I should really stop smoking. [Archive]

Dezie

11-22-08, 02:58 PM

I found this (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11198&highlight=smoking) thread, but I guess I can't continue it. Archives? Whatever..

So, I'd like to quit. I started smoking when I was about 16? 15? I never smoked a whole lot, I didn't think, but there have been times when I've been up to two packs a day! *cringe* I've tried the patch. It works pretty well if I stick with it. I found it gets me through the rough part in the beginning. Not just the beginning of quitting, but the beginning of each day, which is my most difficult part. I would wait until about 10am to slap it on because I got a nice little buzz from it. lol. ....*sigh*...

Cold turkey just does not work for me. I need something extra to get me over the hump. Even increasing exercise works for me. If I'm on a regime every morning I seem to be able to hold it off longer.

So here's my plan. I'm joining a local gym and I'm buying the patch again, but I'm going to start by cutting down first. I want to get a head start on New Years. My goal will be to smoke less and less as I lead up to my birthday in mid-december. After that, I'll use the patch.

I thought that putting myself out there, by talking about it here, would encourage me to stick with it. But I have to give myself a few weeks before I say goodbye to my long time friend.

Anyone else want to quit? *ducks rotting vegetables*

Foxxie joins the ultimate challenge! Will she beat the smoke monster? Stay tuned to find out!!!!!!

foxxie

11-22-08, 03:00 PM

I can't even count the number of times I've tried. I don't think I've ever made it longer than a day. Best of luck to you!

Vitriol

11-22-08, 03:05 PM

I quit cold turkey about two years ago....I'm what you call a social smoker now. I bum cigs from people when I'm drinking or I'll take one when offered. Good luck on the quitting.

Dezie

11-22-08, 03:07 PM

Thank you, foxxie. I've successfully quit several times, some of those times lasting years. I know I can do it. I wish I was the kind of smoker that can have a few, even ten, each day and not let it control them, but I'm not. With me it's all or nothing. If I'm smoking, it's all I'm doing. I need one when I start or finish anything. I have one when I first get in my car, I need another when I leave a store. And I'm a hider too. I hate when people see me smoke, so I feel like I'm always looking for spots to get one more before I have to go face people. It's bad. I'm like a crack head but without the glamorous life style.

Mattie

11-22-08, 03:18 PM

If you can't quit for yourself, quit for your friends / family. That's worked with a lot of people I know.

Dezie

11-22-08, 03:22 PM

Thank you, Mattie. And sorry I put this in Lostaways. The last one was there, so I thought it would be ok. I like it better in General Living. :) That's really what I'm trying to improve, right?

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 03:25 PM

I have been thinking of quitting lately too.....just don't know if I am completely ready

foxxie

11-22-08, 03:26 PM

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 03:31 PM

I'm the exact same way. The ones I absolutely can't give up are the car smokes. I have no idea why, but I have to have one while in the car. That, and the after work smoke. I honestly don't know if I could ever give that one up.

mine is the FIRST thing in the morning one

Vitriol

11-22-08, 03:32 PM

I never smoked first thing in the morning..always after lunch...

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 03:34 PM

and it's really hard sitting around on computer all day....BUT if I am someplace I can't smoke like an airplane on a six hour flight, I am fine...go figure

Dezie

11-22-08, 03:35 PM

I have been thinking of quitting lately too.....just don't know if I am completely ready

We could do it together!! Yay! Just think of how fun it would be!! :mad:

Seriously, I don't want to quit and I know I'm not ready. That's why I'm giving myself a little buffer. I know I have to quit because I'm going back on for about a year and a half now. Every few years I start up again. This last time is going on longer than I had planed. I just don't trust myself if I let myself hit the two year mark.

Even if you don't quit, just come on every one in a while to bitch at me, ok? :D

brb. smoke.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 03:43 PM

LOL DEZ !!!

I have decided that since I am "on the market" again I really should quit

Dezie

11-22-08, 03:46 PM

LOL DEZ !!!

I have decided that since I am "on the market" again I really should quit

Screw "on the market"! How about we just keep smoking and date each other?

You dig chicks that smell like smoke?

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 03:47 PM

YES !! that takes so much pressure off

King of Snake

11-22-08, 03:52 PM

I don't want to give up smoking. I enjoy it, but my girlfriend is forcing me because she's a big non-smoking Nazi.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:08 PM

I'll tell ya what DEZ....we can be stop smoking buddies. If we decide the first of the year than that will give me time to mentally prepare

King of Snake

11-22-08, 04:12 PM

Ha! I posted that in the wrong thread.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:13 PM

KOS would you quit if we did ?

King of Snake

11-22-08, 04:15 PM

I'm going to have to quit when I move in with my GF in January. I'm going to make the most of it til then

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:16 PM

I'll tell ya what DEZ....we can be stop smoking buddies. If we decide the first of the year than that will give me time to mentally prepare

You got it. But I've already decided. I'm done, you know...later and stuff. If you join me than all the better.

KoS, I never thought you were so whipped.

King of Snake

11-22-08, 04:18 PM

I'm not. I promised her that I would quit when we live together, because I'm such a caring boyfriend

strandediniowa

11-22-08, 04:18 PM

I thought bitch was the new black . . .

I'm not ready to quit smoking either. I did stop for about a year - and then took it up again when dealing with my dead's death. (he'd be so proud :rolleyez:) The combination of the nicotine addiction and the behavior stuff (must have cig while on phone, while in car, etc.) is just too much for me. I take it as a sign of encouragement that I'm at a point where I actually consider it, at least in passing.

I have several friend who have quit with the assistance of Chantix. Several reported having very strange dreams, and of the course the obligatory weight gain. But these folks were very dedicated smokers and they have stopped for well over a year.

I wish you guys the best - perhaps you'll be my inspiration!

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:21 PM

Sounds good to me!! I quit for a week on the patch while in the hospital and I couldn't leave the room...LOL

but the minute i got out I lit up....LOL

strandediniowa

11-22-08, 04:22 PM

At work I have to go sit in my car to smoke - it feels like I'm back in high school again. I hate it.

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:23 PM

Chantix? Is that the pill thing? I think a friend of mine is trying that. I don't like the idea of it. Something feels odd about taking medication to quit. Even using the patch took some getting use to.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:24 PM

I think I may try lasers.....i heard that works real well, acupuncture didnt work for me neither did hypnosis

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:25 PM

At work I have to go sit in my car to smoke - it feels like I'm back in high school again. I hate it.

Yeah. It's very taboo, don't you find? It seems so different than just a few years ago. I hate hiding. And I really hate when a kid sees me smoking. If I'm driving through a parking lot and there's a child standing outside their car, I need to lower it. It makes me feel like a dirt bag. :(

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:26 PM

I think I may try lasers.....i heard that works real well, acupuncture didnt work for me neither did hypnosis

OMG! You really tried that?!

...

That is so cool! :D Tell Dezie more.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:27 PM

RIGHT !! If it weren't for the looks I probably wouldn't have the inclination to want to quit

strandediniowa

11-22-08, 04:29 PM

Yep Dezie I feel like a pariah! I'm okay with not smoking inside - but not being able to smoke outside is awful. Even at tailgates I have to sneak to smoke. Lucky thing the security guard that is posted near our group smokes too. :)

Chantix is a prescription med - kinda expensive but not as expensive as smoking.

I also know a couple of people for whom hypnosis worked. You really have to be motivated though.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:31 PM

OMG! You really tried that?!

...

That is so cool! :D Tell Dezie more.

