Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Hello, new to this thread...Quit smoking for about 4 months as soon as I began neoadjuvent chemo, but have relapsed and been smoking the past few days
Those of you who have used e-cigs, where did you get them? I have seen them at a nearby drugstore advertised for $19.99, but after reading the "Addiction" thread which talked about inconsistent quality in made in China models, I'd rather spend a bit more for quality.
And how do the e-cigs work? Do you need to buy nicotine "refills"?
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welcome to all the newcomers: blue cowgirl, jo1955, ssmith37, jamie30 and welcome back dutchy!
blue cowgirl I can't help you with your questions about the e-cig but I'm sure someone who does have experience will respond soon.
o2b your post reminded me that I had to stop certain daily tasks etc because smoking was my "reward" upon completion; cleaning is one of the major tasks. i still have issues with deep cleaning without a reward, so i try to avoid it as much as i can LOL!!!
seaside & jan: your quitaversaries require:
After 9 months of diagnosis, surgery, and active treatments I sucessfully made it back to work, part time but it's work and did it without smoking; just one more hurdle....
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DearBlueCowgirl, I quit using the e cig, it is quite a bit more expensive, $109 for the initial kit which comes with 1 cartridge, then you must buy extra cartridges to continue using it, for me a 30+ yr. smoker, it satisfied the nicotine craving and the cig. itself solved the smoking ritual. I used it for at least 4 months, tapering down on the dosage and the need to use it. The atomizer stopped working and I was to be without anything, so I bought nicorette gum, I am down to 4 pieces per day now, soon to be 3. I passed it on to my DD who was having trouble with just the gum, she now uses it for the ritual effect, does not seem to work as well for her, so she is going back to just the gum. It is made up of 3 parts: the cartridge, the atomizer, and the battery, all of which need to be replaced at certain intervals, so it is as expensive as smoking a name brand. But if it helps you quit....Karen kal, congratulations on passing that extra hurdle!
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Welcome newcomers!
Dutchy: I haven't got my nipples yet. That's the one thing I want to be sure of, that they don't stick out! I had to buy bras with extra padding to cover up the old ones, I don't want to have to do that again. LOL, the things we talk about on here!
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Karen333, thanks for the E-cig info. Did you order yours online? What about the refills? I am intrigued as I think much of my addiction is the ritual.
LadyinBama, I had to laugh at your post, as the only perk of my mastectomy/reconstruction is that I am getting 2D nipple tattoos because my real ones poked out so much I always had to wear a padded bra!
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BlueCowgirl, the message got pretty long so I sent you a PM, you can access it by going to the strip on top of this page or any other page. Wishing you calm, soothing thoughts as you begin this journey. hugs, Karen
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Thought I would check in - I haven't posted in a few days. I am still searching for a doctor that does the auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture). Somtimes I swear that I live at the end of the world. I have to admit I am still smoking but have cut down quite a bit. One pack now lasts me 2 1/2 days. That is good for me. I don't allow myself to smoke in my car anymore and the only room in my house is the kitchen - I do stand my a window that is open a crack. I will entertain any other ideas and would like to hear what others did to quit the habit. I am truly motivated this time. DH may be another issue but I am not going there right now. I am focusing on me.
Thanks and hope everyone is having a good day.
Jo
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Jo, try taking the number of cigarettes you are smoking now and subtract 1 or 2, then limit yourself to that no. per day. gradually subtract another 1 or 2. If you can set them out at home so they are a visual cue to you, it will make you decide when you truly need it. Drinking a lot of water and exercising will also help. That's a great idea limiting the no. of areas you smoke in!! I bought a recumbent bike and would jump on that when the craving was really strong. If you can delay lighting up when you want one by a certain amount of time, that will also help. Are you using any stop smoking aids? Stay strong, Karen That phrase was given to me by a member of this thread and it helped me get through tough times.
