Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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I'm going to update the list here soon with Dutchy's new quit date... If anyone else would like to be included, just post with your quit date and I would be happy to include you!!
Malleme,
I went ahead and took a peek at my quitting stats (hadn't done that in awhile) and am still just shocked whenever I see the numbers.... Here's what they were today!!
394 days, 7 hours, 56 minutes and 11 seconds smoke free.
7887 cigarettes not smoked.$3,782.40 and 2 months, 5 hours of your life saved.
Your quit date: 1/18/2010 11:01:00 PM
LOVE LOVE LOVE the money saved but as time goes by I'm liking that life saved statistic as well!!!
Hope all is well with you!
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LOL.... Barbara! I REMEMBER those posts after you being in the airport!!!! I felt the same way in that I would walk really slowly past the people smoking outside and just breathe!!
MY how far we BOTH have come!
1 YEAR for you will be here before you know it!!!
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sweet,
Hope you are doing OK.... I've got idol on now and thought of you! Tonight has been a somewhat painful one for the contestants (and the viewers). Been a couple of bright spots but more duds than successes!
Steven still looks cute tho! lol.....
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quick hello im now a non smoker
for 5 months doing well i still get the urge, my head says yes ,,, but my body says you crazy!!!!!!! i have not touched one 
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Wooowhoooo Angelice!!! 5 months is AWESOME!!!
Seaside -- re AI - OMG it has been pretty sad tonight with so few bright spots...
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I had to turn the volumn down on AI last night...but My Tyler kept me watching...
Seaside my quit date was 9/28/10 for the list. What are you going to do with all that saved cash from quitting--a reward is certainly in order!
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Thanks everyone for the feedback on the sleeping issues and Wellbutrin. I have stopped taking it because I couldn't bear to keep going with the limited sleep I was getting. It has already helped. And the hot flashes have subsided as well (at least gone back to the "warm flashes" that I was getting before the Wellbutrin).
I saw a new MO last night and he said this was probably a good idea to let my body adjust to the Tamox without any other meds involved. But he didn't say that I couldn't/shouldn't take the Wellbutrin in the future. Unfortunately, he also didn't have any suggestions for the sleep problem though. I am going to try something that has been highly recommended on another thread - glycine. It's natural and some ladies swear by it.
I have also decided to postpone quitting - for several reasons.
1) Inability to tolerate the Wellbutrin
2) Just booked a trip to Vegas in April and I couldn't see being able to enjoy myself in a casino without smoking, especially after having just recently quit.
3) Quite honestly, don't know that my mind is made up & I am ready to quit. I am really a "habit" smoker versus an "addicted" smoker. I typically smoke 3 cigarettes a day on average - some days more, some less. I can go days without a cigarette but there are situations when I just have to have one (coffee on they way to work in the morning, having a beer, etc).Once I am back from Vegas, I will re-consider quitting so you may hear from me again in a few months!
Good luck & congrats to all of you that have been able to kick this habit.
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Jennifer,
I was also busy watching my baby on TV.
Just LOVE seeing him so much now.I am attempting this yet again.... my quitdate was last night. 2/16/11
I made my boyfriend go buy me the patch this morning as I woke up kind of in a panic knowing I finished my last cigarette last night and didnt have any. They had a special, buy 1 get 1 1/2 off, so he bought me 2 - 2 week boxes of step 1. They have worked for me in the past, but I always gave in to easy and ripped the patch off and bummed a smoke. Im hoping I can keep my quit this time. As much as I enjoy my cigarettes, I know how bad I smell, and how repulsive that must be to my boyfriend. Not to mention that I already have cancer, why on earth would I continue to smoke??? It's crazy. My boyfriends sister has lung cancer from smoking, and she is about 10 years older than I am.... so it's just a matter of time as I see it. So I will keep reading here, and posting my updates. I do feel better already by having the patch on.... Seems to be a security blanket for me I guess....
Great job and Congrats to those having anniversary's!
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Angelice,
Congrats on 5 months!!! I know what you mean even after a year, I still have moments that I could sure go for one but, I just know I can't go there even once or I'm done! If you want me to add you to our list I will. Just post with your quit date!
JSandstrom,
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Some of those medications can sure train-wreck you!
The planning phase of quitting smoking is often overlooked and, in my opinion, one of the most important things to get right!!
Good for you for recognising that this might NOT be the right time for you!! There are other quit smoking aids other than Wellbutrin that you can consider when you're ready. I think the timing of your trip and not being sure that you want to quit are the bigger hurdles!
When you decide the time is right for you, we'll be here!! Hope to hear back from you soon!!
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YEAH SWEET!!!!
Glad to hear you are going to give it another whirl!!
Take all you have learned from the last try and use it to your advantage (kind of like fine tuning on your plan).
Oh, I remember that first morning that I woke up and, for the first time in over 30 years, there was not a single cigarette in the house. Not even, God help me, a nasty old butt in the ashtray that I could re-light. I was really panicked!! But, did the old, just put one foot in front of the other and get through the day, knowing, that each day that passed, things would get easier! Now I'm over a year!!