Hypnosis went to one of these places did the whole treatment and supposedly they said they put a suggestion in that made me want to get sick from the taste of them....so I had to test it when I left and nothing

Acupuncture supposedly they take away the urge....again left and lit one up

The laser is supposed to do the same thing. I have heard horror stories about Chantrix....I keep seeing those lawyer TV commercials about it too so I am guessing there is going to be a lawsuit

strandediniowa

11-22-08, 04:31 PM

Damn lawyers :D

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:32 PM

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:32 PM

I know RIGHT !! LOL

Dezie

11-22-08, 04:35 PM

Journal entry:

Ok, so I've only had about four today. That's pretty good for me. Mostly it's because I've been sitting in front of this computer and I don't smoke in the house.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 04:37 PM

see there is gonna be my problem...I DO smoke in the house

strandediniowa

11-22-08, 04:40 PM

*sigh* I smoke inside, outside, everywhere I can.

But I think that doing things like only smoking outside, or allowing yourself only one per hour, or whatever works is a good start. On long car rides I try to only have one per hour and a half, or every hundred miles or so.

foxxie

11-22-08, 04:43 PM

At work I have to go sit in my car to smoke - it feels like I'm back in high school again. I hate it.

LMAO. I have to do that too, and duck from the security guards that circle the parking lot in their little van, because we are not even supposed to smoke in our cars.

Journal entry:

Ok, so I've only had about four today. That's pretty good for me. Mostly it's because I've been sitting in front of this computer and I don't smoke in the house.

I think I've had 2 today. Not smoking in the house and it being so damn cold outside are my two saving graces. LOL.

sals

11-22-08, 04:53 PM

I quit 4 years ago for 4 months after a heart attack. Funny thing is it was easy and I adjusted completely.

Then one day, for no reason, I bummed one and started again.

But that was the end of smoking inside and in all cars but my work van.

I can go long periods if there is no easy opportunity to smoke but if there's a nearby door and I can slip outside, I have no resistance!!

Sals

Ellaroo

11-22-08, 05:53 PM

Great thread, I love all your comments. Remember that you can do it if you really want to. Good luck and keep us posted.

I stopped for the third time in June 07 due to baby Number 3. I found it hard but I wouldn't risk smoking while I was preggers because I knew I would blame myself if anything happened. Within a few weeks the smell of the stuff made me puke and I cursed anyone in work who went for a smoke then breathed near me. Have to say it made me miserable and I swear I am much less fun to be around!

The baby is nearly 8 months and I've not caved (yet). With my other two children I was back smoking within the first few months. I lost count of the "you'd be a fool to start again" speeches that I've had since the little fella was born. I've only recently been having a couple of wine and lemos watching the X factor on Saturday nights (I have no life what can I say!) and last Saturday I could have eaten a cig. The craving only lasted till I made it to the cupboard to get a bag of crisps but I can't keep doing that.

I wish I could just smoke socially (did I mention hubby does that......and he's very sociable....grrr) but I know I'd get up the next morning and need one. I never used to be able to function without a cup of coffee and a cig in the morning (sat on the back step....ah memories) and I can relate to all the comments about smoking in the car. I used to love driving and smoking with some good tunes on. I'd never say never and it may be the hormones, but I can no longer block out all the morbid thoughts about illness and death that smokers can normally ignore, so for now it's fear of what could happen that prevents me from lighting up.

Dezie

11-22-08, 06:54 PM

Thank you for the encouragement, Ellaroo. I think it's really great that you quite for the kids. Nothing looks worse than a pregnant woman smoking. :mad:

Definitely don't light up!! We are here for you!!!!!! :D:D:D

MayBear

11-22-08, 07:58 PM

:tears2: Ok, I'm bawling today anyway. But reading through this thread made me cry some more.

Please...http://gridironfans.com/forums/images/smilies/misc/beg.gif Please, please people. Quit if you can. I know it's hard! I have an addiction. Food. I can't quit that either. I've weighed over 200 pounds since 1978! No lie! And I'm not very tall :rolleyez: So I know how hard it is to do something like quit smoking.

BUT I also know how hard it is to lose somebody you love because they smoked their whole lives. :tears2:

http://gridironfans.com/forums/images/smilies/misc/beg.gifPlease try to find a way to quit. Please. For the ones that love you.

GardenMom

11-22-08, 08:09 PM

Add me to the list of people that know they should quit, but just don't really want to. The price of the habit is my biggest incentive right now. I smoke mostly at home, when I'm in front of the computer - but I don't want to give the computer up either. I'll be good and go all day without one because I stay busy, but I plunk down at night and practically chain smoke. Honestly, I feel like smoking actually helps me THINK. If I've got a decision to make, I have a smoke and mull it over. Plus, the husband smokes too, and has no intention of quitting, so when he lights up, I also get the urge.

LostVoyeur

11-22-08, 08:11 PM

Just reading this makes me want to smoke...LOL

those TRUTH commercials are the worst for making me want one

ozanna

11-22-08, 10:39 PM

I quit nearly 2 years ago, because it nearly killed me, I kid you not. I have emphysema, middle stage which means I can still breathe but not run around the block. I got the 'flu and a chest infection and I literally could barely breathe. Every time I coughed I didn't know if I was going to be able to draw breath again. I lost 30 pounds in weight. I scared the <snip> out of myself and my family, who were awesome. But I got better and I am pretty well back to normal now - as normal as I can ever be. I have put on enough weight to be pleasantly filled out ! But not overweight - guess I'm lucky there !

Of course I was one of those people who thought it would never happen to me - sure I've got a bit of a smoker's cough, and so on. So if anyone wants to quit, please persevere, its hard for just a few days but keep at it. Easy for me to say because I physically couldn't, and by the time I started to feel better a lot of the urge had gone. I did try one and my daughter caught me and burst into tears. So that was it - never again.

Its an insidious thing - I hear so many people say exactly what I used to say, smoker's cough, I get out of breath a bit quicker, at least it keeps the weight off (one of the stupidest comments I have ever heard !) and by the time it really starts to interfere with your life you're a pain in the ass to everybody.

So good luck for everybody wanting to quit. You can do it, anybody can. Don't let the tobacco companies get you !

GardenMom - I used to think exactly the same as you, and my husband still smokes - but outside. ! Its not good for the computer, either !

Dezie

11-23-08, 12:30 AM

I did read the last few posts but when I caught a glimpse of some of ozanna's I had to stop. I'll work up the nerve later. :(

Thank you for adding them though. I really do feel like it's helping my cause. You guys are great.

Found in the Land of Lost

11-23-08, 12:51 AM

Good luck, you guys! I'm not a smoker, but that's only because when I was 14, I watched my father go through having lung cancer. He did beat it, but the pain he went through having half of his lung cut out and going through chemo made me stay away from smoking as I got older, even though alot of my friends did.

Stick with it. I know it's ridiculously hard, but your body will thank you! :flowers:

sals

11-23-08, 01:00 AM

My father was a heavy smoker. When he was 43 or so, he decided to not smoke for the first day of Lent. He wasn't really religious but I had declared to give up candy ( I was 6), asked him what HE was going to give up, and he said he would not smoke for one day.

He did it, then went one more day, then another, each day saying "one more day". He never smoked again.

I can forego a cig anytime and for a great length of time. What scares me is the thought of never smoking again...that finality scares me.

So maybe that was why my father kept telling himself it was only for another day, another day.

Just thinkin'

Sals

ozanna

11-23-08, 01:57 AM

Sorry Dezie - I hope I didn't overstep the mark. I didn't want to upset anyone - its hard enough quitting as it is, without some reformed smoker preaching at you ! I have to be careful what I say to my husband, because I know how it feels to have someone nagging you for something you know you shouldn't be doing anyway.

The money aspect is good too ! I buy myself a little treat every now and again, a book or a CD or a DVD, the things I could never afford because it was so much more important to buy a packet of fags !

