Stop Smoking Support Thread

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Thanks so much ladies - I do drink more ice tea and Gatorade these days.  The Gatorade helps keep my potassium levels up - do have slight problem there.  Yes, I do spend more time in the bathroom and on the computer.  I have also spent more time in my sewing room making quilts.  Somedays I'm not sure I want to post - don't want to come across as making excuses or appearing weak.  But then again, I am my own worst critic.  I keep looking for the next step in my quit smoking process.  I have 2 1/2 weeks to go with the Filtrim system and then I start a natural body detox which includes a spray to use when the cravings hit.  I had a friend recommend this to me - she used it and thought it was great.  I decided to use it since she was a 2 pack a day smoker and did the detox and spray - completely stopped in 7 days and has not had a problem since.

    akeefe - I thought the car would be a problem for me, but I found it to be the easiest part so far.  I have a small car and did not like the stale smell that was always lingering - did not like having others ride along - felt bad the smell was in there.  I have had the car completely cleaned inside and now it smells like a new car again. 

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited July 2011

    Jo, I actually stopped amoking in my car when I bought a new one so that part was easy for me when I stopped smoking a year later. You can do it! Steady as she goes.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Jo, completely wipe out the guilt feelings aboutt not wanting to post because you will appear weak.  You don't have to think that at all.  This is one of the strongest addictions to break, both physically and psychologically.  We are all here to support and encourage you, that's the reason that this thread exists.  Look at how many times I posted yesterday, and there was always some one there to throw me a lifeline.  When I first quit, I even went to bed super early, a tip from one of our members, because you can't sleep when you're sleeping.  And I posted all the time, even PM'd, because it helped keep my hands busy.  Quilting is a great tool, you got it, can't smoke when you are quilting.  hugs, Karen

  • kal_1865
    kal_1865 Member Posts: 145
    edited July 2011

    akeefe7 did you say you are planning your October wedding? how wonderful congratulations on the upcoming nuptuals!

    jo posting is the purpose of this whole board thing; we finally get to tell someone what is going on in our minds instead of holding it in, stewing on a problem or, in our case on this string, smoking!! Post away my friend, post until you wear the prints off your fingers if you want to, we are here to listen.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Jo, just checking in, be strong.  Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Slipped a bit today - some out of boredom at work this morning and stress over boss coming for a visit tomorrow.  Proud of myself in that I am not beating myself up over this.  I don't know if I mentioned this before but today I decided that Aug 1st is my Q date.  First day of the month/first day of the week - perfect date.  So that is what I am shooting for.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Dear Jo, glad you are not beating yourself about slipping, now you learned another trigger.  It is sometimes hard to decide if the trigger is something I want to eliminate from my life.  Like that glass of wine, believe me if I have more than 2 in a month, it is plain amazing.  As long as I know that I will have to overpower that craving for a cigarette. Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Karen - This is quite a learning process.  I now know I am going to have to stay busy for a while and that is okay.  I already know I will have to quit the alcohol - not much of a drinker in real life, the virtual ones don't bother me at all.  I am anxiously waiting for my stuff to come on Friday - then I know I have 2 more weeks.  I have to keep myself from moving up my Q date - that may be setting myself up for failure.  I already have it set in my mind for Aug 1st.

    Everyone here has been sooooo supportive and understanding.  I know I would not be this far along without you ladies.  Thanks so much for letting me rant and rave - I know sometimes I sound like a rambling idiot but it does help to put my thoughts and feelings in writing.

    Good Night and Sweet Dreams

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited July 2011

    Jo hope today is an easier one for you.

    akeefe, hope your day passes well also.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Barbara - Thanks!  Once the park owners are here and gone then I can relax.  They are nice guys but even after 12 years they can still make me nervous at times.

  • akeefe7
    akeefe7 Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2011

    Thanks! I'm on Day 2 and so far its a little easier than yesterday. I did go to bed super early last night. I had the urge to stop at the store but I fought it.  The car was okay just distracted myself with music.  I have always smoked in my car except when no smokers were with me.  I think I will get my detailed to get the smell out.

     Yeah I'm getting married in October. Got engaged in November. My fiance is so happy I am quitting he has been giving me that extra push I needed.

    Jo- 1 day at a time is all you can take.  One thing my doctor mentioned to me other patients have been successful quitting with the smokeless cigarette.   Good luck!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    akeefe - Congratulations on your engagement - so happy for you.  I have been married for 38 years - some days it seems like forever - guess I will keep him for a while longer.  LOL!

    Yes, it is one day at a time - still taking baby steps - am looking forward to Aug 1st.  I am fully committed to making that my Q date whether DH is ready or not. 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    akeefe, congratulations on your upcoming wedding, I'm sure your fiance is very proud of you for taking this difficult step.  One day at a time.  Going to bed early was a technique I used too, get good rest and smoke free!      Jo, you're doing it, you really are doing it this time.  Congratulations on setting a quit date, that's a big step.  You can do this!!  hugs, Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Karen - The park owners were here today for their semi annual visit and boy did I slip off the wagon today - not too bad though - just a few more than I have had lately.  We still have to meet them for dinner in about an hour.  At least the resturant is smoke free - that will be a big help and my car is still smoke free.  DH is having a problem with that but he will get over it.