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I believe that every method to quit smoking will work for some smokers but there is NO method that will work for every smoker. What makes it so difficult is trying to figure out what will work for each individual and it's not just one thing--it's not just a habit, not just physical, not just emotional but smoking is a complex behavior that is linked to a wide variety of issues---which can be different for each smoker--which is why something may work for one person but doesn't work for someone else--they have different connections. Instead of relying on just one tool, I think it's important to have many different tools in your toolbox. Even those of you who have said---"This worked for me", there were probably others things that you did as well--having just one tool is like only having a hammer--then every problem looks like a nail--but sometimes a hammer just won't do the job--sometimes you need a screwdriver or a saw. the more tools in your toolbox, the more likely you will have what you need for different situations instead of relying on just one tool.
I'm not trying to talk anybody out of trying anything they think will help them but before you go and spend a whole lot of money on something that may or may not work for you--please read my book (it's free--no strings, no obligation). It will really give you a different perspective on becoming smoke-free and what it really takes to be successful. Just send me an email to VJSL8@CS.COM (or if you don't want it for free--you can always buy a copy through Amazon
some of you in the past have a copy of my work-book, which is more about different tips etc. My "how to" book, is more about the psychology behind quitting and behavioral change and even if I say so myself--it's got a lot of great information that anyone trying to make a behavioral change should read.
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Wow... So MANY new names!!!
Welcome to jo1955 and BlueCowgirl. I think you will find the group here to be a really great bunch of ladies who support each other when things are going well and when they don't go so well (ESPECIALLY when they don't go so well!)!!!!
It's going to take me a little time to get caught up....
Same offer goes for both of you where, if you e-mail VJ, she will send you a copy of her workbook!
Here's a few thing that worked for me:
In the months leading up to quitting, I made myself go outside to smoke and while I was smoking I could do NOTHING else. That got rid of some of the mindless smoking I used to do AND started breaking the associations between activities like talking on the phone, drinking coffee, etc and smoking BEFORE I actually quit... I also started waiting longer and longer before that first one in the AM and before each cigarette. After awhile I was really surprised at how long I could go if I just fought each craving individually as they came! Finally I was down to about 1/2 a pack (from 1 1/2 - 2 packs) and quit cold turkey!
One of the things I read warned about letting yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. They called it H.A.L.T. When smokers smoke it is the nicotine that helps to regulate your blood sugar so falling blood sugar results in a urge to smoke. The same goes for when we're tired. Nicotine is a stimulant. So when smokers are tired they smoke and get a bit of energy adrenaline). For awhile till your brain kinda re-wires itself and gets used to functioning without the nicotine it can't tell the difference between hungry, tired, want to smoke.
Lots of fluids (especially fruit juice) and regular meals in the beginning to flush out the nicotine and keep your blood sugar level (takes some time for your body to figure out how to do that again without nicotine). Rest when you can. I didn't crave a cigarette when I was asleep so there were many nights I just turned in early!
Those first 3 days are the absolute hardest!!! In my experience I thought day 2 and 3 were worse than day 1 but, I just went minute to minute then hour to hour and finally day to day and it got MUCH better between days 3 and 5! The actual physical withdrawal is over in around 72 hours which is how long it takes for all of the nicotine to leave your body. Then it's just the mental cravings you have to deal with instead of both!
Keep telling yourself 'It will NOTget any worse than this and WILL be dramatically better over the next few days if you just hang on' I told myself if I could honestly say after 5 days that I didn't feel any better then I would smoke and find a different method for quitting other than cold turkey. I didn't need to have that smoke after 5 days.
Another thing that worked to get the urge to pass is to breathe as though I was inhaling on a cigarette. Sounds goofy but, it forced me to take really deep breathes. Remember the urge to smoke will pass within 3 minutes whether or not you smoke! And the deep breaths have a calming affect.