Chance Gardener

11-23-08, 02:08 AM

goodness, I must admit that I feel a little foolish now

here I thought you meant you were going to stop being smoking and I'm like but that's just not possible ask the rain to not be wet or the smell on a fresh mown lawn being warmed by the sun to not be joyously fragrant but dezie stop being smoking yea right

doomed to fail I thought, dezie stop being smoking

then I realized you meant you were going to stop smoking cigarettes

boy is my face red

Dezie

11-23-08, 02:09 AM

No, no, no! Please do not think I meant it like that. Actually, I read it earlier and it truly got me in the right frame of mind. I have been thinking about quitting for a few months now, but you gave me the real reasons to want to. It's the part no one wants to visualize. I really needed it and I do appreciate it.

I can see already that this thread will help me get started, get through the tough parts, and help me back up if I fall. Thank you for adding anything and everything you think might help.

foxxie

11-23-08, 02:11 AM

The money aspect is good too ! I buy myself a little treat every now and again, a book or a CD or a DVD, the things I could never afford because it was so much more important to buy a packet of fags !

The money thing could be my biggest motivator. Dez, there is even a iPhone gadget the calculates how much money you save by not smoking. Maybe we could download it! :D

goodness, I must admit that I feel a little foolish now

here I thought you meant you were going to stop being smoking and I'm like but that's just not possible ask the rain to not be wet or the smell on a fresh mown lawn being warmed by the sun to not be joyously fragrant but dezie stop being smoking yea right

doomed to fail I thought, dezie stop being smoking

then I realized you meant you were going to stop smoking cigarettes

boy is my face red

Chance?! *swoon*

Dezie

11-23-08, 02:14 AM

The money aspect is good too ! I buy myself a little treat every now and again, a book or a CD or a DVD, the things I could never afford because it was so much more important to buy a packet of fags !

A pack of what I smoke costs me $9.50!!!! The best price I ever get is in CT, where I "score" them for a cool $7.50!:rolleyez:

goodness, I must admit that I feel a little foolish now

here I thought you meant you were going to stop being smoking and I'm like but that's just not possible ask the rain to not be wet or the smell on a fresh mown lawn being warmed by the sun to not be joyously fragrant but dezie stop being smoking yea right

doomed to fail I thought, dezie stop being smoking

then I realized you meant you were going to stop smoking cigarettes

boy is my face red

:rotfl: Do I know you? :rotfl:

ozanna

11-23-08, 02:40 AM

Glad to be of any help I can, Dezie :)

Just a funny thought I had, but when I first took my few tentative steps out of my sick bed my computer was upstairs in the "study". So I decided to go upstairs and log-in and see what was going on in the land of "Lost". *sigh* I made it up 2 steps and my legs literally wouldn't work. Which was very depressing. So my husband let me use his laptop until I made it upstairs. And I can tell you, getting back to my "friend" was a huge incentive to get back up those stairs again !

So another incentive - quit now and you will still be "smokin' " :Cheers:

Dezie

11-23-08, 02:45 AM

;) Thank you, ozanna.

And I WILL do this. I'll check back and post here everyday. Besides, I can't go back now! :rolleyez:

:Cheers:

TheBigCat

11-23-08, 02:49 AM

Hello Chance. Glad to see you, at least, haven't changed, although much in this world seems in a state of flux of late.

Dezie, I have been on the patch since my birthday on the 14th of last month. Some days I do have a few drags max though. It's the habit, not the actual nicotine addiction, which is proving the hard part, especially when I'm working on something on the computer and I need to take a break to focus on what I am doing.

strandediniowa

11-23-08, 02:59 AM

A pack of what I smoke costs me $9.50!!!! The best price I ever get is in CT, where I "score" them for a cool $7.50!:rolleyez:

:rotfl: Do I know you? :rotfl:

What the heck are you smoking there girl???

TheBigCat

11-23-08, 03:14 AM

Nat Shermans?

LOSTForever

11-23-08, 03:16 AM

A pack of what I smoke costs me $9.50!!!! The best price I ever get is in CT, where I "score" them for a cool $7.50!:rolleyez:
What the heck are you smoking there girl???
I was thinking the same thing, Mary. What are you buying sticks of gold?

azteclady

11-23-08, 03:41 AM

Dezie

11-23-08, 03:53 AM

Dezie, I have been on the patch since my birthday on the 14th of last month. Some days I do have a few drags max though. It's the habit, not the actual nicotine addiction, which is proving the hard part, especially when I'm working on something on the computer and I need to take a break to focus on what I am doing.

That's fantastic! I wish you luck! I go through the same thing when I'm on the patch. I usually feel fine once I get through stage 1 and I've successfully gone without a cigarette for up to two years after that. The fidgety hand thing is a problem for me though. But I'm a nail biter --by trade. The pay isn't great but the hours are perfect for my schedule.

What the heck are you smoking there girl???

American Spirits, baby!

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii49/MGY/AmericanLight.jpg
And when I say, "American Spirits, baby!", I do it with way too much pride. I obviously have problems.

I live near the boarder of CT so I'll go across the state line to grab a carton.
I was down in Philly a month ago and they were practically giving them away for 6 bucks?!!
I felt like an 18 year old with a hard on in Tijuana!

I mean, well, you know what I mean.

I've never been to Tijuana.

...

NEVERMIND!:mad:

Seriously, nevermind. Where the <snip> is the edit button on this thing??!

Nat Shermans?

Mmmm...Love Nats! :heartpump

I was thinking the same thing, Mary. What are you buying sticks of gold?

Yes, I am. And when I smoke them, I feel like king of the world!

ozanna

11-23-08, 04:07 AM

azteclady - the family generally suffers as much as the patient, and it can be an agonizingly slow death. Thank the Lord I can still run around (well at least walk fast !)
According to my doctor I won't get much better, aside from the obvious advantages of not actually smoking any more, but I won't get any worse, apart from being more vulnerable to colds and 'flu.

Just out of interest me and my husband when we both smoked, worked out how much money we would have saved if we hadn't smoked over 20 years. *ahem* would you believe the price of a fairly reasonable house. Sucks doesn't it.

Dezie

11-23-08, 04:08 AM

I was hesitant to post here because I have never smoked. After reading ozana's post, I feel that perhaps I should.My mother, who had smoked--a lot--since her early twenties, had to quit some twenty-five years ago, after a "cold" became bronchitis which became pneumonia, and the doctor told her she barely had any lung capacity left, because of her smoking.

My stepfather smoked quite a bit for many years, and even though he quit close to twenty years prior, he died in June 28th 2006 of emphysema and lung cancer. He was on oxygen since the previous December and bedridden since mid March. It was a horrible, agonizing death--and caring for him almost killed my mother.

My sister is still chain smoking, but by God, if she gets sick, my brothers and I will make sure my mother is not there to see her die of it.

So in the end I'll preach--quit for those who love you. Spare them having to care for you and see you suffer.On a lighter note... if you saved every penny spent on smokes, I am willing to bet you'd be surprised what you could afford, either necessary or indulgence, at the end of one year.

Aw, man...

All kidding aside, I am touched by all the time people have spent writing these things to me. I know it's hard to tell some of these stories, just like it's hard to read them. Smoking is a terrible, terrible addiction! It destroys the most delicate aspects of our health and it's all to often irreversible.

To be completely honest, what I've been doing to my body all these years scares me.

I mentioned it before, but I need to say it again. Thank you, everyone, so much for your involvement. I can't tell you how much today has meant for me and I'm so very encouraged.

Azteclady, I'm so sorry to read how smoking has affected your family. Thank you for sharing it, though. I may be trying to quit, but I know it's touching far more people here.

foxxie

11-23-08, 04:25 AM

azteclady

11-23-08, 04:26 AM

Dezzie :awwhug:

I wish I could help in a tangible way, but I can't.

I hesitate to share these things because I don't want to make those who suffer from these addictions (and in my mind, smoking and drinking are addictions people suffer from, not indulge in) feel worse than they already do if/when they are contemplating quitting. Nor do I want to make those who are determined not to quit (see my sister above) feel like I'm nagging or preaching.

