Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Ok.... going to try to post without missing anyone!
Druanne.... Congrats on almost 3 months!! I get an e-mail on my quit date from quitnet.com and I find it shocking how many cigarettes I didn't smoke and how much money is in my pocket! I wish you continued success!!
2z54,
I agree with what has been posted thus far in that, you have lots on your plate right now.... You do whatever you need to do for YOU right now and to hell with the rest of it!
chef127,
Sorry that you had a set back.... Not the end of the world.... Take some time to regroup and we'll be here when you're ready!! PS... I think 3 days IS a big deal especially because they are the HARDEST 3 days.... Look forward to hearing from you again!
LRM,
The loss of a child is beyond any grief that I think anyone should have to bear! I wish you peace and strength.... Hope your CT comes back just fine!
Annette,
Good to hear from you.... Your avatar just cracks me up... I think you were 'sideways' last I saw.... Now you're 'upside-down'.... Kinda like this whole crazy journey!
Galsal,
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Welcome beccasgm!
If I had a nickel for everytime I swore I was done with smoking and woke up the next day and lit up even before my first cup of coffee, I would be a very rich woman (oh, wait... unless I spent it all on smokes..lol)... You will do it when the time is right for you!
Please, please do not avoid this thread fearing judgement!! We all know what it is like to stand in your shoes and will offer nothing but support and an ear to listen should you want to talk!
Tracie23,
No need for anyone else to beat us up for smoking when we do such a great job of it ourselves!
If it is anything like it was with me, I was faaaaar harder on myself than others were with me about smoking.... That being said... That horrid feeling was a powerful motivator to my quitting... as well as a huge source of pride when I can answer that I no longer smoke when I go for my appointments!
We will be here to help you when you are ready... Just remember, the longest journey starts with a single step... And by posting, you just took yours...
As far as what would the others think.... I would certainly hope that they wouldn't think any less of you for asking for help... And if that's not the case then, they're not worth your time!
Bama,
Sorry to hear about the stomach bug... Yuck!
VJ, Jo, Barbara, O2B and Karen,
Glad to hear that you all are doing well.....
Rest up all because....... in 4 short days...... On January 16th.... We celebrate Karen's 1 YEAR quit-aversary!!! Been scoping out some fine locations for the party!! Will post some possibilities when I am on my laptop... Can't post pics from here!0 -
Down to two cigs since 6pm yesterday evening. Going to bed earlier than usual to help ignore the urge having right now.
More of an incentive now...reconstruction and not aid and abet cancer
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Galsal....
I started by cutting back and, when I first quit, going to bed early was a big part of my strategy since evenings were the last of the cigarettes that I let go....
Didn't crave them when I was sleeping!
Make sure that you are eating at regular intervals and drinking lots of fluids in addition to getting plenty of rest! Post when you need to!0 -
Chantix helps me that's for sure. It finally kicked in that much more today. I'm eating and drinking lots of water. Not eating junk either so that's even better. Thanks for the comment.
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Galsal, I went to bed earlier on several occasions to avoid the cravings, it was one of Seaside's suggestions that I took, can't smoke when you're sleeping. I can't believe I am so close to one year, never thought it would happen, I used to say that you would have to wire my jaw shut in order to get me to quit and even then I'd think of a way to puff away. Can't wait for my party!!!!!!!!!
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hello ladies,
I come here and I read your posts.
Success storys, inspiring. Failures, inspiring. Congratulations to all who are now NONSMOKERS, and to all who are still trying to rid their beutiful bodies of this horrible addiction. I am still pumping that nicotine throughout my blood system. I have cancer and refused the poisons that are suppose to help my body rid the cancer. I smoke, which will, no doubt, feed the cancer. Wheres the logic. My daughter pulls this question on me daily. SHE IS RIGHT. However, I seem to be more commited to poisoning my body, because of the fear and pain of quiting.
OK.Time to set a new date................................................................................?
THANX to all for your wisdom, caring, and logic for inspiring me to do it.
