them since Friday morning. So this is day 5. I do feel the absence of nicotine but I am finding this way easier than not smoking at all. I am not saying this works, it's too soon to say that. But I will tell you that I had some "real" cigarettes left over and have not touched them. Only twice did I even remember them. Once when I was upset with hubby, and after mopping my hardwood floors (which is a huge area and I felt I'd 'earned' a smoke). I didn't smoke a "real" cigarette, grabbed a Quest instead. I am hoping that once I really adjust to not having nicotine in my system, then I can turn my attention to dropping the habit of holding, puffing, exhaling, etc. Here's the really nice part though. I don't smell like smoke. Its strange, but without all the drugs that are in real cigarettes, my hair doesn't stink, fingers, clothes. I'm not sure how it works that way, but even hubby said he can't smell smoke on me. He also pointed out to me last night at the dinner table that I was saying "mmmmmm" while eating an ordinary roll with butter. He said he's never heard me "mmmmm" over food. So maybe I am already starting to taste things better, or perhaps I just got a good brand of butter, who knows. LOL. I'm very interested in the stages of not smoking. Like, when do you start to taste things better, when is all the nicotine out of your system, etc etc. I might go look for some info on that stuff and bring it here.

Leroy- April 1st, I'm in! If I do smoke Quest or herbal cigs, that's not cheating right? I'm giving up nicotine first, then the other habit. I'm repeating myself, more for myself, sorry. We can do this!!! I only check in online a couple times a week but I will be here to check on you and support you. And everyone and anyone else who needs it. You ALL can do this!

Just a sidenote: if the commit lozenges work for people then that is super great. Anything that works is great. But my doctor asked me not to use them as you end up with a new addiction, to the lozenges. Trading one nicotine habit for another. Do they sell them in declining doses? I'm not up to speed on how they are sold, but make sure you are atleast decreasing like the patch would decrease in dosage.

Sassy, don't let your family be your downfall. Lead by example. Try to not think of it as, hey they are smoking so I am going to smoke too. Think of it more like, I will set a great example for them and not smoke! I used to have the mindset, and I'd say it often, "My daddy didn't raise a quitter! I will not quit smoking!" It's a joke but it's not. We make excuses, great ones, in our minds, just to keep smoking. You think of it as you want to smoke becuz you lost your quit buddy. Think of it in this way....your buddy lost her way and you will just bring her back in.

mytime, keep going!!!!! Sorry you were sick, hope you are better now. Best of luck!

demonkatt- wtg!!! and don't buy those smokes! 4 days is quite an accomplishment. good luck  Just think what you can afford if you give up cigarettes. We joke at my house that if I quit smoking I can use the money saved to botox my face, since the cigs have ruined my face as well. But hubby might not be laughing the day I come home with a face that won't move. LOLOL

JSM, I think Chantix is a person by person basis. Its great for those who can tolerate it. My problem may have been that I am on so many other meds for other reasons. There could have been an adverse reaction. And I have extensive stomach problems, so that is possibly why I threw up everyday.

Just keep trying everyone, and don't beat yourself up mentally if you slip. You didn't just start smoking 30 cigs a day. It was one a day, then maybe 2, etc. It took time to learn to smoke, it will take time to learn to stop. Keep sharing coping tips with each other. They seem to help. I have straws around to chew on, thanks to someone here, and I cut up a bunch of carrots and celery and try to grab one of those instead of a "fake" cigarette. Remember the breathing too, it really does help. Just pretend to take a drag. Really breathe in hard, like you have a cig, then let it out and imagine that smoke coming out. I don't know why but it does help.

Good luck to everyone!

p.s. also, think about all the times you have turned down offers to go places, do things, just because you knew that you would not be able to smoke. And if you are reading this, on your computer, and have cigarettes sitting right beside you, throw them across the room right now. Go on, do it. Don't leave them beside you at the computer, its far too easy to light up and not even know you did. Anyone out there like me? I've actually had two lit at the computer before, not realizing I had lit two cigarettes! Throw 'em!!

About.com: Smoking Cessation
At 20 minutes after quitting:
Blood pressure decreases
Pulse rate drops
Body temperature of hands and feet increases.
At 8 hours:


Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
At 24 hours:
Chance of a heart attack decreases
At 48 hours:


nerve endings begin regrowth
ability to smell and taste improves
Between 2 weeks and 3 months:
Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier
Lung function increases
Between 1 to 9 months smoke-free:

Starting as early as a month after you quit smoking, and continuing for the next several months, you may notice significant improvements in these areas:
coughing
sinus congestion
fatigue
shortness of breath

wtg mytime  ::cartwheel:: my son turned 13 on the 27th of March...wow somewhere else in the world the next day you had your precious teen ::MonkeyConfused:: keep plugging you'll get there

Roxi, I was like you with the Chantix, I was angry all the time at things that did not make sense to be angry at....I was so mad one night of what my husband said or did not say at that point, that I slept in the car......how dysfunctional is that? You are NOT crazy and you are NOT alone....I experienced the same thing with that awful medication, if you are off it, stay off it.....I try not to impose my personal feelings about a person's choice of quitting but this I have experience with.   Read threads from WrongDiagnosis.com there are others that have had awful experiences with it as well as myself. The most important thing is that you quit smoking the rest well we deal with it as it comes. Stay strong and keep smiling....you are blessed to have made the first step

I had quit but I fell completely off the bandwagon this week. I do taxes, have a sinus infection, and can't take my antidepressants. I have been sneaking cigarettes again. =( I have the nicotine gum and I guess I am going to have to break that out, to get me through the next 15 days.

I've slapped on the patch, and have been smoke free for an hour.............   ::MonkeyHaHa::

WELL? I did and I have!!!    ::MonkeyTongue::

I've done this before, and I know I can do this. I still have cigs in the house............... not sure about that, but we'll see. 

Got my checklist going........... mine doesn't have to be yours, but here it is:

1. Am I in God's Will with this decision?..................................     check
    Well, that puts me in the most powerful place on earth........

2. What help is there for me to see it through?
    a) prayer
    b) support group............  YOU GUYS!!!   ::MonkeyDance::
    c) patches
    d) bottled water
    e) excercise bike
             :thumleft:

3. OK! ........................ could we please fast forward a week????    :2doh: :pale:

 ::MonkeyTongue::

The house, my clothes, my car will all smell better, I won't be so scared about my health, my son won't worry about my health, I won't have to sneak cigs at hotels, and look for smoking areas in airports! I'll FEEL better!

WE CAN DO THIS!!! you haven't failed if you slip up............... it's just part of the quitting process. Just get back on track, and don't beat yourself up................ clean yourself up, instead!   ::MonkeyWink::

I'm glad this thread is here!!!
   

GREAT POST!!!   ::MonkeyDance:: That's ENCOURAGING!!! It's so easy to just beat yourself up about it, and this post is POSITIVE!!! Thank you, Roxi!!!

4 hours!!!!   ::MonkeyDance::

This thread could get really long before I'm through this............  just sayin.....    ::MonkeyTongue::

Thanks for your help Roxi, I really don't care if my taste increases. I like food more than cigarettes. That's why I started smoking. I don't cough, have sinus congestions, fatigue or SOB. My only problem with quitting is that I will eat like a horse and get too fat to walk my dog and I can't afford new clothes. The hands and feet temps make me maybe won't to quit. I am cold all the time.

Thanks again for the info.

  ::MonkeyEek:: Oh MY GOODNESS CBB. I would never have thought you smoked.

I'm glad you have quit!!! I was talking to my doctor I work for that is about to retire. He told me he would pay for smoking cessation for me and another coworker until we quit. Even after he retires. I told him my mom would pay for the Chantix and he said go for it.

My problem is I have no side affects, i.e. coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath from cigarettes. The only thing that I have been told is by my ortho doctor. If I quit smoking it may help my osteoarthritis in my knees. I have needed a knee replacement since I was 30. So that may be a good reason to quit.

Sorry to run on about my smoking. I just wanted to let you know that I am VERRY VERRY PROUD OF YOU FOR QUITTING!!

Hugs, JSM

8 HOURS!!!   ::MonkeyDance::

JSM........... My parents both smoked and it was sort of a natural for me to fall into it. I quit for years, but stupidly picked it up again under stress when a cig was offered. I've had no symptoms either, but I just had an abdominal cat scan looking for kidney stones that caught the lower portion of my lungs. There's "multiple unencapsulated nodules" visable and I'll have to see a specialist and see where it goes from there. My Dad died of lung cancer, and I was with him every step of the way.

Tomorrow, I'll make the appointment. It's amazing how motivated I've become.  ::MonkeyNoNo::  I feel so stupid, and I do hope that my stupidity doesn't cause those I love most, any pain. That's hard for me to think about, so I'm just going to think about it being 8 hours smoke free!!!!   Thanks for the encouragement!!::MonkeyWink::

YAY CBB!!!!! You're doing great!!!

A non-smoker would have no clue what 8 hours means to a smoker, but we smokers sure know and that is fantastic!!!! Keep with it, one hour at a time.

JSM, if you don't "see or feel" the physical symptoms of cigarettes, that doesn't mean they aren't there. Doesn't mean the cigs aren't quietly destroying things. Does it help motivate to think about what the cigarettes do to a persons face? I can say it seems like the cigarette damage caused to my face, especially around the lips where a smoker is constantly puckering, snuck on my over night.
I'm just trying to think about any motivators that may help anyone. I also never hear anything about this, but have any of you ever wondered what we are doing to our precious pets? We hear plenty about what our second hand smoke is doing to our family, friends, etc. Look at your precious pet(s) and imagine them inhaling a cig. ewwww!

Leroy, how's it going?

Hope everyone in this thread is doing great and hanging tough. Don't beat yourself up if you slip, its just part of the process. You can do it!!!!