Glad to hear the patch seems to be working for you! Whatever it takes, my friend, whatever it takes! The cigarettes don't play fair and either should you!!
I'll get the list updated with your new date!!!
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kal_1865,
I know there were a few times last night I was reaching for the remote to hit mute because it just wasn't good and I knew they were just going to get killed by the judges. Especially when (I think it was the 15 year old) didn't know the words. Although I think that one turned out OK (of course, I could be getting everyone mixed up..lol)!
I checked, and I have you on our list! In fact, I think way back when you posted your quit date you also added the exact time! I thought it was so cool because I, too, remember the exact time and date that I quit. The only other events in my life where that is true were the day I got married and the birth of both of my children!
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This is a hard day for me, I so want a cigarette! I spent the day at home with my 4 year olds and my mother! I woke up wanting one, drove the girls to school (for the whole 2 hours they are in pre-k) and on my way home I stopped infront of a store and just stood there, debating if I should go in to buy a pack. I've done this before too, bought a pack had a couple and gave away the rest of the pack, which has lead me to buy another pack tomorrow and the viscous cycle starts all over again. So i was strong, drove away from the store and tried to not think about it. 2 hours later, in the car again driving past gas stations and grocery stores and just wanting to go in there to buy a pack, but I was strong and didn't. Then my mom came over and my brother (a smoker) stopped by, usually he sits outside with me for a smoke, this time, I said no, it was so hard to say no! but I did it. Now everyone is gone, I am home with the cranky kids and normally this would be the time I would go into the garage and have one...I really want one! I guess if I get past today I will be ok. Tomorrow I am spending the day with my husband who doesn't know I have been smoking again (long story) so I wont be feeling like this. Saturday will be 2 weeks for me since my last smoke.
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....can't wait to see that quit list. It would be great to have a pinned thread just with dates and money saved etc.....Seaside thank you for taking the lead on this. Hugs
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Oh Basia, I feel for you. I remember those times when you think you will just die if you don't get a cig. But, honestly, the extreme cravings leave and it gets better. Congrats on your 2 weeks.
Sometimes I would eat celery or carrot sticks to just have something in my mouth, and deep breathing helped me a lot with cravings.
Hang in there!!
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Basia,
You have hit the 2 week slump that I hit! Quitting smoking is no longer new and is not yet easy and you are just tired of the whole flippin' thing! IT DOES GET BETTER!! For me it was around week 3-4.
Good for you for giving yourself a chance by bypassing those places where "the old you" would have gone ahead and bought them! "The new you" was stronger than the temptation AND, by the way, will get stronger and stronger with each week that passes. Meanwhile, the grip that nicotine has on you will get weaker and weaker!! Until, finally, you will wonder what the heck was the big deal?
Did you post what stop smoking method, if any, you are using? If you're doing cold turkey, there are lots of aids that you can add if it simply becomes to much!
Hang in there!! It does get better!
If I count back 2 weeks, it looks like your quit date was Feb 5. Do you want to be included on the updated list? No pressure! Just want to make sure I don't leave anyone out that wanted to be there!
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Seaside, Thanks! My quit date was 2/5. I am not using any aids to help quit, just doing it on my own. I quit for about 5 years on my own about 7 years ago and I did it on my own at that time too. Once I decide I am ready, I just do it. Unfortunetly, as soon as something too stressful happens, I usually go back. I am hoping this time quitting is for good. The last time I quit, I was so good but when my twins turned 2, I kind of lost it from the 2 years of sleepless nights and all the crying, that I asked my brother for a cig, and then it all snowballed into me becoming a full-fledge smoker again. I smoked for just over 2 years this time. I think if it wasn't for the diagnosis I would still be just thinking about quitting. Gotta look at the bright-side of things, right? LOL. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble on like this. At least I am not in the garage looking for a cig that may have fallen between the cracks somewhere.
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{{{BASIA}}} you can do it! We are all here holding your hand!
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Basia,
First off let me say that, all of the moms on here, with young children, who have gone through treatment and are now tackling quitting smoking, my hat is off to you!! My children were both older and I know how hard it was but with the little ones those years have their own difficulties without all the rest of it! I admire you all!
You know what.... If you have quit for 5 years before, I think you have all of us here beat!! Focus on what worked for you!!
Post when you need to... Sometimes the difference between success and failure is support or lack of...
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1Athena1,
Thanks... I know how much having others who really understood how flippin' hard it was (and did not pass any kind of judgement) meant to me when I was first trying to quit. My DH, while supportive, had never smoked a day in his life so, while he wanted me to quit, I'm not sure he understood how HARD it was! The ladies here DID!
I just hope to pay a small bit of that back!
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Basia,
I know exactly how you feel! Im on day 2 (with the patch) I dont wear it at night because of the weird dreams, but when I wake up I am weepy until the patch starts kicking in. The patch really does take the edge off.
This morning I was upset because my next TX is Wednesday and my boyfriend has college early that day (usually does night classes) so he cant go with me. I asked my daughter, but then told her nevermind, I would *sigh* do it all by myself.... She is a smoker, and the one I would run to to "cheat" whenever I tried to quit. It sucks that I have to avoid my daughter and the kids because I might give in.