But it is a reality, as ozana said, that the family suffers as much as the patient--and if, God forbid, there are young children involved, they may suffer far longer than the patient.

Wishing success to all those you are quitting, at any time.

Dezie

11-23-08, 04:41 AM

So...I found 2 iPhone applications. One is called iQuit and the other is called Smokeless They both gradually increases your time between cigarettes and tell you how much money you're saving. They cost the same and do basically the same thing, although there was quite a detaled description about hyperbolic functions v/s linear thingies on the iQuit one, and I kind of zoned out. LOL

*goes to iTunes*

Dezzie :awwhug:

I wish I could help in a tangible way, but I can't.

I hesitate to share these things because I don't want to make those who suffer from these addictions (and in my mind, smoking and drinking are addictions people suffer from, not indulge in) feel worse than they already do if/when they are contemplating quitting. Nor do I want to make those who are determined not to quit (see my sister above) feel like I'm nagging or preaching.

But it is a reality, as ozana said, that the family suffers as much as the patient--and if, God forbid, there are young children involved, they may suffer far longer than the patient.

Wishing success to all those you are quitting, at any time.

Please nag!! Please don't ever feel like you're nagging!! :)

scotpgot

11-23-08, 10:38 AM

Quitting smoking is easy...I've done it 1000 times. ;)

sals

11-23-08, 10:43 AM

6:23am first cig. (with coffee)

ETA: 7:28 second (more coffee)

Sals

sals

11-23-08, 11:18 AM

I was down in Philly a month ago and they were practically giving them away for 6 bucks?!!

AHA!! So it WAS for the cheap cigarettes after all. :(

Sals

Dezie

11-23-08, 01:05 PM

Quitting smoking is easy...I've done it 1000 times. ;)

6:23am first cig. (with coffee)

ETA: 7:28 second (more coffee)

Sals

Thank you, boys. That was helpful. :mad:

AHA!! So it WAS for the cheap cigarettes after all. :(

Sals

I went with the intention of changing the world but I was overwhelmed by your homeless problem! When are you people going to take care of that?

Dezie

11-23-08, 07:38 PM

Foxxie, I got iQuit. It's pretty cool. You adjust your settings for things like 'how many each day', 'when do you want to quit by', 'how much time passes between your last of the night and first of the next morning', etc. Then it calculates when you're allowed to have one. lol! You get a green light or a red (keep waiting) light, adding between time each time. It will be helpful to follow, if just to remind me.

Journal entry:

It's 3:45 and I've only had 4 cigarettes ALL DAY!! This is huge for me! I'm so proud of myself.

Of course, the first three were smoked in a row with my morning coffee, but that's my own business. :D

azteclady

11-23-08, 07:49 PM

*cheering Dezie on*

foxxie

11-23-08, 08:24 PM

Dezie

11-23-08, 08:48 PM

Yay!!!! That's wonderful news!!!!

*updates first post to give foxxie some pressure*

;)

sals

11-23-08, 09:00 PM

8 so far and I DL'd iQuit too!!!!

*chews nails*

Sals

foxxie

11-23-08, 09:44 PM

:rotfl: @ the first post...no pressure, right? :p

LostVoyeur

11-23-08, 09:47 PM

So I look up iQuit and this is the webpage I found...LOL

https://www.iquit.medschool.ucsf.edu/

Dezie

11-23-08, 10:19 PM

So I look up iQuit and this is the webpage I found...LOL

https://www.iquit.medschool.ucsf.edu/

:rotfl: *signs up* !!!!!
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii49/MGY/stewdioiquit03-1.jpg

iQuit is an app available for the iPhone and iTouch. It's like a calculator that helps track when your last smoke was and when it's "ok" to have your next one. It tracks your progress while allotting you more time between cigarettes until you have reached your stopping goal.

I'll try to get you the real deal shot so you can take a looksie.

ETA: I did ya a screen shot to give you an idea.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii49/MGY/Picture31.png

LostVoyeur

11-23-08, 10:55 PM

sigh....i don't have an iphone

Dezie

11-23-08, 10:57 PM

eh.. they're overrated.

Pink lungs, however.... those are hot! ;) :kiss:

ozanna

11-23-08, 11:49 PM

It's 3:45 and I've only had 4 cigarettes ALL DAY!! This is huge for me! I'm so proud of myself.
Dezie, thats great ! And so you should be. Cutting back is a great way to quit, and when you do take the final step you've already crossed the first hurdle. Some people are fine going cold turkey, others find it easier to wean themselves off. Whatever works is fine. And be proud of yourself, you earned it ! Keep it up.

Dezie

11-26-08, 05:09 PM

Journal entry:

I've been doing really well the past couple days. Less than 10 before 9-10:00. So far today, I've only had one. I really think this thread has motivated me and I love you guys for the support. Thanks.

Warthawg1

11-26-08, 06:10 PM

I quit cold turkey, and it's been a success.

I just woke up one day and said to myself... "self... you're reasonably young... you work out and play tennis... why are you doing this? ... you don't even enjoy it"

So I just quit.

I think it worked because I really wanted to quit. I had ceased to enjoy it. I never smoked in my house, and I was tired of standing in the cold. I think that's they key...
you really have to want to quit, not just because you think quitting is the right thing to do. I had just stopped enjoying the process of smoking.

That was 2 years ago.... a couple of months ago when I lost several thousands of dollars due to the economy... I even considered taking up the habit again. I'm not sure if it was just stress, or if I wanted to see if I had really kicked the habit, but anyhoo...

I went to the store and bought myself a pack of my favorites. I opened that pack up and eagerly lit up. Over the course of 4 days; I smoked the entire pack, but it just
didn't take.

I'm done. I had to try to make sure, but yep... I'm officially over them.

Dezie

11-26-08, 06:25 PM

Wow, that's really great. I envy that you reached that point.

I think I'm like most smokers (and perhaps you were like this too) where I have such a personal connection with it. It's like giving up a good friend. You know, one that you really love but who hits on you at inappropriate times. And people keep looking at you and asking, "why do you keep that guy around? He's obviously bad for you!" and you're like, " I know, I know, you're so right." but then you sneak off when no one is looking and make out with him behind the vending machines. Then when you come back it's really embarrassing because everyone can smell what you've been doing. You know? Like that.

*sigh* I don't know.

Warthawg1

11-26-08, 06:43 PM

I was like that, but it took me realizing that I didn't enjoy that friends presence any longer and not others telling me that. I've always known that friend was bad for me, but I still enjoyed her company. One day I just realized I didn't enjoy her company any longer. I guess I got lucky.

Dezie

11-26-08, 06:54 PM

You did get lucky, Warty. That's awesome.

I happen to be doing fantastic, if i do say so myself. Cutting down has proved much easier than I thought. I'll be free and clear by my goal date.

strandediniowa

11-26-08, 06:55 PM

Good for you Warty - I am hoping to get to that point again.

Dezie I'm impressed that you are trying so hard - keep it up. You guys at least have me thinking about quitting again.

Khan

11-26-08, 08:31 PM

I haven't read through this thread so I don't know what has been said.
Still yesterday was rough, I had to help someone very old go to a doctor's appointment since her family was unable.

She's nearly 88 and physically would be doing very well. She has a little very high blood pressure. It's no problem. The sad thing is a she is heavy smoker which (her daughter told me) contributed to her dementia. That was comfirmed at one of her other appointments I was at and the doctor explained what it does to the blood vessels in the brain as well as the rest of the body.
She had broke small bone in her foot, it heals to some degree but smoking affects the bones to the place full healing may not be possible.

The only medication she would have take would be little, but the nicotine from smoking since she was 16 has some ravaged her bones causing terrible pain in her back . I did not know that could happen ,that smoking destroys the bones. She is on a narcotic and they're going to have to up the dosage, she'll be taking morphine daily.

