Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Good Day Ladies,
Well, I slapped on a nico patch and it really seems to help with the urgency to light up. Unfortunatlly two of my SMOKING friends spent the night due to alchohol toxiitity. OIMG.
One of them is really irritating me, as we speak. Take a deep breath, and this too shall pass. I really want to liight one up. Mornings are my favorite. I smoke at least 10 cigs w/ my 2 cups of coffee. Well this is just the begining of my venting. THANX for reading and listening.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.............................Maureen
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Hang tough Maureen! You CAN do this!
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chef127: Don't forget - changing the habitual surroundings will help the urge. If you used to drink coffee in the kitchen, move to the bedroom or living room. Hope your first day wasn't too bad.
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chef127,
Yay on your first day!! Yep, things are going to feel a bit different for awhile until you get used to them without smoking and that includes daily stuff as well as friends and family.... Recognise that all of it may annoy the heck out of you in the beginning but, it gets better quickly! You were a good friend to allow your friends to spend the night! Hopefully they didn't deter you from starting but, even if they did, it was the right thing to do..
Let us know how you're doing and feel free to vent whenever you need to!0 -
Hi ladies,
Thanx for the support. It really makes me feel more confident. I made it through ONE day. Big deal. I just have to stay away from the smoke shop, and my friends. If one of my friends came over yesterday I would have asked for a cig, and I would have smoked the whole thing.
I will try to keep busy today, and try not to think about it.
Here's to a smoke free new year....................................Maureen
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Maureen - You can do this!!! Just take it one day at a time.
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What to expect (the first week when you quit): Be a realistic optimist. Prepare to feel uncomfortable and be pleasantly surprised when it's easier than you thought because of your preparation and planning.
1. Recognize the symptoms of physical withdrawal from nicotine. Reframe withdrawals symptoms to "recovery symptoms" or "My body is cleaning out the toxins."
• Nicotine withdrawal symptoms: depressed mood, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, frustration, and angry, restlessness, decreased heart rate, difficulty concentrating and increased appetite or weight gain. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed.-TR, by the American Psychiatric Association).
• Nicotine binds with receptors in the pleasure center of the brain. With nicotine, some quitters will experience severe depression. Ask your family to watch for any extreme reactions in your personality and behaviors.
• Some experience cravings, or a strong urge to smoke. Nicotine is a powerful drug that hijacks the survival instinct part of your brain. It can feel like, "I'm going to die or go crazy if I don't' smoke" or "I just HAVE to have one".
• There are 7 different medications to reduce nicotine withdrawals. See Appendix D.
• Exercise, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques will reduce withdrawal symptoms.
There are other physical changes which happen when quitting also:
• Dry mouth, sore gums and/ or tightness in the throat. Mouth sores. Use teething gel. Suck on throat lozenges, sip warm herbal tea.
• The first few days, many feel sick, like they have a cold or the flu. Stay in bed and drink plenty of water.
• Nicotine is a contradictory drug, in that it can act as both as a stimulant and a depressant. Withdrawing from it can also have contradictory effects. Sleep problems: some cannot stay awake, some cannot go to sleep. . Stop caffeine. Learn relaxation techniques. Listen to calming music, take a soothing bath.
• Fatigue. Nicotine is a stimulant and without it, you may feel tired or listless. Take a cat-nap in the afternoon.
• Changes in appetite and intestinal problems: some have diarrhea and others are constipated. Drink more water and add wholesome foods to your diet. If you are concerned about weight gain start a food diary.
• Many quitters experience an increase in coughing. The hair-like cilia in the lungs, whose job is to clear out debris, are paralyzed from the smoke and never get a chance to "clean up". They start working overtime when the smoker quit smoking. It is not uncommon to cough more in the first month you quit. Take an over the counter product such as Mucinex, suck on cough drops. If the coughing persists longer than 4 weeks, see your doctor.
• The first week seems to last a month. Many experience time distortion where it seems that time slows down. Plan to keep busy that first week, increase doing activities you enjoy.