I'm at day 7 of smoking Quest nicotine free. I'm cranky but hanging in. There are still those "real" cigs in my car. I ask hubby everyday to go get me one, he says "ok hun" and we both go about our business without him getting me the cigarette. I am not sure if my method of quitting is a good or bad way to try but I'm trying to not stress. I started beating myself up Tuesday about how to kick the habit of actually holding, puffing, smoking but had to remind myself that I am not at that point yet. Nicotine first.


Go You Future Non Smokers Go!!!!!

However many hours it is................ I'm still smoke free. I'm not bitchy free, but I'm smoke free!   ::MonkeyNoNo::

Hanging in and hanging on.................. but boy, do I WANT a cig. Crazy, but I'm having a hard time focusing on anything............... but I'm doing good!!!     ::MonkeyTongue::

How's everybody else doing???

I'm so glad this thread is here!! Monkeys are so good for anything and everything!!!

Klaas? I'm a big waste of time right now as far as any forum help goes............... I'll settle back in shortly. I smoked a lot while I was on the computer, and I'm just too antsy right now to stay for long. I'm sorry, but I promise, I'll get back in the groove!! I wub you!!!

CBB....sounds so good....bitchy is not all bad.....lol.

Anything to cut old routine and keep you busy would help.  I stopped sitting at my desk and took walks with the dog.

When I got serious, I pitched all the ashtrays into the garbage and out of the house.

I washed curtains....lol....my house got a good spring cleaning....!

Fingers crossed and thinking of you....!   Mere

CBB - Glad you joined us!

Roxi - where did you find the Quest?  Is it sold at special stores?   I might need it.

I'm still hanging in there.   Boy, it is hard.    But, just think of all the money saved by not smoking!!

CBB - yes concentration will be harder for a couple of days but it will pass.  You'll get used to not smoking while on the computer.

HUGS to you and don't worry about this place!

CBB, you're doing great!!! "I'm still smoke free. I'm not bitchy free, but I'm smoke free!" LOL, I absolutely love that statement....and resemble that statement! I agree with you on the focus thing. I was wondering if this is how it is when they say men think about sex every 2 seconds or whatever they say. I always thought that couldn't even be possible to think about something that much. But I am nonstop thinking about cigarettes. I hope that that starts to go away soon.

Sassycat, I went gas station to gas station until I found some Quest. I had 1 pack of level one at one gas station, then 2 packs of level 2 at another. I knew I was going to have to locate that level 3 somewhere else. But when my pet raccoon, Chaos, ate an entire pack of level 2s I really had to hustle. So I found a smoke shop in the phone book in hopes they might sell a pack or two. I got really lucky that the woman had an entire carton and she said she stocks them for another woman and would stock them for me (for now I hope). And they were only $40 for a carton which is not bad at all. (at the gas stations, they were $6 per pack!). So I'd suggest trying a cigarette/cigar store. And if they don't stock them, ask them if they will. (and since you haven't been smoking, go right to level 3).

Found this site online and I'm sure there are others:

http://www.tobaccobymail.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=271

Quest Cigarettes
$39.50
Look no further, the end of your journey is Quest! Although it does sound strange that you were on a quest to find Quest and that it's a journey in itself and-nevermind, just buy and smoke 'em!

Roxi and Klaas -   Thanks for the info on the Quest cigs.   I'm still struggling, and I think they will help my hubby, too.   I think the reason why it is bothering me again so badly is because I have started my "spring diet" because summer is coming and I look like hell in shorts!     ::MonkeyTongue::   So, naturally, I want to smoke instead of eating!

Well, since there haven't been any updates here, lately, I thought I'd give you one from our household.   Unfortunately, it's not a success story.  When our close friend died the end of March, my husband was using the patch, and selectively forgot to replace it after the funeral.  He's been saying he'll resume the use of the patch but has yet to do it.  He's bought his own brand of cigarettes a few times, but most often just takes one, here & there from my pack. 

In the meantime, I am still smoking.  I spoke with one of my brothers, who is into holistic medicine.  After telling him about the bad reaction to Chantix, he went into his usual speech about supplements, but wondered if my quitting would have positive good results after all these years.  I love my brother, but because he's been self-employed most of his life, he has never had medical insurance for himself & his family...thus, their interest in alternative medicine.  I had given some thought to Quest, but have not bought a pack to try. 

That's my story, for now.  Still working on it. 

YES - if you quit, after just a short time you will notice a big improvement in your breathing and congeston.  Also if you have been having any sinus problems that will get better too.  I almost never cough now.   ::MonkeyCool::  I feel 100% better and have absolutely no desire to smoke. 

So I'm thinking maybe the patch or Quest should work for you.  IMO you definately need something to replace the nicotine in the beginning at least.

Hi All!!

I'm not smoking. For the past few days I've been feeling really good about my progress. I'm still wearing the patch, (level one.... the highest), and noticed it was finally getting easier. The sudden cravings were getting further apart, and I was reminding myself that I was well on my way to being like people who don't smoke and never think about a ciggie as something they miss. I was even at the point that if I found one randomly left somewhere I wouldn't have smoked it.

Today, was Hell. I wanted a cigarette so badly. I know that God put me in a situation where I couldn't get to one, because I'm not sure I wouldn't have gotten one otherwise. I was deadlining some painting that had to be done at the clinic before patients showed up Monday morning, and my boyfriend and one of the nurses were helping out. I didn't have my car and there's no way I could have smoked in front of either of them. Sooooooooo, I got through this day still smoke free, but I WANTED a cigarette! It takes 3 days for the nicotine to get out of your system, and I haven't smoked in around 12 days so I don't think it's physical cravings. It's just that cigarettes are always part of my coping with stress, and today was stress filled.

I know it will get better. I can already tell a little difference in what I "hear" in my lungs when I lay down to sleep. It's obviously not over for me though, and I'm taking it one day at a time. Today, I was back to taking it one hour at a time, but tomorrow will be better, and I know that every day I'm obedient to my commitment, the closer I am to cigarettes not even being an issue in my life. Can't happen too soon for me!!!

HUGS to all here posting! It helps!!!

CBB, you are doing well.  Giving up smoking is the hardest thing to do.  I gave up for 12 years, then i started up again, now I am a closet smoker, and smoke behind my shed and do five a day.  If I am out with friends who smoke, I will have a smoke with them.  i disgust myself for being so weak after quitting thru my sons childhood, but his puberty years caused me stress, and I took it back up  ::MonkeyHaHa::  Its a bad addiction, and if my doctor knew I smoked, Id be in deep shyte, thats why i am a closet smoker.  I know even having one is bad.  I am going to admit to smoking 50 in 2 days after Joshies funeral, so Im weak as crap.  I havent quit at all, Im still sucked in by nicotine.  Altho, now Im back to five a day, and I even enjoy the sneaky ritual of behind the back shed,  ::MonkeyHaHa::  Im just like my mother.  She is 65 and has smoked since aged 12, and wont ever quit.  she has lost her 2 younger sisters, and brother, and her dad to cancer.  They never smoked, poppa did, but in his war years, but her sisters and brother never smoked, and they are dead from cancer, but my mum who smoked for so long is as fit as a mallee ball, and works hard too.  Not condoning her smoking, as she has tried to quit for many years, she just cant do it. 

Klaas,

Having quit before, even for a few months, I know the positives, including no coughing or sinus issues, etc.  I posted my brother's comment without following up with my own thought there.   Thank you for posting.

This past Friday, before we left for the wedding, we found out that another close friend died that morning after a long battle with lymphoma.  Needless to say, my husband has not been wearing the patch and we are both still smoking.  I spent some time today reading about Quest.  While at the wedding found out that family members who had recently gone back to smoking (within the past couple of years) are now trying to quit, again.  Since we spend a lot of time with the same group, this may be good for both of us. 

CBB,

Please hang in there.  You're doing great!! 

Lucinda,

I've done the closet smoking routine before, but wish that I could get to the point where I can limit myself to 5 per day.  That would be an improvement, at least, compared to nearly a pack per day. 

  I'm baaaaaack.  I'm about to lose it and throw my pooch in the car, heck, forget him he can stay home and speed to the market.   ii so want a cig.  it's been about 30 hrs.  I've got the gum, but right now, I'm beginning to feel resentful and crabby.  Like I just don't see why it's so addictive, but I know from the past, if I have one now, it'll wreck it.

I can't even make setences right now, so I m hoping I can make it thru tonight and be like you guys that are managing to win the battle.  Wish me luck, for me right now its not even "day by day" its more like   half hour by half hour

j

 ::MonkeyWaa::   i wish somebody was here.............. i'm still hanging on.   I really want to get past this awful part and be able to not think of wanting one.   I hope if I can get thru this afternoon, maybe I can make it.  I've got my 3 yr old grandson here so that helps, we even went to the grocery store earlier.
This sounds pathetic!!!!   Well, even tho nobody is here right now, it's still nice to know others spill out there guts in here and there's no one wondering why it's so hard. My daughter wants me to quit so bad but just doesn't understand how difficult it is, I didn't even mention it this time because i've tried and failed so many other times.

Okay, back to my day. Cya.

(http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww161/4Siamese/124.gif)

I know its hard.   You're doing good.   You can do it!

    T  H   A  N  K     Y O  U..........................................................still didn't buy any...... did bum one from a neighbor who now probably thinks I'm a stalker, but oh well.....not trying to be a whiney brat, but this is the pits

MizJay.................. I'm here!!!  I'm with You!!!!  I smoked a cigarette about 4 days into this and hey, it's just the way it is.
It's important to just quickly make up your mind that it's part of quitting and constantly remind yourself of 2 things:

1. How GREAT you are doing! Do this every time you take a deep breath instead of inhale. Stop, be still and ask "Do I REALLY want a cigarette this second?" and tell yourself the truth,,,,, you're a little step closer to being free from smoking, everytime you make it through one of these episodes.

