Stop Smoking Support Thread
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llhines - Sorry I can't tell you if medicaid will pay. I only got the starter kit and didn't even use all of that. Never did double up when you're supposed move on to two pills - just stayed with one. I was on Cobra insurance at the time & can't remember if they paid anything. I've looked through my check registers but can't find a record so I must have charged it. Unfortunately I didn't keep good records around that time in my life because I could't sit still long enough w/o wanting to smoke.
I started by not smoking in my house. Two weeks later I stopped smoking in my car. Two weeks after that I started the Chantix but by then was only smoking on the front porch. I took LOTS of walks. I think it probably helped that I wasn't working at the time and no stressor from that end. I too had been smoking 45 years. I had to stop drinking for awhile since that was a big trigger. And quit talking on the phone. The hardest for me was not lighting up in the car. It can be done. We'll be routing for you.
LisaMarie - hang in there.
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Karina:
Sorry I missed your post. 7 days is a GREAT start. I chewed gum until my jaws were sore. I kept carrot & celery sticks & radishes ready to grab in the fridge. And I ate tons of sunflower seeds. Somehow cracking the seed, taking it out of my mouth, putting in another one, over & over. gave me lots of hand to mouth relief. As I've mentioned - I walked a lot. After awhile I joined Curves and stayed there for awhile, then moved on to Bally. The most ironic twist - I worked myself up to the best shape of my entire life over a couple of years after I quit - trim, healthy, nice abs, etc. Then boom - BC. Sigh. Now I have 15 lbs to lose again. But I'm not smoking. Keep it up.
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Ladies: Look at VJSL8's two posts on Dec 22nd of this thread. She has some great support ideas.
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Hi all, just found this support thread as I am sitting here smoke free since Friday, January 25 at 9:30PM. I hate this feeling, but PS won't do surgery unless I have not smoked for 14 days, no patches, no gum, notta! Smoking was my hobby, my love, my companion......smoker for 35 years, then bam, cant smoke! Not even worried about cancer or surgery anymore, only concern now is not smoking. Can't concentrate, can't work, treating significant others like crap!! Just want to cry! DH bought me an electric cig with non nicotine cartridges, think it only makes it worse!
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I am so excited to see so many trying to quit smoking. I quit last June and I was on this thread often. I would check in every Sunday with the amount of weeks I had quit.i had 8.5 weeks when I had my BMX on Aug 9th. I've lost count. What's different for me this time is I have toughed out the absolute worst triggers that would have sent me straight to the store to buy a pack! No matter what I have not smoked and I honestly don't want to be a smoker. Oh I hope you'll can stay quit. It's hard but it gets easier....promise! :-) hang in there!!
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Minus, JudiH, thanks for the welcome. It may sound strange, but this time I know I will succeed. Still using my nicotine free e-cig, but not too much now. In fact my food cravings are a bit moderate today. Day EIGHT, WOOOHOOO, and feeling strong!!! You know what I enjoy the most? I used to smoke in my kitchen, with the window open most of the time to keep the place fresh and I could not close the lovely blinds I have there. Now I can!!!! It looks so much prettier now and a perfect reminder of my smoke free life. My next challange is to stay strong among smokers. I have been avoiding them so far.
Everyone stay healthy and smoke free. New girls - welcome.
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I know when I was on BCBS they paid for Chantix - but then when I read all the side effects and how dangerous that drug can be I said "thanks, but no, thanks, I'll stay with my smokes, they're less dangerous".
Anyway, almost 7 months for me with no smoking and no cravings since I got on the new generation e-cigarette. Can't stand cigarette smoke now.