Maureen
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Hi! I just want to mention Wellbutrin again........it has worked a miracle for me.......I no longer desire a cigarette..........AND it curbs my appetite so I am not cramming food into my mouth as a substitute!!!!.........I have quit SO many times.......have been smoking for 20 plus years........this Wellbutrin is some amazing stuff!!
Hugs to everyone!!!
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Dear Maureen, you will find all of us here waiting to encourage you and support you in your positive steps when you set a quit date. Meant to post this wweeks ago, when you quit for three days - that was a momentous step, those first days are a bear and you did it, congratulations!!! Karen
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Druanne - Can you take Wellbutrin with Tamoxifen? I would be interested to know.
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Maureen, take it a day at a time. You will do it when the time is right. You might want to PM VJ to get her workbook. It would really help you.
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When I started the Chantix again, asked if it was okay with the Wellbutrin I was on. Dr said yes, it's a good combination. I did ask what about if it's okay during treatment. She said that hadn't really been studied and would be interested in any input I could give. Guinea pig! Oh well, so long as I don't smoke for quite a while to get past all this, I'm good with it for now. We'll see as things progress.
No smoking since - Fri @ 5:30pm. Two cigs since Wed @ 5:30pm.
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Dear Galsal, you are doing sooo well, these are the hardest days and you already have them behind you! You "sound" quite determined to make it work, that is excatly the mindset you have to have. You keep on keeping on. Congratulations!!!!! Karen
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Galsal--congratulations on quitting, I agree with your doctor that chantix and bupropion can be a good combination (up to 65% quit rates in current unpublished studies) but I also agree with Jo, you need to check with your pharmacist about using wellbutrin (bupropion) with tamoxifin, IF you are also on tamoxifin.
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/interactions-between-antidepressants-and-tamoxifen/
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Dear LRM216,
So sorry you're having a rough go of life. Do whatever you need to get thru the day. Sometimes I plaster on a smile and that makes me feel a tad better...sometimes not. Just try, that's the important thing.
Love & Hugs,
lynliz
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I was dx Thurs & am scheduled for a lumpectomy on th 7th so I don't have all the ER/PR, etc. I am however struggling with quitting smoking. I'm a runner so quit last summer, then we moved (we're military) so I started back. My husband smokes too. Now I'm faced with quitting again. One would think that with a bc dx it would be an easier decision. Not so!!! I too need some help!!
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Smoking is a very common stress coping mechanism, so it makes perfect sense that someone would either relapse or smoke more when newly diagnosed--since this is one of the most stressful times in a womans life.
2. Emotional triggers. Smoking helps regulate emotions through the release of dopamine; positive emotions are enhanced and negative emotions are lessened. Smoking offers the illusion of being able to go through life with the least amount of pain and greatest amount of pleasure.
• Quitting smoking can feel like losing a best friend or like there is a void in your life. Cigarettes have been there through everything, as a way to cope, for comfort, to celebrate or commiserate, and to help you feel safe. These feelings will disappear over time. You will not miss your cigarettes forever but they will be replaced with being thankful for all the positive benefits of being smoke-free.
• There are four ways of dealing with emotions: suppress, escape, express, and release.
• Smoking can be a form of suppressing or "stuffing" feelings. If you started smoking as a teen, you have not had practice dealing with negative emotions without smoking. After you quit your emotions may be more intense or you are more aware of your feelings.
• When intense or strong feelings arise, often a cigarette is the first thing reached for but it just represents an emotional need that needs fulfilling. Smoking was the means to satisfy emotional needs in the past, now, new solutions need to be developed:
• When angry, the emotional need to release it or let it out: Scream. Hit a pillow. Hit the gym and work it out. Write a letter to the person you are angry with, then burn the letter.
• Loneliness is a need for emotional intimacy: Expressing it can be to call a close friend. Speak to a counselor. Volunteer to help others in need.
• When feeling sad, the need is also to express it: Cry if needed. Share with an understanding friend. Seek counseling or talk to your doctor if the sadness turns into depression and affects your ability to enjoy life.
• For a period of time after quitting, it may feel that you aren't able to be happy and celebrate without smoking. Smoking does release a flood of dopamine, the "I feel good" neurotransmitter, for brief periods of time. As the receptors in your brain calm down from nicotine withdrawal, you will discover you can enjoy situations without smoking.
