Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Step One: Building motivation:
“Quitting is easy; I’ve done it hundreds of times.” Mark Twain.
Have good reasons to become smoke-free. A strong desire to be smoke-free is essential because without this motivational foundation it is almost impossible to stay quit, even if you initially stop smoking.
Motivation is the reason for wanting to do anything in life but it comes and goes. Building a solid foundation requires having important personal reasons to become smoke-free and is the key to long term success.
• Two things motivate: working towards what is wanted (benefits or carrots) and moving away from or avoiding things not wanted (negative consequences or sticks).
• Carrots, or items that are pleasing and desirable, are more motivating by evoking positive emotions, than sticks or things which are unwanted and evoke a negative reaction.
1. Make two lists.
• The first list has your personal benefits of becoming smoke-free, not just reasons to quit. Many smokers do not want to give up something they enjoy, instead reframe quitting into positive reasons to be smoke-free.
• The second list has the negative consequences you will suffer by continuing to smoke.
• Keep adding new items to your lists as you discover additional benefits and consequences.0 -
Actually, Carmen, I found a store in Montreal that sells that type. You need an eGo twist 900 battery with clearomizer. Get two batteries, a charger, two clearomizers and about 3 wicks per month.
Here's the link http://www.vaporus.com/home.php. You can ask if they can make you eliquid that is VG only. If they can't, get an e-liquid that has as much VG as possible and as little PG as possible. Myself, I buy my eliquid online from http://www.virginvapor.com.
As a piece of advice, if you are smoking around a pack a day, start with a 24 mg nicotine concentration, then slowly work your way down. I was able to go to 6 mg nicotine concentration after only 2 months and that is what I use now.
I understand perfectly. Myself I have tried patches, gum, pills, yoga, motivation - nothing worked. I enjoyed too much my smoking and it was giving me the calmness that nothing else could. Now, after 5 months of "vaping", I can't even stand the smell of cigarettes.
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Hi Day:
I took your advice. I ordered a starter kit from Virgin Vapor. It will probably take a little while before it arrives due to the holidays, however, I am anxious to start! Reviewed their website and instructions, etc., -- it does seem a little complicated. Seeing that I'm now motivated, however, I think I'll figure it out.
Thanks again,
Carmen
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Carmen, that is why I told you that if you want I can send you instructions in the PM. There is one type of starter kit that is the less complicated and no bother to take care of, the other ones are a little bit more time consuming. That is why I indicated to get the eGo twist one from your local ecig dealer and the eliquid online. From Virgin Vapor, that kit they only have it with "disco" batteries, the little stars ones, and I wasn't sure if you would like it or not. Also, you need a company that has the consumable wicks cheap and always in stock, because that is what you will consume all the time, and most of the time the wicks from one company will not fit the clearomizers from another one (happened to me). And if you dont' have the coil wick, you cannot use your ecig. All eGo clearomizers though fit all eGo batteries. Btw, I got the 11-sampler from Virgin Vapor last month, and it's actually double, not 11 but 22 5 mg bottles. It made me be able to figure out which flavors I like best and I also had plenty to make presents to my friends who are vaping now (due to my persistent nagging lol).
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Carmen, the e cig and nicotine patch helped me. I was motivated because of reconstruct surgery. Now I am glad for many reasons. I have toughed out the triggers that would have sent me back and that has helped me build my confidence. I think many of us enjoyed smoking. I miss it at times. Maybe always will. I enjoy being free of it though. Good luck and stay close!!