I had to inform her family what they said, which is her bones are so fragile a single fall could be fatal. It would be near if not completely impossible to find surgeon to operate on a patient that old who had smoked for so long and in the hospital they detailed all the things that begin to go wrong as she would have to be there , evenually most die.

Her treatment options are limited , dementia gradually kills as more and more of the brain stops working and the bones are causing her so much pain. This is woman I've known since I was child, strong, proud and independant. Very active used to walking miles rather than ride and full of tales form the old days. I learned a lot from her whenever I was near.

What life she has left is not anything of what it could be and I'm watching her wither and suffer in way that would not be if weren't for that addiction to those damn cigarettes. In private the doctor told me she may as well have the cigarettes , it's too late , just let her enjoy the time left.

The time left, well her genetic tree is filled with those where are strong until death, no cancer, mental illness, alert, etc. Her heart ,hearing, vision all better than those much younger. But her bones and brain is going and they traced the cause to cigarettes.

Now I have to visit this shell of woman who is sometimes there and sometimes may not remember who I am. Ironically she remembers when I was very small and if she cooked chili while we here and over for dinner they had to pick out the beans and give me only the sauce , that I hated the cold and I hated the smell of cigarettes or the sight of ashtray. She'd always move it. How I wish she had moved them out of her life completely.

Whatever you do, stop, it's worth effort because it's not worth the suffering to come if you even make it as far as she did, many don't. It goes beyond cancer and heart disease , some like her family seem strong against that, but it takes it toll. Many die much early with all manner of smoking related problems.
There are enough things and people out there to take your life or make it miserable, the least you can do not be one of them because it's a choice.

Warthawg1

11-26-08, 09:33 PM

The thing I had a problem with was cutting down gradually.

I always have a problem with that.

For me.. it's cold turkey. I just threw half a pack in the garbage and walked away.

I have always found it too easy to say one more is okay.. I'm still cutting back.

I kick all my bad habits cold turkey, but what works for me doesn't work for everyone.

ozanna

11-26-08, 10:27 PM

Good for you Dezie. Keep up the good work ... I just remembered back a few years when I had arrogantly informed my family that I was quitting, lasted about one day and then started going for sudden walks, or bike rides (people riding a bike with a smoke look absolutely ridiculous !) The final ignominy was sneaking behind the garden shed for a few frantic puffs, coming back out again to see my husband and two kids standing there with the hose because they thought something was on fire - it was - me ! They actually should have turned the hose on me. It just shows the lengths one will go to to get one's fix. Deceitful and moronic.

At least I can see the stupid side of it now, and my biggest joy is that neither of my kids smoke. But I hate the idea that they had to witness me struggling for breath and losing weight and generally deteriorating to a shadow of my former self. I don't think I have ever been so ashamed of myself in my whole life. Ughhh. *cringes*

Good for you Warty - I am hoping to get to that point again.

Dezie I'm impressed that you are trying so hard - keep it up. You guys at least have me thinking about quitting again.
Keep it up, Mary - you can do it. And congrats to Warty.

Khan - I used to work in an Aged Care Facility, and maybe 50% of the residents were suffering from smoking related diseases. Not a pretty sight. What a waste.

Anyway, I don't want to preach - I always thought there was nothing worse than a smug, nagging, reformed smoker ! But now I am one I can see where they were coming from ! Once you're on to something good, you want others to share in it.

Good luck everyone.

Winston Smith

12-02-08, 05:09 PM

Hey Dez, I just found this thread. I hope you are keeping it up. I quit 6 years ago after my mother died of a heart attack at 52. She had smoked, drank, ate poorly, and never exercised her entire life. I was headed the same route, so I quite smoking, started eating healthier and cut way back on my drinking.

The smoking was the hardest, but I did it by incorperating exercise into the quiting. If I wanted a cig I would do twenty pushup or situps or if I was somewhere I could do it I would do jumping jacks until I fell down form exhaustion. Not only did I quit, but I got into better shape.

The thing to remember is to keep it up. If you lapse and start up again, don't stress about it, just quit again. Don't stop. It will get easier and easier and soon you won't even think about it. Just, whatever you do, don't quit quiting. You can do it. :)

Khan

12-02-08, 11:24 PM

I wish all here the best.
So many have hard time because it is an addiction , not like cutting back on an inbalance in diet. The cigarette companies made sure the nicotine in each cigarette is beyond that which would be naturally without human intervention.
They went out of their way to make sure as many as possible would become addicted to make them richer at the expense of the lives of those who bought their deadly product.

brdmom

12-10-08, 12:50 PM

Dezie - how's the quitting going??? Remember, it's the best gift you can give yourself, your family and your friends this season!! Keep it up - being smoke-free would be a fantastic way to start 2009!!

azteclady

12-11-08, 03:49 AM

I have been thinking the same thing, brdmom, and was reminded of you guys last night: my next door neighbor's boyfriend is quitting. He hasn't had a cigarette in 35 days so far.

I'm cheering you guys on!

Dezie

12-11-08, 05:25 AM

Thank you, everyone. Although I haven't been posting, I have been reading and all your support is so heartwarming to me.

I admit, I've been smoking more than 4-5 per day. BUT!! I've been going to the gym every night and I do feel confident I can stick to my original plan. I'm putting the patch on for my birthday (already have them). I keep them on a shelf in my kitchen to remind me that the day is near.

To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to it. In the past when I've tried to quit, I always tried to find ways to stall it. Now, I'm feeling empowered by the idea.

Thanks again for everyone who has posted here. You guys are helping to keep me honest. :)

ozanna

12-11-08, 06:02 AM

Dezie, I was wondering how you were going. :)

If you have cut down and kept it down, then that is very positive. Going to the gym is great. As you start to feel fitter you will really want to get those foul things out of your system ! :mad:

Enjoy your birthday, and good luck with the patches. I've heard plenty of positive things about them.

And above all have a wonderful Christmas with your famiily. :xmas_smile:

Dezie

12-11-08, 04:41 PM

Thank you, ozanna. Best to your family, too. :)

Dezie

12-31-08, 11:45 PM

Last day, last day!~ Smoke if ya got em!

Patch mañana!!

**chain smokes til midnight**

sals

12-31-08, 11:48 PM

YAY!!!!!!

BRB (smoke)

Sals

(do it honey!!!! inspire me!!!)

Dezie

12-31-08, 11:50 PM

YAY!!!!!!

BRB (smoke)

Sals

(do it honey!!!! inspire me!!!)

Pfff. Oh please. You ain't quittin and you know it. :rotfl:

sals

12-31-08, 11:52 PM

Pfff. Oh please. You ain't quittin and you know it. :rotfl:

Wha????

I'm serious, dammit :mad::mad::mad:

:rotfl:

Sals

silver

01-01-09, 12:01 AM

At least don't endanger the rest of us. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28450513/)

ATLANTA - A smoking ban in one Colorado city led to a dramatic drop in heart attack hospitalizations within three years, a sign of just how serious a health threat secondhand smoke is, government researchers said Wednesday.

The study, the longest-running of its kind, showed the rate of hospitalized cases dropped 41 percent in the three years after the ban of workplace smoking in Pueblo, Colo., took effect. There was no such drop in two neighboring areas, and researchers believe it’s a clear sign the ban was responsible.

The study suggests that secondhand smoke may be a terrible and under-recognized cause of heart attack deaths in this country, said one of its authors, Terry Pechacek of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At least eight earlier studies have linked smoking bans to decreased heart attacks, but none ran as long as three years. The new study looked at heart attack hospitalizations for three years following the July 1, 2003 enactment of Pueblo’s ban, and found declines as great or greater than those in earlier research.

“This study is very dramatic,” said Dr. Michael Thun, a researcher with the American Cancer Society.