Jennifer... I remember looking all over for a "lost" cigarette as well.
And Idol: The crazy drama queen needs to GO! I cant believe they kept her!!! Unless it's just good for ratings.
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Sweet,
Both my brother and sister-in-law smoke and I did avoid visiting for the first few weeks until, I felt a little stronger!
Wish I lived closer to Jersey... I would go with you!! How many more treatments do you have?
If you're talking about that Ashley girl on Idol, wow, you're not kidding! I was shocked when they sent her to Hollywood. You are probably right, in that it's for the ratings. Seems like every season we have one person that just doesn't 'fit'. I think she got by this week because her group did so well. Don't think she'll be on much longer but, they better make sure security is tight the night they let her go!
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enjoyed smoking, until I couldn't live without it ... Crazy, right. Social, casual smoker -- until I became stressed out, and used smoking as a crutch. Wanted and tried to quit many times ... all with NO success. Breast cancer, and chemo changed that for me .. so very fatigued, and sick with chemo .. I just could not see my poor tired, fatigued cancer ridden body smoking .. while trying to save my life.
Just me, my humble opinion. Quit cold turkey !! Difficult to quit, but I did it .. 15 minutes at a time.
Best of luck to all..
Vicki Sam
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Again you ladies are just so supportive, it's just wonderful.
Update
Hanging in there.
I'm, still using the patch and now my husband has also gone all week without smoking too while using the patch. T
I leave it on for 24 hours so I don't get the cravings. But you are so right the 1st week- sleep is definitely disrupted but the 2nd week for me so far has been fine. I have been tempted to just sit and have my coffee with a cig but there is none in the house.And I just don't want to go back to being controlled by cigs. Nicoderm CQ seems to be working for us. it takes away that panic of searching for cig butts.
Congrats to all those just starting you can do it.....It does feel so much better to not smell like cigs. But it really has to be the right time in order to quit. and making a plan it so important.
Well goood luck to all
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
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Jennifer,
TX #5 of 6 of TCH on Wednesday. Almost done ... but do NOT want to do these last 2. The taste problems were an issue for 10days last time.... could hardly eat anything, and i was miserable!
Im trying to talk my daughter into buying the patch.... She says she cant afford it, and I just did the math and sent her a text... At a pack a day, she spends 225.00 a month for cigarettes.... walgreens has a buy 1 get 1 half off, so for 45.00 she can have a months supply of patches. She smokes in the house around the kids too... and the baby has broncitus right now. We are texting back and forth, and I think she is considering it now that I pointed out how much she spend... She wants to quit so hopefully we can do it together. Im keeping my fingers crossed.
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Sweet,
Glad to hear you are getting to the end!! I know it must be hard going for treatment when you know it is going to make you feel lousy!! You're almost there!
That would be so great if you BOTH could quit together... I think I have in my quit meter that I was a pack a day smoker even though at times I know I was up to probably at least 1 1/2 packs. I'm not sure how much cigarettes are in NJ but, at $9.60 a pack here, after 1 year and 1 month (which were the stats I posted a couple of days ago) the money saved was $3700.00.... It adds up so fast!
The money was a HUGE motivating factor for me in the beginning!! Hope it is for her too!!
Jennifer
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Thank you all for being so supportive. Today was so much easier. I had maybe 1 or 2 moments during the day where I thought to myself, this is when I usually have one or wow I can really go for one right now.
Sweet, hang in there, you are so close to being done. I have to tell you, #4 of TCH was the hardest on me with SE. #5 was a breeze and #6 was a relief, I slept for 3 days straight after the last one. Congrats on going 2 days, I think the first 3 are the hardest with any habit.
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Basia,
I keep hearing 5 and 6 are better... God i hope so. I thought I was going to starve to death last treatment.
Jennifer,
I didnt realise I was spending so much.... 7.70 a pack here. (And that is the generic brand)
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Congrats to all! I have to try to read all the posts I missed.
Welcome back to those who have returned!!!
I got my exchange date today...3/11...my 'girlies' will be born! YEAH!!!
Jan
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Just a couple of thoughts:
Insomnia is a withdrawal symptom of nicotine.
I always ask my clients what is the longest time they have ever been off cigarettes becuase it will usually tell me what issue they need to work on. If they haven' quit for mor than 3 days to 1 week often it means that the person is very physically addicted and probably needs a lot of guidance about cessation medications. 3 to 4 weeks--usually habit and needs behavior modification tips, psychologists tell us it takes about 3 weeks to change a habit. A quitter will feel like a non-smoker once the "habit" cigarettes go away, which is about 1 month. Relapsing in 3-6 months-is not reaching for a cigarette when the phone rings or driving in the car (habits) but due to stress, negative emotions, and/or positive social situations--usually situations that are not common that only come up once in a while unlike habits that happen every day.
Wishing everyone a joyous weekend, VJ
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Thank you for your wisdom VJ. I have been both. I once quit for about 4 months, also have been the one who kept relapsing after 3 days. I can't tell you what number quit this is for me. But I do know that I am really sick of smoking, and deep down inside I really DO want to keep this quit.
Congrats Jan, you must be so happy!!
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