2. The goal is to be as you were BEFORE you ever started. You are restoring yourself as you were created and working back toward a natural state. It will feel really good to get back there and allow your body to heal and function the way it was designed to do.

I couldn't think clearly for 3-4 days. I am still agitated more easily, but that's getting better and my focus has returned. I'm eating more. All the negatives are something you go THROUGH................. you won't stay there. I'm praying for you Mizjay! Remember me too, OK???  WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!   

 ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

 CBB   thanks for the encouragement.    I do feel good about making thru another day (almost)  and after the many many times I've started and wimped out after about 8 hrs, to me this is a huge sucess.   

My heart is in it and I hope the rest of me follows,  it willtake me some time to have any helpful input for others reading in here thinking about quitting!  OMG after reading my posts they'll probably think they need detox or something.

One thing that is real is that I really appreciate this thread and all ya ll that come here. It means a lot to know others are rooting for you and the personal trials everybody is willing to share to help a friend get thru a tough time.

 HUGS        j         

  PS.      Prayers for you and all of us.    And yeppers  WE   CAN   DO  THIS      ::MonkeyDance::

http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=9rfo7yMWJqAYazRf&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=JibJab

 ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh:: ::MonkeyLaugh::    So true. 

    Gosh, i never realized how silly I look with one of those top hats on!!!!!!!!!!!   

Every time I get the urge to put a top hat on (  and light a smoke) this will come to mind           ::MonkeyCool:: ::MonkeyCool::

Thanks    ::MonkeyHaHa::   

Mizjay? I think you're doing just great!!! ::MonkeyDance:: I think we BOTH are!! We're going to be just like those folks that don't even think about a cigarette as part of their lives. We're going to smell good ALL the time, and we're going to feel better than we can even remember! We're going to look better and younger, too! We're going to stop worrying ourselves and those who love us!!! We're even going to please God and you know we're within His will so He's helping us. We're not going to defeat ourselves. YEP we CAN do it!   ::MonkeyDance::

Here, I was trying to find a way to celebrate the decision to quit with you and this is about as good a I can think of:

I started smoking when I was 12 years old. A friend and I thought we would be really cool  ::MonkeyCool:: and grown up. I smoked for the next 30 years with the exception of when I was preg. About 4 years ago my youngest son climbed on my lab, took my face in his hands, looked at me with big brown eyes and said "mommy please stop smoking, I don't want you to die because I would die". I realized then and there I needed to quit. that was 4 years ago and haven't touched one since.

I had tried to quit many, many times and could not but that day something changed. I completely and totally did not want to smoke anymore. Something just clicked off in my brain. It was actually not that hard either. Everytime I craved for one I said to myself, "no I am not going to smoke," It just no longer became an option.

Anyway that is my story! Good luck to all of you who wish to quit. It is an amazing feeling to be free of the addiction! You can do it, you can do it, you can! you can!  ::MonkeyDance:: ::cartwheel::

CBB   THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AVI UPDATE

And also much XOXOs for the support on the no smoking although even with the prayers and tips and belief that I could do it.......  I blew it.   I "outed" myself in the Caylee thread Sat.   Bummer.... but I did get 3 days in and it really wasn't as hopeless as I thought it would be.
yesterday, I finished off the ones I had been given,  so  I'll start again, guess I'll shut my big trap in here. This time, if I get past a week I'll be a little more sure that I can get the job done.

Gum in mouth, in my jeans, in my purse, in my car,   need to print the monkey smoking pic.

Again,  thanks to all of you for standing behind me, yourselves and the rest of the group who is, if nothing else ,trying to change our thinking about smoking..... and then for the sucessful ones ,actually making it.

 ::MonkeyWaa::     j

 

You haven't blown anything Mizjay. You're just taking the scenic route.  ::MonkeyWink::

Take what you've learned, and get to the destination, that's all!

Soooooooo, do you want to put on the new avi as travelling clothes?    ::MonkeyTongue::

  You are soooooo  sweet.  We are lucky to have you here!   I'm gonna get all misty eyed.

OMG  When I try to update the avator it's as if i'm on a different planet. That's why I'm not always waiting by the thread when one holiday comes and the next is ready.  I swear it took about an hour of struggling to figure out how to do it. My laptop was given to me and I love it compared to the big beast BUT somehow accessing my files and docs are all intertwined with my friends. I need to trashcan all of his garbage.       Anyhoooooo, thanks, this will hold me all the way til xmas!!!!!!     janet

None of that, Mizjay! If it's difficult for you, Klaas is more than happy to change you, and I ask her all the time for people. So, you can change just like eveybody else. It's no problem, really and I'll not have you left out just because it's a challenge. Klaas wouldn't want that either!   ::MonkeyWink::

OK, it's almost been a month since anyone posted updates, here.  DH & I are still smoking.  He stopped using the patch and has resumed smoking.  He's having a hard time since we've lost close friends to sudden death or illness in the past month or so.  Today he called me to tell me of the latest.  This friend worked with us years ago and married another close friend's sister.  He battled leukemia, had successful stem cell replacement years ago only to end up with diabetes and heart disease.  He had a heart attack while on dialysis...I think he was 58.   Of course our sons both despise  the habit of smoking and cannot fathom that someone's death would be a reason to smoke.  Only a smoker understands this mentality. 

Hope everyone else is staying the course. 

Hiya, 2NJ!

I do understand the mindset. Pressure makes it difficult. This time was much harder for me than the last time I quit, and I still use the patch on occasion. I didn't "warm" my way into this decision this time, I was scared into it. I wasn't around anyone who smoked, and for me, I swear, smelling smoke from others helped for a while!  ::MonkeyHaHa::

Let me encourage you, rather than brow beat you, because that has no effect on me at all, except to cause resentmet!    ::MonkeyWink::

Honest, 2NJ, it's mostly a matter of getting your mind set to "steel - up" and CALMLY resolve to get through a few days. A few days is all that stands between you as a smoker, and someone who is free from it. You don't even have to do it without REAL help. The patches REALLY help. When an urge hits hard, you'll learn that a deep breath and a few swallows of water will cause it to pass. Talk to yourself when you reach for the water, rather than a cigarette, and pat yourself on the back. When you're tempted to go buy a pack, don't allow that option any room at all. Answer yourself, "No, not now, not ever, but in a few days, I won't even want to and I'm already through the first of those!"

My thought processes were muddled for a few days............... if you experience that, know that will clear up shortly. You can do it, 2NJ! I was a HEAVY smoker, and I knew it was hurting me, but I just kept on. You can do it, too, 2NJ! I'm going to keep check on you, and hope I'll see you've made the decision to be smoke free!!  ::MonkeyDance::

CBB it's great to hear that you are not smoking.  Keep it up.

2NJSons I know it is very difficult not to smoke but I think you can do it once you set your mind to it.  Just because you went back to smoking doesn't mean you can't try again.  I think you can do it so keep trying until it works.  You will feel so much better.

Hi everyone.    CBB - congrats on becoming a non-smoker!

2NJSons -  I also went back to smoking after quiting for two months.   But, I'm trying again.   I haven't had a cigarette since May 28th (almost two weeks).   I hope I can make it permanent this time.   I'm just taking it one day at a time - but it seems with each day that passes, it gets easier.    I quit cold turkey, again.   The first three days are the worse - day 2 is just awful. 
Hang in there and don't give up.   Keep trying until you succeed!

Posted by CAPPS - good reason to quit!

Capp - I'm so sorry for all you have had to go through but am so proud that you are now smoke free!!

I was in Vegas the beginning of June and, $250 later, bought one of the electronic cigarettes.  The guy had me exhale into a paper towel...once with a real cig and then with the electronic one....WOW....it was gross!  That is what sold me on it...but sadly the electronic cig is still sitting in my closet in the original packaging. 

You may have just motivated me to pull it out...thanks Cappy!  And I wish you well and hope you get better soon!!!

Capp,
My son has been bugging me for months to try the e-cig.  Can you tell us more about it and where to get it in the most cost effective way.  So, did the doctors say the e-cig was an effective cessation method?  TIA and good for you for quitting and continue to feel better!

Cappuccino - Welcome back.  Hope you will be well enough to return on a regular basis soon. 
You've been through a hellish ordeal! 
Take care.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Capp, welcome back..so sorry to hear how ill you've been.  I'm really happy for you that you have quit smoking.  Take care and get strong.

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/07/22/e-cigarettes-pose-a-health-hazard-fda-warns.html
E-Cigarettes Pose a Health Hazard, FDA Warns
Agency says testing shows devices contain carcinogens, other toxins
Posted July 22, 2009

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, July 22 (HealthDay News) -- Testing of electronic cigarettes, known as e-cigarettes, has shown that they contain cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, including a compound used in antifreeze, U.S. health officials said Wednesday.
<snipped>

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/health/policy/23fda.html
Analysis Finds Toxic Substances in Electronic Cigarettes
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: July 22, 2009

Electronic cigarettes contain traces of toxic substances and carcinogens, according to a preliminary analysis of the products by the Food and Drug Administration.

The findings, which were announced on Wednesday, contradict claims by electronic cigarette manufacturers that their products are safe alternatives to tobacco and contain little more than water vapor, nicotine and propylene glycol, which is used to create artificial smoke in theatrical productions. When heated, the liquid produces a vapor that users inhale through the battery-powered device.

“We’re concerned about them because of what we know is in them and what we don’t know about how they affect the human body,” said Joshua Sharfstein, the F.D.A.’s principal commissioner.

The agency analyzed 19 varieties of cartridges, which hold the liquid, and two cigarettes, one manufactured by NJoy and another by Smoking Everywhere.

The analysis found that several of the cartridges contained detectable levels of nitrosamines, tobacco-specific compounds known to cause cancer. One Smoking Everywhere cartridge was found to contain diethlyene glycol, a common ingredient in antifreeze that counterfeiters have substituted for glycerin in toothpaste, killing hundreds worldwide.