Some have sucked on straws... Some blow bubbles.... I am not a gum chewer, typically, but chomped on my share of Doublemint and Juicy Fruit!! LOL Many different methods for quitting too! Some have done the patch, some gum, some e-cig and, Barbara swears by the auricular stimulation....
Biggest thing..... Ask for support when you need it!!!
Talk Soon!
PS... We have a roll call list of people that are in varying stages of quitting. And, YES, getting a plan in place to quit is, not only a stage, it may be one of the MOST important stages. The most common reason for relapse is not having a plan in place for how you are going to handle different situations without smoking!
If any of you want to be added to the list, I will be glad to add you! Just post that you want to be added or PM me!!
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OK VJ.... We have to stop meeting like this.... Giggle!
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Great minds think alike (or at least at the same time). Glad you are doing so well!
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Karen - That is what I am doing now and it seems to be working so far. I have read on several websites that cutting down gradually has had really good success rates. We ordered this thing called a Filtrim. It is supposed to be a 4 phase system in which you use this gadget and poke microscopic holes in the cig and it takes out the bad stuff. Each step is 2 weeks in length. It was studied extensively at the University at San Diego and has a patent. We thought we would give this a try. Can't hurt and did not cost a lot of money. I do have a plan B in place if this does not work. I am going to keep trying until I find something that works.
I agree with VJ - not all methods work for all people - we need to find the 1 thing or multiple things that works for each individual. I knew when I made my decision to quit that I would under no circumstances use patches, gum or any kind of nicotine replacement method.
Thanks for the tips and advice.
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jo1955,
THAT is exactly what you need to do!! If one thing doesn't work, gather the knowledge that you received from trying and try ANOTHER method until you find the 'ONE' that works for YOU!!!
The MOST important thing is the desire to quit MUST be stronger than the desire to smoke!
We are all here to help!
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SeasideMemories - At this point I am willing to try just about anything. I don't know what did it but I am so ready this time. I have tried many times over the last 40 years and always went back. Please have patience with me - I am not going to give up. So glad I found this thread.
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jo1955,
I really can't tell you what made the time I quit "right" for me either... Sometimes it's just a feeling.. I smoked (and was a heavy smoker) for over 30 years! Smoked all through treatment. I WILL say being ready to do it for YOU is a VERY important step!
We are a patient bunch!! Look forward to getting to "know" you! Glad you found us too!!
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SeasideMemories - I so hate waiting on the mail. When I order something I want it like yesterday. I just have to be patient and keep on doing what I am doing now - cutting down as much as possible and adding more "off limits" areas.
Just a bit about me. Originally from CA - Air Force brat (father was in for 28 years) - Air Force Veteran of 20 years - proud to have served my country. Been a Mobile Home/RV Resort Manager for the past 12 years. No children but have a shelter dog that thinks he is a child. Love to read books, quilts and play golf. I am on several threads and love all the virtual parties. So let's party on gals.
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Jo I used to read all the time, literally a book a day, just for the pleasure of reading! I have read ONE book for pleasure since dx! I quilt as well but haven't quilted since dx. I just don't have the patience for either any more. My eye sight has changed and I now need BIFOCALS, at 40!!!! Plus reading can still be a trigger for me to smoke
I also worry about pricking myself or cutting myself with the rotary blade while quilting and causing an LE flare. I miss those activities...
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o2bhealthy, I love to read also, sometimes a book a day too, now I don't seem to have the concentration to do it, I have 4 books started, none finished. They are all by some of my favorite authors, where does the concentration go? Karen
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Michelle - I don't know what I would do if I couldn't quilt. I understand that LE can be a problem but I am not giving up the few pleasures I still have. As for reading, I have never smoked while reading a book so I don't think that would be a problem. The eyesight is not as good as it used to be. I have worn bifocals for years. I am hoping for a Kindle for Christmas.