• When you smoke cigarettes, a main component of the smoke is carbon monoxide. When inhaled, the carbon monoxide binds to the red blood cells faster than oxygen and deprives your body of needed oxygen. The body compensates by increasing the number of red blood cells. Smokers are often told they have "thick" blood. When the smoker quits, extra oxygen is taken in by the high number of red blood cells. It takes about three weeks for the body to adjust the number of red blood cells. This can cause dizziness, light headedness and headaches, and confusion. Be careful when changing positions such as from lying down to standing up. Give blood at the blood bank. Some headaches are due to dehydration, so drink plenty of water and add a magnesium supplement.
• Smoking constricts the blood vessels. When you quit, the blood flow increases and can cause a tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers and toes or other extremities. Be sure to be steady on your feet when standing.
• As the blood vessels open up, color returns to the smoker's skin. This lack of oxygen to the skin is a cause of wrinkles. Smile as your complexion improves.
• Hypersensitivity to smells. You will be surprised at how other smokers stink once you have quit and you will wonder if you smelled the same way. Light pleasant scented candles or have flowers near.
• Decrease your caffeine intake, including energy drinks. Nicotine interferes with the absorption of caffeine by 50%. Once you stop smoking, the same amount of caffeine can cause a caffeine overdose: Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, stomach upset, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors.
Remember withdrawal symptoms do not last forever. They are time limited but are the major cause of relapsing within the first 30 days.0 -
Hi Lady's in Pink,
The day I went to my Breast Surgeon 6/27/11 is the day I quit. I smoked for 40 years. I am now 68. She told me that if I didn't quit my surgery and recovery would be very hard. She said tht the blood vessels get really small and die and turn black when they are cut. Good God!!!!!!!!. I had to quit cold turkey because she didn't want any nicotine at all in my body when she did the double mastectomy on 7/28/11. I was very lucky the surgeon said that my skin turned pink right away and she was really suprised when it did. I didn't have recon done. I am breast free. It's been 6 months and there are times when I still want a cig. I gave my 4 cartons of cig away and cleaned out all my ash trays and put them away. I know it will be a battle every day of my life. Key word here LIFE!!!!!!!!!!. Staying strong and not smoking is just another step to beating this hateful cancer. One second at a time if you need to. You can and will do this.
Sister in pink also fighting the nicotine battle,
Shirley
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If you read the instructions on the box of Mucinex, it specifically says NOT to use it for smoker's cough - that is not what the medication was designed to do. I would not recommend doing that - my local pharmacist also discourged the use of Mucinex for this. Just passing on what I was told.....
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I would never tell someone to go against their doctor's advice but most doctors don't know anything about smoking cessation. Often lung cancer is diagnosed right after someone quits smoking because their lungs tend to clear up which improves circulation and the tumor starts bleeding. So the warning label on Mucinex (see below) is for a smoker to get screened for lung cancer first but a quitter is going to cough more in the beginning.
Did you ask your pharmacist why? I would really be interested in his answer.
I happen to have a brand new box of Mucinex DM and the only thing on my box is:
WARNINGS: Ask a doctor before use if you have : a persistant or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
A cough that begins with cessation should be a short term cough, not a chronic cough.
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It's been very quiet, just wondering how everyone is doing???
Step Four: Preventing relapse: Without a plan or any kind of support (cold turkey) 95% of smokers will be smoking again within 6 months.
• It is normal for a smoker to quit 6 to 9 times before they finally quit for good.
• Some attempts only last a few hours or days; others can be months or even years long.
• Nicotine withdrawal symptoms and poor planning are common reasons for relapsing.
• Nicotine affects the part of the brain that scans, analyzes and interprets your environment. After quitting, the "First time doing xxx" without a cigarette can trigger an intense craving. Plan ahead for those "First times". The first time in a bar, going over to a smoking buddy's house, being in an airport, on vacation. Often you won't consciously know what the environmental trigger is but a craving will seem to come from "out of the blue" but is probably unconsciously related to something in your environment.