Dr. Sharfstein said the agency was “not sure” what type of effect the diethlyene glycol and other carcinogens have on the human body when inhaled through electronic cigarettes.

The Electronic Cigarette Association, an industry trade group, said in a statement that the F.D.A.’s testing was too “narrow to reach any valid and reliable conclusions” and that its members sell and market their products only to adults.

A statement from the chief executive officer of NJoy, Jack Ledbetter, said a third party had tested its products and found them to be “appropriate alternatives” for cigarettes, but he did not release the findings. The company said its experts would review its tests and the F.D.A.’s.

Electronic cigarettes, which are manufactured in China, are subject to little quality control, Dr. Sharfstein said. The study found the levels of nicotine to vary even in cartridges whose labels claim to have the same amount of nicotine. Some of the cartridges that claimed not to contain nicotine actually did, the analysis found.

The F.D.A. has called electronic cigarettes drug delivery devices and said they should not be allowed in the country. It has turned away about 50 shipments of the devices at the border, but they still continue to be sold in malls nationwide and online. The agency would not comment on whether it planned to ban or seize the devices. In April, Smoking Everywhere sued the F.D.A., claiming that it did not have jurisdiction to bar the electronic devices from entering the United States.

The agency and public health officials are especially worried that electronic cigarettes, which are offered in flavors including cherry and bubblegum, are enticing to children and may be easy for those under 18 to obtain online or in malls.

Muffy - I was just going to post a similiar article on the e-cigs....my friend that I went to Vegas with (whose hubby also bought one) called me yesterday to tell me about this.  We  bought the Smoking Everywhere brand that is mentioned in this article   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

Mine might just stay in the closet afterall.

Hey, Capp, just was asking where you were and Trimm posted this link.  Wow, how scary for you!  I'm really glad you are going to be okay.  I've never smoked, but my 85 year old mom still has a pack and a half a day habit.  I could never get her to stop, and her lungs are fine.  According to her doctor, I need to quit nagging her about it.  I also used to sell Nicoderm, the smoking patch, (before it went over the counter,) and did learn that you can only quit if you truly want to.  I'm so happy that you are doing well.

Hi Cap, I just wanted to say that I am so sorry you have been so ill, please take care of yourself so you can come back to us, healthy and refreshed. We miss your intelligent and insightful posts and I know when you return to us they will have the same edge and bite they always have had.
I would love an update on how you are feeling now, I know how tough it is to kick the habit it was one of the hardest things that I have ever done for myself, I got very depressed. I'm sure with the support of friends and family and your own strength you will recover from this and bounce right back. My prayers are with you.

Miki

WOW MUFFY - thanks for this article.  I had forgot to come back to see what Capp posted till she was mentioned today in Caylee.  I so appreciate the article.

Has anyone heard anything from Cap ? I'm sorta worried  ::MonkeyWaa::

Hi Miki Monkey!  I keep checking here to see if there are any updates.   ::MonkeyAngel::

No I haven't.  I can email Capp and see if she responds.

TY Klaas.  I'm so surprised no one has heard anything.  I'll just keep checking here for any updates.

 ::MonkeyAngel::

Oh my!! Still nothing, thank you for sending an email Klaas hopefully we will hear something soon, please send her Monkey  ::MonkeyKiss:: and let her know we are concerned about her.

I did email Capp but have not received a reply.  Could be the email addy she has attached to her account doesn't work.  I don't know. 

If I hear anything I'll let you know.

TY Klaas.  You did the best you could.  I'm sure you'll let us know if you hear from her.   ::MonkeyAngel::

I thank you for sending the email, I'm sure she will reply if she can, I guess we wait and hope, Thank you Klass. ::MonkeyKiss::

I am worried because she was such a huge part of the Caylee Marie thread I felt she would always be there no matter what, such a shame, I enjoyed her opinions. Maybe she will return when she feel better.

Thanks, Klaas for trying to get in touch with Capp.  I'm really, really concerned about her.   Like others have said, she was such a big part of the forums.  I'm afraid that something just isn't right.  Wish that someone had some way to personally check with her or her family.  My prayers are with her.

       This will definitely be your last cigarette.


                   (http://www.funny-games.biz/images/pictures/1656-quit-smoking.jpg)

Mum is on champix, and she has been a full on smoker since age 14, and she is 64.  She done patches, gum etc, always went back to smoking.  She is week two now, and they allow you to smoke for two weeks, and she tries to smoke, and says the taste is foul, and she cant get the hit smokers get, and now she is whinging that the tablets are taking away her enjoyment, ironic, but a good thing maybe.  Hope she succeeds, its her last chance to quit, and probably, its the habit after all these years thats hard to break, the euphoria that smoking gives you, and i am a smoker, kind of, but I never reached the euphoria stage, and can go months without one, I need a kick up the rear, really, I hope this is mums quitting time.  She has lost sisters, brother and they were in their 40s when they died from cancer, and they never smoked, just mum smokes, and is as healthy and young looking and is old.  I think she wonders why, its weird. 

O goodness, my apologies due to not seeing Klaas's post that this thread existed and she put my post here but I found it searching for something else around that date, phew glad I did!   Klaas, thank you so much & I hope your health is well since you eluded to knowing what I went thru.

I am doing much better & attending respiratory/physical therapy 3x a week.  I was very weak & wow really out of shape so I discovered but getting stronger every day!!   Sept 5th it will be 2 months that I quit smoking... ::MonkeyCheer3:: woot woot proud of me ::MonkeyWink::

Now, about the E-cig, I saw the FDA article & its a good bit of hype, misleading to exactly what they tested coming from them - probably because our government cannot tax the ever loving crapola on it.  But do your own research, see link below.   People are suing over the use of Chantix (drug to suppress smoking) because of complications too, so every avenue is going to have its pros/cons & those that endorse a method & those that do not (sometimes with veiled motivations).  Bottom line, E-cigs contain nicotine that you can control what milligram dosage you use & then you can go nicotine drops free.   It is a vapor not a smoke & it does not contain tar & other chemicals cigarettes have.   I look at it this way smoke a pack or two of cigarettes a day harming me & others with second hand smoke OR "vap" a few puffs here and there over a course of a day...my choice is simple & I am not hacking up a lung!   The reason I also like this method is because it also gives me the sensation of holding a cigarette & seeing a smoke like response - I've always been one that needs to be doing something & my hands are always occupied so it deals with the physical response as well as the addiction to nicotine.  It is odorless & stainless, can be used anywhere!  Keep in mind, my internist, cardiologist, pulmonary specialist & respiratory therapist ALL approved the use of the e-cig & actually encouraged me to use it if it helped me quit smoking, trust me I went over this with each of them explicitly & repetitively.    With COPD smoking would have worsened the condition tenfold & taken years off my life rapidly, possibly ending up oxygen dependent before a much shortened life...that is reality.

I'm going to provide a link to a forum my hubbie belongs to because there is a host of information for everyone to find there regarding e-cigs & even information about the FDA's position, etc.   I use a 510 button pen style which is easy to draw on & very simple to operate/maintain.   I will leave it up to each of you as individuals to decide what is best for you but I strongly recommend it.     I wish all of you desiring to quit the best of luck & provide you with much encouragement & support.

Again, thank you so much for the prayers & friendship, so many have truly touched my heart & it makes me grateful to be a monkey!

Here is the link:   http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/

Sept.29,2009 will be my 1 yr anniverary of not smoking  ::MonkeyCheer3:: ::MonkeyCheer2::  I used Chantix but it scared me too...

Hey guys, I need some help! Tomorrow will be 5 weeks that I have not had a cigarete. I had a heart attack on Aug. 20th. I have done it cold turkey with no help other than sheer will power. My question is when does the never ending cravings stop? I did really good the first couple of weeks, but this last week has been hell. I feel like I could eat a pack.. plus I have just been an emotional wreck for about 2 weeks. I cry at the drop of a hat. My doctor told me that just 1 ciggy a day could collapse my stents. I beg God to take the cravings away.Please say a prayer for me.

Congratulations Darla!!! You are almost over that hill! I am smoking again. But when I did quit there were alot of times when I could of ate a ciggarette too. My neighbor, when she quit had the same problem. She would come over for the longest time and tell me to blow smoke in her face so she could resolve that momentary urge she was having. She has been smoke free for 3 years. She said the urges are not nearly as intense. She also said she has not felt this good since she was 18.

Like I said I am smoking again, but some things that did help me are the following:

1- I drank alot of orange juice or other citris juice. The vitamin C helps to rid your body quicker of the toxins that have built up over the years. One of the stop smoking programs I went to had us drink alot of juice. They also had us drink Maple Syrup(2 tablespoons) and Lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons) in about 8 oz of water several times a day. I also sucked on spearmint lifesavers. For some reason, the taste of the lifesaver had that "bite" that would curb my cravings.

2-I did try the Chantix and it does work. But I had really off the wall vivid dreams other than that I didnt have any problems with it. Another friend that took the Chantix who also occasionally drank wine and loved chocolate, loss her desire for the wine and chocolate all together. Strange to say the least but that was her experience.

I do not know if you are able to try Chantix because of your heart but I would definately ask your Doctor to see if you could try it. I think the Chantix would help you keep from picking up the ciggs again and get you through for a few more months. Then by that time you will probably be able to handle the urges better since it has only been 5 weeks. I think the Chantix could get you further down that road where you can handle it better.

I am hoping to try to quit again real soon. I have my chantix waiting for me, I am still trying to work of the courage.

You should give yourself alot of credit for coming this far! It will get better as time goes by but I dont think you ever get over those occasional urges. Right now the urges are much more intense because your body is still ridding itself of those toxins.

Treat yourself to a gift or maybe write down how you are feeling. Do know though, you will get through this, you can do this and just look how far you have come already!!! ::MonkeyKiss::

I will pray for you  and I am certain you have the strength to get through this!!!