“This is now the ninth study, so it is clear that smoke-free laws are one of the most effective and cost-effective to reduce heart attacks,” said Thun, who was not involved in the CDC study released Thursday.

Cutting risks
Smoking bans are designed not only to cut smoking rates but also to reduce secondhand tobacco smoke. It is a widely recognized cause of lung cancer, but its effect on heart disease can be more immediate. It not only damages the lining of blood vessels, but also increases the kind of blood clotting that leads to heart attacks. Reducing exposure to smoke can quickly cut the risk of clotting, some experts said.

“You remove the final one or two links in the chain” of events leading to a heart attack, Thun said.
Secondhand smoke causes an estimated 46,000 heart disease deaths and about 3,000 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers each year, according to statistics cited by the CDC.

In the new study, researchers reviewed hospital admissions for heart attacks in Pueblo. Patients were classified by ZIP codes. They then looked at the same data for two nearby areas that did not have bans — the area of Pueblo County outside the city and for El Paso County.

In Pueblo, the rate of heart attacks dropped from 257 per 100,000 people before the ban to 152 per 100,000 in the three years afterward. There were no significant changes in the two other areas.

“The need for protection from secondhand smoke in all workplaces and public places has never been clearer,” said Matthew Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in a prepared statement. He is president of the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization.
But the study had limitations: It assumed declines in the amount of secondhand smoke in Pueblo buildings after the ban, but did not try to measure that. The researchers also did not sort out which heart attack patients were smokers and which were not, so it’s unclear how much of the decline can be attributed to reduced secondhand smoke.

One academic argued there’s not enough evidence to conclude the smoking ban was the cause of Pueblo’s heart attack decline.

The decline could have had more to do with a general decline in smoking in Pueblo County, from about 26 percent in 2002-2003 to less than 21 percent in 2004-2005. If there were stepped-up efforts to treat or prevent heart disease in the Pueblo area, that too could have played a role, said Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health.

“I don’t think it’s as clear as they’re making it out to be,” Siegel said.

John Charles

01-01-09, 10:42 AM

Good luck with quitting.

treesong

01-06-09, 02:59 PM

I always hear that it only takes three days for the nicotine addiction to wear off. So, by now, you should have gotten rid of this awful habit, Dezie. Congratulations! Feeling healthier already?

*offers orange juice*

Dezie

01-06-09, 05:59 PM

Ok, yes, FINE! FINE! I admit it! Ok?

That what you want, you no good excuse for a friend!

PFFFF! PFFF, I say! PFFFFFFFFFF!

Yeah, so I had a few...great...SUE ME!
*storms out*

(I'll be back on track in no time)

treesong

01-06-09, 06:12 PM

Oh my, I had no idea. You smoked a few packs? Really?

Lostaway

01-06-09, 06:15 PM

The way things are going Dezie, it doesn't seem you're actually really wanting to quit. Until you are, you won't be able to quit.

Dezie

01-06-09, 06:31 PM

Don't tell me what I can't do.

Dezie

01-06-09, 06:33 PM

No, but you are right, Lostaway. I guess it's far to easy to find another excuse why one more would hurt.

The crazy thing is, I really do want to quit. I just don't want it more then I want to keep smoking. :mad:

Khan

01-06-09, 06:43 PM

Hey if you're teasing, fine. If not, falling is normal for those with addictions or anything that is hard to overcome.

One step forward and two steps back. Two steps forward , then three, four and wham something happens and hard landing on your butt for some.

Focusing on failing will do no one any good at all. Getting up and trying again is all that counts, even if you have to do it over and over and over.

Look at all the superstar sports figures, actors, artists, etc. Before they did fantastic manuevers on a narrow beam in the Olympics, dunked the ball from half court , acted, painted , wrote, directed or sang something that will be talked about for years to come they fell , missed and failed many, many times.

The end results are lauded, not the failures and even despair that went into making them a success.

Dezie

01-06-09, 06:54 PM

No, Khan, I'm not teasing at all. And I do agree with your statement that focusing on failing will do no good. You're absolutly right. Anything we give focus to will be our result, good or bad.

It's the very reason I loved reading everything that people wrote here. It inspired me and helped to remind me how that I didn't need to do this by myself and in my head, alone.

I'm working on it. Plus, I've "quit" several times in my life. Some of those times lasting years. I just need to find that in myself again. I know I can do it. I haven't given up.

Winston Smith

01-06-09, 07:01 PM

The crazy thing is, I really do want to quit. I just don't want it more then I want to keep smoking. :mad:

I used to say the same thing about a bad relationship. Except replace smoking with "having sex". In the end, it wasn't worth it anymore. You'll get there Dez. Like Khan said, just keep at it. :)

ozanna

01-06-09, 10:49 PM

I know exactly what you mean about wanting to quit, but just don't want it more than you want to keep smoking, Dezie ! It makes perfect sense. This is the hold that this vile thing has over us. I had been wanting to quit for years until it was forced on me. But don't fret about quiting and then starting again, eventually the time will be right and you will stop. Never ever think that you have failed. :)

John Charles

01-06-09, 10:54 PM

One day it will just kind of hit you, and you'll be done with it. Completely done. Until then, continue to keep your intake to a minimum.

Lostaway

01-06-09, 11:08 PM

One day it will just kind of hit you, and you'll be done with it. Completely done. Until then, continue to keep your intake to a minimum.

She'll be dead?:eek:

John Charles

01-06-09, 11:11 PM

She'll be dead

Much like Claire

Lostaway

01-06-09, 11:20 PM

And the season hasn't even started yet. :mad:

Dezie

01-07-09, 01:23 PM

Thanks, you guys. (well, not Lostaway will his death talk, but everyone else) And :Hugglepounce: for ozanna. Winston, I read yours ALL wrong! All wrong. But thank you anyway. :)

Lostaway

01-07-09, 04:01 PM

:sadwalk:

Dezie

01-07-09, 05:07 PM

:sadwalk:

Ah, come here, ya big lug, and turn that frown upside down. :Hugglepounce:

Khan

01-07-09, 05:14 PM

:awwhug: Lostaway.

I hope it's going well Dezie and odd as it may sound I hope you remember all of the struggle so when you're free you'll never want to smoke again.

I knew smoking damaged lungs and knew it could lead to heart disease but until I sat with the eldery lady at her doctor's appointment I had no idea it caused contributed to Dementia and caused so much pain in the bones.

Getting a detailed rundown on why and how it destroys various organs and systems left me wondering why is it people only think in terms of cancer or a cough. There's so much more that crap does to the body over time.

It does not always kill everyone with cancer, but in time it can make life utterly miserable. What is so interesting is much of it is traced to nicotine, the addictive substance, which the cigarette companies deliberately worked to increase in their products beyond what would be natually there in the tobacco leaf making it more likely for any smoking to get hooked quicker and need more of fix.

Warthawg1

01-07-09, 07:39 PM

No, but you are right, Lostaway. I guess it's far to easy to find another excuse why one more would hurt.

That's why I said for me it was best to quit cold turkey. When I tried gradual reduction, I always found a way to justify having one. When I committed to stoping.. period, no exceptions...end of story; it was much easier. There was no excuse for having "just one"... "just now".. just anything.

LostViking

01-08-09, 04:16 PM

Dezie,

I have tried to quit things - only to find myself back doing them again. For me, the only thing that works, is replacing one addiction for the other.

Have you considered drugs? Too 70's? I understand sexual addiction is quite in vogue.

Sorry, that probably wasn't the least bit helpful.

Khan

01-08-09, 05:15 PM

Actually distraction works for some people. They replace an addictive craving by doing something else.

Some will read, exercise, organize , clean, even make love , whatever when the craving hits and by the time they're finished they have control again.

Which could leave a person smarter, organized, fit, and very satisfied with a clean everything by the time they get over their problem.