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Hi Ladies , I can't remember who asked what .. so I will just chat .. Medicaid should cover chantix at little oe no cost . I used chantix a while baack and got very depressed and then suicidal so for me it is not the way to go . I find taking deep breaths helps with my cravings . I also was told pre BMX that I had to be 2 weeks nicotine free or PS would not do recon ... I had time though so I had the patch for 2 weeks then amazing enough I was 7 weeks nicotine free and 9 weeks cigarette free at time of my surgery .. I as myself how I did that , because I stayed 3 months off cigarettes and all nicotine .. then one day stress got to me ... Today I decided I would go as long as I can without the patch .. just chewing wrigleys and drinking water .. and yeah deep breaths at times .. if it gets to much I will apply the patch . I am really trying to get this thing once and for all ... I know for me that this thread was my lifesaver back then and it is now as well . I am glad people are coming and we can all help each other one day , minute at a time ... I have surgery again Feb 12th to undo recon and start again ... so I am really pushing it ... not only for surgery but for me and a healthier life .. not bound to cigarettes .. I feel like a slave to them and when I smoke they control my life .. Walking also helps.. it's very cold here now in Long Island NY but I will take walks to calm the nerves .anyway I am at work and that helps me cope too .. Sorry I wrote a book .. was not my intention just got carried away ...
Judi ... Thanks again ... Im gonna stay as long as it takes and hope I never get rid of an amazing friend like you no matter what
Have a good Non smoking Day Ladies ..
"just for today I will not smoke "
Lisamarie
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Congrats Day - 7 months for you not smoking ..... yay! I had a good chuckle when I read your post, MinusTwo ... a smoke and a chat on the phone was sooooo great .... even when the phone rang, I grabbed my smokes. Funny, how we long time smokers associate smoking with. Karina, love your post but I automatically thought of your blinds, and now you don't have to clean them as much .... yay, now more time for you! Beckers, almost a year ... do you remember when you first came on this thread .... I am so proud of you! Cynthia56, don't despair .... we all were in the same boat at one time. I remember when I tried laser therapy and I didn't smoke for 3 weeks. I was so awful to live with that my dh told me to go back to smoking. You know what, this is what I wanted to hear so I could go back smoking and not feel guility about it. It's amazing how our brain will not let the little devil die. In the book "Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking" the first chapter mentions "Fear" is a major reason why some smokers fail to quit. He states "as a smoker you will certainly suffer from some, and probably all of the reasons he mentions that we may fail; these being will I be a failure and even I you do succeed, will I have to go through an indeterminate period of misery/deprivation; will I ever enjoy a meal or social occasion again; will I be able to answer the telephone or cope with stress; will life ever be quite the same again; will I ever be completely free. He leaves this section with "if you have hesitated to arrive at your answer, the only plausible reason is fear, and the belief that the magic button to quit smoking won't work". I think those of us have answered these questions and have gotten through to be nonsmokers; the others will arrive there to!
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I am still offering a free copy of my "Tips to Win at Quitting Smoking" to anyone who sends me an email address (don't worry, I won't spam you or anything, just want to help).
Depending on the state, sometimes a Rx for Chantix needs to be pre-approved and it is FAR less dangerous than smoking. 50% of smokers will DIE from smoking, NOTHING comes close to the damage to a person's body as smoking.
For those of you still struggling--change is only possible when the DESIRE is sufficient (work on your desire to become smoke-free --lots of tips in my book on how to build motivation--every smoker will tell you that they WANTED to quit, until then it's a struggle because we compare the benefits we get from smoking with the negatives of trying to quitting and the cigarettes win out but when becoming smoke-free is MORE important than continuing to smoke, the method will appear because you will have sought out the tools, skills and knowledge to go through the process of change and have the confidence to take action.
Often we consider smoking part of our "self-care" especially when dealing with stress, fear, anxiety. When everything is falling apart, our "friends" are still there to offer comfort. Smoking is a low-effort coping strategy and if like most smokers you have started as a teen--you haven't developed other effective coping strategies because smoking has always been there and has worked. Part of the struggle is to develop other "self-care" techniques but often they require more effort than just lighting up.
Allan Carr's book is great for motivation because he takes every argument we use to continue smoking and rips it apart. He works on the WHY to quit, but not the HOW to quit. In over 20 years of working with smokers, as soon as the WHY to quit is stronger than the desire to continue to smoke, the rest is just gaining the tools etc which build confidence.