I hope this all makes sense, I am not that great at expressing myself in words... ::MonkeyConfused::
Good Luck Darla, you are half way there!!

I will say a prayer today and for as long as it takes for your cravings to be gone, darla. It's so hard. I know, darla, I just recently quit too. I smoked A LOT! There are still times, usually emotional times, when I fear, if someone were right there offering me one, I'd take it. Darla, even if one wouldn't be harmful to your health, there is no such thing as one. I quit before for years, and thought I could smoke just one............ almost on a dare. In a week, I was up to a pack a day, and it went downhill from there.

OK, let's talk some practical help. Some things work better for some than others, but here's a few things to try:

1. Every time you successfully get through a tough temptation............ TALK TO YOURSELF and say GREAT things! Seriously, allow yourself to feel good about it, and tell yourself that you've made it and it's over because you care more about yourself and that's a good, God inspired thing!

2. Drink lots of water and take deep breaths. When you exhale, imagine the stress and temptations leaving your body. When you inhale, imagine peace entering you.

3. Make a little time several times a day to relax. Close your eyes and take a mini vacation in the most relaxing place you can imagine. For me, it's on a float in water, but you might picture a front porch swing on a beautiful mountain top home.

4. Take a nap. Just get away from it with sleep. Being well rested will strengthen your resolve, anyway!

5. Walk. It takes you outside and helps keep things in perspective. Follow your Physician's orders on the amount of excercise, but if you can, it really helps to walk.

Darla? There is one thing that I hope your Physician talked to you about. It's very, very common for post heart attack patients to encounter depression, after it's over. Depression happens in various degrees, but the emotions you are feeling may not all be attributed to quitting smoking. Talk to your Doctor about it, and please don't neglect it. He can help, and it's a physiological, not a mental thing. Talking about how you are feeling will help, too.

YOU ARE DOING GREAT, DARLA!!!  I'm so proud of you!! I'm also proud that you asked for help. That's the right thing to do and you're one smart monkey to do it! I'll check here often so let me know how you're doing, OK? You're in my prayers! 

Thanks guys for all the help. I tried the Chantix a couple of years ago and that stuff made me desperately ill. I threw up every time I took one. I am spending as much on chewing gum as I was ciggies. lol . I am also trying straws to curb the urge to have something to take to my mouth. The first week, I ate everything in the house ...so I knew that was not going to work. The straws seem to help more than anything.
I drink water continously, but can't have the juice. I am diabetic and also have Ulcerative colitis and stomach ulcers.  All the blood thinners have my colitis bleeding ....so I am having a tough time right now. Also have 2 more ruptured disk in my back that can't be touched for at least 3 more months.  I have suffered from depression since I was 6 yrs old. And take medication for it. I am trying to get myself together and I will eventually. Just seems that everything came crashing in at one time.

I feel some better today. Went to school with 4 of my grandkids this morning for Grandparents Day and stayed a couple of hours.  They all had written special notes about what I meant to them. Just made my day. I have 3 in 4th grade and one in 2nd at the same school.
Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

I will keep checking back with updates. I WILL NOT touch another ciggie.

Darla,
Don't give up next week will be a yr since I quit for the second time. (smoked for 10 yrs. quit for 10 yrs then went thru a divorce and smoked for 8 more years.) I used Chantix it made me sick so someone suggested only taking it at bed time.  It worked I only took it for couple weeks.  We went on a cruise to Jamaica and I was not even excited so I started worrying that it was making me depressed so I stopped taking it.  I don't have any cravings now, I did stop drinking coffee because I associate it with cigs.  I will never smoke again I thought I would never be able to quit this last time so now I will never pick up that one!!  I will pray for you and you WILL succeed!! Have faith!! ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyKiss::

AH!! That's the way, Darla!!   ::MonkeyDance:: I'm glad you had a little better day! I'm keeping you in my prayers!! I think your Grandkids had a little help writing those notes, and that it wasn't only their way of saying how much you mean to them, but God's way of smiling on you for what you're doing!   ::MonkeyWink::

Darla-
I am so glad that you went out to Grandparents day at your grand kids school. I just love hanging out with the children at my kids school, they are so full of excitement and really give you a new perspective on things. My oldest has been at this school seven years so I have gotten to know many of the kids. It is so wonderful to get so many hugs when I go to volunteer or visit. Sometimes I just drop in when I need a hug. LOL

Isn't amazing how much we can learn from the children? Their enthusiasm and love is so invigorating.

I know it is really hard to resist those urges when it seems everything around you is falling apart. The straws sound like a great idea. I will remember to do that also. I guess it is finding what exactly works for you. But you have all right ingredients to be successful-you have COURAGE, DETERMINATION and HOPE!! Plus you have those beautiful grandchildren that have so much to learn from their Grandmother!! ::MonkeyWink::

Again, my prayers to you for continued strength. God Bless!   ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyCheer4:: 5 weeks and 3 days!!!!! I just might make it ::MonkeyCheer4::
Thanks guys for all the support. I am praying for all of you as well. I never thought I would have the will power , but I have done ok. Now if I can just get my Mom to quit watching news and calling me every 5 minutes to tell me about it , I think I will be ok.lol

Cart, I did have a good time at the school....One of my grandsons had used the letters in grandparents to write words to describe his grandparent....well he had some really good ones til he got to the R----He put " really old". When I asked him about that one, He said "well grandma I put that you were nice, sweet, and a good cook", so I guess I will have to live with the really old part. HaHa, out of the mouths of babes. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Keep up the good work of quiting...If I can do it ANYONE can.
Have a Blessed day!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!    ::MonkeyCheer4::  Today is one year for me!! ::MonkeyCheer2:: ::MonkeyCheer3::

Let me join in that cheer with you, darla!!!    ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

Hey guys...... I have made it 8 weeks and 3 days. Every once in a while the cravings still get bad, but I am so proud of myself. And believe it or not I have not gained any weight. My skin is looking so much better and I feel so much better. I was digging out some winter clothes since we went from summer to winter in two days here in S.C. I could smell the smoke in them and I never knew they smelled so bad. So I have washed everything in the closets.
I will keep all of you guys in my prayers that you can quit too.

 ::MonkeyCheer2:: ::MonkeyCheer2:: ::MonkeyCheer2::
I love these orange pom-poms . Our high school colors are orange and white and we are celebrating our 40th reunion this year and our schools 40th anniversary. I was in the 1st graduating class of our new consolidated school and my oldest grandson will graduate this year exactly 40 yrs to the day that I graduated

Congratulations Darla! I don't think we've officially met yet. I've mostly posted on Caylee's board and the Theresa Parker board here...I'm just now starting to spread out more and socialize. It's nice to meet you. I wanted to reach out and pat you on the back. My husband and I both quit smoking in November of 2001. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life. I tried everything except hypnosis. My husband and I both smoked. I had smoked for about 17 years and my husband for about 20. I knew I wouldn't be able to quit if he didn't quit with me and at the time he was willing but we had tried so many things that didn't work. When he was on wellbutrin, it seemed to help him, but he started to feel sick and had to give it up. I had to give it up when I started to break out in hives. So we never got to see how well that would have worked for us.

I bawled on God one day about it (we had quit so many times already) and said He was going to have to somehow make us hate smoking if we were going to quit this habit and keep on hating it.

I think it was a week later, on our quit date, we just watched a lot of tv and ate like pigs. I don't know about my husband, he's not much of a talker, but I felt so depressed those first three days, like I lost my best friend. I had made it that far before so it was no big woo. Day four and then on, we stayed busy outdoors in the yard...busy around the clock and slowly started to feel better and happier. Started feeling what you're feeling...feeling better physically and that really helped to keep us on the quit trail. After a month or so we noticed our sense of smell had improved and we loved going on hikes without getting winded.

I'll keep you in my prayers too, Darla. It's still a tough time but you are well on your way! I'm happy for you!  ::MonkeyDance::

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/health/news-article.aspx?storyid=148389&catid=10
Great American Smokeout Today
 Dave Wax  Ann Butler     Created: 11/19/2009 2:41:57 PM    Updated: 11/19/2009 3:04:15 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Today is America's quit day.

The 34th Great American Smokeout is again sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which calls itself the official sponsor of birthdays.

The ACS is armed with staggering data it uses to try to convince smokers to become non-smokers.

    * Life expectancy: Those who quit at age 35 can add eight years to their lives; at age 55, it's still five years
    * Health: Heart rate and blood pressure go down minutes after your last cigarette.
    * Health care costs: Smokers cost $193 billion in health care expenses and lost productivity.
    * Cost: A pack-a-day smoker will spend nearly $2,000 in a year on cigarettes.

"We know that quitting smoking is tough and that most smokers have to try several times before quitting for good," said Alan  Thorson, M.D.

"The American Cancer Society offers a variety of effective resources ranging from online tips and tools to personalized telephone coaching by trained specialists. We hope that smokers will use the Great American Smokeout to map out a course of action..."

Visit the Great American Smokeout website for tips and tools that will help you give it up for life.

The Quit Clock, it said, will help a pack-a-day smoker quit in a selected period, and offers tips each day as the clock counts down.

The ACS cites tobacco use as the number one preventable cause of premature death in the United States.

Call 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society's website when you're ready to quit smoking.

My New Years Resolution this year was to quit smoking.    I did - three times.    ::MonkeyHaHa:: 
But I think I have finally won the battle.   I haven't had a smoke since September 11.   Don't even want one.   And I certainly don't want to have to make it my New Year's resolution again!   
::DancingSantaMonkey1::   ::DancingSantaMonkey1::   ::DancingSantaMonkey1::  ::DancingSantaMonkey1::
To those trying to quit this nasty habit - Hang in there.   You can do it!      ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Congratulations Sassycat!!  ::MonkeyCheer4::

What a wonderful thread!  Since my DH and I both smoke and just suffered heart attacks within days of each other,  this has been our hardest task, is to quit smoking.  As you all know, Stress=Smoke.  Since we both smoke, it's all a double whammy!  I haven't read this whole thread yet, but will go back for suggestions, cause we are both struggling with smoking.  He's on Chantix and I'm on the patch.  I never thought I could stop, but have no choice now.   Not to mention, the MONEY we will save!