LostViking

01-08-09, 05:28 PM

Which could leave a person smarter, organized, fit, and very satisfied with a clean everything by the time they get over their problem.

I am in such good shape from my exercise addiction, you wouldn't believe it. But with so many personal addictions to combat - completing the Ironman wouldn't even do it.

But, as usual, you are insightful Khan.

Thanks for not chewing me up by the way. :D

Warthawg1

01-08-09, 05:51 PM

I replaced my cigarette addiction with an addiction to this message board.

At times, I'm not sure I made a good choice.

LostViking

01-08-09, 05:55 PM

I replaced my cigarette addiction with an addiction to this message board.

At times, I'm not sure I made a good choice.

Thats true, I often find the need to use mouthwash after posting.

Khan

01-08-09, 08:42 PM

Thanks for not chewing me up by the way.
No problem babe.

sals

01-08-09, 10:47 PM

No problem babe.

You can chew me up all you want :D

Sals

Khan

01-08-09, 11:45 PM

:rotfl::rotfl:

Warthawg1

01-09-09, 04:06 PM

careful Sals...

when she says she swallows... it isn't what you think.

LostViking

01-09-09, 09:58 PM

Wow, someone hasn't been back here much. Where are you Dezie?

sals

01-09-09, 10:48 PM

Do I hear something beeping?

Sounds like the microwave...brb

Sals

Khan

01-10-09, 05:12 PM

Giving up smoking makes sense. It's slow suicide or opens the door for a life filled with suffering that could be avoided.

Who knows if they hadn't fooled around and increased the nicotine or some people's body did not become so addicted it could be a once a day type thing that wouldn't cause much harm as it was when first transported throught the world although data on effects then is sketchy at best. It's up for debate.

What most live with today is it's altered state and availability which makes it easier destroy not only the one smoking but those who have to breathe it in from nearness.

It's not just the lost of life but the quality of life that can go with unabated use.

scotpgot

03-06-09, 03:50 PM

ozanna

03-06-09, 10:36 PM

scotpgot - that's an excellent book. I'd been reading it for a while and I had begun to see changes in my habits, but then nature took its course and I got a bad case of the 'flu and a chest infection and after that I have never smoked since ! Just over 3 years and I've never really had the urge. So I reckon his book started me on the road to recovery, and getting very sick helped me on my way ! Crazy isn't it ! Btw I was a long-time pretty heavy smoker. So give Allen Carr a go. :)

Dezie

03-17-09, 05:32 PM

How's it going, Dez?

I was given a book called "The EASY WAY to quit smoking" by Allen Carr. It's been ok so far (I promised to read it for lent). Lots of promises. The nice thing is it's not asking you to quit smoking while you read the book, but rather explicitly states otherwise. I don't know if it's helping or not. But I DID notice for the first time in a long time when I went to dinner with friends last night I wasn't jonesing for a cig practically the whole meal.

hey, scot. I saw this the other day and then I completely forgot to reply.

I haven't read that book but I'll look for it. Thanks for mentioning it.

As for how I'm doing... I've had the patch on three times so far this year. One time lasting a week and a second time lasting 3 days. I am currently on stretch #3. I'm doing as much as I can to ease in and out of my day. I try to sleep a touch late, drink my coffee in a different spot (not my usual smoking spot) and if I get a chance I'll have a nap midday. The less "day" I have, the better.

And the smoking dreams are sure to start soon.:mad:

ozanna

03-17-09, 10:56 PM

Good to see you're still hanging in there Dezie :) Some people take months to finally quit. But thats not such a bad thing. At least you haven't given up on giving up. Doesn't matter how long it takes. :)

Lostaway

03-17-09, 11:33 PM

Hang in there guys. :D

wickedsweet

03-17-09, 11:47 PM

I quit cold turkey about two years ago....I'm what you call a social smoker now. I bum cigs from people when I'm drinking or I'll take one when offered. Good luck on the quitting.

:yeah:

wickedsweet

03-17-09, 11:47 PM

BTW...get pregnant, that's how I quit:D

treesong

03-18-09, 07:48 AM

As for how I'm doing... I've had the patch on three times so far this year. One time lasting a week and a second time lasting 3 days. I am currently on stretch #3.

The patch? I thought you were supposed to change them daily.

2fingers

03-18-09, 08:26 AM

hummm I still smoke but the last time I had to take a long flight I bought an e-cig (http://smokingeverywhere.com/)
It works even though I don't know how much better inhaling liquid nicotine is than just regularly smoking. People still freak out about it though which I think is funny.

scotpgot

03-18-09, 03:03 PM

That looks kinda crazy.

I can see how people would freak out about it.

I would never know when to stop without burning the thing down to my fingertips...

How DO you know when to stop?

2fingers

03-18-09, 03:28 PM

they don't burn down. It just sends nicotine through it and this thing makes like water vapor that mixes with it. You inhale it and then blow it out. It kind of looks like smoke but dosen't smell or anything. the little charges you buy last they say about as long as 20 cigs.

scotpgot

03-18-09, 03:33 PM

Makes sense. About a pack's worth.

Still, I'd be afraid I'd try and light one. :(

treesong

03-18-09, 03:53 PM

How DO you know when to stop?

I wondered the same thing. With a cigarette it's easy, the burning filter doesn't taste good. This thing in my hands might lead to a nicotine addiction far worse than the one I already have.

2fingers

03-18-09, 04:56 PM

The only time i have ever used it was when I couldn't smoke I just take a couple of drags off of it to stop the craving.

LOSTForever

04-09-09, 03:48 PM

I am now on Day #2 of not smoking.

I started cutting back when I was down to two packs. What would have usually lasted me only 2 days lasted me just over 4.

Yesterday was my first day using a patch. It wasn't bad. Today is worse. I hope I can get through it.

silver

04-09-09, 03:58 PM

Wow! Seriously, wow!

That's great news. Keep up the good work. :)

sals

04-09-09, 07:40 PM

So proud of you, Francesca!! Hang in there. Take out your frustrations on loved ones.

That's what they're there for. :D

Sals

brdmom

04-09-09, 09:29 PM

Good for you!! Keep it up! Get sympathy/support from everyone - you deserve it!

LOSTForever

04-09-09, 09:31 PM

*sigh* This is hard! Damn tax!

LOSTForever

04-24-09, 02:44 AM

I still haven't smoked. It's getting easier everyday.

Dew

04-24-09, 02:48 AM

Yeah, once the nicotine is out of your system and you have found other stuff to do during the time we used to puff makes it a whole bunch easier. Keep up the good work. Did you know that 5 years after quitting smoking, your lungs are more than 50% repaired. That is as long as there wasn't extreme damage prior but for the average smoker it is true. You can walk farther and steps are a whole lot easier. Well easier when you can negotiate them. :whistling

John

04-24-09, 03:12 AM

I may be next on this bandwagon.

Maybe

LOSTForever

04-24-09, 03:42 AM

I am using the patch to quit. I started the second level earlier this week. The triggers that were the hardest at the beginning. They are getting less and less.

ETA: Good Luck, John......if you decide to do it.

If it weren't for the new tax, I wouldn't have. I miss it.

ozanna

04-24-09, 04:18 AM

Francesca, thats great ! You've got this far, don't give up now - what I mean is don't give up giving up ! I quit just over 2 years ago and oh how I wish I had quit so much earlier ! Believe it or not I still get the occasional need for a fix, but its gone in the blink of an eye. And I feel so much better now, so keep going. :Hugglepounce: And you too, John :)

2fingers

04-24-09, 05:54 AM

Yeah May 1st here in NC they are upping the taxes again so a pack will be 6.50. This time last year they were around 3 bucks. So I will be quitting on that day hopefully. I am not going to try cold turkey I will be taking the pills and I hear they work pretty well.

LOSTForever

04-24-09, 01:59 PM

Thanks Anna! It's does get easier everyday.