Merry Christmas all!!!!0 -
I miss all of you so much , I have been in a deep depression and on and off these anti depressants .. I am thinking I want my implants out .. I go to the PS on January 9th .. I will see . I am just not comfortable at all.. and the smoking , I just don't get it .. I am back on the patch .. day at a time .. I am trying sooo hard .. I think what I need is to stay connected to you all . without you I am helpless.. I started taking an adult Ballet class to refocus on me .. intresting huh Ballet at 44 but oh well
I also found a breast cancer center .. I take a creative writing class there and also they have a support group then everyone gets a chair massage , also had a Reiki session . It is all free for cancer patients or cancer survivors .. glad I found it . anyway I really didnt get to read much and catch up but I do know one thing , You Ladies are an amazing part of my life and I need you all .. Happy New Year to all ..Lisa Mariexoxoxo 0 -
wow , this thread went dead I guess .. hope all is well with everyone . Lisamarie
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Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't been on this thread for a while. Hope everyone had great holidays. To keep you up to date, I am still trying to quit smoking. I am reading a book on quitting smoking, have the patch and the gum. Also, my e-cig kit came in the mail day before yesterday. It took a long time to get here to Canada from the States (customs and all, I guess). Anyways, I followed their instructions (Virgin Vapor) and the damn thing is leaking. Also they instruct to press the light on the battery 5 times in quick succession to lock and unlock the e-cig. Nothing happens. If I keep my finger pressed on the lighted button it heats up and then produces vapor. I don't think that's how it's supposed to work. If I don't get an answer back from Virgin Vapor's customer service, I think I'll go back to the patch. My DH is away for the day at a curling tournament. He's an avid golfer in the summer and curler in the winter - he's not home much. Kind of lonely at times (my DH takes the car, so I'm housebound) although I have two small dogs that should keep me company, however, they're getting older so they seem to like to do their own thing - like sleep and eat! I'm trying to keep my mind occupied with baking, cleaning, etc., however, depression sets in every once in a while. Just wish I never had this damn BC. It's taken my health, peace of mind and every bit of joy I had in my life. Anyways, enough whining - again hope all is well with everybody.
Carmen
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that is why I asked you to PM me so I can tell you what to buy. On the leaking part, did you get a disposable clearomizer or a wick-disposable one? Sometimes the disposable ones can crack if you screw them on forcefully. also, make sure your battery is charged properly. The little button is supposed to light up when you press on it. Anette (the VV owner) is a very nice lady and she answers all customer issues in due time. You can also contact them on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VirginVapor?fref=ts. I see that she said they have been battling some health issues lately.
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Lisamarie, I'm sorry I missed your post. That was not nice to reach out like that and get no response. Yes, this thread has been kind of dead. I had surgery Dec 27th and holidays and all. It's good that you are being active and trying all of those things to pull out of the funk. I have been a hermit since last Apr and depressed and now go back to work in two weeks. Yikes. As far as smoking, I have not smoked since last June. I am amazed because I NEVER thought I would be able to. Hang in there.
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I don't post much but this site in on my favorites so I read the posts. LisaMarie - you didn't update us on your progress. Hope all is well. Beckers - since April? Wow - you're almost to one year. Hope your surgery was successful and going back to work won't be too stressful. Carmen - don't give up trying.
Hi to all the rest of you still smoking or not. Keep trying. It can be done. It's not easy, but jus sayin. I still miss smoking but it's been 5-1/5 years now so I'm fairly sure I won't go back. Who'd a thunk.
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Hi All,
Hope everyone is doing well after the holidays and in mid-January .... not much happening. Beckers, way to go. You are almost one year like MinusTwo said .... we were all rooting for you. Carmen, stay with it .... you will succeed.
Lisa Marie, don't despair. Life is like a box of chocolate .... full of surprises. While we may be rejected against what we think is good only to find out that we are being directed towards something better - I think this applies to all of us!
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Jo - haven't hear from you in awhile - either here or on the Texas thread Hope you're doing OK. Minus
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Thanks girls as always ... im still working on this one day at a time .. upcoming surgery feb 12 .. need to try harder .. I think it's more will power than anything .. latley I have been so down in the dumps that I hardley have will power at all . I am working a lot . I just moved to a new studio apartment. the lonliness gets to me a lot .I am trying to snap out of this crap. But I gotta say BC has totally changed my life .