It's not enough to know you "have to" quit, you must "want to" become smoke-free and working on your motivation is most important as you also gaining the necessary tools, skills and experience to live smoke-free. Good luck to all. VJ
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Crappy , Cranked , but hanging on .. still no smoke and no patch .. ugh .. for some reason I just want to lay down and sleep... I am so tired .. but I am at work and cannot do that .. so I guess I will get up and find me something to do ... HUgs
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Well said, VJ! Your point about the coping strategies was fabulous .... until then I had not thought about not developing coping strategies as a teen other then smoking .... I think this should be first on the agenda. I also thought your point about the book was good too .... I only got 1/2 way through it but never finished it .... I guess I wasnt' ready to quit then. But the gaining of the tools is so important in the quitting process. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi to all...congrats to all those who have quit smoking. Hip hip hooray for those who are trying to on a daily basis. Hugs to those who keep trying and fail. It will happen!
I haven't been here in awhile. I started on this thread in its beginning and because of it I quit smoking. I will be smoke free 4 years in April. Congrats to me!!!
It isn't easy but it can happen. I miss it at times but I don't act on it. I can't stand the way smokers smell and I hate when it is all over me...yep, I said that, and I can't believe it.
Have a great day and good luck and good health to all of you.
Hugs and prayers,
Candie
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Candie, imagine smoke free for 4 years. Good going and a huge congrats! I'm 2 years out from quitting and I can understand your thoughts on smoking. I actually said to a neighbour that I can't stand when smokers walk past me, and they smell, or should I say stink, of smoke. I guess we are there and will not return. I too wish all those who have quit or in the process, good health and good luck!
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Judi: I had to chuckle at one of the questions you listed from the book "will life ever be quite the same again". Well of course not. We all have breast cancer. So as long as it can't ever be the same anyway, why keep smoking? Might as well strike out on a total new path. I know, I know - that's for the optimistic days, but jus sayin.
Thanks VJSL8 for jumping back in.
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MinusTwo, how true. Life will never be the same so let's be optimistic! Smoking is in our past and not our future! Good to hear from others so hope everyone is having a great day!
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Good way to look at it minus two!
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Thanks for all of the words of encouragement, Day 4 down!
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Crappy Crappy Day... UGH !!!! someone please tell me why this time the withdrawls are so friggin bad
is it because I don't care this time .. maybe it's my depression .. I just gotta keep telling myself I can do this ... I can do this .. and I will do this .. and "just for today I will not smoke " sorry ladies ... I hate feeling so moody .. have a great day
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Lisa, I have been feeling a bit moody myself today too. Hot and cold all the time. Can anyone tell me if quitting causes this? Don't have too many cravings, just miss the process. Still feel strong though!! Day 10 for me!! Can't believe I came this far.
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Karina and Lisamarie - stay with it girls. Today was a crappy day - I think it is a weather thing. You both know it is hard so don't allow the little devil to win. I've been smoke-free for 2 years but came across two smokers who kept going in and out to have a smoke. A little thought crossed my mind to have a smoke but as quickly as it came, it left. I think when you are a smoker, you want to be a nonsmoker; when you quit, then you want to smoke. My sister has been smoke-free for 31 years and she said that when I was having a smoke, she found herself inhaling. I think it is a mindset so let's set our minds free. You can do it!
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Also, crappy day! Still want a cigarette, and now my gyno has taken me off of my Estradiol..............will be happy when the cravings lighten up!
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Good Morning Ladies , today is a work day for me .. I am munching on healthy snacks today .. carrots and celery and lots of water . Much Hugs for all ... thank you for all the love and support ... I cannot do this alone .. :just for today I will not smoke .... My Mantra ... keep on keeping on ... Have a nice day everyone and a great weekend
Lisamarie
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Glad to see everyone hanging in there!!!! It's so nice that you revived this site Lisamarie. This was actually my favorite thread where I felt most welcome when I first found BCO and it's a good thing because I really needed AND WANTED to quit more than anything. Just tough out the rough times no matter what. That's what I've done. You got this!!!
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Beckers, I know .. I was so sad when I came back and the thread was not moving along as it used to .. I love to come and get support and sometimes I must admit a cheer or two... I think judy said when we are smokers we want to be non smokers and we are non smokers we want to be smokers .. go figure .. so complicated I say ! but I am slowley breathing throughout my day here at work .. I do 12 hour shifts and by this time I feel well tired . I have been feeling very very tired like i just want to close my eyes and sleep my life away . I am guessing it is my diet as well , so I am trying to incorporate more healthy things into my diet . I still don't feel any different . I am also cutting way down on my caffine (coffee addiction) and I think that is causing me much headaches .. anyway .. Positive thinking and no bitching today .. haha ..