Be careful 2F with the meds. Everyone that I know that has used them has had awful side effects. Dharma815, aka Deb, is one of these people. Let me see if I can get her to post here to explain. You may consider using patches. We are using the generic Target brand and they are doing the trick. They are about $10 cheaper than the name brand.

LostVoyeur

04-24-09, 02:01 PM

3 more packs until my turn !

sals

04-24-09, 02:11 PM

Thanks Anna! It's does get easier everyday.

I am so impressed, Francesca!!!!. :)

I'm going to follow your example.

Eventually ;)

Sals

Can't wait

04-24-09, 02:41 PM

Great job LostForever. I quit a week or two behind you. I almost to my third week of the patch. The patch has been great to get through the craving but I agree, the triggers are the worst. Driving, talking on the telephone, etc... I still want to light up.

I quit for the same reason you did too. After the new tax a pack of Marlboro's cost $7.30. I would still be smoking if I could afford it. However, I do feel better, breathe easier and now have a lot more money in my pocket.

Keep it up! I hope I can!

LostVoyeur

04-24-09, 02:52 PM

you guys are giving me hope !! The cost isn't so much an issue here since I can still get them for $34 a carton even after the hike.....it's the stigma and being on the dating scene and I travel a lot and a lot of hotels are going completely non smoking. Basically I am tired of my life revolving around when I can get my next smoke!

brdmom

04-24-09, 05:44 PM

LF - congratulations!! Keep going - you can do it. Can't Wait - good for you. Keep it up as well! Does it help to put away the money you would have been spending on cigarettes and save it for some kind of reward? Over $7 a pack - that's starts to be serious money, fast!
Keep posting and keep quitting!

Can't wait

04-24-09, 05:54 PM

Thank brdmom.

$7.00/ pack at 4-5 packs a week... I am saving for vacation this summer. Maybe I can actually enjoy shopping, dining out, day trips?

Then again, I am only 2 weeks in. I can't do a victory dance just yet... but I am practicing! :)

ozanna

04-24-09, 10:38 PM

I can't believe how much more expensive cigarettes are in Australia. 20's are about $8.00 up to about $15.00 for a pack of 35. Every year we get huge price rises - taxes of course. So keep it up you guys, give away the filthy weed, go on holidays, treat yourself to a really nice meal out once a week or month - I buy books which I don't have time to read ! But one day I will ! The last time we stayed in a hotel when I was still smoking it was murder ! Skulking around trying to find somewhere to smoke - it was pathetic - you feel like a leper ! You need to have a bell round your neck, and a sign saying "Unclean".

Keep up the good work. :)

LostVoyeur

05-12-09, 11:25 PM

First day on the patch and everything I am watching on TV is involving smoking....LOL
and of course the kids are driving me nuts!

FRANCESCA is right about the clear patches, they don't want to stay on very well. I have mine held on with bandaids....LOL

Besides completely changing my life...any help with containing the triggers ?

LOSTForever

05-13-09, 02:52 AM

YOU CAN DO IT, VICKIE!!!!!!!

I hit one month and one week yesterday. It gets easier and the triggers get less and less.

Yeah, the transparent patches don't stick at all. I've found the best are the Target generic brand.

brdmom

05-14-09, 06:11 PM

LF - one month and one week! Good for you! Keep it up!
LV - good luck! Having it seem like everything in the world involves smoking - isn't that always the way? As soon as you want to stop thinking about something, it's in your face all the time. Hope it's getting a little easier.

LOSTForever

05-15-09, 11:34 PM

Thank brdmom! It's nice to have someone cheering us along. Please feel free to call me Francesca.

Vickie ~ How about an update? How are you doing?

LostVoyeur

05-16-09, 03:58 AM

LOL not so good....been under a lot of stress past couple of days....gonna let things settle down a bit and try again

LOSTForever

05-16-09, 01:29 PM

:awwhug:

LOSTForever

06-04-09, 03:56 AM

I'm still not smoking but having a very difficult time for some reason tonight. I just reached for a smoke, which I haven't done in a long time. I am very tempted right now. :(

brdmom

06-04-09, 12:39 PM

Hang in there, Francesca! And if you did slip, today is a new day. No need to pick up another smoke today. Hope it's getting easier.

LOSTForever

06-05-09, 01:27 AM

Thanks, brdmom.
I am can proudly that although I have wanted to, I still haven't smoked.

ozanna

06-05-09, 01:52 AM

Francesca, that is awesome ! I quit 3 years ago and I still get the very occasional urge, but it is so fleeting that if you actually reach for a smoke by the time you get one the urge has gone !

Vickie, you too. Keep it going. You will prevail ! It may take a while, but how good is the feeling when you realize that you are not fighting it any more - maybe a little bit tempted but its controllable. It is the best feeling in the world. My kids thought I was awesome when I finally quit.

I would be honored to be your Cheerleader ! :Hugglepounce: :Cheers:

LOSTForever

06-06-09, 03:48 AM

Day two without the nicotine patch. I want to totally be nicotine free. I am tired of being dependent.

LOSTForever

08-30-09, 06:35 PM

Still haven't smoked. It's been since April.

I want to encourage anyone who wants to try to do so. If I can do it anyone can since I have no will power about most things and was successful.

2fingers

08-30-09, 06:48 PM

I start chantix tomorrow :). Crossing my fingers.

9mile monster

08-30-09, 09:09 PM

Go 2fingers, YOU CAN DEW EET!

brdmom

08-30-09, 10:56 PM

Francesca - you rock!!! Way to go! Do you still have cravings or is it easier? Are you seeing the positives - more $$, better sense of smell, no stinky clothes, whiter teeth, easier time breathing, etc etc? I'm very impressed.

ozanna

08-31-09, 12:51 AM

Hi everyone, and keep up the good work. I am trying to get my husband to stop now, and funnily enough he's always been the strong one. Once I quit he banished himself to only smoking outside, like a poor old smelly dog ! Its not good in the winter, but at least he's under cover. I keep telling him that is what I want for Christmas - please :)

Jinjur

08-31-09, 06:08 AM

this sounds like a novel idea...

silver

09-02-09, 03:45 AM

:bump:
good luck quitting everyone!

magicboy

09-02-09, 05:18 AM

I think everyone should stop smoking. it is bad habit.

ozanna

09-02-09, 06:59 AM

In Australia the price of cigarettes is about to rise to $20.00 a pack.

9mile monster

09-03-09, 02:51 PM

I don't know what it is in USA? Maybe over $5 a pack. When I smoked many many moon ago they were $1.25 a pack.

LOSTForever

09-26-09, 06:09 PM

I start chantix tomorrow :). Crossing my fingers.
How are you doing 2F? Update please.

Francesca - you rock!!! Way to go! Do you still have cravings or is it easier? Are you seeing the positives - more $$, better sense of smell, no stinky clothes, whiter teeth, easier time breathing, etc etc? I'm very impressed.
Thanks so much! I have an occasional craving still. I made it through my trip to SoCal last week without one. It was hard because I was with a co-worker that I used to smoke with all the time.

Hi everyone, and keep up the good work. I am trying to get my husband to stop now, and funnily enough he's always been the strong one. Once I quit he banished himself to only smoking outside, like a poor old smelly dog ! Its not good in the winter, but at least he's under cover. I keep telling him that is what I want for Christmas - please :)
I am in the same boat as you. I quit but Charles didn't. Thank goodness he smokes full flavored and I can't stand those.
I don't know what it is in USA? Maybe over $5 a pack. When I smoked many many moon ago they were $1.25 a pack.
It really depends on the brand. In Illinois, with all the taxes it's about $45-$50 per carton for Marboro or Salem brands. If you are willing to smoke the cheap brands you can pay about about $4 per pack with about 1/3 of that being all the state and federal taxes they add.