Lisa Marie
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I just bought the 2mg nicorette gum as well . i am reading that you can use both the patch and the gum .. so thats what im doing now... I know I can kick this shit .. it's really all a mind thing ya know ... and I must say "just for today I will not smoke " and most of all "I can DO this " ... I really miss when this thread was so strong and going every day ... I miss JO ..
LisaMarie
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LisaMarie, keep going. I'm now on 2 years and still have a craving .... so you are not alone. The difference for me is that I may think it but don't actually go and do anything about it. Because it is really cold right now where I live, when a smoker passes me, it is the worst smell going. But I was one of those people and will never forget but this will pull me back into reality. You know you can do it, because you have. However, sometimes it just sneeks up on us and bam, we have had a smoke. Then we beat ourselves up, and think, what the hell. Trust me, we have all been there ... me too many times to count. But you are back up on your feet, and ready to go .... so let's go. If you lived nearer, I tell you to come over but that is not a reality. But, we are all here for you!
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Judi , I am trying so hard . I know I must not beat myself up but it was so easy before and now I feel hopeless . I am doing patch and gum together now ... thanks for the invite to come over .. but the miles do get in the way .. I guess I was so used to this thread hopping all the time , I always had someone here to talk with .. and seems everyone has gone .. Glad u are still here .. xoxo
Lisamarie
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It is so hard Lisa. My Mom almost bled out after angiogram last week. It has been soooooooo stressful! I keep finding myself bugged by a nagging feeling. It's been so long though that it took me a few times to identify it. I don't want to be a smoker though so I will continue to not give in. I know if I did I would be right here. I know there has to be more smokers out there that need help. Hang in there!!
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Lisa: We're behind you. Sorry most of us don't post too much anymore - but we're constantly sending good vibes. It's not easy. It's horrible. It's probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Harder than breast cancer?? may well be!! I walked past a lady taking a break outside the grocery store today. Boy did that smoke smell good. BUt like Beckers - I can't do just one or I'll be right back with two packs a day. I've mentioned before, my only salvation was movement - and Chantix. Whenever I wanted a smoke, I took off walking. Hard to do in NY this time of year.
Keep trying. It's worth it. Just for today.....
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Beckers, I am so sorry I will pray for you and your mom. sending you many prayers and hugs ..xoxoxo
Minus two , I know it has been freezing here .. and snow again .. yuck .. it does help a little as it keeps me inside. I don't like to stand out there and freeze .. Thanks again ladies xoxo
Lisamarie
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Lisamarie...you go girl! I had been quit for two years and had started again several months before the BC was diagnosed. At that point, I quit again. It's now been just over one year. Yes, I get the desire often - it will just hit out of the blue. I talk myself out of it by reminding that I can't stand the smell around me let alone on me, that there's no need to make my life any shorter than it needs to be, etc.
Then again, there's always something to eat instead! bwah
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I know I eat like crazy when I am not smoking .. but that is not a problem for me since I am 96 lbs soken wet ! woo hoo way to go 1 year and of course the 2 years that amazes me .. when I quit do to the BC I thought wow this is so easy and I am never smoking again .. but I guess I had fooled myself to get through the surgery and stuff .. I gotta remember my old saying " I will NOT SMOKE today " and then maybe it will be easier .. I am at work now and the 12 hour shifts do help as does the damm cold weather ... I really want to feel better , smell better, look better ect I could go on forever .. I can remember after my surgery my mom taking me for my follow up appt and she was smoking on the ride . I said MOM can you please stop that it is making me sick ..lol ... if only I could feel that everytime I decide to light up...
that would be the best curse ever !!!! thanks for all the support and Love I really need it ... xoxoxox0 -
LisaMarie, we have all been there including yourself. There must be some trigger for you that won't leave you. I'm like Galsal and MinusTwo. The feeling never leaves you but we all know that if we go back, the devil has one. I actually have a book that I bought to quit smoking and it is supposed to work. I can do two things .... one read what might help you or better yet send it to you. The author runs these seminars up in Canada at a cost of $350 for the day. I've heard people walk away not smoking. I was going to sign up when bc struck. If you want the book, PM your address or post office box, and I'm happy to send it to you.