• The easiest way to never relapse is to never be around cigarettes. To relapse, cigarettes have to be available. Treat them as the poison they are and avoid contact as much as possible.Short Term and Long Term Relapse: There are two relapse phases. The timing of a relapse can indicate what issue needs to be address or what is lacking in your quit plan. If you have relapsed before, how long did you not smoke?
Short term relapse is within the first 30 days.
• Usually related to physical dependence and "habit" cigarettes.
• If the relapse is within 3 days to 1-2 weeks, it is usually due to severe physical withdrawals. Some quitters can have prolonged withdrawals which fade out over time but can last up to six months. The use of combination cessation medication can greatly relieve the physical withdrawals and cravings. It would be rare for a smoker to try all combinations of the 7 FDA approved medications without finding relief.
• Break your habit cigarettes before you quit by using the smoking corner and smoking by the clock.In a short period of time (3-4 weeks) you will feel normal most of the time. This happens when:
• The nicotine withdrawals have lessened or stopped.
• You no longer reach for one of your normal "habit" cigarettes.
• You realize you have gone all day without thinking about a cigarette.
• You forget how hard it was to quit. You might even say it was easy.
But do not get over confident.
• You cannot control your smoking. You cannot smoke one or two when you want to. Do not believe you can control your smoking.
• You are still at a high risk for relapse.
• You've made great progress up to now but it's not time to let your guard down.Long term relapse is after 1 to 2 months up to a lifetime. The common reasons for long term relapse:
• Crisis situation triggers intense cravings that overwhelm your ability to cope.
• High level of stress or negative emotions.
• Consuming alcohol.
• Being around other smokers.
• Weight gain.
• Pleasant social situation or positive feelings, rewarding yourself.
• You think you can control your smoking and only smoke when you want to. Don't test yourself to see if you can resist temptation. Several smokers have told me they had quit for over 20 years and within a few cigarettes they were back smoking the same amount they had years before.0 -
Hi all, where are all our new quiters? It has been quiet on the thread. Have another sinus infection, second one this winter, I think all the treatments we have with bc affect our immune systems. Doctor wants a chest x-ray, thought he heard wheezing. Why is it that a routine test can just scare the he*^ out of us now, purely a rhetorical question. Jo, Barbara, o2b, seaside where are you? No fair just yelling BOO, o2b. hugs Karen
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Hi Karen...
I am hanging in there...major truck repairs, hospital bills from hubbies surgery have started to trickle in, had an ECHO today, will have a long over due MRI on the 19th, new $5k deductible to meet and starting a 2nd job next week...stressed to the max and still not smoking
I am thankful for a roof over my head, food in my belly (even though the belly is bigger then I want it to be), a family that loves me, having not only one job but TWO to help pay the bills. being healthy enough to work them and the friends I have made here on BCO.
Is that better
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Dear o2b, that is awesome, what a list of things to be thankful for - may we all remember to have that positive point of view. You rock, my dear friend!!!!!!!!! hugs, Karen
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Karen,
Guessing the doc wants the x-ray just to be certain that it isn't pneumonia (which is making the rounds) but, I do know how you feel... we all fear the worst even though it's most likely nothing.... I have a regular check-up tomorrow with my GP that I know will be nothing but, I will likely lose sleep worrying about tonight no matter how much I try to talk myself out of it...
Michelle,
Glad to hear from you! Yikes... I must have missed something here... Didn't know that you were going through such a rough time and didn't know your DH was having surgery! Guess my stalking skills need some work! I will rectify that tonight...lol!
I am really saddened to hear of all the stress you have going on but, I really do believe it is always darkest before the dawn... Been feeling a bit down myself due to some family issues... Thanks for the reminder to be grateful for all I have and to let the rest go....
Hugs and prayers that things are going to turn around soon!0 -
Started this week to make good on my New Year's resolution to exercise more and eat better... Yes, yet again.. sigh!
I did probably half of what I used to be able to do and, holy moley, am I ever sore!! I know it will all come back eventually...
Wishing everyone strength and courage to tackle whatever the hurdle is that you are up against!0 -
Started back on Chantix again within the past week or two. Used it before and quit for two years. Now with all of this, there's a major incentive to stay quit.
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Welcome Galsal....