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O2B,
I also used to be a huge reader. My college-age daughter has inherited that trait from me! Seems she is always reading a book and will often read 2 books at the same time!! Not sure how she can keep it all straight but, she does somehow. LOL
I haven't read much in the years since my diagnosis. Trying to get back into it by carving out at least 1/2 hour a day to read. Started 'The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo" a couple of weeks ago and am about 2/3 through it. So far, so good.
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Glad to hear I am not the only one with 'Lack of Concentration' problems! Getting started on a book was rough because my mind kept wandering but after I got a ways into it, it's better!
Karen,
LOL... I have more books with bookmarks in them than I do without!
jo1955,
Bought my daughter a Kindle for Christmas, along with a gift card to Amazon so she can purchase books. According to her it was the BEST gift she ever received!! She LOVES it!
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I would LOVE a Kindle but I would hate to invest the $$$ and discover that even with a Kindle and BIG letters I still cannot concentrate
Ok I have to tell you all something that I thought was AWESOME!!!!
My 12 year old DD just got texting for her phone. She is staying at a friends house tonight and I sent her a sound text of me singing a song I always sang to her as a child - "I love you a bushel and a peck" I was just being silly and of course she is right next door at the neighbors who have lived next door for the last 6 years so I know them well...
Apparently the neighbors she is staying with tonight went out to dinner so when she opened my text, there was me signing this song out loud across the restaurant.
She sent a voice text back, kinda embarrassed, but giggling and saying "thanks mom the whole restaurant loved your song" with her friends giggling and shouting out "great song"...
So of course I respond with a text "Bahahahahahahah - It is my lifes goal to warp your world and make you blush in public places and around your friends" to which she responds with...
and this the AWESOME part...
"you are the world to me and i dont care what you do there will be no one who can juge me of how loveing and careing you are"
now the spelling needs some work but the content is AWESOME!!!!
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Something I found out recently is that you can download Kindle books to your computer --you don't actually need the devise. I'm checking out this way first to see if I want to invest the money. I read mostly at home, so I haven't decided if I would need the portable devise.
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Hey, hello, I am just popping on here as a recovered smoker. Just to maybe give some encouragement. I smoked almost 30 years on& off, light smoker, never when pregnant or on family vacations... Yet why did I keep smoking? Totally in the closet, hiding it from my kids and friends. Because it's so damn addictive!
I'm not religious & never been to AA but I found the "one day at a time"thing very critical. Every day from day 1 till like day 45 I woke up in the morning proud and relieved I made it another day. Every evening I wished like hell I had a pack and vowed I'd made it long enough and tomorrow I'm going to get a pack.
After a couple months of daily agonizing it gets easier. Right now I am extremely proud of myself and glad I don't have that monkey on my back. especially since my diagnosis. Can't overstate how proud I feel. And relieved. I loved smoking but what a relief not to be hooked.0 -
o2bhealthy, how perfectly AWESOME. When i read it all I could say was awwwww. Keep that message forever, you must be a wonderful mom and what a great daughter you have. hugs, Karen
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Awwwwwww Michelle!!
Your daughter's response brought tears to my eyes!!! What a special girl to realize how much her Mom means to her at such a young age! Usually it seems they don't quite get there until they are older!
VJ is right. You can buy kindle books and read them on the computer to try it out before making the investment in a Kindle, although the Kindle might be easier on your eyes. Also, very soon you will able check-out e-books from your library and read it on Kindle. Just AMAZING!!!!
I still read the old fashioned way! But then again, I think I am the last person on the planet without a cell phone! LOL0 -
Thanks for the encouraging note LMichelle!
I totally agree... Take each day as it comes, even minute by minute, until, before you know it you are FREE!!!
You should be very proud!0 -
SeasideMemories - I do have a cell phone but all I know how to do is make calls. Don't know the first thing about texting and really am not interested in learning. I too still read the old fashioned way but am interested in the Kindle. A friend of mine has one and I have looked at hers. It is much easier on the eyes. Some books have print so small it causes eye strain.
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Blue Cowgirl, wondering how you are doing, check in and let us know. Karen
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