Ladies, have a great day. Today is the day I start back exercising. LisaMarie, I wish I didn't have the weight gain - 20 lbs but I told dh last night, I'm alive and healthy and won't have the body of a 25 year old anymore.
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Hi everyone! It is my seventh day smoke free today!!!! I have tried and failed few times before, but am determined THIS time!!! I am using an e-cig with zero nicotine, can't say its helping much, just something to reach my hand to when I have a craving. So far, it is managable. I think, it is all about how determined one is. I am praying to stay strong and stay quit forever. I can already tell many advantages of quitting, but my worry is that I want to chew all the time. I am trying to stick to healthy snacks, but if I go on like this I know I will put on weight. Please can someone tell me when the food craving will go away? Or what to do with this appetite?
Lisa, how many days have you been smoke free?
Hope everyone is well.
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Karina , my smoking is a daily struggle as u may know . I hate it . I had 4 days on the patch and gum .. I guess it's just not cutting it anymore . I play too much in it . The fact is the only thing I have in life to calm my stresses and make me happy is smoke .. blah huh .. I guess since BC and my mastectomy my bf left me . im alone and alone sucks , i am in a dark place of depression .. facing yet another surgery feb 12 for my second reconstruction as my implants are totally blah and i am not happy with the outcome .. anyway I think I am going to try the e cig .. at least it will be healthier for my lungs . I had 4 days before I smoked today .. I feel weak and like a complete failure . when i was diagnosed with BC it was so easy , I did so well 2 weeks on patch and smoke free for 3 months with little cravings .. the food thing I dont know , I am 97 lbs so eating for me is a blessing ..
Lisamarie
P.S good luck
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LisaMarie, you are almost there. You know what needs to be done but something is holding you back. Unless you identify your trigger, then it will hold you back. Come on, we are all rooting for you ..... you can do it. Don't despair, we are all in your pocket cheering you on. Don't worry about anything else other then your health and your desire. You will succeed!
Karina, welcome. We have all been where you are but again I stress, you know what needs to be done. I guess what I want to say is we all needed a good kick in the butt but for what reason I don't know. For me, it was "cancer" but that was two-fold. I saw my brother die from lung cancer and there was no way I was going to go out like that. So find what works for you and work on that. Weight gain may or may not be a factor. For me, it was two fold - quitting and meds. But in the end, I'm glad I did it. I know I will never have the body of a 25 year old but it is a matter of coming to terms with my image .... healthy and alive works for me!
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Judi , you are the absolute best .. I don't honestly know the exact trigger other than I just want to smoke ,,, ugh !!! I also know I want and need to be healthy .. I want a new way of life . Guess I am afraid to let go of old ways and thoughts . I hold on to the familiar . I gotta get strong !!!! and I sooo thank you for being in my pocket and of course putting up with me ... Hugs
Lisamarie
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Hey Lisamarie, I love being there for you. If it's old habits that die hard, trust me, I know what that is like. Smoking it like your best friend .... it loves you, is there for you, not telling you what to do, and never saids no to you. If that is what it is for you, then you have to figure it out. I know you are going through a lot and you need to have someone to talk to and that's why we are all here for you. Take it one step at a time, one day at a time. Don't ever despair because that's what tears us apart. You are a strong, beautiful woman who has had a few down times but it is only up from here on in. I will always be in your pocket until you are ready to set me free. So think about it and when you are ready, you will know it. Trust me!
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I would love to be apart of this discussion as well. My kids are consatntly asking me to quit and I want this to be my main goal through this whole ordeal. I DO NOT WANT CIGARETTES TO BE APART OF MY LIFE ANYMORE!
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@minusTwo- you mentioned that you used chantix, can I ask if you know if medicaid will pay for that or not? My mom used chantix and kicked the habit after smoking for 45 years. I really want to get my hands on this product but cant afford $300 for it right now. Just curious as to exactly how much did it cost and did you pay for it with regular insurance or medicaid.
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