I am coming up on 2 years since I quit and hoping for many more!! Glad you've decided to join us and hope to hear more from you!0 -
Hey Webwriter!
I quit two years and five days ago, and I'm so glad I did. YOU CAN DO IT! I picked a quit date, just like you. I knew I'd need something to substitute the ciggie. I didn't want to mock it, like with carrot sticks, or those electronic things; to me that's just perpetuating the habit of the act of smoking. I chose hard candy. It's cheap, low in calories, and it doesn't need to be refridgerated. I put them everywhere, especially in my car, because that's where I'd light up--the moment I'd get in. Maybe this input can help. I hope so.
You can do this. You need to do it!! I'm rootin' for you!!!
Love, Lyn
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Hey Webwriter!
I quit two years and five days ago, and I'm so glad I did. YOU CAN DO IT! I picked a quit date, just like you. I knew I'd need something to substitute the ciggie. I didn't want to mock it, like with carrot sticks, or those electronic things; to me that's just perpetuating the habit of the act of smoking. I chose hard candy. It's cheap, low in calories, and it doesn't need to be refridgerated. I put them everywhere, especially in my car, because that's where I'd light up--the moment I'd get in. Maybe this input can help. I hope so.
You can do this. You need to do it!! I'm rootin' for you!!!
Love, Lyn
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Seaside I had to comment...when I read your post about eating better I read 'eating butter' and thought to my self 'a woman after my own heart'
Sorry you are having family troubles...
Sometimes I let the stress and worry of it all get to me but then I stop myself and give it back to GOD. He has it all under control and I just have to trust in His words 'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
Just like with quiting smoking...some days are easier then others0 -
Bwahahaha on the 'eating butter' misread although, that certainly would be a lot easier for me to do....
Thanks too for the prayer!
The family issues aren't with my immediate family more with extended family and really aren't all that bad... I think sometimes all the stress to be together during the holidays can lead to 'old wounds' resurfacing... I know this too shall pass... For the most part we get along fine!0 -
I'm here rooting for our quitters, too. You can do it, pals!
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http://stopsmokingstayquit.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-your-resolution-to-stop-smoking.html
Heres a link to my lastest blog post about when I quit on New Year's Eve one year. Have a joyous day, VJ
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Just swinging by to give a thumbs up for all the quitters!
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Hello all! Just droppin in to say hi!! I am new here and had forgotten about this thread! Gonna put it in my favorites.......here are my quit details as of today
Two months, three weeks, one day, 10 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds. 2085 cigarettes not smoked, saving $730.39. Life saved: 1 week, 5 hours, 45 minutes.
YAY!!! I have quit cold turkey so many times before......once even lasting an entire year.......this time I surrendered to my doc and asked for help.......she gave me Wellbutrin and it REALLY WORKS for me!! AND.......it helps curb your appetite so I haven't gotten the munchies or gained a single POUND!
......I know it probably won't work for everyone......but if you are really struggling, I recommend trying it out! I told my doctor that I don't like taking medicine and putting that stuff in my body.......she rolled her eyes at me and said.........Oh but smoking & drinking are fine.............um.....yeah.......point taken! 
.........one last note.......I even tried to smoek when I found out I had cancer...........smoked 2 cigs and threw the rest away........no desire......and I am someone who smoked for over 20 years and "loved the way they tasted" and considered them "my friends"...........always there when I need them..........well REAL friends don't try and kill you!! SO ANYWAY!!.......Give a shot! It costs me $26/month......she suggests 3 to 6 months worth........<3 
.......I really feel free...........0 -
Good for you Druanne! Keep strong and remember that a slip is not the end. I did and am now at 19 months and 5 days.
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Thanks & I will!!! You are inspiring!!!!
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Well, here I am. Quit for about 3 years @ Stage 2 bc. Now, just found I'm metastic with mets to brain, lung and adrenal gland. Go figure? Post brain surgery and I'm smoking when I feel like it? Stupid. Who knows? Will I quit again. Of course? Do I care right now? NO!
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2z54, oh my lord, I am so very sorry. Enjoy the cigarette!!! Karen
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