SM just completely Rocks and has something for everybody!     K, back to read each persons success story and find mine.

God Bless the Monkeys and congrats on all the quitters!

Ok here goes... I smoked my first cigarette at age 13.... thought I was big stuff doing that!
Cigarettes were pretty easy to get as both of my parents smoked.  In fact, I lost my mother to emphysema when she was only 59 years old.

By the time I was 16 years of age, I was smoking on a regular basis... about a carton every 2 weeks back then.  The number of cigarettes I smoked per day continued to climb over the years and by the time I was in my 40s, I was smoking 2.5 packs per day!  By this time I had been smoking for over 30 years.

In 2003, my baby granddaughter became very ill with the flu and was in the hospital.  I helped take care of her and even slept in the bed with her in the hospital... she was so frightened of what was happening to her.  I came down with the flu and was very sick with my weakened lungs.  I couldn't get well.  I was so tired and so sick for about a year.

One day I got up and called my doctor, went to her office and told her I was so sick all the time and so tired, I just felt like I was going to die sitting on my couch.  And I was still smoking like a chimney.  She told me I needed to quit smoking.... yeah big surprise.  I told her I wanted to get well and I would quit.  Now I had tried before with patches and cold turkey.  I was never able to do it with those things.

She prescribed the Nicotrol Inhaler.  It is another form of nicotine replacement therapy.  I smoked one more cigarette on the way home from the pharmacy with my new prescription for these inhalers sitting in the seat next to me.  I walked in and told my husband I had just smoked my last cigarette (who by the way, did a happy dance).  I threw out my cigarettes and I used 4 of those cartridges a day in the inhaler.  The nice thing about using the inhaler to quit is you can still have the hand to mouth action you are used to with a cigarette.  Over the YEARS, I cut the number of cartridges down and eventually after about 1.5 years, I was puffing on just an empty inhaler.  I finally gave that up after another 6 months.  I did it!  I have been cigarette free for over 5 years now.

I did gain about 20 pounds which I have since lost and more because I FEEL LIKE EXERCISING AGAIN!  I actually lost almost 50 pounds since I quit.  The difference in the way I feel is like night and day.  I DO have COPD from all those years of smoking but honestly, I wonder if I would be alive now if I had not quit.  I use inhalers to improve my lung function and even though they say you can't reverse the damage, I feel as though I have increased my quality of life and hope to live many more years.  After I quit smoking, my first attempt to exercise was walking on a halfmile track.  The first time I tied on my new walking shoes and hit the track, I could only walk about 1/4 of the way around that track before I would get winded and have to sit down.  NOW, I walk 3 miles daily and I can walk for many miles before I have to rest.  Now when I look back on it, I wonder how I stood to smoke all those years.  Isn't that funny?  You just read this and say yeah right... that could never be me... but  it can!

I was a diehard smoker who watched my mother and aunt die from the effects of smoking but yet I still continued to smoke for another 10 years.  Quitting smoking was the best thing I ever did for myself and if I can do it...... ANYONE CAN DO IT.

Please if you are trying to quit smoking, try the Nicotrol Inhaler and it is a mindset.  You just gotta set your mind to it and you can do it!! ::MonkeyCheer4:: ::MonkeyCheer4:: ::MonkeyCheer4::

I have been reading through this topic with great interest. I  have smoked since i was 18yrs old. I am now 49. I have Medical problems as well. High blood pressure being the main one i take a pill everyday for. I Have wanted to quit smoking for sometime now. I have tried a few times with no luck. Now, Im at the point where i go through coughing fits, sometimes, bad ones. especially in the morning when i wake up. I want to quit. my mother died of a massive Heart attack in 1999. and my dad followed 3 yrs later. they both smoked for years. I always seen myself as my mothers daughter...i am just like her.....I dont want a massive heart attack. I want to live long enough to see all my grand children grow up. I feel like I can do it...and then, i feel like i cant. it is very tough. But, I feel medically, I have no choice. I Need prayers...LOTS of them! I Know I Cant Do it alone.

I will pray for you... and YOU can do it alone.  You are stronger than you think and you will be amazed at how good you will feel.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Hi echos...and all Monks.  I smoked for years...I had quit 4-5 times......the I discovered hypnosis.....I hated the patches, they were expensive,  the gum tasted awful, I was afraid of Chantix......so I went to a hypnotist. A one on one session (not the group thing) and walked outta the center knowing I would never smoke another cigarette.  I didn't have any I wan to kill someone cravings. I did have to break the habit...like lighting up after I ate or sitting down with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. But that too was not difficult. I have to admit, I liked to smoke. I liked the taste.  I stopped to get my son to stop. I didn't have any medical problems. I also was fearful of gaining weight. And yes, I did. But it was my own fault......I love food and used stop smoking to eat whatever I wanted....DUH, stupid me.  And I didn't want to be one of those, store front preachers oh so aggravating ex-smokers. I am not. I still hang with my friends and family members who smoke.  I would advise anyone who wants to stop and not deal with all the cravings etc.,  to check into hypnotism.  Not only are there medical benefits. There are financial benefits. And for the ladies especially you will be amazed at how bright you skin will be.

Peppermint Toothpick's is how I quit smoking. The nicoline is in your system for a year even after you stop smoking.

I skipped drinking coffee in the morning, it was alway's coffee and a cigerette...so I stopped the coffee for a time.

I stopped hanging out with smokers, that was helper. When you get upset you need to keep your hands busy. ::MonkeyDance::

Eight years ago come this Halloween.  Lung cancer is a great incentive.

I have smoked for 50 yrs and up until 2 days ago it was 3 pks a day. I have among other pets a little senior dog named Furby with medical problems. A very enlarged heart and diminished lung capacity. The vet told me not to smoke around her as I was jeopardizing her health. That's it I could smoke outside but not in the house or vehicles. My problem is anytime I've attempted to quit in the past is weight loss. I become a perpetual motion machine and don't have an appetite. I live alone and confess that I never learned how to cook and really have no interest in it. Anyone else have this problem or any suggestions ?

No problem with weight loss (darn it).  How long have you been able to quit before?  I was able to quit using the patch and gum.  Even though I had plenty of energy and tried to keep busy so as not to think about smoking I still gained weight.  My metabolism changed IMO.  Now I'm slowly losing but it's been 2 years. 

I quit for 6 mos and couldn't keep any weight on so went back to smoking. This time I quit cold turkey and am losing weight but not as bad as last time. The doctors just give me fits about the weight loss although it doesn't bother me. I'm just hoping to stabilize my weight before my next appointment with the oncologist or I'll pull the old ankle weights inside my boots. ::MonkeyDevil::

If I may ask you a question..I have wondered about your signature line and what a zoo geeper is.

Edit to add explanation:  Back in 2005 right after the forum opened in the Natalee Holloway case, a poster called Scandi Noor was a member.  We suspected she was a relative of Joran van der Sloot.  She spoke in broken English, English was definitely not her first language.  Anyway, one night right before she was banned she said a few choice phrases.

1.  Grow a brain
2.  Did I do something wrong again Zoo Geeper
3.  He is a handsome sporter, a sweet boy

Anyway, that's where it came from, LOL

Same here, I gained about 30 pounds which I lost about 3 years after quitting.  Wish I would have lost a few when quitting.  I agree with you Klaas... my metabolism changed and now I can't eat nearly as many calories without gaining weight as I did then... but maybe that is because I am healthier too?

Thanks for the explanation. I've been curious about it since I became a member and didn't know where to ask the question without being seriously O/T   ::MonkeyCool::

15 Ways Smoking Ruins Your Looks


 ::MonkeyEek::



Premature aging and wrinkles

Wrinkles look anything but wise when they show up on a relatively young person who smokes.

And show up they will. Experts agree that smoking accelerates aging, so that smokers look 1.4 years older than nonsmokers, on average.

Why the wrinkly face? Smoking hampers the blood supply that keeps skin tissue looking supple and healthy.

snip...more


http://health.msn.com/health-topics/quit-smoking/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100268530&gt1=31020

OMG I can't believe I stumbled onto this thread, I usually hang out in the Caylee threads.
I guess sometimes things work out the way they're supposed to......
I have been smoking since I was 11 and am now 49.  I did quit once when I was in my 20s, for about a week, and all I really remember about that was that it was very hard because back then, everyone still smoked in the workplace and the smell was making me nauseous.  So I started smoking again.  Both parents and grandparents smoked (and the ones of those who are still living, still smoke).
I am going to be unemployed in a few days and have decided I want to quit smoking - I know I could never do that while working, because I'm going to spend at least a few days "non-functional" :-)   I plan to quit cold-turkey and sleep a lot, take walks and chew gum to overcome the cravings.   And not to be a procrastinator, but I think it might be smart to wait till Casey Anthony's trial is over!! lol.... Anyhow, thanks Klaas for having this thread.  I haven't read all the stories yet, but definitely will!

I just found this thread too!  I need to quit sometime soon, but only after I've dropped the 15 pounds that I need to, because I've heard you gain weight when you stop.

Hopefully it won't be too hard, as I'm not a really heavy smoker.  A pack lasts me several days and I can work an 8 hour day without smoking and if I'm on a vacation with the parents for a weekend, I can go without.  My problem seems to be that it's a habit and also something I do out of boredom.  Or if I go have drinks.  Otherwise, I don't really have the urge; especially when I'm super busy.

I haven't picked a quit day yet (definitely soon!) but I will check back here for support and to read more stories.  We should have a monkey smiley boxing a cigarette!  (Like the monkey boxing Casey one.)