    I know I can get back on track tomorrow - I still have time to get my shit together and get refocused on Aug 1st.  Finally accepted the fact that I may have slip ups and know I have to work that much harder at staying on track but certainly don't have to beat myself up. 

    Again, thanks ladies for all your encouragement and support. 

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Dear Jo, glad they are leaving today, that would definitely be a stressful situation.  No need to beat yourself up, you're doing fine. hugs, Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Karen - You are such an inspiration - when I grow up and stop smoking - I want to be just like you

      

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited July 2011

    Jo, you are doing great dealing with the added stress. Pat yourself on the back!!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Barbara - Thanks so much for the encouraging words.  

    Tomorrow is a new day and am committed to getting back on track.

    All you ladies are the best!!!! 

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited July 2011

    JO wishing you a less stressful day today!

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Jo, you will be giving supprt to other new members in the future, it is especially pertinent since you know what a difficult journey it is and all the tricks to help yourself.  Thank you for the shout out!      Akeefe, hope the day is going well for you, is this day 3 already?  I quit using the ecig - it was a bonus since you got a decreasing amount of nicotine, went from 8mgs. to 4mgs, then done with it and you kept the ritual of holding and using a "cigarette", that was back then, a really important feature for me.  For a while there I was like a baby with his binkie!!  hugs, Karen

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Back on track today - doing well so far.  Got my herbs and spray today and have read all the instructions.  I will start this part of my quit program on Aug 1st.  I ordered 2 kits - one for me and one for DH and told him come the first of the month I am quitting whether he is ready or not.  I think he will drag his feet and see if I make it.  Guess I will just have to show him.

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    DMV update, they just called me to come in to finish up some more paperwork and I can have new plates for the pick-up and continue with the original plates on my Subaru.  Seems like it can be fixed by computer since they still have not received any paperwork from Albany.  Why was it unfixable originally and now it is.  I wonder if all applicants for the clerk job have a clause that you must be a few brain cells short.  This makes the 4th visit to their offices in three weeks, no wonder the government can't reach a decision on the national debt and how to fix it.  If Social Security checks don't go out in time, there will be a lot of hurtin seniors, strange that that does not bother the Republicans, makes it clear where their loyalties lie.  Sad stae of affairs.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    What a bunch of DMV dimwits - you do have to wonder what this world is coming to.  This business about the national debt is crazy - the Republicans don't see what affect this is really going to have on the economy.

    Karen - Glad you were able to finally get this license plate issue straightened out and can drive without worrying about being stopped. 

  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,160
    edited July 2011

    tried my first ever lozenge today....sucked on it for about 10 minutes spit it out and di dnot smoke for 5 hours...actually forced myself to smoke- and did not like the taste but smoked anyway...but interesting- will try again tomorrow...might be some validity in my case to try that...my PS' receptionist gave them to me....said just try.. i tossed them in my purse "to be nice" but decided what the heck...then i went and bought some more after trying the one this morning...lowest dose and they were only 7 bucks at walgreens (closing out that size 48 tabs) so I figured what the heck...i will keep sneaking in here

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    annettek, keep "sneaking" in, and keep trying those lozenges, you may just have found the nicorette aid that works for you!!  Karen

  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 2,037
    edited July 2011

    Jo, I only drove it once after they told me to park it, I am such a wuss, and I still get the chills when I hear the National Anthem before a baseball game, if I'm at it.  Karen

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited July 2011

    Annette, you can do it. You have to have the will then that stubborness of yours will do the rest!

    Jo, hang tough, gal!

  • VJSL8
    VJSL8 Member Posts: 486
    edited July 2011

    The mint lozenges are not bad at all except that they take so long to dissolve in your mouth (about 1-1.5 hours), the mini lozenge works somewhat faster (about 45 minutes).

    There are lots of helpful tips on my blog www.StopSmokingStayQuit.blogspot.com  and my offer for a free copy of my workbook is still open to anyone on this forum. Have a joyous day. VJ 

  • kal_1865
    kal_1865 Member Posts: 145
    edited July 2011

    Yay annettekkaren333 and jo1955 keep on truckin!!!

    After work today I'm off to the woods for the weekend to our camper.  I'll be back on-line on Monday.  I'm gonna need your support next week.  Not much bothers me lately but I've only been back to work for a few weeks and 3 key players are on vacation next week.  Of course, all of them are leaving me notes about open items that may or may not come up (and we all know that Murphy's Law thing...right karen333!).  I also need to mention that I'm just in 3 days a week until I can physically get myself up to speed.  This ought to be interesting, at least I don't have much hair to pull out, he he he!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Kal - Go and enjoy the weekend - try not to think about work next week.  I have a feeling you will do much better than you think.