Hugs Lisamarie
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Ha...Lisa! A day with no bitching? Come on. We gotta go easy on ourselves.
I think the coffee may help compensate for the decrease in whatever that word is when you quit smoking....omg my brain sometimes....I swear. Just keep it simple while you are trying to quit. Oh....metabolism....is that the word?
I too am working with dietician and trying to eat healthier. He said a mostly plant based diet. It's not easy to be forced into looking at and making so many changes.
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LisaMarie - Great new avatar.
My problem with coffee was that it was just one more trigger. Coffee & a smoke. Phone & a smoke. Drink & a smoke. I ended up quitting coffee too, partly because of the discomfort of fibercystic breasts. And it worked, but now the breasts are both gone. I've been reading that coffee may help fight off memory loss so maybe I'll pick that back up again. So do I start back w/regular coffee or decaf? Off topic a bit, but...
I have a friend who quit 1/1/13. Her husband always says he's quiting but refuses to honor a quit date. Thank heavens he doesn't smoke in the house. They're 60 +/- and now they don't do anything together. But she's hanging in there and made it through the first month.
Also have a friend who has lung cancer at 65. He's been through chemo & radiation & the tumor is still there, along w/lymph involvement. No surgery possible. He never stopped smoking little cigars all through the first sets of treatment. Now he's facing another round of chemo.
Sorry if this sounds negative. I don't mean it that way. Hats off to all of you who are working up to it & trying. Kudos to those who've made it more than a week. Start planning your rewards for the first month. You deserve it!!
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Oh MinusTwo, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. My brother too had lung cancer and it was so difficult for him. But on another note, my neighbour's brother-in-law's twin had colon cancer (bad) and he has recovered quite nicely. So, let's be positive when and where we can and count our blessings. LisaMarie, I'm with you. I found this site more positive then my other site but it can get quiet. I guess when you have smokers who have become nonsmokers, it can be boring. We need you to lighten things up. Remember gals, we have all been there. Seriously, I think we can all notch it up a bit with our weight gain, smoking, tiredness, whatevery. It's January/February and remember what the Spring will be. I'm trying to exercise more, but I have to admit that last night after my salad, I had potato chips .... who care if it is just a few! I remember and then try not to do it again for awhile. I'm only here once so I'm not going to deprive myself. Ladies, I hope today was a great day!
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Judi: I'm trying to go to water aerobics 2 or 3 times a week. Does that count? I really credit my entree into a more active world for helping me quit. Walking, exercising, biking, whatever you can make yourself do. Unfortunately like your potato chips, I came home and ate several wonderful macroons dipped in chocolate. Salad tonight.
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Haha , I don't know about how to go back to drinking coffee.. maybe 1/2 decaf and 1/2 caffine .. this way you hopefully wont get too jittery .. I just keep eating ..lol but im trying healthy stuff . I am not a junk food person really and never was so that is not too hard .. tonight my boss brang over a beautiful dinner lemon chicken and koos koos , along with freshly grown organic greens from her daughter's green house .. ate healthy .. My boss is all about healthy eating and lifestyles .. so she helps a lot .. what a great job I have .. I am blessed .. I must remember that .
Minus Two also thanks about the avatar.. had my hair in ponytails .. goofing off going to see my granddaaughter as we have the best goofiest and best time when we are together . she is only two and she completes me ..
I know you ladies get bored at times . I am glad you are all here for me .. yet another blessing and another positive part of my life ...
I did start ballet classes a month ago , I was getting every wednesday off but now I have worked on wednesday and its the only adult class . I cant see paying for a class I cannot attend .. I sure did like it dancing again .. although I forgot how hard it was .. lol I may start walking , then jogging or get a gym membership .. I would like to do Yoga and Zumba ..
anyway hope you all have a great night , I get off work here at 8 pm .. I will go home make me a sleepy time tea and hit the bed .. as I am working another 12 in the morning ..
Thanks again for being here and being my support ...Hugs
Lisamarie
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