Sounds to me like you aren't really addicted to the nicotine like I was but just have a habit.  I think it will be easier for you.  Usually you do gain weight but I'm thinking you might not since there is no real addiction.

I personally recommend using the patch and the gum.  I'm not crazy about Zyban or Chantix.  I tried Zyban once and it made me feel really weird.  I've known two people that after using chantix to successfully quit smoking they had a heart attack.  They survived but still.  Now they are linking Chantix to heart attacks so I don't recommend using it.

The patch and gum have been around for years. 

You are the first person who has agreed with me about the "habit" theory.  Everyone else has told me that I am addicted and that I am in denial.  I always thought it was more of a habit with me because I don't get that "skin crawling" feeling if I don't have one.  It's more like there's certain things that trigger the desire to smoke, for me.  Such as having tea in the morning and watching the news.  Or after I eat something.  Or if a good song comes on the radio while driving.  Weird, eh?

Anyway, thanks for the advice!  Not sure if I need the patch, but I'll definitely try the gum.   :D

I didn't realize this thread existed. I have smoked off and on since I was 18.  Nothing too serious. Mainly if I was in the company of someone else that smoked. In 2008, I had a serious surgery coming up and I had been smoking quite a bit prior to this (around six months). I started taking Wellbutrin and though it made me feel funny for about a month I stuck with it. I kept smoking while taking it (which you are suppose to do) and I slowly started smoking less and less until one day I just didn't want it. I really like the Wellbutrin and I recommend it to most people. My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer...she has smoked since she was 12. They were able to get the cancer through aggressive radiation and chemo. She didn't quit smoking though and it came back with a vengeance three months later. They found the cancer in her brain and again in her lungs. She is still smoking. They were able to get the cancer out of her brain with radiation and are currently fighting the cancer in her lungs. She has said, "for the life of me I do not know why my brain will not let me put these cigarettes, that are killing me, down." She also says that she does not think that it is an addiction, but a habit. But that is what an addiction is...by smoking she has trained her brain to expect a cigarette while watching tv or riding in the car and so on...she didn't necessarily get hooked the very first time that she tried the cigarette but after repeatedly smoking in likely the same situations. She has tried the patch, the gum, the electronic cigarette, but she hasn't tried Wellbutrin. I think that she is afraid that it will interfere with her treatment. Good luck with quitting...I will send a prayer.  Seeing her fight for her life makes me sad that cigarettes are even sold.

Thanks for the input, labubske!  When I use the word "addiction," I'm referring to a "physical" addiction to nicotine.  What I meant to say is that I know my habit is an addiction to the act itself but I don't think I suffer from a physical addiction to nicotine as I don't get the shakes if I go hours without a smoke.  Nor do I feel any different after I've smoked a cigarette.  It's just a really stupid habit that I need to do away with.  And soon.

I understand what you are saying.  It makes a lot of sense.  I believe that there are true addicts and those that appear to be addicts by forming a habit...my Mom is a true addict. She cannot stop even in the face of death itself. 

Oh...and you are welcome.  I sure didn't mean any disrespect to you in commenting on the addiction versus habit. I meant it more toward my Mom who truly is an addict.  Best of luck at quitting...it isn't easy.

My husband, who smoked about as many years as I, just plain wasn't as addicted as I was.  He had a bad habit but not addiction.  In other words, when he went without a cigarette he didn't necessarily want to kill someone. ::MonkeyDevil::  He quit when I did but he quit cold turkey.  I could have never quit cold turkey.  My husband still jokes that I had patches on my patches at first  ::MonkeyDevil::

LOL, klaas...patches on your patches!  Your husband is lucky it was so easy for him to quit.

One interesting thing I found out about my smoking habit:  A few years ago a friend was watching me smoke and she said that I don't inhale.  Of course I do, was my reply, but then she told me to inhale and draw the smoke into my lungs.  I did and ended up coughing for several minutes.  So she was right, I don't inhale that deeply, I just suck the smoke in my mouth, it hits the back of my throat and then I exhale.  Do most smokers suck it in all the way down to their lungs?  Cuz that seems weird to me...and too much effort!




No worries...as I took no offense to what you had to say.  And I hope that your mother wins her fight.  Prayers to her.

Thanks Aurelia...prayers are what has helped her through this far.  I will gladly accept more. :)

Prayers for your Mom labubske..I hope she can finally quit.

I am working on quitting..but it has not been going well.  I am using the gum..but still smoking at times.  I have cut way down..but this is just seneless. I am getting ready to try cold turkey..but that scares me..I think it may end in tears and fraustration.

I know I'm late coming into this topic, but I just found it and if my quitting story helps just one person, than I don't mind being late.

I first started smoking at 16 and quit in 1989.  I tried quitting many times, unsuccessfully until I realized that I was unsuccessful because I would throw away all the cigarettes I had and couldn't smoke.  That drove me crazy. I would run to the store and buy more.  I wasn't ever going to quit.

Finally, I thought I would try buying a pack of cigarettes and not opening them. I would carry that pack with me everywhere I went.  When I felt I needed a cigarette I would take out the pack and ask myself if I wanted it bad enough to open the pack.  I'd say no and put the pack back unopened.  This way, I only had to quit smoking one cigarette at a time and I knew I could open the pack and have one any time I wanted.   I carried that pack for a year (unopened) before I felt I could throw it away. I've never smoked since.

No patch, no gum... just one quit one at a time.  Good luck to anyone who is trying to break the habit!

A friend gave me this to read:

(http://images.betterworldbooks.com/140/The-Easy-Way-to-Stop-Smoking-9781402718618.jpg)

Every single person I've talked to who read this book ended up being able to quit very easily.  I blasted through the first 6 chapters but then put it aside.  Why?  Because by the time you finish the book, you will be a non-smoker.  You are supposed to smoke while you are reading the book -- that's the key.  And as I was going through the chapters, every time I had a smoke I thought, "What the heck am I doing this for?"  The book explains smoking in a way that makes you not want to do it.  The part that really gripped me was how smoking was described as "suffocating yourself" and it really is!  Every time you inhale, you aren't getting pure air and you ARE suffocating.  I don't know why that simple truth never occurred to me.

So back to the reason I've set the book aside:  I KNOW it's going to work.  So I'm foolishly doing what many others have done which is to delay finishing the book because they don't feel ready to quit!  But this dilemma is covered in the upcoming chapters.  I've just got to pick it back up and read it.  Which I will.  After one more pack.   :roll:

Aurelia ::HelloKitty::

Thank-you for the book.  I will suggest this book in a discreet way, saying someone told me about a book, which is true.

I quit smoking a long time ago with toothpicks, it is still hard.  The car windows would get brown from smoking, discussing.

I wish you good luck, when you are ready to quit smoking, if I could quit smoking, anyone can.

http://www.princeton.edu/uhs/healthy-living/hot-topics/drugs-and-smoking/#caffeine

Drugs and Smoking

CAFFEINE

What are the short-term and long-term effects of caffeine?

Caffeine takes about an hour to affect you (less on an empty stomach), and usually lasts 4-6 hours. Because caffeine is a stimulant, most people experience increased alertness, blood pressure, and breathing rate. These effects are mostly due to caffeine increasing your metabolic rate (though it has not been linked to weight loss). The drug is a diuretic, causing increased urination which can lead to dehydration. Caffeine makes many people feel jittery, “on edge,” and unable to sleep. Long-term use can lead to nervousness, insomnia, dehydration, stomach irritation, and fatigue.


http://www.princeton.edu/uhs/healthy-living/hot-topics/drugs-and-smoking/#caffeine

 ::snipping2::

This is my 3rd full day without a cigarette.  I am using the patch which to me is not much use.  I had a scare with a spot on my lung and it scared me so bad that everytime I want one I think about what I have just gone through.  The word "cancer" will absolutely stop your life in it's track.

Here's hoping I can keep this up.  They did a pet scan and it came back negative for any cancer anywhere.  My spot will have to be checked periodically from here on out but that is a small price to pay for what I have put my lungs through all my life.

Take it from me, QUIT now before it is too late!

Try when you get a strong urge also chewing on maybe 1/4 piece of nicotine gum.  That got me through some of the really rough spots. 

CONGRATULATIONS...you are past the very worst stage at 3 days.  YOU CAN DO IT!   ::MonkeyDance::

I have an electronic cigarette--they are recommending that now also.  Not the same as a cigarette but it helps me to "imagine" I am smoking.  I am finding it a little easier with each passing day.  As I said, all I have to do is remember those scan and tests that I have had the last week and 1/2 and I seem to be able to fight off the urge really good.  I am cooking dinner today, son and hubby is at his sister's house, and my son told me before he left NOT to touch a cig, I told him I have gone this far so hopefully I can fight it off and keep it up.  Nothing like a scare to wake you up.

You know what is bad right now?  Tonight for some reason all I want after eating a great meal, washing all the dishes and putting away the leftovers---I WANT A CIGARETTE SO BAD!

I told my hubby I am so consumed right now thinking about it.  First time in over 3 days that I have had this craving.  But so far I have fought it off.  Guess I will have to find something else to do right now to keep me busy.  I refuse to give in.  I prayed that if He would make me be o.k. that I would give cigs up and I meant it.  I just didn't realize how hard that promise was going to be to keep.

Thinking of you Blue Moon.  I wish my Mom would have quit when the docs found her first spot.  She kept smoking and died a year and a half later.  Prayers for the cravings to cease. 