• When fearful or afraid, the need is release it and feel safe. Smoking gives a false sense of security and does nothing to help a threatening situation. In fearful situations, smoking is used to calm the nerves but it actually increases stress hormones and in severe situations, such as battle, smoking may play a role in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder.
• When feelings are hurt, comfort is sought: Journal about your feelings or talk to a friend. Don't self medicate with alcohol, drugs, carbohydrates or nicotine.
• When bored, the emotional need is for stimulation or something new and exciting. Find some passion project that can fill your time. Once you quit, you will have a lot of time on your hands. Develop new interests, take a class or start a new hobby.
• Guilt signals a need to release the feeling or perception that something "wrong" was done. If you did do something wrong, apologize if applicable and decide to not do it again. Learn from your behavior. Often guilt is felt when nothing wrong was done. Decide to be assertive and stand up for your rights instead of feeling guilty.
• Two common emotions felt by smokers are guilt and shame. The normal cycling of quitting, relapsing then quitting again and relapsing again can bring a sense of guilt (I'm doing something wrong) or shame (there is something wrong with me that I can't quit). Neither is true, let it go and realize that nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug which has controlled you. It's not your fault.
This is from my e-book, which I will send a free copy to anyone on this list, just send me your regular e-mail address. have a joyous day, VJ
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I have no idea what I was thinking today. Must have looked at the calendar wrong but today is my 6 month quit anniversary. I can't believe I have made it this far. Oh! Does this count even though I am using an e-cig with no nicotine? Sure hope so even with DH still smoking.
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Jo, it counts double since you have been a non-smoker living with a smoker!!! The ecig is just a prop since it does not deliver any nicotine at all. Wish I could raise a toast to you with two luscious chocolate martinis. You are a joy to know, hugs, Karen.
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Ladies, thank you for the support. I chewed a lot of gum today. Was proud that yesterday while driving around I didnt smoke. That's my downfall...driving and smoking.
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galsal, sometimes I chew so much gum my jaw hurts, congratulations on driving and not smoking. You are officially a non-smoker!!!!!!!!! Karen
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does two days make it so? LOL thanks!
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Karen - I think I own stock in Crystal Light hard candies I buy so much of them - LOL! So I know what you mean. Thanks for the congrats - I have never had a chocolate martini but it sounds yummy.
Galsal - Of course two days count. Everyday that you don't smoke counts. My downfall was also driving. I loved smoking and driving. After 6 months, my car smells like a new one and I will not let a smoker in it. My DH is still a smoker and he won't smoke in my car. Keep it up - if I can do this after 40 years, you can do it. We are all here for you.
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Good Morning Ladies!!!!
And what a special morning it is!!! Today is Karen's 1 YEAR QUIT-AVERSARY!!!!!!! Also know as PARTY time!!!!! We haven't done one in quite awhile! Should be fun!
Congrats Karen.... We are very proud of you!!!
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Karen - Big Congrats!
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Wow... More good news!!! Congrats to Jo on her 6 month quit-aversary.... Now we have double the reason to celebrate!!
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Karen, Congrats on amazing strength and will-power !!!!!
Jo, and Congrats for your six months, too. It's awesome!!!!!
I am still reading every post here and getting ready to join you AGAIN !!!!!
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Galsal,
You are doing really well!! Those first days/weeks are the hardest! The car can be tough at first... I remember my first road trip to pick up my daughter from college after quitting! I turned the radio up at sang and sang.. I'm sure people who passed thought I had lost my mind, but it helped!
Welcome llharper2!
Sorry about your diagnosis but, happy you found this website. Lots of information on so many different topics.... Glad you found us as well... I think you will find the ladies here to be very supportive!
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Well.... I know we here in the NE will appreciate the party location!
Here's the place I found for the party! Should be plenty of seats for all of us... That's me off in the back ground checking the water temp (I wish)!
A few drinks to get us started... I know it's early but, hey there's fruit on them... and fruit is healthy right?
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Karina,
We'll be here when you're ready...
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