Those are the times I would add the GUM.  It really does help and you never know when you are going to get those really strong urges.  Just 1/4 piece of the gum will take the edge off.   ::MonkeyCool::

I will have to get some and try it.  Last night I dreamed I smoked a cigarette.  It tasted so good.  We went out of town this morning and just got home.  My hubby asked me if I thought I was going to make it.  I told him I just keep telling myself this will pass and so far it has.  I am even getting more energy and not coughing hardly anymore.  I have this printed out and keeping it in front of me:

If you quit smoking right now, at 09:51 AM (EST) on November 24, 2012, here is
what will begin to happen immediately:

10:11 AM (in 20 minutes): Your heart rate drops.
9:51 PM (in 12 hours): The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to
normal.
Dec. 8, 2012 - Feb. 24, 2013 (in 2 weeks to 3 months): Your heart attack risk begins to
drop and your lungs are working better.
Dec. 24, 2012 - Aug. 24, 2013 (in 1 to 9 months): Your coughing and shortness of breath
decrease and your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infection.
Nov. 24, 2013 (in 1 year): Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
Nov. 24, 2017 (in five years): Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who
doesn't smoke.
Nov. 24, 2022 (in 10 years): Your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's.
Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also
decreases.
Nov. 24, 2027 (in 15 years): Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who
doesn't smoke.

BlueMoon - I was shocked at how quickly I stopped coughing!  Keep up the good work, you can do it!

Thanks Klaas for hanging with me on this. I am so determined to do this.  My son has already scolded me that if he see's me with a cig in my hand he is going to throw anything and everything away that is associated with smoking.  I guess I really scared him to death also.  He hugged me and told me he loved me and cried when I told him the test results.  I HAVE to do this not only for myself but for him also.

O.K., I have been one full week without a cigarette, a miracle for me!

So far I have been able to overcome my urge to smoke.  I keep reminding myself about all the scarey tests and scans I just went through this past week and how overjoyed I was when they told me NO Cancer!  It is amazing what you can do once you get the worst news on your health that you have ever received.

 ::santawink::

A FULL WEEK!!  CONGRATULATIONS!!  KEEP IT UP, I KNOW YOU CAN!!

I bet your family is very proud of you!  It's hard, believe me I know.  You're doing great!  ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Well, I guess I am off to the store to get some gum.  Klaas, today is really bad.  My patch came off last night (non name-brand and doesn't stick really well) and this morning all I have wanted is a cig.  I put a new patch on but that is all I can think about.  I am feeling really sad and missing my cig at the moment.  Guess I will run to the store and get some nicotine gum and see if that helps.

It took half a day to overcome that urge for a cigarette but I did it!  I guess I am going to have to  invest in another name brand patch that will not come off so easily.  This is not any fun.  I am going to get the gum though to see if that helps.

It will help, get it.  Just keep it around in case. 

WAY TO GO!!!!  ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

thanks a lot.  I am really quite proud of myself.  I just did not know I had it in me to do this.  I appreciate the encouragement.  I am using this spot on Scared Monkeys site to post my bad spots in the road.  It helps to say it and move on.

It has been two full weeks.  Ya know, I might be able to survive this.  So far so good.  The urge to smoke is starting to diminish.  I still cannot believe I haven't reached for a cigarette.  I might be able to go on and throw them away now.  I have yet to reach over and touched  them and haven't wanted to pick one up and smoke it.

My breathing is so much better and I am sleeping better at night.  So far I have put on very little weight but I know it is coming so I am trying to watch what I eat.

Hope I can keep this up.

 ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Keep going!  I'm so happy for you and your family.  It's hard, but you have went through the hardest part of it.  Way to go! 

I am getting started on my 4th week of not smoking.  Last night I dreamed I smoked a cigarette--not once, but 3 times.  I would think by this time I would not still be having these thoughts.  My husband quit 2 years ago and he said he still has those dreams and thoughts.  Oh well, so far I haven't picked up a cigarette or even touched one BUT I do find myself reaching for one especially after eating a meal.

 ::hohohosanta::

You're doing awesome!  Don't you love how much better you breathe now?  The best thing of all is NOT being tied to going for a smoke.  Like if you are at a friends house and they want you to go outside.  It is sooooo nice.  No more shackles to that stupid cig. 

I quit in April 2008 and I still refuse to let the doctor weigh me  ::MonkeyHaHa::  When I quit I was under weight so I didn't watch what I ate (big mistake).  I gained too much and it took about 2 years to lose most of it.  Never let gaining a couple pounds be an excuse to go back to smoking.  You'll end up not losing weight and all you'll gain is your bad habit back.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! 

I know I am doing good but it still hurts.  I think I thought I was invincible but I guess I found out I am not.  So far I am not having much trouble with the weight.  I do find myself eating little sweet snacks off and on all day--will have to put a stop to that.  And yes I am breathing better.  It is so great to not have that deep bronchial cough that I have had for years.  I sleep better at night also.  I go to see a pulmonary doctor week after next.  I just hope I haven't damaged my lungs so much from smoking that I will have breathing problems for the rest of my life.

Thanks Klaas for the support.  It really helps.

I just walked 1 whole mile on the treadmill---WITHOUT GETTING OUT OF BREATH!!!!!!

Believe me I am really, really proud of that.

 ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

 ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyDance::

Thanks Muffy.  I am quite proud of myself right now.



I found the thread, has something changed since yesterday?  For some reason the boards look different.

WOW, excellent news!  You are doing GREAT!   ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Yeah, I have been messing around in the forum and may have screwed some stuff up.  I'll try and make sure it's all fixed by later tonight.  Sorry about that.  ::MonkeyCool::

Good Afternoon Monkeys,
[color=blue]
Blue Moon[/color]

You are so gutsy!  ::dogwag::  It takes so much guts to quit smoking, IMO  :rendeer:

Keep up the exercise!  God Bless You! 

It was the hardest thing I ever did was to quit smoking, twenty years.  I stopped drinking coffee in the morning, because whatever was associated with smoking I avoided.

Jowl lines on the face really scared the doo out me.  I looked at women smokers and their faces scared me  ::MonkeyShocked::

Thanks seahouse.  I am rather proud of myself.

I went to a pulmonary doctor today because of the spot on my lung.  Before I went, I contacted my doctor and asked him to find my last chest xray taken back in 2009 and see if that spot showed up on it then.  The nurse called me back yesterday and said that he thought he saw the spot but would rather the pulmonary doctor look it over and compare it to the xrays taken in the past month.  He compared it and the spot was there back in 2009 except if was larger.  It has shrunk 2mm in 3 years.  They only monitor spots for 2 years and then they consider them benign.  Well my has been 3 years so he said I am o.k.  He will monitor me in 6 months with an xray and 12 months for another cat scan ONLY because my father died from lung cancer.  He said I really have dodged a bullet and don't leave his office and smoke a cigarette.  I told him he did not have to worry, I am very much aware of how lucky I am at this moment.  He also had breathing tests done and said I do not have any form of COPD.  I think I am going to celebrate the season this year with a vacation!!!!!!!!

I am heading into my 5th week and no cigarette.  I have stepped down to the 2nd level on the patch and I almost feel like I could just throw them away and be o.k. but I won't do that for fear I might have a setback.

 ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Sorry I mean "seahorse"

Great news Blue Moon!!  ::MonkeyCheer4:: ::MonkeyCheer4::  Keep it up!   ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Thanks Muffy.  Unless you have gone through this no one would know how thankful I am at this moment.

Bluemoon  ::HelloKitty::

Thank-you for the great news and walking us through the X-rays to understand your progress.

I remember Suzie a friend said to me "It doesn't take guts, it takes brains". 

 
(In my view) Brains make a decision and it takes guts and courage, to carry it out.


Bluemoon, you have brains,guts,courage and inter-fortitude!   ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

Seahorse, thanks for your kind words.  It has been hard.

I am starting my 5th week--still no cigs.  I have stepped down to 14mg nicotine and I can tell a difference.  I am really wanting one more now but am still able to fight that urge off.  I am just so happy that I found my old xray and the doctor was able to compare the 2009 to the 2012 xray. 

One thing I would recommend to anyone who has smoked for years is ask your doctor to do an xray of your chest just to be on the safe side.  Never take for granted that the doctor will do this on their own.  Also, follow up with them and don't depend on them to call you with the results.  They did not call me and IF it had been cancer that 3 years would have done me in.

O.K.  the last 3 months have done me in----I am taking a little vacation-shopping time.  Need to go to Gatlinburg TN and see the Xmas lights and do some shopping.

I am heading into my 6th week, no cigarettes at all!!!!!!!!!!!11

I just finished one week on the step-down (14mg) and I have not worn a patch since yesterday morning.  They gave me nightmares and my side and back hurt from them so I pull the patch off and it has been 2 days without even trying for a cigarette.

I may be about ready to say that I am a "NON-SMOKER".  It feels really great to be able to say I am a former smoker.

 ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1:: ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

You are doing so good!!!  Doesn't it feel great not to "need" that smoke?   ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

 ::santawink:: You are free, Bluemoon!  Free, from the ashtrays, free, free!
Mind over matter is such a great thing, I should try it :)

 ::MonkeySlide::

Yes, it really does feel good.

We went to Pigeon Forge, TN (Shopping !!) and it felt really good to not have to look around for half a day before we found a hotel room that would allow you to smoke outside on the balcony.

I do feel "free" at the moment.  I did housecleaning today and I threw away my old ashtray.  It has lasted me several years.  I don't want to even guess how many cigs have been put out in that ashtray.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

 ::MonkeyCheer4:: ::MonkeyCheer4:: ::MonkeyCheer4::

Bluemoon,

Peppermint toothpicks   helped me when I stopped cig's.

I had toothpicks all over the place, found them in the washing machine, floor, kept me cleaning. 

Surprizingly the peppermint in the toothpick, seemed to fool my brain. ::MonkeyHaHa::

Keep up the good work. 

Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays.
 :rendeer:
Seahorse

I have been smoke free since November 21st--almost 8 months.  I went to the pulmonary doctor and the heart doctor (for blood pressure) for check ups and both said I was doing just fine, no problems (except I  need to  lose some weight).  I gained an extra 15 pounds which I am trying to work off but it just doesn't want to come off.  Didn't realize how hard losing weight would be since I never had any problem with my weight.  Anyway, I feel good and in the long-run this is the best thing I have have ever done in my entire life.  I am very proud of myself!